Happy Feet

                            Happy feet team beaten (July 2009)

Captain Riki Nelmes celebrates the Quay skittles team’s convincing win over the Happy Feet walking group at the Globe Hotel, Topsham.  It  was  sweet revenge for  the Quay  who  were well

                                

beaten by the walking group in the previous year’s contest at the Blacksmith’s Arms in Plymtree. Star skittlers for the Quay this year were Nigel Goode (The Halyards, 18 down), Dave and Maureen Apperley (Pilot Wharf, 17 each), Richard Soper (Regatta Court, 17) and Paul Stanbridge (Leeward Court, 16). The full Quay team is pictured below with the two officials, referee Ian Dowell and scorer Jacky Davis. Ian and Jacky had a foot in both camps: they are Quay residents and members of Happy Feet. After the match, which took place in the Globe’s beautiful old Malthouse, there was a concert by the popular Exmouth Shanty Men and versatile singer/guitarist Martin Rooney.The guest of honour was Cath Nettleton whose late husband John was a Shanty Man and a Happy Feet walker. * Quay residents who would like to take part in future skittles matches should contact Riki Nelmes or Ian Dowell.

                          Quay’s Happy Feet Seven

These Quay residents are part of the Happy Feet group of walkers and are affectionately known as the dockers by the other 14 who live around Exmouth, Lympstone and Topsham. The group gets together for a series of eight to 12 mile rural, coastal and moorland walks. Happy Feet was set up two years ago and has already enjoyed trips to Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Wight. Eight members will travel to Spain in the autumn for a week of Pyrenean walks in the Baztan Valley.

Picture left to right, back row: John Nettleton, Ian Dowell, Terry Darville Alec Phythian. Front: Barry Davis and Pat and Robert Braden. Former Quay resident Keith Smith, who now lives in Maer Lane, is also a member of the group, together with a former Exeter Mayor, an ex-Marine and a retired fireman.

                Seven Quay residents with happy feet 

Three more Quay residents have joined the Happy Feet group, which was formed last January by experienced walkers in the Exmouth area. Barry Davis, of Ropewalk House, joined in late summer and Pat and Robert Braden, of Pennant House, signed up in the autumn and now step out on Fridays with Alec Phythian (Sailmakers Court), John Nettleton, Terry Darville (both Clipper Wharf) and Ian Dowell (Cutters Wharf). The Happy Feet weekly programme ranges from rural and coastal walks to strenuous Dartmoor treks and distances covered vary from six to 12 miles. Others in the 20-strong group include a former Mayor of Exeter, an ex-marine, a retired fireman and a folk musician. No more walkers are being admitted, but members can bring a guest by arrangement with the leader.