Wee Binnian Walkers - Download This Episode
A 30 minute radio documentary recorded with the Wee Binnian Walkers on Sunday 13th August 2017 at their 30 year Celebration Bar B Que at Meel Mór Lodge.
Recording and Editing: Alan Byrne
With the co-operation of the Wee Binnian Walkers Committee.
I’m privileged to have met you.
This programme was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the Television Licence Fee.
Celebrate 30 years of walking with the Wee Binnian Walking Festival written by Peter Kirk.
The Wee Binnian Walkers are inviting anyone with an interest in Hillwalking to come along to their annual Festival which is taking place this year on the weekend of Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th September. The Walk H.Q. for Registration is based in the Town Hall, Church Street, Warrenpoint.
In addition to three days of walking, this year’s Festival hosts two events. On Friday 22nd Sept which is Culture Night we have an evening with Michael Fewer in the Warrenpoint Town Hall at 20.00. Michael will regale us with stories of his hillwalking exploits throughout Europe. Michael has written and animated numerous books ranging across hillwalking, natural and human history. Admission is free. On Saturday night 23rd Sept we hold a Blister Ball in the Whistledown Hotel in Warrenpoint. This is where the true Social spirit of the Club shines. Make new friends and loosen out those tired muscles. So, shake off the wet rags and put on the glad rags for a two-course dinner and dancing until late. Then up for a walk the next morning!
The Festival Brochure, is available on the club website www.weebinnians.com and the Wee Binnian Walking Festival Facebook page.
Tickets for Walks and Blister Ball are available online from https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wee-binnian-walking-festival-2017-sponsored-by-jackson-sports-
The Wee Binnian Walkers are, celebrating 30 years of walking, this year. The group established in 1987 bases itself in the heart of wonderful walking country, encompassing the Mournes, Cooley’s and the Ring of Gullion. The group takes its name from one of the smallest peaks in the Mournes, Wee Binnian which shelters on the southern side of Slieve Binnian. The spirit of the Wee Binnian Walkers Club is reflected in the Club motto “The Social Club that Walks”
In November 1987, Veronica McCann, who, at the time, was a lifestyle tutor with the “Change of Heart” coronary prevention programme in Newry began with 11 women. The club evolved very gradually and developed a reputation for promoting walking in relation to physical, social, emotional and mental well-being. By 1994 the Club had grown to 60 members and the first Wee Binnian Walking Festival was held; its success established the club firmly on the National hill walking circuit. There are now over 150 members from Dundalk, Drogheda, Newry, Monaghan, Dublin and Belfast and new members are always welcome. Club Walks take place on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month. Four different grades of walk are offered each varying in length, height gain and difficulty. The club has a pool of thirty leaders with both mountain skills and first aid training. Veronica is Honorary President of the Club and 30 years on is still an active hill walker; she is a wonderful example of the benefits of hillwalking and the inspiration behind the club’s longevity.
To ensure an enjoyable experience, the Wee Binnian club advise festival attendees to choose a walk matching their mountain walking experience and level of fitness. Weather conditions can change and deteriorate rapidly in the mountains. For this reason, all walkers must have proper hillwalking equipment and clothing e.g. Hiking boots/ hiking shoes (not trainers), rain coat and rain trousers, spare clothing, hat and gloves. Denims must not be worn. A rucksack should be carried containing enough food, water and hot drinks to last throughout a four to five-hour hike. All this will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience on the hills particularly if the weather takes a nasty turn.
Further information can also be obtained from the Club Secretary NI 0044 7592 393801 or
ROI 00353 86843 4440
Here’s a special request for Eoghan Bailey.
For Veronica…
Come with me on a journey among the ‘C’
and we’ll look together for McCann within
Close your eyes, breathe slow, Wee will Binnian
to look together for McCann within.
And this is the track from Pink Floyd that Peter asked for … Andy and Gerry
#C’mon De Town #C’mon De Redz #YNWA #TickTock
Lyrics
You say the hill’s too steep to climb,
Chiding!
You say you’d like to see me try,
Climbing!
You pick the place and I’ll choose the time
And I’ll climb
The hill in my own way
just wait a while, for the right day
And as I rise above the treeline and the clouds
I look down hear the sound of the things you said today
Fearlessly the idiot faced the crowd, smiling
Merciless, the magistrate turns ’round, frowning
and who’s the fool who wears the crown
Go down in your own way
And everyday is the right day
And as you rise above the fearlines in his frown
You look down
Hear the sound of the faces in the crowd