Here are the planned and past events our calendar...
When | What |
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2024 September |
The BURKS Way (section 2) Section 2 is the next 102 miles of the 284 mile pilgrimage route. This section goes from Chipping Campden to Ashbourne. The route is: Chipping Campden, Alcester, Balsall Common, Kingsbury, Lichfield, Burton, Uttoxeter, Ashbourne |
2025 September TBC |
The BURKS Way (section 3) Section 3 is the last 84 miles of the 284 mile pilgrimage route. This section goes from Ashbourne to, of course, Rochdale AFC's home ground. We will attempt to time our arrival for the start of a home game. Other halves, friends, the press and local dignitaries will no doubt be at the ground to greet our arrival with rapturous acclaim. |
When | What |
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2023 September |
The BURKS Way (section 1) The BURKS Way is the route of the pilgrimage from Bath University campus to Rochdale AFC's ground. Every member of the BURKS is encouraged to walk the route at least once in their lifetime. Section 1 is the first 105 miles of the 284 mile route. This section from Bath to Chipping Campden was completed by 8 BURKS on the pilgrimage. The route was: The Parade at Bath University, Bath Abbey, Tormarton, Wotton-under-Edge, Stroud, Birdlip, Cleeve Hill, Stanton, Chipping Campden. |
2022 April |
Dartmoor National Park We stayed at Sparrowhawk Backpackers, Moretonhampstead. Various day walks in and around Dartmoor. |
2021 May and June |
Offa's Dyke Path (northern section) The annual LDP walk resumed after lockdown disruption. This was the delayed 2nd half of Offa's Dyke. We walked the 106 miles from Knighton northwards to Prestatyn. This year we had hard going as this section is hilly. |
29th June - 6th July | Offa's Dyke Path (southern section) The annual LDP walk was Offa's Dyke. We walked the 84 miles from Chepstow northwards to Kington. This year we had the luxury of a rest day - age must be telling ! |
2019 23rd March |
Saracens vs Quins Annual trip to the East End with a visit to the Olympic Stadium to watch Saracens vs Harlequins |
2019 15th / 16th March |
Annual BOYOS Weekend This year we were based at Airton in Malhamdale for a weekend of walking, chilling, beer and cards. As usual the main theme was the Dale's match which this year was against Accrington on 16th March. Unfortunately the match was postponed due to waterlogging but we managed to keep ourselves entertained in the pubs of Skiption. |
2019 1st / 2nd March |
Day at the Races The double header weekend started with our visit to Kenilworth Rd on the Saturday to see how Dale prospered against promotion chasing Luton. The following day a trip to Huntingdon Races as Howard Bell continueed in his quest to visit all UK race courses, whilst the remainder of us tried to win a few quid. |
2018 | 40 years anniversary
To celebrate 40 years of Burking the Burks had a weekend trip to Rochdale. The highlight of the trip was the game against Luton, which ended in an entertaining 0-0 draw. An unexpected highlight was the Rochdale Town Trail which led us to 22 sites of interest. We can verify there are indeed 22 - and not one of them a pub ! |
2008 | Playoff Heaven in the White Horse Swanage An unfortunate scheduling of the playoff semi final meant it clashed with the annual BURKS Boyos weekend, which this year was on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. Chris Bates’ best efforts to get to Spotland were thwarted by the trains, so he had come along for the weekend. The decision was made to watch the game in nearby Swanage. “It’s only 3 miles to Swanage – there’s plenty of time” was the cry as we set off along the cliff path at 9:30. As time moved on it became clear we were not going to get there in time for the kick-off and even more frustratingly at 12:00 we were still out of mobile phone range! By 12:15, we were in range and had a feint 2 minutes of commentary over Chris’ phone before that went dead. And then the phone rang “We’re one down – dodgy penalty” was the cry from Chris. Gloom and doom set in as we eventually got into Swanage at 12:35. Soaking wet, we trooped into the White Horse, where Tom, the operative of the controls for the 63 inch plasma changed it from Cup Final It’s a Knockout to the big match. Within 3 minutes of sitting down, it was back to 1-1, hope was restored. Then a big sigh of relief when Darlo hit the bar, was followed by periods of doubt that Dale were going to score. That is until the wonder strike by David Perkins sent the nine of us into raptures and some looks from the locals as to why a group of wet blokes in walking gear were dancing around their pub! It could have gone either way in extra time before the most nerve wracking penalty shoot out of all time, much worse than watching England in the World Cup. Each time Dale had to equalise and each time they did, to ever increasing cheers of relief. Then it was Tommy Lee’s big moment. Having fooled Darlo’s players in a false sense of security with the first 4 penalties, he ‘cleverly’ covered the straight down the middle shot with his trailing leg and the pub erupted again. Even our new mate Tom was joining in the cheering. Then with hearts pumping, up stepped Ben Muirhead and the rest is history. Dale had made it. We were off to Wembley! 30 years of hurt, never stopped us dreaming.Then in the evening, the first ever BURKS discussion on how much to spend on tickets for a Wembley final! How many for £36? How many for £46? Alan Wilson later assumed that in true BURKS style we would opt for £26. But it will down to every BURK to make their choice as to where to watch the game from and to enjoy the big day. As for me, £80. The pub rendezvous is 12:00, lets make sure we don’t set off for the ground too late, or will have to find another White Horse. Hang on - White Horse, Wembley. Anyone remember 1923? Wembley Woes |