Weekend away in Epping!
Trip to Epping Youth Hostel 23-25 May
Those who missed this weekend missed a memorable social, cultural and gastronomic occasion! Twenty or so Diversity members arrived at Epping Forest Youth Hostel – a shabby but loveable building reminiscent of a scout hut – on a balmy Friday afternoon. Cocktails in the grounds (at least that’s how I remember it …) were followed by an excellent meal of ‘pasta ai funghi e panna’ – the quality of cookery and table-service emphatically setting the standard for the ensuing days. The evening followed with conversation, board games, and rowdy – sometimes tuneful – karaoke-ing which the elderly caretaker Colin seemed to enjoy, although choosing to watch safely from behind his glass partition. Our bunk-beds were basic but adequate, and no suspicious wanderings during the night were reported.
Saturday, despite all meteorological warnings, was warm and sunny; though with the occasional gust of gale-like proportions. After a ‘continental breakfast’ (masterminded by a highly talented group of chefs), several Diversity members chose to demonstrate on the lawn a series of exercises inspired by 1920’s ‘physical hygiene’ routines. Following this our wonderful workshop leader Juliet Russell – of ‘Vocal Explosion’ fame - arrived and led us to a secluded clearing in Epping Forest. Here, dappled by sunlight, we pummelled each other, gave heaving and prolonged sighs, made pelvic thrusts whilst grunting, and tried to express our inner pain through yodelling and ululation. Perhaps not so secluded: a number of passers-by looked transiently alarmed but, in the English manner, walked on as though nothing could be more natural. After a delicious lunch, inspired by French cuisine, we learned and performed (yes, with no music!) three songs drawing upon European and Middle Eastern traditions. Juliet Russell was an inspiring tutor and had a voice to move mountains; and at the end of an energetic day many of us felt we had extended our vocal comfort zone in new and interesting ways … An evening of carnivorous delights followed as we enjoyed a barbeque all completely cooked-through despite our fears; then team-games, and more carousing – our karaoke-ing strengthened by our new vocal skills.
On Sunday it rained. Following a fine, alcohol-absorbing ‘English breakfast’ we rolled up our bedding and swept and cleaned the Youth Hostel to within an inch of its life. Whilst many left for home, a hardy core of people took a walk through the forest to the ‘Lost Pond’; and were then promptly lost several times before reaching the safety of a food shack. The weekend was over, but we still had the Bank Holiday to look forward to …. A happy and convivial time was had by all; see you all again next time!
