Meeting of the Erewash Valley Rangers 13 May 2009

Last Wednesday evening I went to the Dog and Duck pub, Clipstone, to meet Dave Stevens of Sustrans, Maldwyn and new ranger, Ray Hague, who had ridden Route 6 from his home at Ravenshead. The Dog and Duck is on NCR6 near the now defunct Clipstone Colliery in Nottinghamshire, with its two majestic towers still standing (but maybe not for long) and is also near Vicar Water Country Park and the famous Archway House, a Gothic building with carved statues of characters from Robin Hood stories.
After introductions, a drink or two and a chat about rangers’ duties and the routes in our area, we set off down Route 6 towards Vicar Water, adding a few signs to the trail where they were needed. At Vicar Water, Ray left us to go home and we remaining three decided to continue on a bit further. By the time we got inside Clipstone Forest, the light was fading fast but we had time to sample the Downhill Course of the Sherwood Pines Forest Park. Dave led the way in semi-darkness, hurtling down the uneven muddy, gravely slopes, skilfully negotiating the banked bends and sliding crazily over timber ramps. Maldwyn took the lead from Vicar Water in almost pitch darkness, and soon we could see in the distance the dreamy multi-colored lights of the D & D enticing us, siren- like, back to the car park, our starting point.
A very successful meeting – and great fun!