Penrith Rotarian, the Rev Canon Brian Dawson fulfilled his long-held ambition to climb High Pike in the northern fells, at the age of 90.
This was Brian’s second attempt to fulfil the ambition, as last week the group with which he regularly walks had to turn back because of bad weather.
“They say it’s always good to know when to give up,” said a group spokesman, adding that on the first attempt, supporters were fully prepared for celebrations and their usual lunch stop, albeit halfway up, was augmented with a thimble full of fizz each, and some birthday cake provided by his companions.
There were also some birthday candles which were difficult to light in the poor conditions. Brian was also embarrassed by the presentation of a new cap, suitably annotated, and a 90 years old badge.
Rotary’s current crew, of four to five regular walkers, was started some years ago. “The group walks most weeks, year-round, but we try hard to keep our aspirations within our abilities, with age comes wisdom (we hope),” said the spokesman.
“Normally, our combined ages, if there are four of us, comes to between 310 and 317 years, so if we are not wise yet, there is little hope! Clearly Brian is the major contributor to this total as the rest of us are relatively young.”
Brian has a long history of walking the Lakeland fells. He started when he was a student back in the 1950s and has never stopped since.
In 1975, he moved to Urswick and Bardsea parishes near Ulverston where he was vicar for about 12 years, and also completed his first round of the 214 Wainwrights.
After that he moved once again, taking up a post as rector of Skelton/Hutton/Ivegill. This afforded him easier access to the northern and central fells and he made good use of this.
“He claims to be retired but is still active in Penrith U3A, and also takes a monthly service at St James’ Church, Hutton-in-the-Forest to keep his hand in.
“The walking group, and Penrith Rotary, wish him many more happy years walking the fells, and we all aspire to emulate him when we are 90! What shall we do when he makes his century? Watch this space!”
