Comments for faartals

Comment on Another Constitutional Crisis Looms by Roger

Roger — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:40:50 +0000

The Faartals AGM was held at an altitude of 1400 feet, behind a rock on Monday 18th January on Whinstone Lee Tor at around 12 noon. It was thought that a full quorum was present but the deep snowdrifts, thick fog and gale force winds made it difficult to do a proper head count. RT presided and proposed himself as Chief Faartal for the coming year. This proposal was seconded by CMB who had given a proxy to RT as she was absent on shopping leave. As no one present objected, this proposal was carried unanimously. Similarly RT proposed himself as Secretary and Treasurer and again was elected unanimously.
Whinstone Lee had been agreed as the location for this meeting as Kinder is still to this day virtually inaccessible due to snow. To reach the heights of the Tor involved walking up rivers caused by the melt water, traversing snowdrifts still 3 to 4 foot deep and walking into the teeth of a gale blowing from the north west. RT has promised to make a record of this walk to honour all the brave members who managed to make it to the top.
In his role as Faartals PR secretary, RT told how he had recently had one of his snowdrift pictures accepted by the BBC for showing on their main news page in relation to the recent snowfall which had overwhelmed this part of Derbyshire. RT explained that this was the first time he had been honoured with anything since earning his swimming badge some 55 years ago.

Comment on Chief Faartal is a Diamond Lady by Roger

Roger — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:06:50 +0000

There is obviously something going on which needs serious attention. I shall reply in full regarding the Constitutional Crisis posting but would point out that ‘The Diamond Lady’, is not, and cannot be Chief Faartal. You will recall the discussion 2 years ago when it was alleged that there was sexism within the membership as the Constitution only referred to the male gender. My reply at that time was as follows:

‘When drafting the Constitution, the consensus of opinion was that only the male gender could truly be considered for the post of Chief Faartal. Women may show signs of grumpiness but this is more spasmodic and can usually be put down to ‘a bad hair day’ or other chemical imbalance. Men however have raised grumpiness to a true art form which has no other contributing factor than our discontent with the world and nearly everyone in it.
We are not aiming to receive the EU kite mark for tolerance and understanding and indeed we do have an excess of female to male members on most walks – which may to some extent be the underlying cause of grumpiness in the first place. We therefore see ‘grumpiness’ as a way of restoring the natural balance.’

To my knowledge this situation has not altered. The main change is that the former Chief Faartal has upped sticks and moved to Matlock and therefore effectively resigned. AS the most senior ‘male’ left within the fraternity, I naturally assumed responsibility and raised the matter at the AGM which was held on Whinstone Lee Torr on Monday,18th January. A full report can be seen as a comment on the appropriate posting.
The only point I would add is that I now have to sleep with a pensioner and that having her organise my social life as well as any ‘domestic arrangements’ is expecting a bit too much of any man.

Comment on Sticky Posts by Nick

Nick — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 09:22:55 +0000

This plugin was not reinstalled when the site was upgraded.

Comment on St. Petronilla’s Day by Nick

Nick — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 18:21:17 +0000

Of course I knew that being stoned was a commonplace with Faartals and that it forms an essential part of their induction ceremony. Little did I realise, however, that they imbibe fortified liquors in honour of the fair St Petronilla rather than for any more mundane reason.

Comment on Whinstone Lee Tor – overlooking Ladybower Reservoir by Celia

Celia — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 23:02:49 +0000

21st March 2007
Audrey,Celia and Roger did the extended version of this walk today. Hence the detailed comments section. The weather was brilliantly sunny with little wind. Perfect visibility afforded superb views to distant snow dusted peaks. No snow where we walked but rather wet underfoot in places. Stunning!

Comment on Whinstone Lee Tor – overlooking Ladybower Reservoir by Nick

Nick — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:58:45 +0000

What a good way to spend Mother’s Day (or the Saturday before it). Well done Mother and some great shots from Roger to record it too.

Comment on Wildlife by Roger

Roger — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 22:55:19 +0000

2�sitings to report from the Lakes. Firstly a pair of siskins on the feeders at the chalet. I thought they were summer visitors but could be wrong!
Secondly a wild deer happily living with a flock of sheep near Tarn Hows.� Locals advised that it has been there all winter and is being fed by the local farmer!

Comment on New Faartals Website by Nick

Nick — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:27:40 +0000

It would be an honour to be treated as a FAARTAL, a venerable order famed for its hospitality and good walks. I am also pleased that my trouser legs won’t suffer the traditional fate of a FAARTAL Induction.

Although I expect to tinker with features and provide a helping hand, I am sure that for the most part the site will be managed expertly by its members.

Good luck to all FAARTALS and happy walking.

Comment on New Faartals Website by Roger

Roger — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 22:46:01 +0000

The website has come together very quickly and with few hitches, thanks to the expertise from Nick Birch. I feel as a tribute to his hard work we should make him an honourary Faartal without the usual initiation ceremony as specified in The Constitution.
Over the next few weeks it is hoped to write up all the 20 or so walks we did last year with maps and photographs as well as keep on top of new outings. This is a busy time for Faartals especially if the weather is good so all contributions will be greatly received.

Comment on Constitutional Crisis by Roger

Roger — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 10:12:42 +0000

When drafting the Constitutuion, the concensus of opinion was that only the male gender could truly be considered for the post of Chief Faartal. Women may show signs of grumpiness but this is more spasmodic and can usually be put down to ‘a bad hair day’ or other chemical inbalance. Men however have raised grumpiness to a true art form which has no other contributing factor than our discontent with the world and nearly everyone in it.
We are not aiming to receive the EU kitemark for tolerance and understanding and indeed we do have an excess of female to male members on most walks – which may to some extent be the underlying cause of grumpiness in the first place. We therefore see ‘grumpiness’ as a way of restoring the natural balance.
Regarding the cross-dressing issue I can only say that we have no proof that St Petronilla was a woman. Red is a strong vibrant male colour proudly born by leaders throughout the world – and Manchester United. Our leader would have preferred the canary yellow of Norwich City but we were unable to find anyone in history who has led his troups into battle kitted out in yellow and green.
Here on Avondale Road we are not averse to a bit of dressing up as the pictures from recent parties will testify but in serious matters such as this we feel proud to be led by a chief in red shoes who has links – no matter how tenuous -to a Patron Saint who is at least an honorary male in the same category as Joan of Arc and Queen Elizabeth 1st.
Roger.