SOUTH EAST No. 105 March 2019

Essexwalker rail crossings inquiry closes

he public inquiry into and Works Orders, to close 130 level pose health and safety issues with Network Rail's plans to crossings in East Anglia and close or respect to walking the diversions. Tclose pedestrian level divert the public rights of way which In short, the proposals undermined crossings in Essex has come to an use these crossings. Over 60 crossings the Ramblers' charitable objectives end in and the inquiry inspector's are in Essex and Hertfordshire. The to provide and protect footpaths decision is awaited later this year. Orders transfer all responsibility for for the benefit of the public. So Essex Ramblers were among the the public rights of way network concerned were the Ramblers and objectors to many of the proposals (and diversions) from Network Rail local authorities at Network Rail's because of the damaging effect to cash-strapped local authorities. proposals that formal objections were these would have on the public Essex County Council, for example, lodged with the Secretary of State rights of way network. Here are unable to maintain the present for Transport in 2017, resulting in Gordon Bird, Chair of Essex public rights of way and road public inquiries in Cambridgeshire, Ramblers, updates us on events. network yet would have to accept Suffolk and Essex. We have been seeking to keep additional maintenance and safety The Ramblers have objected readers of South East Walker up to responsibilities. It was clear to us to only 29 of the proposed Essex date on the Network Rail crossings' that if approved, these orders would closures, so have accepted Network closures saga through regular have a destructive effect on our Rail's case in about half of them. progress reports. To remind you, public rights of way network, restrict But others - local residents, farmers, Network Rail intends, via Transport public access to the countryside and Continued on pages 2 and 3 Fullers End crossing, near Elsenham. Photo: Mike Cannell Graham Butler: 'serial meetings man' raham Butler died on to walking and access. He was a to have walking included as a key by giving advice beforehand then patch up any hard feelings, usually 23 November 2018 after 'serial meetings man', representing strategy of mayoral manifestos, as a driving out to walk with them on being the first to buy drinks at the G a long, courageous and the Ramblers on numerous result of which London now has a several days. The Vanguards have a bar. He would not hesitate to offer cheerfully-borne battle with organisations dealing with access Walking & Cycling Commissioner. tradition of walking the route as a assistance if needed, often going cancer. At his funeral, attended and rights of way, about which He represented Ramblers on the group every five years, and Graham well out of his way. Examples are by nearly 200 family, friends he became a fount of knowledge Thames Path Partnership and for would support us in a hired minibus. legion, but they sometimes included and colleagues, no fewer than and the go-to person for anyone several years, he was employed But Graham was just as keen driving long distances, including to five people (Angela Bellwood, needing advice on such matters. He by Transport for London to co- on participating as organising. Spain to help daughter Catherine Catherine Butler, Brian Reader, threw himself into many different ordinate installation of signage on He started going on the ramblers transport her belongings; taking Alan Smith and myself) gave roles, and once there stayed put for the London Loop. excursions from London in over an hour to reunite a lost dog eulogies, and this tribute many years, decades even, because He was an enthusiastic member 1969, soon becoming a leader, with its owner; guiding a lost rail combines some of what they said. it was so difficult to find anyone of the Vanguards Rambling Club, and enthusiastically dispatched replacement bus driver; and lending To paraphrase the late President willing to replace him. For Surrey joining in 1969, and was its branches, brambles and nettles as his mobile phone to a challenge John F Kennedy: "Ask not what the Area, he was Secretary or Acting Treasurer for 44 years. He played a member of their offshoot, the walk organiser and bearing the cost Ramblers can do for you; ask what Secretary and Access Officer, also a huge part in getting the Vanguard Commando Footpath Clearance of calls. you can do for the Ramblers". That representing them at the Ramblers' Way established as one of the Group. On one of these, in 1988, Graham was an only child, born neatly sums up Graham's attitude General Council. He was one of the leading trails for walkers in southern he was photographed hard at work on 3 March 1949 in Lambeth, people selected by Surrey County England, co-ordinating research for clearing a bridleway for a feature south London, and spent most Council to represent walkers on the the route and its guidebook. After in the Sunday Telegraph colour of his working life at petroleum Surrey Countryside Access Forum. some scepticism among the rambling supplement. He was a strong companies Mobil, Exxonmobil and It sometimes seemed that, if a role community, it soon became clear walker and regularly completed BP. Marrying Janet Wells, another needed filling. Graham would put that the trail was proving popular challenge events, including the Long Vanguard, in 1972, they had two himself forward for it. with walkers and should be taken Distance Walkers Association's daughters and four grandchildren. Graham was also passionate seriously. So Graham took on annual 100-miler and the 40-mile He loved country music and films, about improving and extending the responsibility of dealing with Ridgeway Walk, originated by the and travelled extensively for both London's walking network, being highway authorities and landowners Youth Hostels Association's Reading work and holidays. Secretary of the Ramblers Greater to get signage installed and have Group (37 times), as well as helping Although the organisations that London Forum for 10 years the route marked on Ordnance with marshalling. depended so heavily on Graham will on whose behalf he organised Survey maps, and eventually he was Graham was very tenacious, with surely continue to function without an annual week-long event to appointed as the route's honorary robust views about how affairs him, things will never be quite the showcase the various routes. He route manager, dealing with various should be conducted, and could same, and his family and friends will contributed to the successful Love route issues. He would help special sometimes be tetchy with those who miss him very much. Graham Butler Photo: Catherine Butler London, Walk London campaign groups tackling the Vanguard Way disagreed, but would quickly try to Colin Saunders 2 South East Walker March 2019 South East Walker March 2019 3

Essex rail crossings inquiry closes (continued from page 1) SOUTH EAST National Farmers' Union, Essex to make his recommendations to the level crossings.' This was misleading. to all who contributed an enormous The process has been lengthy County Council and parish councils Secretary of State. Hopefully, the Network Rail's own data shows this amount of time and energy and to and began in September 2017 walker Distributed quarterly to members - have objected to several other Ramblers will be advised of a positive not to be the case. those groups who donated to the with hearings at Chelmsford, then of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, Vanguard Way updated proposals, so the great majority will outcome sometime in late 2019 - We have vigorously challenged campaign. Merrow Golden, our Stansted and Colchester. To help Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton be subject to public scrutiny. note that both the decisions from Network Rail in the inquiry, on barrister, also deserves a mention readers understand how the process Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, new edition of the north- of Edenbridge. There, a new, of Windmill Cottages, as well as regeneration is being undertaken Now after a year-long adjournment the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire matters to do with safety, costs for her thoroughness and quiet works, we start with a description of Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and south route descriptions single 1.5 km link with the two passing historic Tablehurst Manor on the original path. Surrey Areas. - due to Network Rail's failure to inquiries are still to be published. and efficiency and the 'suitability persistence in ensuring our case was the proceedings. We then go on to A for the 67-mile Vanguard stations in Edenbridge replaces and going closer to the facilities Prospective Vanguard Wayfarers follow due process - the bulk of the To think it was over four years and convenience' of the proposed well presented. an assessment by Len Banister, Essex THE RAMBLERS Way from Croydon to two separate and longer ones for of Tablehurst Community Farm. are advised to check the website evidence has been given and it is ago that Network Rail advised the diversions. It has been a long and Because the proposed closures Area's Rights of Way Liaison Officer, Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford Newhaven will be published by each station that applied to the old In the Ashdown Forest, the route (vanguardway.org.uk) in April for expected the Essex inquiry will be Ramblers of its intention to close time-consuming process. Soon we in East Anglia seem likely to be the and additional reflections by Alan House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, the Vanguard Rambling Club in route. Section 4 continues along up to Gills Lap has been diverted an announcement that the new London SE1 7TW. April. The route passes through field paths to Lingfield Road then a little northwards at the request edition has been published. concluded by March with on-site a number of level crossings on will move onto other matters of precursor to others throughout the Goffee, Essex Area's Vice-Chair. Switchboard: 020 3961 3300 visits by the government-appointed the pretext that 'Level crossings importance to Essex Ramblers such country, we believe it will be helpful Both Alan and Len gave evidence at Membership Services: some of the finest countryside across a private grass airfield and of the Conservators, as vegetation Colin Saunders inspector, accompanied by collectively pose the greatest risk to as the Lower Thames Crossing, A12 to share our experiences more widely the inquiry. 020 3961 3232 in southern England: the more fields to Cernes Farm, where representatives of the Ramblers and safety on the railway network. To developments and of course keeping through South East Walker; we are, Gordon Bird Email: [email protected] North Downs, Ashdown Forest, it rejoins the original route. The Network Rail. Final submissions will reduce the risk, Network Rail is our footpaths open for all to use. of course, also discussing them with Chair, Essex Area Web: www.ramblers.org.uk South Downs and finally the new route no longer passes Haxted Company registration no: then be lodged, leaving the inspector working to reduce the number of Once again, a big thank you goes Ramblers' Central Office. 4458492 Sussex Heritage Coast, with a Mill, which was one of the features Registered charity no: 1093577 grandstand view of the majestic of the old route, but a link will be Seven Sisters. provided for anyone wishing to EDITORIAL The new edition will feature see the picturesque old buildings Ramblers outnumbered in crossings' closure inquiry Editor: Les Douglas Email: [email protected] a completely new route in the there. n a large meeting room in the crossings in Essex. at the front table, and from time to of this and tries to get it fixed, one of our witnesses, helpful and Tel: 020 8809 2338 Edenbridge area, covered by the Other less substantial route Novotel at Stansted Airport, a To his left at two tables, one time those alongside or behind her without much success. supportive. (please leave message) route's Sections 3 and 4. This changes include several new links: bearded middle-aged man sits immediately behind the other, are pass notes to her or whisper in her What of the proceedings? All this is reassuring, but we are has become necessary because with Warlingham for a better I DESIGN AND PRINT at a table under a window. This nine representatives of Network ear. In the corner of the room, there Written statements from both sides concerned that greater weight will what were quiet country lanes bus service than at Chelsham Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 is Mr Alan Becket, the Inspector Rail and their consultants, Mott is a screen showing maps of the area have been submitted in advance, be put on alleged technical expertise past Haxted Mill, when the route Common; with the beautiful in charge of the inquiry into the McDonald, all with open laptops. under discussion or occasionally and the barristers on both sides will than on local knowledge; there Opinions expressed by contributors was launched in 1981, have since picnic site at Gabriel's Fishery; propose closure of railway foot Network Rail's barrister is seated photographs. Behind the screen ask witnesses to read key paragraphs may be an assumption that (say) a are not specifically endorsed by become uncomfortably busy, and and a more interesting link with are large boxes of voluminous from them, then ask questions for qualification in civil engineering The Ramblers. the club feels it's time to move it Seaford station that passes several ISSN 1747-4140 documents. elucidation. Cross-examination outweighs a lifetime's experience of C 2019 The Ramblers. further east in this area to follow pubs, cafes and listed buildings in At an opposite table, looking from the other side follows. In walking and local knowledge. All rights reserved. public footpaths almost entirely. the town centre. North of Forest a little lonely, is the Ramblers' Network Rail's case, there may But there have already been some The new route starts in Section Row, an optional alternative barrister Merrow Golden, usually be more than one witness coming successes. For example, during the Copy Date: For issue No. 106 3 at the junction of Troy Lane route will be offered to avoid is 12 April 2019. with just one or two witnesses beside from different technical disciplines, consultation process we and other and Hilders Lane then, instead a long descent on a dreadful her, typically one of our Footpath although they usually say much the local people and organisations of turning right to follow Hilders footpath that has deteriorated in Secretaries and perhaps a local same thing. This tends to make the argued that a proposed diversion Lane, Honeypot Lane and Dwelly recent years to the point where resident or farmer. At the opposite process tedious and repetitious, but over a narrow 19th century bridge Lane, it will go left to pick up it presents walkers with almost end of the room are about 80 chairs one can argue that it is also thorough in Newport, built for horse-drawn footpaths leading across the Kent every hazard that they may expect reserved for members of the public, and rigorous. traffic and without a footway, was & Surrey Golf Course to the new in the countryside. This has the but there is only a handful of people Unlike a criminal court, the dangerous. Network Rail now end-of-section at Crouch House added advantages of providing Those who complete the Vanguard Way can wear this badge with pride! dotted about, mostly our members process is non-confrontational proposes to install traffic lights and Green, on the western outskirts one of the finest views in the area, Photo: Colin Saunders who have come to support the and courteous. Disagreements are a metre-wide pavement, which will witnesses. The images on the screen explored and if agreement is not make it safer for both pedestrians are a bit difficult to see clearly from reached usually conclude with the and drivers. There are other these seats. and there is a problem barrister saying, "Well, we'll agree examples of changes elsewhere, and Essex rail crossings inquiry closes (continued from page 2) with the microphones, so it isn't to differ". From time to time the time will tell whether there will be Uttlesford Ramblers attempt to cross a bridge over a railway line. Network Rail proposed easy to hear everything either. In Inspector will intervene to clarify further successes. this route for walkers if they were successful in closing a nearby level crossing. fairness, the Inspector is well aware a point; he is, in the words of Mike Cannell and Murray Lowe Further reflections A wider view for the Network Rail made changes. If we could add paths which would groups never walk at this pace, but Develop strategies for we could have developed contrary join up a number of routes to create we had no evidence to disprove that, future proposals at that time, would they have a better network. It may be a one-off nor statements from the organisations the future The inquiry assessed The public inquiry into rail foot- been dismissed? We would also have opportunity. We have little to lose. we were trying to speak for. We were This inquiry has taken over the lives hat a dismal affair half a dozen. Even the Inspector, to ultimately be agreed by the existed long before there were horse riders will be inconvenienced, crossings in Essex has closed and it been able to bring these to the inquiry With the same logic, would a path acting as the experts on walking. We of Essex Area's Executive Committee, would be a major mistake to move this is. Network Rail on whose final opinion the whole Secretary of State. As one listens to railways. When the railways were maps and walk guidebooks will be as Proofs of Evidence and discuss replacing a crossing with a huge row of have to give thought to the best way and a number of the Footpath on without reflection on what we them with the Inspector. We would steps or round a roundabout really be Secretaries as well. Given that we and its agents Mott process depends, looks lonely - he the proceedings, there is a sense that built, those rights were respected and out of date, local authorities will to put this over without being pushed W have learnt and how this can be used have walked the proposed routes and used? Our objective of keeping routes aside by cross-examination. It was were dealing with a large number of McDonald on one side and the rarely intervenes. you are lulled into the notion that the Victorians took great pains to face additional costs of the upkeep when Network Rail comes up with been able to speak with authority on open needs to be replaced with what also clear that Network Rail was just crossings, it was a huge commitment objectors, usually Ramblers, but There is a sameness about the the odd crossing could be closed ensure that adequate, safe crossings of diversions and the company will similar proposals in other parts of them, and perhaps add landowners' can we gain if we look more widely. taking the length of the diversion in which members involved in future often farmers or other interest procedure. The objectors object without serious loss of amenity. It were provided. Network Rail is have offloaded yet another of its the country. This report is not about views. Hopefully, if time permitted, its submissions. We have to ignore closure programmes will need to groups on the other. Both sides and Network Rail explains why might be that you can be subtly reneging on this obligation. Their responsibilities. detail but strategy. It is about being we could have got local people to walk Enlist wider support this and walk it out ourselves at our understand. These are not diversions have barristers. they are wrong and the company coerced into a sympathetic attitude shameless attitude which pretends It is unfortunate that the process prepared and not spending our entire with us. The argument that we do not own pace, taking into account road under the Highways Act with its Visually the process looks is right. A neutral observer will to rationalisation. Beware; these to protect public safety proposes, has not received a higher public time running to catch up. It raises live locally would have been removed We also need to learn from the lack of support and interest we were given crossings and underfoot conditions. built-in safeguards. It is the Transport unbalanced. There are often 10 not take long to understand that proposals do not represent a move in some cases, to force people onto profile with a relatively small issues some may find heresy but they because we would have been focusing by the public and our members. In This would give the Inspector a choice and Works Act where Network Rail active participants on the Network Network Rail's insistence on the for the common good. dangerous roads in order to prevent charity like the Ramblers having need to be aired and discussed, not on the new routes, not trying to prove of whether to accept Network Rail's can act as it feels is best for it. The ignored. We need to stand back and the crossing should not close. Essex, MPs were written to without Rail tables (1); all sweating away efficacy of closures has little to do What Network Rail is proposing their crossing of tracks which have to undertake the role of protester. much positive feedback, disabled calculations, or ours. development of a flow chart of steps on their laptops or hunting for with safety but much more with the will lead to the wholesale disruption no historic safety risk. Network We must seek the support of other, ensure we see the wider view and what At a very early stage we needed to to follow, information needed and vision we have of the future. organisations and health walking the numerous fat folders which need to cut costs. of the public rights of way network. Rail is a nationalised company; richer, organisations to extend the decide which proposals to fight and timelines would be a major help in which to accept. Where crossings groups were contacted, newspapers Network Rail's inform their case. Opposite them Network Rail has invested It is no accident that the word taxpayers' money is being used to fight for our rights. the process. If a profile of crossings had been closed for many years, it is and radio raised some interest but vagueness the protester sits alongside the heavily in the short term to cut the rights is included in the descriptor. reduce citizens' rights. I suggest we use a Freedom of Focus on diversions, only fleetingly and the Ramblers' on- to ignore and which to fight were unlikely that any case could have been During the inquiry Network Rail provided it would be of huge benefit, Ramblers' barrister being challenged costs of their long term obligations. Our network of paths, which is The piecemeal process of the Information Request to discover not closures made for reopening. To object would line petition was not a success. The in a friendly but forensic manner by A rough and probably much the envy of the world, is based on inquiry is reflected in the piecemeal the current and projected cost of We need to note that Network Rail time and energy used in attempting failed on a number of occasions to as would the steps needed to respond have been a waste of everyone's time. provide details of the work to be done, the Network Rail barrister. underestimated cost of the current historic rights of passage to work, approach across the country. The fighting for the closure of crossings never asked whether we wanted to raise interest could have been better to the consultation process. Any In the future we need to accept that or in some cases the exact route of the ability to reduce the running around The hall is too large so it is inquiry to the company is in church, and to increasing numbers inquiry in Essex is only the third and that we consider a Judicial crossings closed, but which of its spent on mapping out our objections Network Rail controls the process diversion. This makes it difficult to like headless chickens must be a help. diversions we wanted. Our first and no matter how much we dislike and showing these to local people and difficult to see the maps and excess of half a million pounds (2). of the population, to enjoy healthy in a process which will be repeated Review of the whole closure project. come to judgments. Network Rail says As witnesses we were at a reaction was to object to the closures, it, trying to change it is a mistake. enlisting their support (including that drawings projected on the screen, Network Rail's plan is to eventually recreation. Most of the rights which across Britain. If Network Rail is Len Banister it will get final agreement from Essex disadvantage because any issues over and start finding reasons why a Working with the structure set up by of parish and district councils). around 60 seats are provided for close 5,000 non-vehicular crossings Network Rail is determined to take not stopped, the path network will Essex Area Rights of Way Highways. This raises a number of engineering change had to be raised by crossing should not be shut. In the the Transport and Works Act is the At the inquiry we all felt we were an audience that rarely exceeds over Britain. The outcome has away from the people of this country be disrupted, walkers, cyclists and Liaison Officer questions. Will they cut corners? Will us, only to be shot down by Network vast majority of cases this could not way forward. We have to concentrate fighting for walkers, disabled people the work be done on time, or be below be done. On reflection our time and on the diversions, safeguarding the and similar organisations. However, Rail for not being experts. If, however, Footnotes year; Barrister £80,000 d. Estimated cost to NR: £267.000 = £276,000 = £543,000 energy would have been better spent walking network for the future. we had no way of proving that. If set standards? It is not acceptable we had had a standard list of questions on devising the best diversions we Central Office had been able to get that a completely unelected body of and/or factsheets covering such (1) When I attended one of the hearings at Chelmsford, there b. Preparation of case: 20 days per crossing using team leaders e. Note that I have conflated consultants Mott McDonald's could get. We are not crossing geeks letters of support from all of these, people will decide what is provided, matters as the operation of flashing were 11 NR vans in the car park. with oversight of Programme Manager and Senior Project fees in these estimates. Create a better path we could have at least refuted some of without any redress. If Highways lights, it would have helped in cross- Manager: 20 days x £127 days x 60 crossings + £62,000 + but Ramblers. Our objections should have been on walking routes. If we network what was thrown at us in our evidence. refuse to accept what Network Rail examination of Network Rail. The (2) These are the assumptions I have made in order to arrive £53,000 + = £267,000. f. The ultimate aim is to close 5,000 non-vehicular crossings; had produced our own plans, laid out We also need to face the fact that some The issue of walking speed came up put forward, what happens then? Is objective must be to raise the issue at this sum - of course a more accurate estimate could be if my estimates are accurate then the total cost of the c. Inquiry costs: 60 days x 8 attendees x £127 + 60 days + on maps and shown to local people, crossings are little used or in areas of many times. Network Rail quoted the Order not valued? It is more likely without being drawn into technical achieved via a Freedom of Information Request: campaign can be calculated: £596 (seniors) = £96,000 would Network Rail have ignored less than outstanding beauty. For these the Ramblers' 2.5 miles per hour in all Network Rail will use the order to get discussions. a. Salaries: NR Team Leader £32,851 year; Programme Barrister + rentals + inquiry costs = £180,000. Total g. Cost per crossing = £543,000/60 = £9,050. Thus, cost for them? we should be taking the wider view their calculations. Disabled people, its own way. This is a major issue and Alan Goffee Manager £62,869 year; Senior Projects Engineer £53,458 £276,000. 5,000 crossings = 5,000 x £9,050 = £45,250,000. Between the two consultations, and see, even if miles back, whether wheelchair users and walking for health requires a legal solution. Essex Area Vice-Chair 4 South East Walker March 2019 South East Walker March 2019 5 Seeking Loop Footpaths and access ountryside Access in correspondence about the details. INNER LONDON Management System: Our two non-geographic groups, leaders and SURREY CThe new version is now Surrey Young Walkers and SABRE, in operation with additional which don't have footpath working Ring rangers functionality for Local Footpath parties, are also funding gates Secretaries who have signed for installation by other groups. insights but the London Loop and Capital snippets the county council's data Several other groups are identifying Ring include permissive paths and protection document. The new locations in order to fund and install sections of road as well as rights of features include the allocation gates. way, and need to be considered as a of appropriate tasks to Local Guildford Ramblers praised: It whole, not just borough by borough. Footpath Secretaries which can was good to read in the county As well as Ramblers groups, the then be passed on to Volunteer council's Volunteer Path Worker London Loop and Capital Ring are Path Workers. Local Footpath newsletter (which goes to all 350 brilliant for people walking solo in Kissing gate for Shoes tested Secretaries can also 'edit' volunteers, 130 of which are Surrey n a cold November Bec to Wandsworth, passing through both print and social media. The London and especially for those new problems and report on progress Ramblers) this appreciation of the evening, the Metropolitan green spaces and urban streets, and Metropolitan Walkers made their to walking as they are accompanied and resolution. work of our Guildford Group: OWalkers, the young finished with drinks by an open fire debut in the Telegraph, were featured by excellent guide books and are Best Value Performance "Perhaps a special mention should Ramblers walking group in in the cosy Cat's Back pub. The in the Healthy Living London blog, generally well signed and easy to Indicators: The November 2018 go to Guildford Ramblers whose London, led a midweek walk with group was joined by representatives and had shout outs on several social Gordon Prince A leafy section of the Capital Ring in follow. As a charity working for check carried out by members for path wardens, coordinated by a twist. They teamed up with of Merrell, social media influencers media accounts with large followings. north London. Photo: Clare Wadd walkers, it's core to Ramblers' aims ingston Ramblers have dedicated a kissing the White Hart at Wood Street Green for lunch. the county council showed 81% of Andrew Bowden, have worked their outdoor clothing and shoe brand and a Telegraph journalist. It was Thanks to Merrell, and all to keep them that way, and to gate to Gordon Prince who joined the Gordon's daughter and son commented: "Dedicating a Merrell, to show them the group's such a great opportunity to engage members and individuals who were ne of the ideas that came public rights of way were 'easy to way through most of the borough, encourage the wider community, Ramblers in 1991 and was the group's kissing gate to Dad was such a lovely idea and one that we love for walking and to try a new with these individuals and promote involved in the walk! out of the inaugural K use'. The breakdown (with May checking paths and updating issues. members or not, to get walking on Treasurer from 1992 to 2002. The new gate was know he would have appreciated - something practical line of the company's walking the wonderful Metropolitan Rebecca Chambers Ramblers London figures in brackets) were: Waverley A fantastic effort." O these routes. installed by Guildford Group's gate team off Graziers and relevant to his interests. And thank you for inviting and Woking 72% (93%); Guildford, London boroughs: Inner London shoes. Walkers. Publicity Officer, Volunteer Network meeting in The London Loop is divided into Lane (grid reference SU 923507) near Wanborough us - it meant a lot to me to be there. Despite the weather It was a great walk from Tooting The walk led to great exposure in Metropolitan Walkers September was to put in place a Runnymede, Spelthorne and Surrey Area has asked for support from 24 sections (15 in older editions of station. On 7 November 2018, David Cooper led it was still a very enjoyable and worthwhile event. We group of wardens to look after the Heath 76% (90%); Elmbridge, members in the five London the guidebook) and the Capital Ring walkers from the station to a dedication ceremony at hope the gate will be used for many decades to come." London Loop and the Capital Ring Epsom & Ewell and Mole Valley boroughs in Surrey Area (Croydon, into 15 - this means we are looking the gate. Linda Hargrave spoke about Gordon and Brenda Horwill - so we're looking for volunteers 90% (82%); East Surrey, Reigate Kingston, Merton, Richmond and for around 40 volunteers, including his daughter cut the ribbon. Most then walked to Secretary and Publicity Officer, Kingston Ramblers with a few days a year to spare & Banstead 88% (68%). The Sutton), to find volunteers in these a coordinator for each route, to act willing to take this task on. This variability between November and boroughs who can ensure that as wardens for the two routes - each opportunity is open to everybody, May figures shows how the failure there's support at local level for volunteer would be responsible for of one or two paths (eg a missing initiatives coming from Transport regardless of whether you're an one section, generally close to where existing Ramblers volunteer and signpost at the roadside) can affect for London and the Mayor of they live. The sections vary in length an area's score. My thanks to all London's office. I'm pleased to say whether you've just joined us or - and are longer for the Loop than have been a member for years. the volunteers who took part. Over that Local Footpath Secretaries in the Ring - but average five to seven 200 volunteer hours went into the three of the boroughs have agreed to Training will be given so that you miles. The role is to walk your fully understand what's expected preparation, distribution, checking take part. section around once per quarter and and data entry. 'What are the Ramblers for?': and feel competent to do it. to report any obstructions, missing Winkworth Arboretum path Surrey Area Council discussed For those who don't know, the signage, signage facing the wrong claim: The National Trust, owner the article by Len Banister in the London Loop and Capital Ring are way and other issues to the relevant of the land, has confirmed that it December 2018 issue of South East both paths encircling London. The council and to the coordinator - will appeal against the Order for the Walker proposing that Ramblers Loop runs around the outer edge and, as importantly, to report what new path made in September 2018 publicity both nationally and of London and is approximately you enjoy about the section and The group at the start in Tooting. Photo: Rebecca Chambers which followed many years of effort locally should place more emphasis 150 miles long, and the Ring runs what's been done well in terms of by our Local Footpath Secretary, Ian on footpath work by Ramblers roughly around zones 3/4 and is maintenance and signage. The Wilks. The county council's lawyer volunteers. It agreed that if Len's about 75 miles long. The routes coordinator will monitor common has confirmed they will work with Area (Essex) was to submit a motion were originally devised by the issues and trends and share that The dedication took place on a very wet day. Photo: Brenda Horwill us and instruct counsel to defend to General Council to this effect London Walking Forum, of which information back with the wardens Social media training the Order at any public inquiry. then Surrey would support it and the Ramblers formed part, and and Ramblers groups in London; n November, the London talking about walking on social social media, but wanted to get Area Donate-a-Gate scheme: also propose that Areas collect and when they opened in the 1990s it can be shared with TfL and the Volunteer network ran our media, and to support groups extra tips and to learn more about South Bank Ramblers have kindly publish data showing the volunteer and 2000s respectively, a team of Walking and Cycling Commissioner first social media training to improve their social media the different channels. effort on the public rights of way I volunteer wardens was supported through our regular meetings. offered to donate their surplus session focusing on Facebook, presence, so that the profile of I am grateful to David funds towards the replacement of network. Twitter and Instagram. walking in London increases in the Cooper from Kingston group by Transport for London (TfL) Please contact chair@ Not another AGM! staff - however this funding has innerlondonramblers.org.uk if stiles with kissing gates and are now Rodney Whittaker The interactive session was eyes of both the public and policy for presenting on Facebook and roydon Ramblers make the audience do some work my adventure holiday in June to now gone and looks unlikely to be you're able to put yourself forward attended by around a dozen makers including City Hall and to Des Garrahan for presenting held their AGM at by identifying images on the screen the Altai region of Siberia which replaced. Both of the routes are used London Ramblers and Living TfL. We can support each other on Instagram, while I talked to be a Loop Leader or Ring Ranger, Sanderstead on Saturday and then writing down where I wrote about in the last issue of Streets volunteers, and was and amplify each other's voices about Twitter. If you are regularly by the 25 Ramblers groups with a note of which section you're C 3 November,where over 130 they thought the nearest town or this esteemed publication, and the hosted by city law firm BWB, through liking, commenting, interested in attending a future in London, whether we're walking Mole Valley Festival interested in, or whether you'd like members enjoyed tea or coffee village was to what was shown. final showing was five minutes who provide advice to Ramblers sharing and retweeting - and social media training session in the whole route over a year, a section a coordination role. The 24 Loop on arrival followed by a bit of My worst fears were confirmed. of photos and music of Croydon ole Valley Ramblers a stop at a pub or cafe, others nationally. We were pleased to by using hashtags, including London, please contact chair@ or two in a day, or part of a section sections are listed at https;//tfl.gov. Christmas shopping in the stalls Croydon ramblers must walk with Ramblers in the South Downs. invite you to celebrate will simply have a picnic lunch have Matthew Farrand, Ramblers' the #LoveLondonWalkLondon innerlondonramblers.org.uk. If during another walk - and it's hard uk/modes/walking/loop-walk and out the back - pottery, jams, their eyes shut! Or they're so busy All in all I thought it went quite the return of spring break. For the more adventurous a Digital Engagement Officer in hashtag. there is demand we will organise to see who will protect and help M the 15 Ring sections at https://tfl. and the warmer weather by attendance at the training. Most attendees at the training more. woollen things, old books and nattering to each other you could well - I never heard any snoring. nocturnal walk might be appealing. promote them if we don't. Many gov.uk/modes/walking/capital-ring. joining them for their Spring The aim of the evening was to already use smartphones when Clare Wadd maps etc - to be swiftly followed lead them around the M25 and After I had done my bit we had a The festival walks are free for all to outer London groups have Footpath Clare Wadd Walks Festival which takes place increase the number of people out walking and are active on Area Chair by lunch comprising soup, they wouldn't notice. The highest lovely cup of tea and slice of cake enjoy and there is no need to book. Officers looking after rights of way, Area Chair this year from Wednesday 24 to sandwiches and bananas, or you score was 11 out of 20. Hardly (two if you're lucky), say goodbye, Please visit our website http:/www. could have an apple. deserving of the prize I had taken pack up and go home - another Sunday 28 April. molevalleyramblers.org.uk/festival Our Chairman, Roy Endersby, so much trouble to organise! successful AGM! On each of the five days there will for details. London National Park then thought it was about time to The second audio visual I John Tickner be a selection of at least three walks Twenty questions get down to business, official stuff showed was a light-hearted look at Croydon Ramblers of varying lengths and difficulties. Louise Stilwell-Stage that is. Now I feel that Croydon Some of the walks will include Mole Valley Ramblers he warm-up act before the formal business of our City Festival 2019 Group has got this down to a AGM on 18 November was a picture quiz, to be ondon will be confirmed innerlondonramblers.org.uk for tackled over lunch of soup and home-made cakes. fine art and we whizzed through T as a National Park City in more information. at a fair old lick - members were More than 50 members got their heads down for the July and a National Park Last July's London National Park proposing and seconding and quiz which was devised by our Treasurer, Dick Dunmore, L City Festival will take place over City Week provided an opportunity carrying motions (if you'll pardon The 20 questions were all based on places in the many nine days from 20 - 28 July. for groups across London to the expression!) like the end of the areas accessible from London where we walk. The quiz Following a briefing session at showcase an array of more than world was upon us. questions (and answers) can be found on our website www. City Hall in January we are starting 30 walks, ranging from rural to This meant that my turn to take southbankramblers.org.uk so do try it if you can. After to plan our programme of walks urban, long to short, familiar to over had arrived and I did what was the quiz our committee was voted in. Our Chair is Gill for this year's festival and hope that unexplored, in addition to hosting expected of me and produced not Farnsworth and we are very pleased that three new people many of London's 25 Ramblers a stall at the event's Conway Hall just one audio visual presentation have joined our committee. groups will want to take part and that launch. but three. Just to ring the changes we can coordinate our contributions Clare Wadd Sue Ellenby this year, I had a cunning plan to One of the images used in John's South Downs presentation. Photo: John Tickner Vice-Chair, South Bank Ramblers All eyes are on the quiz. Photo: Sue Ellenby together. Please contact chair@ Chair, Inner London Area A happy group at last year's festival. Photo: Louise Stilwell-Stage 6 South East Walker March 2019 South East Walker March 2019 7 adjusted. The route can also be accessed via mobile devices Helping walk leaders for 'live' use (not that we are Path maintenance condoning going out without Update your role ur group has phone number for all walks. by our webmaster, with help a 'proper' map!) The group OXFORDSHIRE introduced two Our Walks Secretary updates from the Oxon 20s&30s f you are a Ramblers • Login to your account successes subscription allows access to volunteer, have you https://www.ramblers.org. initiatives in the number to which calls are group. s you probably know, & Klean): Ian Baldwin (ian. O multiple users; anyone who updated your volunteer uk/login. the last year to support forwarded on the Monday The group subscription I the common hedgerow wants to use it contacts us roles in your Ramblers • Click on 'My account' at the [email protected]) our walk leaders: call before a Sunday walk. This to Ordnance Survey maps species bramble, briar, forwarding and a group works well for us because we via a generic email address, account? Colleagues at top of the homepage A Oxford Path Wardens: Keith online enables walk leaders and are provided with the blackthorn and hawthorn grow Ramblers Central Office • Click on 'update profile' on-line Frayn ([email protected]) subscription to Ordnance generally only have one walk to plan routes and produce like billy-o. quickly enveloping Survey maps online. a week. The system costs log-in details. This original want to be able to contact under a picture of a woman Thame & Wheatley: Tony Clark print-outs to take along stiles, gates and approaches to Call forwarding, firstthe group £1.20 per month subscription last year was a volunteers in a targeted gazing into the distance without infringing copyright special offer at £70; standard them. ([email protected]) initiated by the Oxon for the internet phone line way, so that volunteers • Click on 'my volunteering' laws - some members like to fee is £100. So far, more Even the relatively benign elder Vale (of White Horse) Path 20s&30s group, enables us (from Andrews and Arnold only receive emails that are near the bottom of the next follow the route, to improve than half of our walk leaders grows profusely, blocking the way. Volunteers: Jim Parke (jmh. to publish a single mobile Ltd; many other companies relevant to them. page Clare Balding walks their map reading skills. It are using the Ordnance Our five path maintenance teams [email protected]) contact number; calls and provide such services), plus This is to "offer better • Then keep scrolling down takes only a few minutes Survey maps online, and we are coming to the end of their texts to this number are call charges of 3p per minute, support, networking and to check all the volunteering Dave Cavanagh to plot a route, which can are encouraging others to Milestones to Millstones winter clearance work, although automatically forwarded to plus an upfront payment of opportunities," The list of roles that are relevant to you. the current walk leader. This £4.80 for 100 text messages then be saved, helping us do so, at least to record the volunteering roles on the • Don't forget to click on t was a bright cold day in my mill-themed book of walks atlases. However, this was pre- soft clearance eg of nettles and means that our walk leaders (forwarding of SMSs is run to build up a walks library. walks if not for planning. website is very comprehensive. 'Submit/Confirm' when you January. Nine walkers set off Milestones to Millstones. computer days and each edition burdock, is looming. We also don't need to share their via an email-SMS gateway The software calculates the Helen Barham To tell Central Office what it have made your selections. down the steep chalk hill of It was a perfect morning. As we needed an accurate index. I, my have members who volunteer with I personal phone numbers, and hosted by intelliSMS). The mileage and ascent and Chair, Oxon Weekend is you do: Dave Cavanagh the Cotswold Volunteers and the the Thames Valley at the Goring descended the view was wonderful: brothers, sister and school friends members only need a single technical aspects were set up allows routes to be easily Walkers Gap. I had invited Clare with her white mist filling the river valley earned pocket money alphabetising South Chiltern Path Maintenance BBC Radio 4 producer, Karen with only the tall chimneys of the vast pile of slips bearing each Volunteers. We learn of clearance Gregor, to join me and some Mapledurham House just visible entry. It took hours! tasks in two ways: from our friends who had helped research above the mist. This was part of the Further on we passed Hardwick members and from Oxfordshire North West London: Mapledurham watermill walk (one House, the inspiration for Toad Hall County Council's Countryside in Wind in the Willows and entered of 17 in the book) and we were soon This bridleway had become a real pain Grahame's Wild Wood, where Nick Access Service. Either way, it is in the village, used for filming the the county Field Officers who for horse riders and walkers alike. save your group read an extract of Mole's scary Brambles etc, had reduced the gap to BUCKS dare-devil actions of The Eagle Has experiences from the book. get permissions from landowners less than one person's width and had orth West London in monitoring the state of rights Landed starring Michael Caine. At The broadcast was on Ramblings for our teams to go into action. completely grown over at head height. the mill Clare joined in counting on Radio 4 on 14 February, repeated Pleasingly, each of our four rural A petrol-driven brush cutter and pole Group, covering the of way in the group's territory of the milling-related expressions used on 16 February. hedge saw made light work of it. London boroughs of the London boroughs of Brent regions - roughly corresponding Photo: Dave Cavanagh N in everyday life - 'grind to a halt', Elaine Steane briefs Brent and Harrow, is the to the four district councils - now and Harrow, which include some second oldest Ramblers' group 'a millstone round your neck', and Oxford City Group have their own Field Officer, there attractive and popular rural paths as 'calm as a millpond'. and has a venerable history. Elaine's Milestones to Millstones, Mill previously having been some News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex Unfortunately, the resignation well as urban ones; What had intrigued the Radio 4 walks in Oxfordshire and Beyond vacancies due to resignations. team was my childhood surrounded of the Chairman, Fred Hill, Publicity Officer, to seek Elaine Steane (third from left) (ISBN 978-1-909116-58-0, SRA One of them has also taken and Membership Secretary and by maps, atlases and globes. My Books 2015, is available from bookshops opportunities to publicise the testing Clare Balding (first on left) at responsibility for Oxford City. Acting Secretary, Stephen Bird, Mapledurham watermill. father had been the cartographic or Amazon, price £9.99. http://www. group's activities, with a view to If you experience troublesome left the group committee without Photo: George Wormald editor of the Philip's educational milestonestomillstones.co.uk/ halting the decline in membership; vegetation on a walk, let our rRipple moves from DaGs a quorum, and the future nearest path maintenance team viability of the group in doubt. Further committee members could leader know. Since then, former Hampstead allow job sharing, for example by Banbury & North Oxfordshire: to PAGs and BOGGOFs! Group Membership Secretary separating the posts of Secretary ur Donate a Gate (DaG) was so successful in the 1980s, - there are so many, with so many Dave Hall (dave.e.hall@icloud. Muscle power was need to remove Henriette Van Zaelen has kindly and Membership Secretary, thus this branch and many others that scheme has operated many parish councils now rely on problems. volunteered to take on Stephen's com) were at the head height for horse reducing the burden on the officers. since 2016 with close a member being the paths person As Jon Clark, the county roles. but more help is needed. Bicester & Kidlington (Blitz riders. Photo: Dave Cavanagh O to half of the 150 gates we've who may well be unenthusiastic. council's Strategic Access Officer In the absence of a quorate The group could also benefit from installed being DaGs. Some parishes and their parish said to us, "Go for the low-hanging committee, the Area Executive having more volunteers to act as In some parishes we've installed councils seem quite resigned to fruit." If you find a willing parish Committee has authorised the Clare Balding (left) reads the introduction by near roads so high-vis vests are lots of gates (19 in Westcott, 13 this situation. Year after year they that's interested and keen, work holding of a delayed Annual walk leaders, to sustain the current Elaine's father in a 1962 Philip's atlas. necessary for safety, though they in Oving), but none at all in many watch over a number of poorly with them. Life is too short to bash General Meeting of the group style of programme and, perhaps, Photo: George Wormald On Goring Gap Hill at the end of the walk. Photo: George Wormald also help to bond the individuals in OxClean others. There appears to be no maintained, or blocked paths, and your head on non-opening doors - which will, in addition to normal to enable a more varied one, which a team. Volunteers spend two hours have been organising rhyme or reason for this. If the also often dangerously dilapidated there's more out there than we'll get AGM business, have the effect of could in itself help to attract new litter-picking over the weekend in a group." Flexigroups have no walks) OxClean Spring Clean for county council gives us a load of job stiles. They throw their hands up done in our lifetime. To increase regularising the status of the officers place of their choosing. members. Flexigroups committees. The document cites • Walks for particular groups of over 12 years now. It is sheets for a parish such as Westcott, and say 'What can be done, what the take-up of the DaG scheme, and committee. This will be held I Walkers will know where there we just get on with them. Either with all the cuts." with increased support from the If you want to ensure a prosperous the following activities as being the people (age bands, families, a litter-pick which covers the on Tuesday 19 March at 7pm at St o you - or a member that is an ongoing problem with litter future for the group please (whether sort for which a flexigroup might be people with disabilities, people whole of Oxford and involves before or after the actual installation Well this is where we can help. county council we are now offering John the Baptist church meeting you know - feel that it in the countryside, particularly we'll try to negotiate some DaG All that's needed is one enthusiastic a Buy One Gate Get One Free before, during or after the AGM) formed: connected through workplace or well over 1,000 volunteers and all room, Sheepcote Road, Harrow would be appropriate to between villages and main roads. funding from the landowner or and committed person to gather a (BOGGOF) scheme throughout D • Particular types of walks (short interest) of Oxford's schools and Brookes HA1 2JE (on the corner of Station talk to Henriette, Elena or Ken form a specialist Ramblers group, and easy walks, walks with and Oxford universities. There is a real need for teams to the parish council. In Oving, couple of fellow parishioners and to 2019! about how you could help, email a flexigroup? Other practical activities, for Road). Please come and share your themes like photography, heritage go out and help to clear up our concerned residents and members petition the parish council. This has Bill Piers To quote Ramblers introductory example path/stile maintenance, It always occurs on the first opinions on the future of the group, Henriette on [email protected] or nature, long and challenging beautiful countryside. On the of the parish council, including happened in North Marston where Co-ordinator, document on this subject, route development. weekend in March, which this year is whether or not you feel able to help or phone her on 020 7272 4493. walks) whole, litter attracts litter, so the the clerk, got together with us Ramblers footpaths checker Trevor North Bucks rRIPPLE "Flexigroups are an easier and 1 - 3 March. As ramblers will know, running it. If you would like to know more less there is the less there will be. and formed Oving Paths Action Jenkins has produced a two-sides- [email protected] The group is continuing to more flexible method of creating • Walks in a particular geographical the brambles and nettles have not Notice is given that a motion about flexigroups, go to our website Volunteering to litter-pick also Group. All their 52 problems will of-A4 'Request to North Marston www.bucks-wmiddx-ramblers. produce a programme of walks, but a local organisation with its own territory - perhaps a much www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk, click grown and the litter is more visible. will be proposed to replace the raises awareness and puts pressure eventually be resolved thanks to the Parish Council for Donation from org.uk/donate-a-gate it may not be possible to distribute identity within the Ramblers to smaller territory than typical for on the 'magazine' tab and look We are very fortunate in Oxford; group's constitution to bring it in on people not to drop litter, and on determined and persistent efforts Parish Council Annual Precept to deliver specific activities without a traditional geographical group at the January 2019 issue of our two, sometimes three, groups of line with the most recent model copies to all members for the time local authorities to keep our roads of the group's members. One of North Bucks rRIPPLE Donate the administrative and governance • Walks at particular times quarterly magazine talking walking. ramblers will go out. Ramblers constitution for local groups. being. So that you can receive litter-free. Most people would the main attributes of the group a Gate Scheme.' This is a well burdens of the traditional Ramblers (weekday walks, summer evening Dave Cavanagh are willing to go outside their Significant changes will be made copies by email please (if necessary) prefer a litter-free environment, has been making friends with local worded 'Word' document that is neighbourhood to work in some to reduce the minimum size of update your contact preferences on of our more difficult areas, whereas both from the environment point of farmers, all of whom they knew, but available to plagiarise on our web solution that may become available if on a minor diversion of Brightwell- now know intimately better! Some page. Attached to it is a DaG the committee and the quorum the Ramblers website at https:// most people wish to volunteer for view as well as enjoying a better view required for committee meetings the adjacent farmland is built on. cum-Sotwell FP25, having corrected their home area. Last year ramblers of our countryside. of the problems have been an issue application form. Already several www.ramblers.org.uk/my-account/ Footpath its documents which previously for well over 10 years and sadly, other parishes such as Ickford, to three. Copies are available, on update-profile.aspx or, if you wish were focused around the Churchill Rosanne Bostock request, from Henriette. The complex of diversions at referred to Wallingford FP 25 (the Hospital, where a lot of fly-tipping [email protected], from past experience, would have Ludgershall, Oakley, Whitchurch to receive copies by post, please Chippinghurst which were to have path is near the boundary). At the Oving Paths Action Group's end Before Henriette came forward matters had occurred. Litter tends to be www.oxclean.org.uk remained so however many times have shown an interest in forming of year lunch for North Bucks rRIPPLE inform Henriette. Alternatively, been a quid pro quo for the bridge at Other matters they were reported to the council. path action groups. We are working the group had a Treasurer and a The county council: James Blockley volunteers and their partners. Anne details of most walks will be (Principal Officer Trees and Public the stepping stones has disappeared There is new information on With the demise of the Parish on, if ever so slowly, Dinton with and Allen Fairbrother with Daphne and Rambles Organiser. A committee Rights of Way) has left the council; from the pending list, presumably the Oxford Flood Scheme. The Paths Partnership scheme that Ford & Upton, Dorton, Quainton Derek Holland. Photo: Bill Piers of these three may be just sufficient available at https://www.ramblers. his replacement is expected to start because they have been refused. They application now has 427 documents to keep the group in existence for org.uk/go-walking/group-finder/ some time in the spring, and will not could not have been made legally attached. the time being. It would, indeed, areas/buckinghamshire-milton- have 'Trees' in his/her title. as a package, and to pursue them The Oxford Expressway has be truly regrettable if the long- keynes-and-west-middlesex/ individually would have cost a vast progressed to the point where existing North West London Group Walking with MK Ramblers groups/north-west-london.aspx. Diversions, claims etc: Diversions sum in public inquiries. stakeholder meetings have been held. was forced to close because of a have been confirmed at Chinnor There is a new planning application The main problem is that the scheme hat a difference a sharing lunch in the village hall New Year started with a walk from lack of volunteers from amongst Finally, thanks are due to the (New House Farm), Wardington and for the Bentley museum by Soho is linked to building a million houses year makes. Our at Great Linford. Woburn and visited the deer park its membership. A strong and former Chairman and (Acting) Idbury; the last connects a cul-de-sac Farms, which retains the bridleway nearby (this is allegedly the sum of W Christmas walk in We held more conventional walks and the path passing the animals enthusiastic committee is needed Secretary, Fred and Stephen, who 2017 was on the weekend the over the festive season. On Boxing in the safari park. We look forward to the network. We will continue on its existing route and has the access the local plans for the next 20 years, to take the group forward, with have served the group well, in a from the Enstone road. I have asked to meet the 'aspirational' (pie-in-the- snow came. For 2018 the day Day we walked from Milton Keynes now to returning to the Wales Coast to object to the extinguishment of vacancies including: variety of capacities, for a total of the Culham railway crossing, on the for a bridleway along or alongside this sky?) plans of the Local Enterprise was bright and sunny. The short via the Brickhills and returned Path at Easter and a coach trip to ground that the crossing is needed access to connect the severed ends of Partnerships. walk was very well attended with along the canal. Lunch was at Great Great Malvern in the summer. Chair, or somebody to fill that role over 20 years between them. (by Network Rail's own admission); Green Lane. David Godfrey The joint Oxford Ramblers and Oxford Path Wardens litter-pick team in 2017. a coffee break for mulled wine Brickhill cricket club where we were Ian Dunford at committee and general meetings; John Esslemont the order pre-empts any possible Vale District Council is consulting Area Footpath Secretary Photo: Siobhan Stead Ellis and stollen, and finished with a able to enjoy a festive pint. The Milton Keynes Ramblers Footpath Secretary, to take a lead Acting Area Secretary 8 South East Walker March 2019 South East Walker March 2019 9 Puddingstone walks in Essex It's Quizmas time! Using a mobile phone t 7.30pm precisely onto a board for all to As we sit round of questions are given to in an emergency ortunate enough to live in rural them the appearance of an old fashioned plum The book starts with an introduction that Puddingstone Walks in Essex is published by on Friday 7 see, Rita squeezes money our tables we munch each team to solve, one any ramblers will have case as the emergency services need Essex, we love nothing more in our pudding studded with cherries and currants. explains what puddingstones are and how Half Way Publishing and can be purchased from December, from reluctant Ramblers through crisps, pretzels, was images of cartoon spare time than getting out and They were formed millions of years ago, and they were formed. A number of myths have Amazon and Ebay for £10.95 plus p&p. A heard of the '999 SMS text' to ask a number of questions about Croydon Ramblers for a chance to win one peanuts or whatever F characters to identify service, more properly your location and the nature of the about in the countryside. Although we were dragged south from the Hertfordshire grown up around these stones from ancient started their 9th of the many raffle prizes you wish to bring along. (Popeye and Top Cat M known as 'emergencySMS'. If you problem. If the emergency service enjoy strolling wherever the mood takes region by glaciers during the ice age. Never times so there is also a section on legend annual quiz. Nothing on show, Penny and Lyn Dave and Rachel on was my limit!) and the are registered with this service does not receive a response to their us, we do prefer to have some sort of having heard of puddingstones, we were and folklore as well as other puddingstone unusual in that you dish out the suppers at my team brought some other sheet was a list of you can contact the emergency questions, no action will be taken. walking project on the go. One such was fascinated and undertook research to discover information. may think but 12 tables half time, collect all the chocolate covered raisins towns which had to be services by text. This exchange of SMS messages working our way through the 21 walks in what others might be found in the region. Easy to follow directions are provided. Each with eight quizzers per rubbish and were even - they didn't last long I matched to counties. The Ramblers' 'In Case of means that making a voice 999 David Gridley's excellent Walking the Lost This process made us increasingly aware walk has details about parking, with postcodes table = 96 ramblers seen making tea and can tell you! We wash In a previous life which Emergency' card suggests the use call will always be quicker. If you that there were very few 'off the shelf' walks for the satnav for easy navigation to the start and friends all out for coffee. our snacks down with Railways of Essex. entailed work, I used of this service for contacting the visit www.emergencysms.org.uk a jolly good evening We have eight sets wine, beer or whatever A couple of years ago, we found ourselves where puddingstones were actually en route point, Ordnance Survey map references, and to travel extensively emergency services when you have you can see how to register for the testing those little grey of 12 questions and you choose to bring to bereft at having reached the end of the book. or even mentioned. So we decided to create location of the puddingstones as well as the throughout mainland a reduced phone signal. It is true service. We also have information cells and having a very have a set of numbers the table and then after that an SMS text will sometimes get For a time our weekend walks became fairly our own book of walks, passing each of the pubs encountered en route. Colour photos of UK and so I thought at www.ngts.org.uk. If you are in good social occasion to 1,3,4.5,6,7,8,10 which four rounds of questions through when there is not enough random affairs, drawn from various books and puddingstones that were known about in Essex the stones, scenery and outline maps of each I did quite well at this the mountains where the mobile boot! act as multipliers, we take a break (the signal for a voice call. internet searches. However, one walk was to as well as quite a few extras that we, excitingly, walk are included throughout. quiz. Unfortunately, coverage is patchy and there is a Our quiz has been so if your team feels brain needs a rest) and What is less well known are the prove serendipitous. It took us through the discovered ourselves. The result was a book We have set up a website www. we did not do as well as likelihood that only one message will organised by Jeff that they have done eat our 96 portions of limitations of this service. Because very pretty village of Ugley Green and the of 22 circular, dog-friendly walks of three puddingstonewalks.com as we would be very I had hoped so did not get through, we would always suggest Balderson who over exceptionally well on fish and chips or chicken I read an article pointing out that directions instructed us to look out for the and a half to seven miles, covering over 100 interested to hear from other walkers about win the Smartie Prize. sending an SMS message to someone the years has done a one answer sheet, then and chips which Jeff has the service is intended for those large puddingstone boulder on the green. It miles of Essex footpaths and taking in over 50 their own finds. We warmly invite you to All the teams have who knows you and your route, and brilliant job, sorting they can attach a high previously ordered from with hearing difficulties and that if explained that these naturally occurring rocks puddingstones. Most of the walks are based in share our pleasure of discovering on foot the a name and a team they can contact 999 on your behalf. out the questions, multiplier number to the local chippy down everyone used it the service would captain, the winning If you do publicise the service please are so named because they are made up of the north west of the county, as this is where charming puddingstones of Essex. The puddingstone and pump at Ugley Green, Essex. answer sheets, hiring the answer sheet thereby the road. Ketchup, be unable to cope, I sent a query to ensure that people understand the colourful pebbles cemented together, giving the puddingstones are to be found. Jacqui Farrants and Paul Bentley Photo: Jacqui Farrants of the hall, organising multiplying the score or salt, pepper, vinegar, team this year was NGTS, the emergencySMS service limitations and that they visit www. the prizes and trying alternatively if your team knives and forks, are all 'Universally Challenged' provider. Their reply was illuminating: "The emergencySMS.org.uk for more to keep order when, as feels they did not do so supplied. Tea and coffee (again!) and carried off emergencySMS service is primarily information." you can imagine, with well, then they could is available for those the bottles of wine. This aimed at deaf, hard of hearing and Another feature of the 999 voice this number of people attach a lower number who want it. Then we team though, does have speech-impaired people because service when used from a mobile things can get a little multiplier thereby, get back to the serious a secret weapon - young they cannot use the standard voice phone is that a 999 call is not limited A hundred years on noisy. Behind every hedging your bets so to business of quizzing. people! Interestingly, 999 service and might be unable to carriage by your service provider. If Thames Path successful quizmaster is speak, Did you get that? Now, whilst the main the losing team was embers of West Prudential and Lloyd's. Close where a regimental band was to use the Text Relay Emergency your phone shows no signal this only a team; Jeff's wife Kitty At the end of the day it quiz is going on and 'The Oddities', and they London Group marked to St Paul's Cathedral is the rehearsing - and the remarkable service because they do not have a relates to the service for which you are Shallow here, the river sprawls easily checks the answer sheets doesn't seem to make a between mouthfuls of carried away the tins of the centenary of the splendid National Firefighters'Animals at War' memorial in Park textphone with them. We realise that contracted. There may be a usable M between fields of newly planted winter wheat, and collates the scores lot of difference really. snacks, two other sets sardines (brain food you there could be situations when the Great War Armistice with two Memorial. After a picnic stop on signal from a different provider and if Lane. see). I say interestingly SMS service could be of benefit to days of 'Sites of Remembrance' the Embankment, we crossed to We covered about 15 miles over between green gravel lakes & crackling hawthorns, because our Chairman, so the 999 call will go through using other phone users. However, while that. If you have no provider or even walks in central London last Waterloo station, the Victory Arch the two days. Although at times willows in mourning, Roy Endersby, was on the emergencySMS service provides November, ably devised and led and the Imperial War Museum. you might think of the project as a between poplars shimmering all the way along the track that team - I'm saying a similar service to the standard no sim card in your mobile phone it will still work for a 999 call as long as by Sue Aldridge. This proved to There, of course, we had many somewhat sombre one, we enjoyed in low-going sunlight. nothing! I was our 999 it will always be quicker to be a fascinating couple of days. poignant moments and admired a good weather, with opportunities team's captain and our use the standard 999 service rather your phone battery has some charge (if you doubt this remove the sim As Londoners, we like to pride display of the 'Weeping Window' for sociable refreshment stops, and team 'The Croydon than exchanging SMS messages. card from a mobile phone and turn learned a lot about our past. There Shrieking its discontent, Rumblers' came about The system uses SMSdelivery of ourselves on our knowledge of ceramic poppies. A visit to the it on, the screen will somewhere say 9th. I always felt we messages and cannot be guaranteed the capital city, but each of us museum's cafe rounded off our first was plenty of food for thought a great grey heron we've disturbed rises, 'emergency calls only'). were doing so well and and secondly, it is necessary to send was surprised to discover sites day. along with a companionable walk. flaps away So always try a voice call to 999 Thank you Sue! surprised we did not end a number of messages before help is and monuments that were new Among the highlights of the from a bend in the river sent. The last point is very important before trying the SMS service even if to us. second day were memorials in Anna Harris up higher on the score you seem to have no signal. where the path flicks sideways board. Personally, I because people imagine that if one Starting at Tower Hill, we spent Battersea Park and, after a walk West London Ramblers SMS message gets through help Phil Smith time in Trinity Square Garden, along the Thames at Millbank, at a gate; blame it on Brexit! will be on the way. This is not the Chairman, East Berks Ramblers looking at the monuments to there were the familiar sites of then settles only yards ahead. Jeff the quizmaster (standing) with 96 eager quizzers ready for the off! Photo: John Tickner John Tickner merchant seamen who lost their Whitehall, the Cenotaph and lives in both world wars. Then Parliament Square, including the Beside us, gleaming heifers wade, there were city churches, such splendid memorial to the women of as St Ethelburga's, which were World War II, and statues of heroes swaying, into the water: deliberately left after bomb damage and heroines too numerous to hock-deep, lowing but unworried; in the blitz and now offer beautiful single out. Lunch at the Methodist dipping their heads to drink, drips Ghost paths gardens for contemplation and Central Hall (an air raid shelter in Opinion falling in slo-mo from their lips. reconciliation. St Sepulchre's World War II and the site of the incorporates a regimental first post-war meeting of the UN wo years ago, I was Should we be trying to apply to have notices to that effect as I had seen of local travel and transport for chapel, and its Musicians Chapel Walking this way, we have no thought General Assembly) was followed delighted to become a them made official public rights of elsewhere. They were also not country people. They tend to head commemorates Sir Henry Wood by the royal parks, Commonwealth of clocks: Local Footpath Warden ways? Would this disturb a delicate the famous 'paths of desire' where purposefully toward the next village and Dame Nellie Melba among memorials, monuments to the T just the rhythm of sun & moon for my home patch of Sturry and balance between landowners and people create their own short or the church. Modern footpath others. We had an absorbing fallen in more recent conflicts and ferrying east to west, Fordwich, near Canterbury, in users which could backfire and cuts through public spaces such usage has changed but the public tour of the Square Mile, passing to victims of terrorism. New to us The 'Weeping Window' of ceramic the beat of our steps on the path, East Kent. lead to the loss of the paths due to as parks. It was obvious that the rights of way have not. It is rare several memorials to staff of were the Flanders Field Memorial poppies at the Imperial War Museum. I had lived and worked in the landowner objections? landowners must have been aware for a new one to be created. We David Reekie City institutions, including the Garden, the Guards' Chapel - Photo: Chris Parnell like the Thames gently area for 38 years and was a regular, I soon encountered other walkers of them but did not object. If so, now use them for pleasure, healthy carrying us west to east keen walker. I thought I knew all - they were just locals from the they perhaps could be designated as exercise, and dog walking. These from others. The questions that I under flocks of skittish starlings the local footpaths but how wrong immediate neighbourhood out for 'de facto permissive footpaths' since require short circular routes and would like to ask you are: I was! As a good law-abiding and recreation, exercise and a lot of dog there was obviously an unspoken that is exactly what these paths feeding on berries. rather timid citizen, I had always walking. No one outside the parish and unwritten agreement between provide. • Do these paths exist everywhere kept to the public rights of way would know that these ways existed. the landowners and the users that As members of the Ramblers, we in such numbers or are Fordwich Film, walk and talk and Sturry somehow unusual? All is peace, our walk unhurried. as shown on my Ordnance Survey The paths mostly did not appear on the paths could be walked as long as tend to be very focused on public fter a showing of the film Evelyn at Clapham as twilight was falling. map. As I walked in the area, I Ordnance Survey maps apart from a there was no nuisance caused. rights of way. Perhaps too much • Should they be more widely Picturehouse on Sunday 25 November We were delighted to have played a part in hosting became increasingly aware of other few shown as black dotted lines. I Why do I call them 'ghost so, The mass trespassers of 1932 recognised, mapped and 2018, George Fletcher, supported by Nicole one of a number of walks that were taking place around C Lizzie Ballagher footpaths not marked as rights of started to record the footpaths and paths'? Well, they have a shadowy must have been using paths not appreciated? (or maybe they A way, which branched off the official eventually plotted them on maps. existence. A parallel, informal designated as legal rights of way. already are - and I have just and me, led at least 50 audience members on a the country in association with the film, and supported by the Ramblers, the Samaritans, the Campaign network. I started to explore them Fordwich and Sturry between reality, unrecognised by the official Maybe we need to discover the missed it. I am surely not the walk across Clapham Common which ended just only one to have noticed them!) Against Living Miserably and other charities. Everyone and was astonished to discover what them had well over six miles of guardians of legal path existence. Spirit of '32 and take much more seemed to enjoy the walk and yes, there was plenty to amounted to an alternative system paths, many of them lovely routes They also appear and disappear interest in extra-legal footpaths. • If widespread, what are your talk about. of informal paths which connected through ancient woodland full of without warning. One recently These routes, if protected and experiences of using them? Are with the official ones and created a anemones and bluebells in spring. vanished suddenly when a new cherished could form the next stage The film, which was shown at last year's London they important in your area? wonderfully useful network of new This amounted to around a third of locked gate was installed. Others of the opening up of public access • Should we be recording and Film Festival, highlights the importance of seeking routes. These paths were well used the total parish path length. They come and go as fields are ploughed to the countryside. This was a support in times of crisis and that can be through trying to incorporate them into and easy to follow. Some showed seemed to function as connections and undergrowth cut back or battle which was fought and only the public rights of way network talking to others and through activities which might evidence of maintenance with fallen allowing a much greater number of allowed to grow. They are phantom partly won by previous generations include walking. It reminds us of the significance of by applying for designation on trees cut down and undergrowth short circular walks to be created. routes through the countryside of ramblers. the grounds of historical usage? physical activity and the part it can play in the healing cut. I wondered what their legal with a tenuous hold on reality My purpose in writing this process. Walking with others as well as alone allows a This discovery immediately status was and what the landowners They are clearly a great asset to the article is to raise the profile of • Could this upset a delicate space to 'be' in both the physical and spiritual sense. made me curious and raised a host thought about it. I contacted local community and appear to be these paths which must surely exist balance between landowner Rose Harley of questions: What were these Ramblers Central Office and they part of the continuing evolution of almost everywhere. There could and locals which might be Chair, Hammersmith, mysterious paths? Who used them thought they might be classified the footpath network by providing be a thousand miles of them in counterproductive? Fulham & Wandsworth Ramblers and why were they made? What as 'permissive footpaths'. Clearly, new short circular routes. When Kent alone, which would be an I would love to hear from you. Photo: Lizzie Ballagher was their legal status? Does every they were not officially designated the public rights of way network enormous and under-recognised David Reekie The group at the bandstand on Clapham Common. For more information on the film and future showings village have similar unofficial paths? as 'permiossive' as there were no developed, footpaths were means asset. I would be delighted to hear [email protected] Photo: Jonny Benjamin visit https://www.evelynmovie.com/watch 10 South East Walker March 2019 South East Walker March 2019 11 A walk for Alan Having fun too Charles Wake artford and Gravesham us to the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire invigorating Norfolk Coast Path. ighty-eight Ramblers KENT Ramblers love to have border area in May, where we Both trips enjoyed amazing weather walked across 31 fun. As well as a full walked through the beautiful Ratley and provided an opportunity to remembered Canterbury bridges in D E programme of walks both mid- and Lower Brailes areas, visiting the make new friends, keep fit, learn hite Cliffs Ramblers memory of their friend and week and Sundays we also have site of the English Civil War battle some history and see some incredible are celebrating their colleague Alan Clewer on calling two quizzes, a barn dance and of Edgehill and lovely Upton House countryside. 30th anniversary Friday 9 November. W two walking trips away together with its spectacular garden. Our Beverley Johnston this year, and as part of the Alan, who lived in Dover, and who each year. second trip took us to King's Lynn Dartford and Gravesham celebrations, a walk is being died in June 2018, was a member Our first trip away last year took in Norfolk in September, and the Ramblers held in memory of the group's of the White Cliffs Ramblers and first Chairman, Charles Wake, Canterbury Ramblers, and had on Sunday 24 March. Getting families walking helped organise the annual White The walk will visit the memorial Cliffs Walking Festival. One of bench to Charles on Hawkshill on Romney Marsh his favourite walks was his six-mile Common, which the group paid Canterbury Bridges Walk. for after Charles died, aged 85, Members of both groups turned ew would doubt the benefits our support Kent Wildlife Trust has activity out of doors. These skills will in 1999, shortly before the 10th out for the memorial walk which of getting families walking secured a grant from Sport England include leading walks and we are in anniversary. Charles was one of started from the bandstand in Dane but we in Kent, and probably scores of members of the Ramblers F for a project to encourage walking discussion with Kent Wildlife Trust John Gardens. They were joined our colleagues in other Areas too, and enjoyment of the countryside by about how our experienced volunteers who attended a meeting to set up by Alan's daughter Claire and son a local group covering the Dover have not had great success in recent communities in the relatively deprived can contribute to the training David. Afterward Claire said: years. rural area of Romney Marsh with programme. and Deal, Folkestone and Hythe Charles Wake "What a day. It was a wonderful and Thanet areas. It was decided Analysis of the geographical particular emphasis on families. The If you would like to be involved in walk. We were expecting 49 to form a steering committee, in an unfailing gentlemanly but distribution of our members also shows focus will be on building a network of this exciting project please contact me people and 88 turned up! Dad which met in January 1989 at always businesslike manner (as that we are not attracting residents of volunteers in the 25 - 40 age group at [email protected] would have been overwhelmed to Charles's home. At that meeting, committee members who spoke the less affluent parts of the county. with the skills to motivate others in Robert Peel see how many people had turned it was decided that Charles would for too long might sometimes We are therefore pleased that with their community to engage in more Area Secretary up in his memory. I can't thank be Chairman and that the group find to their cost!) them enough." would be called the White Cliffs Hawkshill Common, with its Graham Smith Alan Clewer on one of his Ramblers (at that meeting I fine views out across the Channel, White Cliffs Ramblers Canterbury Bridges walks. was one of Charles's favourite any people start walkers, accustomed to long walks The group in Oxfordshire last May. became the group's Press Officer spots, which he would often visit the New Year with and short lunches, has got into the - a position I still hold). with his wife, Ruth. During the Long resolutions to get fit, habit of doing a short walk with Charles was a former RAF M squadron leader who had served memorial walk, which is nine eat less and exercise more. a long lunch each January. And and a half miles long and starts Just to be different, a group Area Footpath Officer with distinction in World War so it was this year that 20 of our from Walmer's Kingsdown Road of Bromley Ramblers' Sunday Two. He was the recipient of a lunch finest (if not fittest) gathered mid- e were pleased when to give the role the time it needed and preferences. host of awards, including a Purple car park (the one just along from morning for a modest six-mile Mike Hayley took and has relinquished the position. Our public rights of way work Heart awarded by the Americans Granville Road) at 10am, Ted walk with the lure of lunch at a W on the role of Area We therefore need a replacement is vital and satisfying. Please don't for an act of gallantry. Roche - who knew Charles well welcoming pub. Footpath Officer a year ago, urgently and appeal to any member assume that someone else will do it or Charles threw himself into the and later succeeded him as group The weather was dry and boring, allowing the role of Area who might be able to help to get in that you haven't got the skills. If you role of Chairman, leading several of Chairman - will say a few words the company definitely not so. Public Rights of Way Manager touch at [email protected]. would like to make a real difference the walks on the first programme, about Charles when the bench is We descended 600 feet, stopping previously held by Averil Brice We would be very happy to discuss to the quality of the path network in including the group's inaugural reached. The lunch stop will be briefly at the eerie but magnificent and which had become too large options for further splitting the role Kent, you can discuss options with walk, from Northbourne at St Margaret's. for one person to be split between so please make contact even if you us without commitment. Coldrum Long Barrow, then on on 12 February 1989. He Graham Smith Averil and Mike. have only limited time, we will do Robert Peel to the pub. Two hours later, after conducted committee meetings White Cliffs Ramblers Sadly Mike has not been able our best to tailor a post to your skills Area Secretary a full roast dinner, sinful desserts and drinks, we emerged to boot up and the realisation dawned that we now had to regain that 600 Alan's daughter, Claire Jones, with members of White Cliffs and Canterbury feet of ascent. In fact, the uphill groups at the start of the walk in Dane John Gardens, Canterbury. slog passed relatively easily with conversation ranging over many of the matters of the day and a count ESSEX at the end showed that we had all made it back. Maybe next time we should Kate to extras consider a walk that goes up empty in the morning and comes down full after lunch! open festival Tony Upson Coldrum Long Barrow, near Trottiscliffe in Kent. Photo: Tony Upson Bromley Ramblers his year's White Cliffs Challenge on 24 August, put on for Colchester Member Walking Festival will the festival by the Long Distance Tbe opened by Kate Walkers Association. Ashbrook, Vice-President of the The full programme will be t our group's 56th AGM (yes, we really of the Year Seasonal favourite: West Essex Group members enjoyed their annual mince pie are that old!) we enjoyed a fascinating Ramblers, General Secretary on the festival website www. and mulled wine ramble in Epping Forest on Thursday 20 December. Crossness talk presentation on the Crossness Pumping of the Open Spaces Society and whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk, as olchester Ramblers Photo: Mervyn Martin A have awarded the Station in Bexley borough by Petra Cox of the Patron of Walkers Are Welcome. well as in a brochure being produced Crossness Engines Trust. This will be the seventh walking for the event which should be CJessie Keeble Shield The pumping station, designed by engineer Sir Joseph festival organised by White Cliffs available in June. Most walks will to their member of the year, member, Meetup charges Organiser Bazalgette and opened in 1865, is often described as a Ramblers, and takes place between be in the areas of Dover and Deal, Regina Mason, the group's Meetup Subscriptions to start and lead 'masterpiece of engineering ' and a Victorian cathedral 22 and 28 August, with the opening both towns having Walkers Are Sunday Walks Organiser, Meetup groups as an organiser. of iron work'. The station, decommissioned in 1950, ceremony on Deal seafront on the Welcome status. who frequently leads walks n September's South East Pricing is in US dollars (which are is Grade I listed and houses what is thought to be the morning of the first day. This year will be the second time herself, is a committee Walker we reported that converted to sterling). It's $9.99 largest rotating beam engines in the world. We are proud The festival's organising group is Kate will have opened the festival, as member and assists in all Igroups in Essex were being per month for up to 50 members to have Crossness on our 'patch'. It is still undergoing now planning the event, which will she did so in 2017. A total of 1,200 manner of activities. encouraged to experiment and four organisers, and $14.99 renovation by volunteers, one of whom is our member comprise some 40 walks, ranging walkers went on the festival's walks I was very happy to present with Meetup, a social media per month for numbers over that. Paul Watson. Paul (020 8857 7656) would be delighted from short special interest ones of last year. Regina with the award during organising tool which enables Apologies for any confusion caused, to hear from anybody interested in helping with the one or two miles, to longer hikes More details of the festival will the lunch break of a walk on people with common interests to and thanks to Justin Koprowski project. Petra ([email protected]) would be of 10 - 18 miles. There will also be appear in the next issue of South 2 January. get together. of Chiltern Weekend Walkers for happy to talk to other groups. several special interest and history/ East Walker. Roger Jones We erroneously said that it was pointing it out. Crossness pumping station reopens to the public on 28 March. Carole Flowerday heritage walks. The longest walk Graham Smith Chairman, free and although it's always free Mike Cannell Photo: Colin Wilde North West Kent Ramblers will be the 32-mile White Cliffs White Cliffs Ramblers Colchester Ramblers Regina Mason accepts the award from Roger Jones. Photo: Brenda Jones to set up a Meetup account as a Area Media Officer 12 South East Walker March 2019 South East Walker March 2019 13 trail. However, the project post and his widow Linda Geoff Baguley which best exemplifieswill be taking John's ashes Footpath matters records him leading a Biggleswade station John Hartley John's extraordinary drive to Shoreham. walk at Old Warden and most surprised adly, at the In November 2007, and commitment was the One group member lthough December saw is interested is welcome to obtain said:"John was a man who BEDFORDSHIRE on 19 June 1986, less to find someone who beginning of the John joined the fledgling organisation of a complete a continuing flow of a copy from me at walking@ traverse of the 625-mile put ideas into actions. than two years after spoke their language. year Leighton Bedfordshire Area applications for new madasafish.com. the formation of the S committee as Area Monarch's Way Trail by a No greater proof of that A Geoff was a very Buzzard Ramblers lost building developments, very Our RIPPLE activities group, and had led Secretary. Former Area small group of Leighton could be found than in his easy man to get on few affected footpaths. continued almost until Christmas 14 walks by the time one of its most popular Chairman, Barry Ingram, Buzzard Ramblers, to be Monarch's Way project. bulletin Applications for new builds with a lot of work done near with. He was good and respected members, undertaken over a number Who else would set his sights of the booklet. says of John that he was "a are examined by our footpath the new Central Bedfordshire Geoff was an active humoured, patient John Hartley, who has very thorough, honest and of years. on a scheme that would committee if rights of way might highways depot at Thorn Turn, member and served and not flustered died after a brave battle straight-talking person for The route follows the take a decade to complete Geoff Baguley and drive it forward with be affected. Most can be answered where we have installed lots of on the committee by problems. On with cancer at the age of whom I had the utmost escape trail taken by King such commitment". The by a quick look at a map. There yellow-topped marker posts to t Christmas, from 1992 to 1997, one weekend trip respect". Charles II after his defeat at 79. end of the Monarch's Way are others which require a site visit highlight the new and diverted news came including one to the Peak District John and his wife Linda John remained Area the Battle of Worcester in through will be a fitting tribute to Bedfordshire Walking to see if and how an application paths which result from the year as Footpath he skilfully defused moved to Leighton Buzzard Secretary until November 1651, starting in Worcester A a decent, kind and honest from his wife Secretary. However, a dispute that had in 2000 where they soon 2011, although more and finishing at Shoreham- might affect a path. If a path is building of new roads. There Jo that Geoff man whose memory will he will perhaps be arisen with a pub joined Leighton Buzzard recently he was a member by-Sea. The group started adversely affected an objection is still work to be done in that Baguley, stalwart the route in May 2011 live on in all of us. best known for his landlord over a soup Ramblers and led their first of the John Bunyan Trail Festival 2019 would be made, usually with some vicinity and also in the Billington of the early days of and are due to complete Andrea Deeley involvement in the Area Working Committee constructive suggestions. Our area along a section of the River that had allegedly walk for the group on New Chair, Leighton Buzzard lans are well underway and the response has been most 15 September. Ivel Valley group. French exchange Year's Day 2002. John that ultimately resulted in their mission this May. Footpath Officers have inspected Ousel. Before the Christmas break not been paid for. Ramblers to celebrate the 10th encouraging. Last year we saw some London had died. He with the walking joined the committee in the publication of the John The group will be having and agreed on the diversion of volunteers had cleared, improved had not walked He regularly led anniversary of the The Greensand Ridge Challenge groups join us for the first time and group in Malaunay 2003 and became Secretary Bunyan Trail guide on our its annual Spring Break in P Staploe footpaths 8 and 8A, at signage and put in a new marker with the group in Normandy, walks for the group and Membership Secretary website in 2018. nearby Worthing in order Bedfordshire Walking Festival 40-mile, two-day, event will take we would be pleased to offer you Poddington where a footpath was post in the Harrowden area of in recent years, Sandy's twin town, and we became used In 2008 John organised to welcome the Monarch's and all the indications are that place over the weekend of 14-15 our hospitality again. Please contact in 2004. built over many years ago and it Bedford. This area near to John having moved to and served on the to his very laid-back In 2006 John edited a a 21-mile midsummer Way team home and it will be something special. We September and the festival will have [email protected] if is now a tidying up process, and Bunyan's birthplace offers a short Grange-over-Sands sub-committee approach with a booklet of 'Favourite Walks' challenge walk split into celebrate the realisation of have asked walkers, attractions, a range of walks every day from the you and/or your group would be at Chalton where diverting the and interesting circular walk for in Cumbria, to be for the exchange. constant supply of to mark the group's 25th three separate walks John's grand project. organisations and anyone we can morning of Saturday 6 September interested in joining us. path along the brook will actually locals but wasn't well used because close to where his His career was in jokes about it. anniversary. Also in 2006 totalling 21 miles, with After his terminal cancer think of for ideas and suggestions to the afternoon of Sunday Barry Ingram son lived. education and he improve the path. At Yieldenthere of confusing signage. Thanks to Our condolences John organised the first anyone completing the full diagnosis, John was deeply It is not known was an accomplished has been an application for the the work of our volunteers users go to Geoff's wife of what is now an annual distance being awarded a upset that he would not when Geoff and linguist. One certificate. be able to complete the stopping-up of a length of public should have no problems in the Jo and the rest of the fixture in the group's general questions. The formal AGM did not take long Jo started walking member, Bruce calendar: the Spring Break From 2014 to 2017 John Monarch's Way with the family. and all the officers were re-elected: Nick Markham as highway with vehicular rights. If future. regularly with the Blott, remembers short holiday, the first of organised the completion others. He requested that the application is successful it will We plan to restart RIPPLE Tony Sheward & Chair, Kevin Barratt as Treasurer, Bob Tarron as Chair/ group but the 10th him assisting a party which was held in Lynton of four annual stages of the his walking boots should John Hartley. Area AGM restrict that length of highway to activities in February with work anniversary booklet of Japanese tourists Lynda Kynnersley Secretary of the Footpath Committee and myself as on the Devon coast. Glyndwr's Way national be carried to the finishing Photo: Linda Hartley he Area AGM was held on 26 November Publicity Officer. Nick Markham also continues as non-vehicular use. A benefit to every other Tuesday across the published in 1994 who were lost at Ivel Valley Group at Woburn village hall and was hosted Training Officer. For the eighth year running there walkers. county. One of the first tasks will by Leighton Buzzard Group with Chair was no offer to fill the Secretary post, neither was there Bedford Borough has sent out be to clear an overgrown path in T information and guidelines to all the Broom area before heading Andrea Deeley leading the morning walk followed an offer to fill the Membership Secretary post so both by an excellent lunch prepared and served by positions remain vacant. Members were able to take parish councils, for researching over to Billington later in the Julian Chritchlow and June Ayres. away copies of the Area Booklet together with flyers lost paths in the lead up to 2026 month. Following more changes French visitors A Ramblers employee and council member attended promoting the Festival of Winter Walks offered by all after which any path not on the in Bedford Borough a meeting is BERKSHIRE isitors from the definitive map will be lost forever. to be held to discuss the best way and updated everyone on the thorny issue of the General four groups. French town of This information can be used forward and work will then be Data Protection Regulations before answering more Barry Ingram Viry-Chatillon, anywhere, not just in Bedford added to the schedule. V which is twinned with Borough and any member who Barry Ingram bites Wokingham, joined Mid Berks Ramblers on Sunday 7 October 2018 for a walk to improve your knowledge? One of from Hurley. our aims is to continually improve the The route took in the Thames Course knowledge and skills of our walkers Path before heading south to Extending accessibility Ashley Hill where we enjoyed e will be holding a and this session will be open to new Walk Leaders course and experienced walk leaders. It will ollowing a presentation or hear very well, are unsteady on Although our work will necessarily a picnic lunch. We returned on Saturday 6 April at offer participants the opportunity to and discussion on footpath their feet or are wheelchair users. The be limited to the Windsor and to Hurley enjoying a view W over the Thames Valley before Cranfield village hall. exchange ideas and discuss how to accessibility for people with lack of parking facilities can also be Maidenhead public rights of way F descending to the Thames. disabilities in December, the a problem. There may also be issues network it would be very helpful to Have you ever thought about plan and lead a walk. For full details Windsor and Maidenhead Local with the paths themselves: gates, stiles have a range of views from others to There was much chatting in leading a walk or are perhaps an contact: [email protected]. AGM walkers outside the church at Woburn Sands. We persuaded the vicar to join us for the photo. Photo: Barry Ingram Access Forum decided to set up a and even the material used to surface inform our work. English and French. We only experienced leader who would like Barry Ingram working party to explore the matter paths can cause problems. All comments are very welcome. It came across mud by one stile in greater depth. The working While most would probably would be especially helpful to know where a Mid Berks rambler the White Horse in party members are the forum's agree that it would be good for the the extent to which you think paths gallantly cleaned one visitor's Going underground Southill. Everyone disability advisor, a representative public rights of way network to be and bridleways should be modified to muddy shoes. Our guests Ivel Valley joined the singing to Sybil Davies of the National Trust, and myself. accessible to as wide a range of people enable access for all. Any examples were not used to stiles but e i g h t o n in 2003 but now a Then, after a the accompaniment Our aims are to consider as possible, equally it would not be of best practice with regard to luckily there were many gates ne of our B u z z a r d section of the line welcome coffee in here were no has been persuaded of Yen Lin on appropriate accessibility standards feasible for the whole network to improving accessibility would also be on this walk. Wokingham surprises at to continue as no o l d e r and to identify parts of the public consist of all-ability paths. Our broad of particular interest. and Viry-Chatillon have been Ramblers at Mount Pleasant is the museum cafe, we keyboard and members L the group's replacement could O rights of way network that could vision is for a network that includes I'd like to hear from you so please twinned for 30 years and this took to the tracks open for the public waited at the Mail T Anthony Copsey on passed away AGM in November be found. last December. to ride. Rail departure point violin. The event was in her sleep in reasonably be expected to be accessible a variety of paths and routes that as a get in touch via the Footpath Secretary year it will be our turn to cross with all the officers In early December, Not footpaths, We travelled from for our time slot and expertly organised by January. Sybil to people with disabilities. People whole caters for all those who wish to link on the East Berks Ramblers the channel. We hope some re-elected except 67 members but a Saturday Leighton Buzzard our ride on the train. Bernard and Mary Davies was one with disabilities often find accessing use and enjoy them. This would not website at eastberksramblers.org. ramblers will join us. the Programme participated in the visit to Mail Rail, by train to London Because the two foot Morse. of Ivel Valley's the public rights of way network only include people with disabilities Steve Gillions Ali Melabie Secretary, Andy Wednesday group's Enjoying the walk. Photo: Ali Melabie formerly the Post Euston then walked gauge railway was Just over a week regular walkers problematic for a number of reasons. but others who may find difficulties, Footpath Secretary, Mid Berks Ramblers Knight, who had Christmas walk This may be because they cannot see such as mums with pushchairs. Office Railwayto Mount Pleasant not designed to carry later members were many years ago East Berks Ramblers stated his intention which visited the site which sent mail via Tavistock Square, before asthma people the miniature to step down. He where some scenes able to feast again by underground Brunswick Gardens cars are small and with the annual took its toll and was replaced by for the film Those walking became Sybil Davies. railway to sorting and the grounds of sitting in one is mulled wine ramble Photo: Bedford Alan Rowland. Magnificent Men in increasingly offices in central Thomas Coram's very snug. Before when, on a bright Rambling Club It's magic! It's not only about walking Secretary Sue Tate their Flying Machines difficult. London. It closed Foundling Hospital. departure a perspex Sunday morning, a had indicated her were shot. The walk Sybil walked with all the groups in and he year 2018 ended with our ang Valley Ramblers believe made soups, fresh crusty breads and dome is pulled over bracing walk led by intention to not was followed by around Bedford and was well known too annual Christmas party, an that socialising is an important some excellent cheeses, all washed down your head, then Dave Broughton was seek re-election but lunch and carols at as a member of the Long Distance Walkers American supper featuring Ppart of our activities. It helps by a selection of wines and soft drinks. the journey begins followed by a buffet Association. Sybil just loved walking, life T the group identity and enables new So perhaps it is no wonder that the event a professional close-up magician through the tunnels. lunch organised by and her crossword puzzles, and was a and mind-reader whose table top members to quickly feel part of the is popular! At the end of a Tina, Val, Sue and formidable opponent in any quiz. Simply group. In recent years we have also had a short tricks left everyone spellbound. very enjoyable visit others. put, Sybil was a lovely and interesting This was proved by two bumper social walk followed by a Christmas lunch and we walked through Looking ahead the person who will be sadly missed by all her This was followed by a mind- events in November and December. again a record number attended for the the back streets group has a week's friends and her two daughters. reading demonstration which was Both our Annual General Meeting and 2018 event. With balloons flying across of Islington and holiday based in Sybil died on the eve of her 90th beautifully summed-up by one Christmas Lunch were attended by the room, squeakers being blown and Camden to return to Alfriston at the end birthday. I guess she didn't have any member who said "I know it's a trick record numbers of members; indeed we silly hats worn, a good time was had. We Euston for our train of April, a coach trip more puff left to blow out the candles. but for the life of me I can't see how ran out of food at our AGM because so know that walking is good for our health, No doubt she will be exploring the world home. to Virginia Water and it was done". many were there. We traditionally have but so is socialising and in Ramblers we she has now gone to, and we thank her for a walk before the meeting, then prior to are lucky that we can combine the two. Michael Shephard Windsor in May, and her contribution to this one. Richard Trimmer the formal meeting we provide a 'free Leighton Buzzard Ivel Valley's Wednesday walkers on their Christmas a city explorer break Barry Ingram West Berks Ramblers Michael Howes All aboard! Photo: Catriona Spencer Ramblers walk. Photo: Barry Ingram in Liverpool in June. At the Pang Valley AGM in November. Photo: Michael Howes lunch', with a variety of tasty home- Pang Valley Ramblers 14 South East Walker March 2019 South East Walker March 2019 15 Bournemouth Selworthy, Somerset Castleton, Derbyshire e had our traditional Wish you were here? Shearings coach hut took pity on us and let us eat utumn in the south of water, more than compensated a cottage provided homemade weekend away in collected Croydon our soggy sandwiches in his little west can be barmy for by a stop at a lovely teashop cakes and tea. the Peak District, Ramblers from shop. To be honest, the weather A A and so it turned out in the hamlet of Horner. Our three walk leaders Wbased in Castleton, at the end Croydon, Purley, Coulsdon was so bad I think we were the rock formations that inspired some for our week last October. Next day we took a coach ensured we all returned each of November. and Carshalton on Friday 14 only visitors. He was even kind of Dalli's surrealist landscapes. On arrival at the HF house to the outskirts of Lynmouth evening to enjoy the good food Having had every sort of weather December and proceeded in enough to let us sample some old- We also visited the monastery at in Selworthy, we were soon before a dry and sunny walk at Holnicote House. Probably in previous years we were blessed Roses, Spain a sedate manner to the Savoy style alcoholic beverages that were enjoying scones with cream through Watersmeet arriving the most enjoyable evening Sant Pere de Rodes, which sits at this time with good weather. Hotel in Bournemouth. on special offer, but as we were ur group's annual that was dinner was a wonderful 500 metres above sea level with and jam (or should that be in Lynmouth just after lunch. entertainment was on the last Saturday's walk took us up Mam This hotel is not to be confused cold and wet we kept his coffee holiday overseas is surprise, prepared by a distinguished consequent stunning views. jam and cream!) and meeting We took the water-powered evening when there was a nine Tor, along the ridge to Lose Hill with the Savoy in London which machine going full tilt for quite always much enjoyed chef who catered for us each night A welcome day off in the middle our leaders, Tess, Estelle and funicular railway up to Lynton pin skittle alley, though perhaps and then a climb up Win Hill O doesn't do three nights bed, a while. Liz. and continued around the some of the merriment was and our 2018 holiday in Roses, with different and interesting of the walking week gave us an before returning to Castleton early breakfast and evening meal plus Now for Sunday's walk. After Catalonia was no exception. We dishes, superbly presented, preceded opportunity to visit the world- Thirty three walkers took to Valley of Rocks, arriving back in assisted by the beverages on offer enough to enjoy the Christmas coach travel for £130. This much deliberation and discussion chose the end of September as each evening by an 'amuse bouche' famous Dali museum in nearby the Somerset and Devon hills Lynmouth in time for a cuppa, at the bar. tree display in the church. Sunday pre-Christmas trip has become in the bar the previous evening, the weather there promised to be and washed down with cava and Figueres, whilst others took the train with something approaching or something stronger. We have already reserved our saw us walk from Edale, up Jacob's a regular feature on our winter we eventually decided we could just right for walking; pleasantly wine. But we had to remember to the lovely walled city of Girona gusto. On the first day 19 of us On our last day of walking place for 2019 at The Peveril programme and is very popular. get a bus from Bournemouth to Ladder and around Crowden that next day we would be up early or revisited Cadaques, a delightful braved the harder walk which the easy walk began in overcast of the Peak in Derbyshire, so if warm without being scorching. These outings are organised by a place called West Parley and Tower to Ringing Roger before for walking, having devoured a sea port, sampling its renowned took us to Dunkery Beacon, weather though as we entered dear reader you want to meet a Waiting for transport to take us our Number 1 'do everything have a leisurely walk following dropping back down to Edale. to Heathrow at 5.30am, many of us substantial breakfast! seafood. the highest point in Somerset, the woods so the rain started. group of like-minded walkers Ian Dunford person' Muriel Fell. The next the River Stour to Christchurch with views over the surrounding we were in luck as most of our who enjoy a bit of humour, Some of the group heading towards Lose Hill. were in sandals and shirt sleeves. It Two walks each day met the At the end of each day's walking, Milton Keynes Ramblers Photo: Ian Dunford day after a hearty help yourself and then return to Bournemouth countryside and as far as Wales. walk was under tree cover, not so book now with HF for the five- was very chilly and we wondered if needs of those who either wanted those who wished could swim in breakfast, Shearings kindly carted by bus. The plan worked! Those It was all downhill after lunch for the other two groups. After night break. we had packed the right clothes; but an easy pace or preferred more of a the sea or the hotel's pools. Early us all to Salisbury. The cathedral that wanted a shorter walk went including crossing many streams our lunch stop we continued to Bill Collins once we landed in Barcelona it was challenge. Amongst places visited morning yoga and early evening steeple is a very popular tourist to Poole Harbour to see whatever with just me getting one boot full the village of Selworthy where Amersham Ramblers clear we had. It was a lovely mid- were the Cap deCreus national exercise classes overlooking the sea attraction there bringing people was there. The highlight of the Moreton-in-Marsh 20s temperature, and this was to park with its pretty whitewashed were extra treats. All of this, on a in from around the world, weekend for me was seeing a be the case during our week, apart villages and towns and Salvador lovely holiday in a beautiful area especially Russia! kingfisher on both day walks and hite Cliffs Ramblers facilities and meeting lounge, lots of from a couple of warm but windy Dali's home village of Port Lligat. of Spain, in the company of fellow Muriel led a 10-mile walk to whilst by the River Stour one enjoyed a walking secure parking and use of swimming days. We walked the dramatic Cami de ramblers, will long be remembered Old Sarum and back whilst Joyce posed for us on a post stuck in W holiday in August 2018, pool, gym and laundry. And no A two-hour transfer through Ronda coastal path. We saw green by all of us who took part. led a shorter walk to places of the river! I could provide a photo based in Moreton-in-Marsh. surcharge for single rooms! The pleasant countryside took us to the volcanoes and visited Partage de Beila Best interest in the city while those left of some very wet ramblers but I If any other groups are thinking contact there is Nick Ackerman Terraza Hotel and Spa in Roses; Tudela, an area famous for dramatic Godalming & Haslemere Ramblers did a bit of shopping and went thought a kingfisher might be of walking in this area of the north ([email protected]. situated on the beautiful Bay of to the pub. The weather, yet better! Cotswolds, we can highly recommend I would be happy to share our walk staying at the Fire Service College. details with any group interested. Roses. First impressions are always again, was atrocious! There is a John Tickner Our accommodation was first class. Margaret Milsted-Williamson important. We were warmly greeted saying often quoted by outdoor Croydon Ramblers All rooms are en suite, bed breakfast Treasurer, White Cliffs Ramblers with a bubbling glass of cava, and all folk that 'there's no such thing as and evening meal provided, full bar [email protected] 32 of us had been allocated rooms bad weather, just inappropriate Some of the group at Dunkery Beacon, high on Exmoor. Photo: Mike Lambourne Photography with balconies overlooking the clothing'. If any of you good bluest of Mediterranean seas. The readers know the whereabouts of the person who originated said water was just 50 metres from the The third walk took us back to the Neolithic age, starting just quotation, please punch them on hotel across a pedestrian path, so Soaking up history to the north of Kennet long barrow we contoured around the the nose, from me! Thank you there was no traffic noise. Things Group hills to Avebury and its stone circle. The return took us past (note to the Editor; Just to be PC, ur group enjoyed three very interesting walks looked good! Silbury Hill, the largest prehistoric artificial mound in Europe. I am a peace-loving man and do looking at historical sites during the closing Before dinner we went for a short Richard Trimmer not condone the use of violence). holidays months 0f 2018. West Berks Ramblers orientation walk around the town O When the hardy lot got to Old The first was achieved despite coinciding with Storm Diana with its walled Ciutadella, seafront Unconcerned about the weather, this Sarum the very kind gentleman kingfisher was happy to pose for the with its 45-mile an hour winds. Starting at Ashdown House promenade and interesting port. in the English Heritage welcome group. Photo: John Tickner made easy in Oxfordshire, we walked through woodland to Alfred's Castle Then the gastronomic experience Some of the group's members assembled at Santa Creu de Rodes. Photo: Don Clark rganising a group holiday can be an which is actually a not very imposing Iron Age hill fort. The exciting but onerous responsibility. wind then really picked up as we struggled to the top of the metres, back down into the valley, slabs of cake, before returning to Taff's But did you know that Ramblers Lambourn Downs before trudging to Weathercock Hill and O on through heavy rain to Wayland's Smithy before dropping and then another climb to the top of Well passing near to Castell Coch. The Worldwide Holidays has its own Private Groups Cardiff Craig yr Allt, just a few metres lower. Cardiff members made us extremely Team able to offer a choice of over 150 holidays down for a warm welcome pub lunch. After lunch we started even members of our group Although it was a gloomy day and welcome: Leighton had organised lifts in 60 different countries? The team are on hand the longest uphill climb of the day in a fierce wind before being blown back to our start point. were given a very warm the hilltops were shrouded in cloud, for us from central Cardiff, everyone to deal with even the most challenging requests Our second historical walk was from Odiham, Hampshire. welcome by Cardiff Ramblers we were able to appreciate the lovely was chatty and friendly (as you would and is ready to take your call on 01707 386723 S There was just a sprinkling of rain but this soon turned to warm on Sunday 30 December when we heathland on which we were walking, expect of Ramblers!), and educated us or email [email protected]. If you'd prefer hazy sunshine. The walk took in Cleeve House and Odiham joined one of their regular walks. surrounded by sheep. Cardiff on the beauty of the area, its industrial to meet them in person to discuss your group's requirements you can arrange to visit their office Castle, a stronghold built by command of King John in 1207 We were enjoying a short New Year members described to us the extensive heritage, and, of course, Welsh at picturesque Lemsford Mill in Hertfordshire. and later a stepping stone on the way to signing Magna Carta break in the city and had contacted views that, sadly, we were unable to see. weather! Many thanks go to the group at Runnymede. The group explored Avebury. Photo: Richard Trimmer Cardiff Ramblers for advice. The We descended again through beautiful for their kindness in giving us such a walk we joined was led by Leighton woodland to a delightful cafe in the memorable and magnificent day out! walk on the Walking Europe find a good tabac for coffee, which lunch, visited another tidal island 8am on Wednesday, having had a who took us from Taff's Well firstly Fforest Fawr, where we recharged our Pam Hampshire website. So four of us set provided much needed shelter and a museum before having a thoroughly enjoyable trip. On Garth Hill near Taff's Well. Photo: Steve Ripley up Garth Hill, to the trig point at 307 batteries with welcome cups of tea and Hampstead and District Ramblers St Malo off on one Sunday evening from the rain. The rest of the final crepe and boarding the ferry. Richard Peters to catch the overnight ferry walk was along greener paths just We landed at Portsmouth about Guildford Ramblers chance Brittany Ferries to St Malo. After a reasonable above the shoreline and past some mailshot sparked off an night's sleep and quick breakfast wartime gun emplacements. We idea which resulted in Stratford-upon-Avon A we were ashore by 8.30am. Our reached Dinard about 2pm, the an enjoyable and inexpensive hotel was a 15-minute walk away rain stopped and we found an ore than 30 Croydon Way, a ;lovely walk in spite connections with our most walking break in St Malo for a in the historic walled town and excellent restaurant for lunch. Ramblers stayed at of the damp conditions! The famous playwright, William party from Guildford Ramblers the Stratford Manor second day's walk for which we Shakespeare. This walk partly we followed Walking Europe's The waterbus back to St Malo was M recently. Brittany Ferries walk 6076 along the east bank to nearby and a gusty 10-minute trip Hotel (funnily enough, near had better weather, was again followed the Heart of England Cruise-and-stay breaks include Stratford-on-Avon), for a short circular from the lovely old Way, and unfortunately was the River Rance from St Malo to ensured we completely dried out! ferry crossing, cabin, B&B in walking come sightseeing village of Ilmington, passing the pretty much damp all day. Our a barrage then up the other bank With the tide now out we took a the port and return crossing holiday from 11- 15 October. well-known Hidcote Gardens, walk leader was Geraldine Deas to Dinard, about eight and a half short walk along a causeway to the from as little as £81. This was expertly organised skirting the hill fort at Meon who did a sterling job under miles in total. tidal island of Grand Be before by John Hilton - he's very Hill and cutting through the mainly soggy conditions! My A little research beforehand had Once away from the centre of St returning to our hotel and a good good at this sort of thing and Monarch's Way. For our photo shows how the numbers revealed the GR34 - the Sentier Malo the GR34 is quite well signed. restaurant nearby. organises a holiday for us every final day's walk we started of walkers dwindle when there is des Douaniers (customs officers Much of the early part of the walk On our second day, after a year. The first day's walk was and finished in the historic rain around (light-weights!). path), which runs around the is on pavements and metalled leisurely breakfast we walked the along part of the Grand Union town of Henley-in-Arden John Tickner coast of Brittany and beyond and tracks through pretty harbours and ramparts of the old town, toured Canal and the Heart of England which as you will all know has Croydon Ramblers Beside the Grand Union Photo: John Tickner a detailed guide to an attractive along the front. We were able to the port, found a restaurant for Enjoying a blustery walk near St Malo. Photo: Richard Peters 16 South East Walker March 2019 guested last year on a Capital Walkers tree walk. Version 2.0 of the app was released in Go Jauntly walking app partnership with TfL, with new features and Diary Dates o Jauntly is a free community- specially curated walks and trails and to new walks including: Until Sunday 17 March: British Wildlife based walking app which its support the project. • - a walking map to help people find their Photography Awards G founders, Hana Sutch and Steve Go Jauntly was one of the eight winners, way to TfL stations, cycle hire stations, Some captivating images from this annual Johnson, created to get people walking, announced last October, of the Mayor of and Go Jauntly walking routes. competition are on show. connecting with nature and discovering London's Civic Innovation Challenge. This • - enhanced accessibility features including Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton LU1 4LX their local areas. meant it was awarded funding to develop station accessibility information, walking https://www.lutonculture.com/stockwood- As nature-loving city dwellers stuck new features to encourage active travel to times. step-buy-step directions and discovery-centre. working indoors much of the time, they support TfL and the Mayor of London in London pollution levels. wanted to become more active and to get their aim to make London the world's most • - Walk London routes including the Until 21 April: Albert Goodwin - Visionary out exploring with their young families. walkable city, with the goal of one million Capital Ring and the Jubilee Walkway. Landscapes They created Go Jauntly because they had extra walking trips each day by 2024. • - new navigation to make it easier to An exhibition of watercolours, paintings and found it difficult to discover new places to Go Jauntly is being supported by Will discover new walking routes, create your sketches by the landscape artist. Goodwin, who take local walks and to find the nature on Norman, London's Walking & Cycling own routes and access the walking map. was born in Maidstone in 1845, painted scenes their doorsteps and beyond. Commissioner, who said "Walking is a "Go Jauntly was borne out of the desire that are both recognisable and of historical interest. Go Jauntly currently features 700 walks fantastic way to get around London and Go to unlock hidden green space gems in the Maidstone Museum, Kent ME14 1LH in 10 countries and has already been Jauntly's new map makes it simpler to find city and beyond. We are encouraging https://museum.maidstone.gov.uk, 01622 602838. downloaded 40,000 times. It invites users routes, especially if you're in an area which walking as a pastime for young adults and to find local walks created by people who you're less familiar with. The free app has young families alike. If we can encourage Until September 2019: Ash to Ash know them, and to create their own routes clear directions which will help encourage more people to enjoy our parks and blue An array of artworks created by eco-architects and share them with both friends and the more Londoners to walk regularly - and green spaces in all seasons, we will Ackroyd & Harvey to commemorate the ash tree wider Go Jauntly community. It works by improving their health and tackling our air help protect them and preserve them and are on free display daily from 9am till dusk. showing you photos of a walk near your pollution crisis." Go Jauntly has also been our environment for future generations to White Horse Wood Country Park, Thurnham, current location or selected from a map, nominated for a Webby award, won the come" said Hana Sutch, Go Jauntly's co- Kent ME14 3JE (about a mile and half from with very brief text including points of Cities Impact Award from Digital Agenda founder. Bearsted station). interest and local amenities - whilst some and was awarded funding from Innovate The Go Jauntly website currently features theashproject.org.uk/ash-to-ash walks give a set of instructions, many are UK. It is currently only available on iOS, five of this year's most popular walks designed more to inspire or are a narrative however the team is working on an Android including Charing Cross to Westminster, Various dates in March and May: Kendal of the creator's experience during their walk. version, which should be launched this year, taking in many of London's big tourist Mountain Festival Tour Go Jauntly provides a platform to promote and to expand the app and content further attractions. You can find out more about Speakers and films celebrating 'the wildest places active travel, shopping local, walking for afield. Augmented reality features are also Go Jauntly, sign up to their newsletter and on earth' from this year's festival. Events vary wellbeing and environmental awareness being considered. download the app at https://www.gojauntly. so check details. 14 March: London Hackney; and includes wheelchair and buggy friendly As well as Go Jauntly's founders, walks com/ or visit the Itunes store. 15 March: Brighton; 16 March: Kingston- walks. The recent addition of a station-to- have been provided by a group of content Whilst most readers won't be throwing upon-Thames; 8 May: Oxford; 9 May: London station walking map to the app is intended ambassadors in London and beyond, some away their walking books in a hurry, this Whitechapel; 10 May: Canterbury. to encourage more walking journeys in of whom readers may recognise as authors of smartphone approach to sharing our love www.kendalmountaintour.com London and was backed by Transport for recent books and due to their past link ups of walking and ideas for where to walk London. As well as free content, there is with Ramblers in London - Alice Stevenson with millennials and tech-lovers should be Saturday 2 March - Thursday 9 May: Explosive a paid-for subscription option (£1.99 a was the guest-speaker at Inner London welcomed and encouraged. History! month) to unlock premium content of Area's AGM this year, and Paul Wood Clare Wadd Small exhibition by London Wildlife Trust tells the story of the Hounslow gunpowder mills along the River Crane during World War I. Museum of Richmond, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond TW9 1TP Van Gogh in London www.museumofrichmond.com, 020 8332 1141 ate Britain will be opening each day to and from his Covent Garden its first Vincent van Gogh workplace and in a letter to his brother Saturday 23 or 30 March: Explore with Map Texhibition for over 80 years wrote: "I walk here as much as I can, It's and Compass on 27 March. It will be the first absolutely beautiful even though it's in Aimed at beginners and those with little exhibition to look at the Dutch the city." confidence and experience in map reading, this artist's time in London in his early During a second stay in Britain Van one day course takes place in the countryside 20s and how he was influenced by Gogh taught in Ramsgate and sometimes around Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex. Cost £10, British painters like John Constable walked all the way from there to Welwyn reduced rates available. Contact John Harmer and writers such as Charles Dickens in Hertfordshire to see his sister. By 01424 773998 or [email protected]. and George Eliot. 1876, the school had moved from com stating which date preferred. John hopes to Van Gogh arrived in London in May Ramsgate to Isleworth in west London arrange a similar course again later in the year and 1873 to work as a trainee art dealer at the and Van Gogh continued his work there Van Gogh lodged here at 87 Lawford Road in Lambeth. The house is currently being restored. a more advanced one too. Goupil gallery in Covent Garden. After as a teacher but with a growing interest a few months he found cheaper lodgings in the church. Saturday 27 April: Map and Compass at 87 Lawford Road (which still stands) The artist left Isleworth just before Awareness Course and where he is said to have developed Christmas in 1876, never to return A one-day course organised by North West Kent a one-way crush on his landlady's to England. Van Gogh decided to Ramblers for those wishing to improve their daughter, Eugenie. The lack of interest become an artist when he was 27. In his skills, held at the Grasshopper on the Green in by Eugenie might be why he moved tragically short life he created over 2,000 Westerham. Please note the change of date from the next year to Kennington before artworks of which 45 will be shown at that shown in the December issue. Cost £3 (lunch being transferred to his employer's Paris Tate Britain. extra). To register, please contact Chris Baker on branch. Van Gogh and Britain will show at 01322 341722 or [email protected] by During this first London stay, Van Tate Britain in London from 27 March 9 April. Gogh enjoyed weekend walks and on to 11 August. A useful site for finding Sunday 8 June 1873 visited Box Hill in Van Gogh locations can be found at www. From June to December 1876, Van Gogh taught here at Saturday 27 - Sunday 28 April: Swire Ridgeway Surrey with his boss. Van Gogh walked vangoghroute.com. 158 Twickenham Road, Isleworth Arts Prize Entries for this year's arts competition (closing date for entries is 31 March), organised by the Friends of the Ridgeway will be on show before the winner is announced. The aim is to bring the Ridgeway to life as an artistic inspiration. Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Uffington, Oxfordshire SN7 7RA https://www.ridgewayfriends.org.uk

Friday 24 May - Sunday 27 October: Secret Rivers Exhibition looking at London's historic waterways and the art they have inspired. Paintings, prints Session musician honoured: This unique bench designed to look Maidenhead - Taplow bridge opened: Theresa May, in her role as and contemporary art will show how these like a piano has been installed beside the Capital Ring in Perivale Park local MP for Maidenhead, officially opened this new footbridge across waterways have changed over the centuries as well in west London. It celebrates the life of Nicky Hopkins, described as the River Thames on Friday 2 November 2018. The 35 metre bridge 'rock's greatest session man' who was born nearby in 1944 and died links Glen Island with Ray Mill Island to provide a route from the Taplow as looking at restoration work along the Lea and in 1994. The bench was unveiled on 8 September 2018 by his widow, Riverside housing development on the Buckinghamshire bank with Wandle rivers. Moira Hopkins, in the presence of the Mayor of Ealing, following a Maidenhead. Its shallow arch design is said to be inspired by Brunel's Museum of London Docklands, London E14. crowd-funding campaign by music fans. Keyboard player Hopkins nearby railway bridge across the Thames and was paid for by Taplow https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum- played with many artists from the 1960s onwards, including the Riverside's developer, Berkeley Homes. This was Mrs May's second local Beatles, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Ella Fitzgerald, Art footbridge opening in a few weeks having opened the Margaret Bowdery london-docklands, 020 7001 9844 Garfunkel and many others. Bridge in memory of the Ramblers local footpath campaigner.