walkerSOUTH EAST No. 94 June 2016 Dover gains ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status over has become the are maintained, improved house proprietors and members of second town in Kent and well-signposted and can the White Cliffs Festival Dto get Walkers are contribute to local tourism plans organising group. More than Welcome status. The honour and regeneration strategies; 1,200 signatures were collected on was awarded on 12 April by the promote the health benefits of a petition to support the bid. national Walkers are Welcome walking; and encourage the use Cllr Brivio said ‘This is really body. It means Dover has joined of public transport. Businesses good news and I am grateful to neighbouring Deal, which can demonstrate their support by the various groups who helped. gained the status in 2009. displaying Walkers are Welcome The evidence we got from around There are now more than 100 stickers. Dover to support did look very Walkers are Welcome towns and The campaign to secure the impressive. Dover is at the heart villages in Britain. They have status was spearheaded by a of walking’. all demonstrated that they are an steering group led by former This year the third White Cliffs attractive destination for walkers Dover mayor Pam Brivio, who Walking Festival, which has been with good information on local is also a member of White Cliffs supported by Dover Town Council walks; offer local people and Ramblers, and ex-town councillor with a £500 grant, takes place from visitors walking opportunities Pat Sherratt, a keen . The 25 - 31 August (see page 4). Walkers on Dover waterfront. within the area; ensure group also includes hotel and guest Robert Peel at 20 Campaigning success he 20th anniversary ceasing of river ferries linking the revived interest in the Thames for Love London, of the opening of the two banks at key points deterred Path concept which in turn led TThames Path national the plans from moving forward. to the Countryside Commission Walk London trail will be celebrated in July Both and the (now part of Natural ) with a baton relay walk along the Society had been commissioning a study into the he London 184 mile/294 km route from the determined not to let the plan feasibility and potential value of mayoral river’s source in the Cotswolds fade away and worked together to developing a Thames Path. The Telections took to Thames Barrier in east further the idea. study was conducted by Leigh place on 5 May and, London. The two week event is A turning point came in 1977 Hatts and concluded in 1984 for the first time, The being organised by the Ramblers when the Ramblers published that not only was a route feasible Ramblers in Inner in conjunction with the Thames a modest guidebook to ‘The but was likely to have a high London Area and Path Partnership. Thames Walk’ by David Sharp. recreational value. the Greater London The idea of a path beside the This followed David’s determined Government approval to go Forum worked Thames was discussed in the 1930s efforts to find the best possible ahead with the creation of the together to ensure though it was not until 1949 that route available at the time for Thames Path was given in 1989 that walking formed Parliament provided the means following the Thames on foot and by the time of the opening part of the election for achieving this. However, the from Putney to the source. in 1996, 16 miles of new riverside debate. practical problems caused by the This proved very popular and path were created and three new With the help of over 1,000 in March, when a panel of four of bridges built. Many more sections of you, we made a real impact. the main candidates - Sian Berry, of riverside path have since been Mayoral and Assembly candidates Zac Goldsmith, Sadiq Khan and added to the route particularly in met us for discussions, walked with Caroline Pidgeon - all talked in London. us and tweeted their support; their depth about their plans for walking. On page 8 Leigh Hatts, author researchers got in touch with us for What’s more, each party made of the Cicerone guidebook to information, and we made contacts commitments to improve walking the Thames Path (and of the and allies with friends groups for conditions and help more people Countryside Commission study local parks, the Greater London enjoy the benefits of walking: with which led the way to the Thames National Park City campaign, Labour pledging to bring in a Path being formally adopted Living Streets and more. Local champion and improve and later a national trail), updates groups and individuals in London the London LOOP and Capital us on his new edition of the route Ring, and the Conservatives guidebook also made a real difference by getting in touch with their local pledging to open up more of the We also look at the media Thames Path. coverage of the opening and the candidates and making contacts. The Thames Path was officially opened at the Thames Barrier on 24 July 1996 Previously I often met people plan for the relay baton walk in Our success was illustrated at when a cake was cut by the Mayor of Greenwich and the Chairman of who were surprised Ramblers Cotswold District Council, representing the two ends of the path. July. the Greener London hustings organised by the Green Alliance continued on page 3 2 South East Walker June 2016 New London wetland Croxley Great Barn his grade-II listed 01923 727333 or www.trmt.org. threshing barn to the uk. The barn also features on reserve opens Teast of Rickmansworth, the route of the Croxley Green Hertfordshire, (grid ref TQ Boundary Walk, a varied circular oodberry Wetlands, ceased to be operational there were for a nearby boiler house and 069945) dates back to 1397 route of 6.3 miles, waymarked an 11-hectare wildlife proposals to build housing on both as a kitchen for the New River and is open to the public on in the clockwise direction. The W reserve at Stoke the west reservoir (now a water Company directors' dining hall. tours arranged by Three Rivers walk is an initiative of the Croxley Newington east reservoir in sports centre) and east reservoir. London Wildlife Trust is Museum. Residents Association and a north east London, was opened A large-scale redevelopment of the also creating a wetland wildlife Coming dates are Saturdays detailed map of the route can be by Sir David Attenborough on nearby Woodberry Down housing reserve about a mile away 25 June, 30 July, 27 August, downloaded from their website at 30 April. Run by the London estate has helped fund the new at Walthamstow Reservoirs which 24 September and 29 October www.croxleyresidentsassociation. Wildlife Trust, the reserve is wetland reserve together with will become one of the largest and more details found via co.uk/boundary-walk.html. adjacent to the routes of the funding from the Heritage Lottery urban wetland nature reserves in Capital Ring and New River Fund. Now visitors can walk Europe. This is expected to open Path, and now open to the around most of the east reservoir during 2017 and will be linked public free of charge from 8am and look out for kingfishers, reed to Woodberry Wetlands by a to 5pm daily. warblers and possibly bitterns. ‘green corridor’, the Wetlands to The reservoir was built by the A restored 19th century coal Wetlands Greenway. New River Company in 1833 house now functions as public café The west entrance to Woodberry but never accessible to the public and visitor centre. The grade-II Wetlands is off Lordship Road, (though parts could be viewed listed building was built shortly N16, about 10 minutes walk from from nearby roads). When the site after the reservoir as a coal store Manor House tube station.

Gray’s landscape toke Poges in is Smarking the 300th anniversary of the birth of poet Thomas Gray who is believed to have written his ‘Elergy in a Country Churchyard’ here. Helped by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant the landscape around the Gray Monument (grid ref SU 978828) has been improved and the Gray family tomb in the churchyard restored. A celebration at Gray’s Monument will be held on Saturday 9 July from noon with teas available in the memorial gardens. More details at www.thomasgray2016. org. To download a copy of the local Heritage Walk go to www.stokepark. com/assets/heritage-walk.pdf. Gad’s Hill Place harles Dickens and his family lived here at Higham, CKent, from 1857 to 1870 but is said to have first seen the house as a child when on a walk with his father. As a boy he would often walk from Chatham to see the house which is now part of a school though the ground floor of the house and gardens can be seen by the public on one weekend a month (next are 11-12 June, 9-10 July, 13- 14 August, 10 - 11 September, 8 - 9 October). Pre-booked tours cost £9.50 including cream tea. Bookings must be made in advance on 01474 337600 The house is about a mile and a half from Higham station. South East Walker June 2016 3 walkerSOUTH EAST Distributed quarterly to members Obstruction removed of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and West Middlesex, Essex, Inner London, Kent, and Surrey Areas. after 70 years THE RAMBLERS erserverence, they say, is stile and proceed along an unofficial Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford a virtue. It was required on the edge of the desired House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, in spades in respect of field. This was quite dangerous and London SE1 7TW. P Tel: 020 7339 8500 Footpath 17 in Tiddington, many walkers balked at attempting Fax: 020 7339 8501 Oxfordshire, the tale of which it. In spite of various requests for the Email: [email protected] should be an inspiration to others hedge to be cut through, not least Web: www.ramblers.org.uk seeking to rescue a public right of from the Ramblers, nothing was Company registration no: way. The entrance to this footpath done for many years. Then in 2004, 4458492 has finally been opened up by in response to Oxfordshire County Registered charity no: 1093577 having an obstruction removed Council’s Footpath Improvement EDITORIAL that seems to have been in place initiative, Tiddington Parish Editor: Les Douglas since the Second World War. Council inexplicably declared that Email: [email protected] Footpath 17 crosses a large field no action on Footpath 17 was needed Tel: 020 8809 2338 that was requisitioned during the as the alternative was preferable! (please leave message) war for a searchlight battery. After In the meantime, claims had been Tiddington Footpath 17 at the roadside after the successful campaign to restore it. Photo: Tony Clark DESIGN AND PRINT the war, the field was returned made for two other paths which Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 to agricultural use but a hedge crossed the same field, to become Survey was advised that the two of the landowners. The result was separating it from the A418 road, at public rights of way. This had new footpaths (now Tiddington 19 a large exercise carried out by the Opinions expressed by contributors the southern end of the path, seems brought objections from both the and 20) had come into existence as county Task Team to cut through are not specifically endorsed by to have been left in place. Over the landowners and local residents and public rights of way, so they were the very thick hedge in two places, The Ramblers. duly included in the revised edition to install three kissing gates leading ISSN 1747-4140 years the hedge has grown thicker a public inquiry was held. This C 2016 The Ramblers. and taller, completely blocking the found in favour of the applicants, of Explorer map 180 published in off the A418 as well as four finger All rights reserved. entrance to the footpath but the so by early 2004 the declared aim 2009. However, the paths still did posts (one on the Ickford road), to complete path was still shown as of Oxfordshire County Council not exist on the ground and were install a footbridge with gates over a Copy Date: For issue No. 95 a public right of way on all maps, was to open up all three footpaths certainly not accessible, which stream plus at least half a dozen other is 12 July 2016. including those of Ordnance Survey across the field. However, the once again caused a great deal of gates along the footpaths, together and Oxfordshire County Council’s final confirmation of the Order for confusion. with a number of waymark posts Definitive Map. Over the years this this was submitted together with This unsatisfactory situation and Jonathan must be commended caused a great deal of confusion to a number of other footpaths in an lasted for several years as, in spite for finally getting the whole thing generations of walkers attempting to Omnibus Order and objections to of much prompting from the together. Tiddington has two very walk between Albury and Ickford certain aspects of the other paths Ramblers and other organisations, nice additional public footpaths and Bridge. held everything up for another two the county council seemed unable an obstruction has been removed The obstruction meant that years. Finally, by 2006, the way was to do anything about it. Finally, in that seems to have been there for walkers had to walk over 100 yards open to create the two new paths on late 2015, our Oxfordshire County 70 years. A cause for celebration along the edge of a busy main road, the ground and, at the same time, to Council Field Officer Jonathan indeed. without a path and with backs to open up the entrance to Footpath Beale was able to get the resources Tony Clark traffic, and then climb a rickety 17. Shortly afterwards Ordnance together and to obtain the agreement & Wheatley Ramblers Getting out with London Blind Rambling Club Roaming Midsomer alking and eating in Press, £12.99). and church below, grid ref SP ’m so happy that I can still meet and walk with new people the murderous heart It provides 21 circular walks 698091) which have featured in the enjoy going on country each week, often they describe the Wof England, by Chris of three to six miles based popular television series. Public walks even though I’ve countryside around us or we walk Behan and Martin Andrew around locations in Oxfordshire transport is not mentioned though now lost most of my quietly so we can enjoy the sounds was published in March (ISBN and north Buckinghamshire many of the walks can be reached eyesight.I I wouldn’t be able to do of the birds. We’re a very friendly 9780750955874, The History (like Long Crendon courthouse by bus with careful planning. this without the support of the and sociable group and I’ve made London Blind Rambling Club lots of friends over the last couple and their sighted volunteers. of years. We often stop at a pub I have a progressive sight at lunchtime and some groups even condition which steadily got worse provide us with tea and cakes at from a teenager to my late 20s. the end of the day! I now really Back then I didn’t appreciate the miss it if there’s a weekend when beauty of the countryside and I’m unable to go walking. having the confidence to just head The club is becoming out for a walk. But as time passed increasingly popular and we now I realised how much I missed that have over 50 members. On a walk freedom and wanted to get back we can have up to 25 members out again. and six guide dogs. We are now So I joined the club. We’re a looking for more sighted people to group of blind and partially sighted come along with us and provide people who have a programme assistance at the start and end of walks from March to October of the day. You would help with with distances varying from five to meeting us at the station, buying 10 miles. Each week we meet at a tickets and getting us on the train. central London railway station and You then enjoy our company for a travel together to our destination day’s walking before helping us on where we meet a local rambling the train back to London. It really continued from page 1 Khan - made a strong manifesto to our aims, were elected to the group who act as our guides for the is an enjoyable day and we would commitment to walking, so our assembly, so we will work with walk. I really enjoy going to new just need to know in advance how exists in London, thinking of us as campaign becomes about holding them as well as other assembly places which I wouldn’t be able to much you could commit to. If you a rural organisation, despite such him to account to follow through members from all parties. get to on my own and definitely not think you could help us, please a high proportion of our members on that commitment, building on If you’d like to get involved in be able to map out a walk through contact our Secretary, Valerie being based in major conurbations; the conversations we had before the further work in London - please the countryside and navigate Clark ([email protected], 020 now many more people know we’re election. Sian Berry and Caroline contact us at campaigns@ramblers. stiles and gates across fields and 8868 0096) for details. here. Pidgeon, both of whom came for a org.uk. woodland paths. It’s great to Jessica Beal London's new mayor - Sadiq walk with us and were sympathetic Clare Wadd 4 South East Walker June 2016 KENT Rings around Canterbury calling gave a presentation to the intriguing Black Prince’s Canterbury Ramblers Well. and the medieval hospital Iwalk leaders on 22 January at Harbledown. There are also on plans to create a system of amazing views of Canterbury integrated walking routes in Cathedral from the hills and around the city. surrounding the city. MP shocked by The idea of a circular path The inner ring is a two mile around my home city of stroll mainly following the Canterbury had been buzzing medieval city walls. It is ideal churned-up byway around my head for many years for visitors to the city and also for and one long winter evening last families with young children. It over and Deal MP Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State must be done - hopefully by closing year I decided to see if it could takes you to parts of the city you Charlie Elphicke has for the Environment, Food and BOATS to vehicles, with exceptions be done so I sat down with an never knew existed and which Draised the problem of Rural Affairs. for maintenance vehicles, etc. We Ordnance Survey Explorer map, visitors rarely find on their own. 4x4 vehicles churning up rights of He said: ‘I am shocked to see the are very grateful Mr Elphicke came a felt tip and doodled out a route. Having the idea was the easy way with Environment Secretary damage done by irresponsible four- and saw the terrible condition of the Once I started it was hard to stop. bit. The problem now was how Elizabeth Truss, following a wheel drivers. You can see how BOAT for himself. In the end it became not just one to make it a reality. I emailed meeting with the White Cliffs deep the ruts are. They are full of Group Secretary Averil Brice, who but three circular trails connected the Kent Public Rights of Way Ramblers. water and ruin the enjoyment of last year pressed the county council together by linking paths so that people and was contacted by This follows the MP donning dog walkers, ramblers and cyclists. into closing the right of way to allow it made up an integrated system Steve Law from Explore Kent. his Wellington boots and visiting a It seems to me that the rules it to dry out, said ‘The off-road of walks, all accessible by foot To my delight he liked the plan right of way in the Dover area with on BOATS need to change.’ clubs need to know that damage from the city centre. The idea of and was happy to support it. My members of the group, including White Cliffs Ramblers Chairman, like this is risking the loss of byways the Canterbury Rings had been next port of call was Canterbury Chairman Margaret Lubbock and Margaret Lubbock, said ‘The for all drivers. The drivers who born. Ramblers. I phoned the Chair, Secretary Averil Brice - who is also problem has become worse in our are causing the damage are clearly I spent an enjoyable spring Rosemary Rathbone who very Public Rights of Way Manager for area, certainly in the last 10 years. there for the thrill of handling their and summer trying it out. The kindly invited me to give this Kent Ramblers - to see the damage Off-road vehicles have proliferated vehicles in difficult conditions, not done by off-road vehicles. and spoilt the North Downs Way to enjoy nature. Let’s hope Mr end result bore little similarity presentation of the project to a This right of way, between for all other users. The use of 4x4s Elphicke’s visit will lead to more to the original route but I was meeting of walk leaders. I thank Guston and Pineham, is a Byway on this and other similar BOATs action. If only everybody contacted happy with it. The outer ring is this friendly group for their warm Open to All Traffic (BOAT) and means that all other users are denied their MPs when they have an issue a 22-mile path through stunning welcome and for their many is part of the North Downs Way, their freedom to use them because of with BOATS and invited them to East Kent countryside with its offers of help and support. The the only National Trail in Kent. the state of the ground. Something put on their boots and take a look.’ downland, rivers, orchards, oast project now has a website (www. The damage has caused deep ruts houses and hop gardens. The canterburyrings.info) and we are which fill with water during heavy outstanding features of the outer surveying the routes in detail for rain, making it very difficult for ring however are the traditionally waymarking. The next stage is to walkers to use. Last year the county managed coppiced woodlands. make a budget and then comes council closed the byway to allow it These are beautiful at any time the difficult job of raising enough to properly dry out. It was briefly of year but the highlight is in the money. reopened, but there are still deep spring when they are carpeted by As you may have gathered. I ruts along some parts of it, so it had wood anemonies, bluebells and have no previous experience of to be closed again. wild garlic in a glorious display any of this and would welcome Afterwards the MP said he agreed which is surely one of the great the advice of anyone who may with the Ramblers call for traffic wildlife experiences of England have been involved in similar to be banned from BOATs, said he and maybe the world. schemes. I will let you know how would back calls for the government The 10-mile middle ring we get on as the project develops. to set up a working party to look follows the edges of the city and In the meantime do please visit at the problem nationally and On the damaged byway: left to right are Margaret Lubbock, Charlie Elphicke MP, is rich in historical sites such as our website. promised to raise the issue with Steve Brice, Averil Brice, Graham Smith. the oldest continuously-used David Reekie church in England (St Martins), [email protected] White Cliffs Walking Festival he third White Cliffs of three coal mines, a nine-mile and will be on the festival website Walking Festival will Dover Hills and Valleys walk, a www.whitecliffswalkingfestival. Kent coastal path take place from 25 to 31 North Downs and Nailbourne org.uk. T he opening of the Camber August. walk taking in part of the Elham White Cliffs Ramblers Organised by White Cliffs valley, a Bleriot walk visiting places Chairman Margaret Lubbock to Ramsgate section of the Ramblers, it will include 39 walks associated with the aviator who said ; We wish to extend a warm TEngland Coast Path was of various lengths, ranging from flew across the Channel to Dover welcome to all walkers for this, due to take place in late spring or special interest walks of one or two in 1909, a Western Heights walk, our third walking festival. There early summer. miles to the 32-mile White Cliffs a tour of the Drop Redoubt and are new walks, with a particular While much of the route is ready, Challenge on 28 August, organised Grand Shaft, and a Fort Burgoyne emphasis on culture and nature as some of the new sections where new for the festival by the Long tour and walk. well as some of great scenic beauty. gates and bridges are required have yet Distance Walkers Association. The festival will be opened by You will find a wide range of walks to be completed, particularly on the There will also be the 18-mile Averil Brice - public rights of way to suit everyone. This festival will south side of Pegwell Bay where my Three Pits Walk, visiting the sites manager for Kent Ramblers and encourage you to take a break and attempts to get through at the end of Secretary of White Cliffs Ramblers get to know some of our wonderful March were blocked by some pretty - in a ceremony on Dover seafront local countryside, whether you are effective barbed wire fences. The big A new England Coast Path waymarker post. on 25 August, followed by a choice an experienced walker or not. For disappointment is the new stretch of walks. On the evening of the new walkers, this festival could be alongside Richborough Quay which Kent Ramblers AGM got a foretaste first day there will be a 10-mile the start of a new and healthier went to public inquiry where the of the route when I gave an illustrated walk to Dover, getting there as the lifestyle among a group of other Inspector approved the route subject talk using some of the 1,800 pictures sun is setting and ending with fish warm and enthusiastic people. to closure when the site is needed for taken whole researching the Area’s and chips. We would like to thank all of our the vehicle storage business of the forthcoming guidebook. In the few The festival is sponsored by sponsors, walk leaders, businesses minutes available, despite setting various organisations including and organisations who have landowner. Unfortunately that need a cracking pace , we only got from Dover Mayor Chris Precious presents Dover District Council, Kent contributed to this year’s festival.’ has apparently become continuous Lesley Stephenson and John Grace Camber to Folkestone - leaving the County Council and Stagecoach. So don’t delay. Put these and permanent so walkers are likely from the White Cliffs Walking Festival route on to Ramsgate for another The whole programme will appear important dates in your diary: 25 to be forced along a cycle track by a organising group, with a £500 grant day. from Dover Town Council. in a brochure now being produced - 31 August. busy instead. Those attending the Robert Peel South East Walker June 2016 5 Path workers needed ocal group proposals which affect public What could be more relaxing using some paths. committees have rights of way are promptly and enjoyable on a warm Ramblers are famous for L been working to picked up and closely summer’s evening or weekend fighting to secure the rights fill vacancies for Local monitored by the Local than to walk out with a of way for all walkers to Footpath Officers andFootpath Officers. Ramblers partner or family and check enjoy. Their most challenging Parish Footpath Wardens. are frequently consulted with up on a few local paths in your role today is recruiting and The ultimate goal is to have the intention of ensuring parish? You could even take a supporting the work of every parish in Kent covered that the proposed alterations picnic and make an event of it. volunteers by monitoring by both roles who will be to routes offer an equally Reporting any problems and protecting this valuable encouraged to liaise with acceptable or improved found to Kent County heritage for walkers present each other and receive the experience for walkers. Council is vital. The and future. Ramblers is far support of their group. With the reduction in county council has nearly greater than a walking club. An overgrown footpath before... Kent’s volunteer spending powers of local 250 volunteer Countryside Ramblers is why the public coordinators and their authorities, Parish Footpath Access Wardens who have is able to walk and enjoy free teams of volunteers work in Wardens are needed more than been trained to adjust kissing access to nearly 7,000 kms of close partnership with Kent ever. Kent Area Ramblers is gates and fit marker discs in public rights of way through County Council. Meetings hoping that a warden will cover addition to carrying hand Kent’s glorious countryside. are regularly held to ensure every parish in the county. tools to clear light vegetation. If you live in Kent and that stubborn issues are The Parish Footpath Warden, Kent Area Ramblers has are interested in becoming discussed and solved. This Local Footpath Officers and seven volunteer vegetation a valued volunteer, please has brought to a close the groups can keep in contact to clearance groups, trained and go to our website http:// animosity between the ensure that issues are reported issued with slashing tools, www.kentramblers.org.uk. county council and Ramblers and the rights of way network loppers, bow saws and petrol Together everyone achieves volunteers that has too often is kept in good order to the strimmers, to tackle some of more. been a factor in the past. benefit of every walker. the heavier clearance issues. It Averil Brice With a big increase in The job of Parish Footpath is now possible to swiftly deal Public Rights of Way building and rural business Warden is to walk every with a number of issues that Manager for Ramblers Kent development it is vital that footpath at least once a year. could otherwise put people off Area ...after work by volunteers Walking with BERKSHIRE West Berks he popular winning Party, there are occasional evening bites formula of coach walks talks and presentations which Torganised by Colin members always enjoy but in Honeybone leading the coach March, instead of a talk, a quiz walks team resumed on 10 April night was organised by Richard rest of us continued our walk. with a full coach of walkers Fenton. About 40 people attended Once we had collected those at whose ultimate destination, by and as well as the quiz they enjoyed the museum we made our way various routes, was Fairford in a fish and chip supper. The Jersey break to Samares Manor. There the Oxfordshire. The full list for winning team each received a torch, wenty three of us arrived On Tuesday, again a beautiful majority decided to get the bus this year’s programme is - the runner-up a box of Roses each in Jersey on a fairly day, we went north and walked because it had started to rain. 12 June: Diamond Way and and the third a bag of Thornton’s sunny Saturday in April. from Bonne Nuit along the coastal However, five of us continued to Monarch’s Way to Bourton-on- chocolates. T St Helier and we got absolutely We transferred to the Monterey path to Greve de Lecq. This was the-Water; 10 July: Diamond Way We have our 25th anniversary soaked. Hotel, about a mile from the a more challenging walk so a stop and Cotswold Way to Broadway; in 2017 and planning is already Friday, our last walking day, was centre of St Helier. at the pub at Devil’s Hole was 14 August: Monarch’s Way to underway for events to celebrate again sunny but windy. We took On Sunday we took the bus to necessary. Tetbury; 11 September: Diamond this momentous occasion. the bus to St Aubin’s Harbour Gorey and walked to Rozel Bay, a Wednesday was our day off, Way, Shakespeare’s Way and Consultations have started and and walked the coastal path to St little beach resort with a harbour some went to do some sightseeing Macmillan Way to Chipping members are being encouraged to Brelade’s Bay. After a coffee in the where we stopped for coffee before and some went to the Jersey War Norton; and, new for 2016, put forward ideas about how the Midbay coffee shop we continued continuing back along the coast Tunnels. However, on the way 4 December: Old Sarum to group can make it truly a year to on to the lighthouse at La Corbiere. to Gorey. It was a very windy we paid a visit to St Matthew’s Salisbury and the Christmas remember. The proceeds of the quiz However, because of the wind we day and the sea was fairly rough. glass church on the outskirts of St Market. Pre-booking is essential night raffle, run by Carol Taylor, came off the coastal path on to On reaching St Helier some of us Helier. The church is renowned to avoid disappointment and those will go towards the celebrations for its Lalique glass. Five of us the road as it was too dangerous to visited the Lamplighter pub, said to who wish to spend the whole day and Richard will be organising decided to carry on walking up continue. After a breezy lunch we be one of the top pubs in the UK. at the destination of each walk are another quiz, next March, as part to La Mare wine estate in the continued back to St Aubin along The next day we walked around welcome. of that programme. the St Peters area. The weather had north. We paid a visit to The the disused railway. During the autumn and winter, Denise Buchan improved and we were walking in Elms, Jersey’s National Trust Saturday morning we had some as well as the AGM and Christmas West Berks Ramblers t-shirts. The spring flowers in the headquarters on the way. time for shopping in St Helier hedgerows were beautiful, lots of On Thursday the weather before leaving for the airport. I wild daffodils which I believe are changed back to dull and windy. believe a very nice holiday was had called Lent Lillies, and wild garlic We took the bus to La Hougue by all. which is much smaller than in the Bie Museum. Whilst those that Janet Norris UK. wished visited the museum the South East Berks Ramblers Social life wo Christmas lunches changed teams throughout the were arranged at the evening. This meant that everyone TRose & Crown in got to know each other before the Sandhurst, one for weekend supper which followed. walkers and one for midweek Planned events to come include (retired!) ramblers. Both were a coach trip to a coastal walk preceded by a local five-mile in June, a tea party in August, a walk and were well attended steam train trip in September and with 46 at the midweek lunch. a quiz evening in October. A full We had a very successful skittles social programme for South East evening in March and used Doug Berks! Undaunted by the changeable weather. Photo: Roger Jones Buchanan’s unique scoring system Brian Poulton which ensured that everyone South East Berks Ramblers 6 South East Walker June 2016 OXFORDSHIRE (R)ambling

e have started a series to people who have led walks for of walks aimed at us in the past and enable them to W those members who do so again in the future. on-line are no longer able to join us on We have had people who had our regular walks. not previously walked with us, In some cases they may be join their partners or parents for recovering from an operation or what is now not only a fitness illness and this could help them activity but also a social event. get fit again. Others may have We may not get many new ones reduced mobility and no longer but might retain people who Litter pick able to walk with us at our normal would otherwise consider leaving speed. There will now be no need us and prove that we care for our for them to miss the enjoyment past and present members alike. n a chilly Friday of country walking and a day out Why not see if it suits your group. afternoon in March with friends. The format is a walk Roy Clements amid sunshine and O of two or three miles at an easy Publicity Officer the odd snowflake, nine pace followed by a pub lunch and & North members of Oxford City social. We hope it will also appeal Oxfordshire Group Group gathered at the Lye Valley, a rare calcareous fen valley nature reserve in Headington. Tony Dale, Footpath Officer Maps, walks, for the group, had organised grabbers, gloves and huge poly bags. He set a strict time limit of one and a half hours leaders and in that time we spruced up the whole of the valley and uestions: do you know just to give existing ones a quick part of the meadow beside the what a black circle with refresher. It will take place on Churchill Hospital. We found Qa cross on top means the evenings of Wednesday 5 and a pot of paint, a bicycle tyre, a on a map? Do you Thursday 6 October in central child’s tricycle and all the usual know why the dashes that mark Abingdon with a practical session beer cans and discarded drinks footpaths are the length they outdoors on Saturday 8 October. cartons, plus a few high quality are? Do you know why rivers Although the course is funded by golf balls which were welcomed sometimes run uphill? Oxfordshire Area, members from by the golfers among us. The Even if you know all of these other Areas are welcome. Whether city council collected the huge you can probably learn something you want to find out what those pile of full bags that we gathered. new on the course we are running squiggles on the map mean, take Elaine Steane in October on Walks, Navigation, others on your favourite walk or Planning and Leading. For several learn Naismith’s Rule, come along. Chair, Oxford City Group Tony Dale, Elaine Steane and Robin Harrison with part of the haul. Photo: Pam Dale years now we have run the course For enquiries or to book a aimed at giving people the skills place (no charge), phone or text to lead a Ramblers walk. It covers me on 07968 710869 or email the basics of map reading and [email protected]. Sir Muir Gray, our new navigation, planning an interesting Answers: a church with a spire; route and leading a group of people. on Explorer maps the dashes of a Even if you don’t plan to lead footpath are at 30 metre intervals Area President organised walks you will find the - useful for estimating distances; skills useful for planning your own rivers don’t run uphill so you have od 60! and Sod 70! are just two of the books written by our new walks. misread the contour lines. Area President, Sir Muir Gray, This October we will again be John Gordon S running this course to encourage Chair, Vale of White Horse Group elected at our Area AGM in January. Muir, a member of the Ramblers, the walk leaders of the future or [email protected] is a champion of healthy living for all, not least through walking. Amongst his many achievements, Muir set up a charity to launch the National Campaign for Walking. In this context he was responsible for ensuring the survival of Health Walks when government funding stopped and he worked with Macmillan Cancer Support and then the Ramblers to move the Health Walks to the voluntary sector. Health Walks are now supported financially by Macmillan and administered by the Ramblers. ‘I will take a special interest in Health Walks as Area President’, Muir said. Dave Cavanagh Area Chair Sir Muir Gray [email protected] Walk leaders in training. Photo: John Gordon

woodland areas following a dry their way down via North Hill to finest medieval stained glass in and well-maintained path. There St Ann’s Well and then to Priory the country, and Malvern College, A day at Malvern were spectacular views from the Park where the Victorian gas lamps where much of the research into beacon of the town below and are said to have inspired C S Lewis radar technology was carried out n the first day of spring a Eleven took on the challenge across the countryside towards the with his lampposts in Narnia. The from 1942. group of 16 walkers from of climbing to the Worcestershire Black Mountains, the Cotswolds rest of the group took a walking Sue Curtis OBicester & Beacon at a height of 425 metres. and Forest of Dean. After a stop tour of the town taking in Malvern Publicity Officer, Group travelled to Great Malvern. It was a steep climb through at the summit the group made Priory, which contains some of the & Kidlington Group South East Walker June 2016 7 Long distance trails

It’s all over! - Henley & Goring Ramblers celebrate completing the Cotswold Way. Photo: Joan Clark pring 2016 saw us complete something to enjoy at every stage routes are we going to rest on our next winter will be on the Wyche our Chairman, found 11 more the final stages of three from the quiet meadows of the laurels? No! In April we started Way, a route from the Offa’s Dyke routes ranging from 75 to 137 miles Slong distance trails that we infant river to the swiftly changing walking in 10 stages Path at Kington in Herefordshire to for us to choose from. We should had been walking once a month urban landscapes of London. There as day walks, and in the autumn the Cotswold Way at the Broadway be able to keep walking for a few for some time. is almost too much to take in so will be following the Oxfordshire Tower. years yet! The longest at 194-miles, the that the commonest comment was Way from Bourton-on-the-Water We thought we might be running Joan Clark Thames Path, was started in late ‘We’ll have to come back here so we to Henley and our weekend walks out of long distance walks but Alie, Henley & Goring Ramblers 2014, as was the 174-mile Roman can see this properly!’ Way. Both these trails were done as The Cotswold Way is also well day walks. The Cotswold Way, just known and indeed we have done it Footpath matters over 100 miles, was walked over five before so this time we did it from 2015/16 winter weekends. Some west to east. Despite its familiarity he diversion of Churchill ahead (which could have invalidated been fenced off and the fish ponds people did every stage but others the Cotswold scenery never ceases FP4 has been reissued in both of them. were impassable. For the path to were able to dip in and out doing to delight and the villages to Tits original form and I have Another proposed diversion on be usable both fences would have as many stages as they wished. charm. People may be less familiar objected again, this time adding the Didcot housing development to be removed as one lake flooded Numbers ranged from six to 16 with the Roman Way, devised by an objection to the order map has been received. The diversions the path from the left and the other on the Roman Way and Thames Oxfordshire rambler Elaine Steane. which only shows the route and resulting from the Oxford - from the right. At the Monitoring Path to 20+ on the Cotswold Way This is a 174-mile triangular walk not the underlying development Marylebone railway have yet to Group a paper was presented by weekends. Group members made on public rights of way following (which is required to show why be entered on the rights of way Nick Moon of Oxford Fieldpaths up the majority of the walkers Roman roads through Oxfordshire, the diversion is necessary). reporting map, and a few minor Society asking why so many paths but we were also joined by people Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, The diversions at Tetsworth 51/2 diversions are needed to align the were being fenced at enormous from other groups in Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Berkshire. At the have been confirmed, which means original orders with what is on the expense to the landowners - I expect Berkshire and London for some of southern corner of the triangle is that we are now only waiting for ground (similar to the Tetsworth that, in pasture fields at least, our the stages. Silchester (Calleva Atrebatum), the obstructions to be cleared by golf course situation). old friend Health & Safety may The three trails are very different at the northern corner is Bicester Tasks Team, who are themselves I tried to get to a walk from be involved (it is nothing to do and each has its own appeal. (Alchester), and at the western probably waiting for the surface to Islip on 12 March on foot, but with keeping dogs out as most Although many of the stretches of corner is Cirencester (Corinium). be dry enough to avoid sinking into was prevented by floods along the of the fencing will allow the dog the Thames Path are well known to The route passes the sites of Roman ploughed fields. The dedication of Cherwell and arrived via the long underneath and then prevents the us and the path as a whole had been military forts, villas and bath houses the Little Rollright path appears to way, half an hour late. I then tried owner from retrieving it). walked before by some, it is still a and has something of interest for be irreversible and not conditional to follow their route along Islip FP3 David Godfrey wonderful walk full of interest. everyone. on either of the diversions going (Oxfordshire Way) but the path had Area Footpath Secretary We did it in 19 sections and found So, having completed these three

achieve this aim the Area’s 164 walks significant increases in membership important aspect of walks, and 45 leaders have submitted 448 walks with the most successful, Banbury per cent of the walks offer a pub covering a total distance of 3,154 & North Oxfordshire, seeing an stop. Approximately half of the pub Area walks miles with walks of distances from 11 per cent increase over the past stops are at the end of the walk. two to 17 miles. Over the past few year. To cater for our more active Thanks to all our walks leaders years we have seen a gradual increase members we have also introduced for producing such a varied walks programme in the number of walks submitted. some strenuous walks. programme. Why not join them on The increase has been due mainly to Overall, 77 per cent of our walks one of their walks in Oxfordshire? a few of the groups starting a regular welcome dogs, although you will Richard Birch xfordshire Area has on the Area website (www.ramblers- programme of shorter leisurely see from the figures below that Area Walks Coordinator 2,200 members split oxon.org.uk). Amendments to walks walks, aimed at attracting new there are large differences between richard.birch15@virginmedia. between 10 groups. are updated in the on-line version. O members. These groups have seen groups. Refreshments are also an com Eight of our groups (BK - Bicester We have two further groups who & Kidlington, BNO - Banbury & present their walks, with a short North Oxfordshire, DW - Didcot lead-time, on Walks Finder and Group BNO BK DW HG O TW V WO Area & Wallingford, HG - Henley on their websites. They are the & Goring, O- Oxford, TW - Oxon 20s & 30s Walkers (www. Members 284 173 168 312 312 153 330 158 1890 Thame & Wheatley, V - Vale of oxon2030walkers.org) and Oxon White Horse and WO - West Weekend Walkers (www.oxonww. Walks Oxfordshire) combine to produce org), both of whom cover all of - easy 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 0 5 a walks programme covering a six Oxfordshire for their demographics. - leisurely 61 38 0 31 28 10 25 5 198 month period. The following summary excludes The current programme covers those two groups. - moderate 32 18 26 54 8 33 39 24 234 the period 1 April - 30 September Our aim is to maintain a varied - strenuous 6 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 11 and is published in a handy A5 walks programme to meet the needs total 99 56 26 91 36 46 65 29 448 booklet distributed to members of members who walk regularly and local libraries. These walks are with the Oxfordshire groups and to Dogs allowed? also described, in greater detail, on encourage new walkers to become % 49 79 65 82 78 85 98 93 77 Ramblers Walk Finder using a link members of the Ramblers. To 8 South East Walker June 2016 Thames Path at 20 Cicerone's Thames Path guide updated icerone has published a third edition of its guide to the Thames Path. CAuthor Leigh Hatts tells us what he has updated. When Michael Portillo, a former Treasury minister, was asked when he started working on the Budget he replied: 'The day after the last Budget'. For National Trails constant vigilance is needed so work on a new edition of the Thames Path guide begins soon after the last one has been published. Major changes have been covered and foreseen in Cicerone's Thames Path guide out this summer. This edition has vital new directions especially at the London end. Redevelopment projects often move the route from a back street to the river. Locals regret a tall building now blocking the view but the walker wants to enjoy the tidal Thames before entering the higher reaches. However, walking inland round a wharf, as at cobbled Clink Street on Bankside, remains an important part of the experience. Christchurch Bridge in Reading. Opened in September 2015, the 400ft/120m pedestrian and cycle bridge provides a link between Reading's town centre One planning gain means that walkers and Caversham. The name was chosen in March following a public consultation which received 342 responses. Leigh Hatts can now enjoy crossing Deptford Creek on a swing bridge. Here the way was via the main road and inland into Stowage with no view of water. Surprises upstream include the new Christchurch Bridge at Reading. The National Trail still officially begins at the Thames Barrier. But the guide now offers an alternative start downstream at Erith which is easily reached by rail. The continuous path from Erith to the Thames Barrier, which the Countryside Commission was unwilling to contemplate in the 1980s, is almost complete. The last short diversion is in Woolwich but this should disappear next year. Areas opened up since the Thames Path was inaugurated almost 20 years ago include the towpath between Lower Shiplake and Shiplake Lock and the lonely stretch from Castle Eaton to Water Eaton which both involved road diversions. Some pubs have been lost. The Roebuck at Tilehurst was a handy halfway point between Watergate Street in Deptford, now part of the Thames Path. Leigh Hatts Reading and Pangbourne. But the reopening of The Nag's Head on Abingdon Bridge, after a long and worrying closure, comes as a relief. When I began working on the Thames Path Feasibility Study in 1981 I had a huge correspondence with riparian owners and local authorities as well as many phone calls. Now Google alerts and emails keep me up to date with pending changes and temporary diversions. Key changes and news are posted on the book's website www.thamespath.org.uk. The new guide has more path alongside water and for the first time comes with a companion book of 1:25,000 Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. Both are pocket size. The Thames Path: From London to the river's source in Gloucestershire (ISBN 9781852848293, Cicerone, £15.95). Cicerone is offering a 25% discount on all its guidebooks until 30 June if bought online at www.cicerone.co.uk. The path at Cherry Gardens, near Rotherhithe. Leigh Hatts

its autumn 2016/spring 2017 destinations in Austria, Italy made. www.ramblersholidays. the Vanguard Way route on 3 Briefly programme including guided and Germany. And for the first co.uk, 01707 331133. May with a walk to Gills Lap in walking in South Korea, time, all local transport costs in the Ashdown Forest where the • Ramblers Worldwide New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Sri connection with the walking • Vanguard Way: Members then Director of the Ramblers' Holidays: The walking holiday Lanka, Martinique, Greece and programme in 2017 will be of the Vanguards Rambling Association, Alan Mattingly, partner of the Ramblers has Portugal. A separate winter included in the holiday price Club celebrated the 35th cut the ribbon in 1981. On this added new destinations for programme includes new and no credit card charges anniversary of the opening of occasion, the ribbon-cutting South East Walker June 2016 9

to go. The presenter arrived half Newsroom Southeast. 'Here, 180 On launch day, the entire Busy week an hour late. The camera crew miles from London, David Sharp Newsroom Southeast transmission arrived an hour late. Never mind and I set off in search of the first seems to have gone out from n the week before the official had ample opportunity to swap darlings, off we go! The ramblers trickles of Thames water' said the Thames Barrier, with the opening of the Thames comments like this, on their day- were recorded walking this way, presenter Jackie Bartley's script. A delectable Gwennan Edwards IPath in 1996, David Sharp long drive. It had all started in that way, forwards, backwards, silly thing to say in midsummer, doing her best to sound enthusiastic (who sadly died in April 2015) leisurely fashion with a cosy home sideways. A lone angler on the up at Thames Head. We raked about walking, and our recorded was busy promoting the route interview with their journalist, but bank must have wished he had the dusty circle of pebbles at material mixed in with interviews. to the media with the London now the hard graft was beginning. chosen Piccadilly Circus for a quiet the source, then, with a flash of My bits were recorded on the Evening Standard proclaiming At least, the final spread was morning's fishing. inspiration, drove off to the pretty roof of the Barrier control centre him 'New Father Thames'. In impressive, and you can tell from From Shepperton, a quick run village of Ashton Keynes, which during breaks in the rain. I must our September 1996 issue my relaxed expression at the up to Hurley for a meeting with the obliged with first a dry channel, say it was great fun, sheltering he playfully recounted his Barrier, that it wasn't me driving. Countryside Commission plus a then, eureka, some water that with Gwennan in their own little experiences: Next call to duty came from work team from Berkshire County looked as though it had been in control van... It's a typical picture editor Carlton TV. The producer Council pretending to repair the Ashton Keynes for a long time. David didn't get round to concept. Get a shot of the guy at wanted to record material for their towpath, and four minutes, 10 Then a short boat trip at Henley, mentioning feature pieces in the the source, facing right. Then a 'After Five' regional news, so the seconds of programme was in the the obligatory piece to camera by Times, the Independent and the shot at the Thames Barrier facing rendezvous was at Shepperton, first can, as we say in show business. It the padlocked gates into Windsor Guardian. He didn't mention the left. Pity he never got out the of the Thames Path problem spots. went out on launch day, wrapped Home Park and a last, rather poetic Songs of Praise from the Thames atlas. Might have realised the Here we met another fine old round with live coverage of the sequence in the setting sun by the Path either, but said he was sulking two points are a hundred miles media tradition. Alan Mattingly Ramblers celebration (a bottle of Thames at Barnes. The sunset was because he didn't get invited to apart! It was the wettest day for (then Director of the Ramblers) champers on office expenses) by not in the original script. It just that show but if you ever heard months, and the Evening Standard and I, plus a small band of Staines the riverside at Vauxhall. happened to be that late, by the his singing voice, you would know staff photographer and his victim ramblers were there on time, rarin' Then it was the turn of BBC time we got back to London. why.

special reason to be grateful to neat enough and the photographs all the problems and fill all the First review him, and no doubt we shall buy are fine, but where are the vigorous gaps along the way. We are still The Thames Path in shoals. black-and-white drawings with waiting for the monarch, in the hris Hall, a former editor another step along the incredibly As to the guidebook itself: which David illustrated the book's glacial process of democratisation, of this publication, extended journey that David began it is written crisply and clearly, predecessor, The Thames Walk, to drop the barriers on the path at Ccontributed a review when he first, almost casually, which is what I would expect of published by the RA and now the Home Park, Windsor, so that of David Sharp's guidebook interested himself in the possibility anything to which David has set superseded? And of course the the drag along the busy road on to the Thames Path published of turning the dream of a walk his hand, for in communicating 1:25,000 scale Ordnance Survey the wrong bank can be avoided by Aurum Press to coincide beside the Thames from source to he is a craftsman to his fingertips maps with the route highlighted and there are other lacunae...... with the opening. The new estuary, into a reality. That was in as the RA has good reason to are excellent, but I did like David's David's guidebook notes these guidebook effectively replaced 1973. appreciate over even more years own characterful sketch maps in remaining difficulties with a calm David's more modest Thames Proper tribute was paid in the than the Thames Path has been in the previous guidebook. tolerance that I can only envy. Walk guide. Chris wrote: summer issue of Rambling Today gestation. It was, one supposes, inevitable They make me angry, but he David Sharp's love affair with (now Walk magazine) to David's I have one regret about this book. that the original seemingly wild has been joining loose ends and the Thames and its path has been unremitting work through those It comes with the blessing of all idea should become officialised making sense out of chaos along a long one - and consummation is years. Here in the south-east, with the right people - the Countryside and tidied in the process of the river for too long to waste his not yet. The shiny new guide to the Thames and its valley offering Commission, the Ordnance Survey realisation. But the bureaucracy energy on mere emotion. He just what is now a national trail is just some of our best walking, we have and the RA itself. The layout is has not yet managed to solve gets on with the job.

The schedule Saturday 9 July: Kemble station (9.45am) - Cricklade centre(12.25 miles). Walk Join the baton relay from Kemble to source then back to Cricklade. Sunday 10 July: Cricklade centre (9.45am) - Lechlade (11 miles). o mark the 20th anniversary of gates in due course. Monday 11 July: Lechlade (9.45am) - Newbridge (16.75 miles). the opening of the Thames Path, a We are expecting many parish councillors in Tuesday 12 July: Newbridge (10.00am) - Oxford station (14 miles). series of walks will take place in July the rural areas to attend the start of each stage T Wednesday 13 July: Oxford station (10.30am) - Abingdon square (9.75 miles). organised in conjunction with the Thames and we are hoping that young farmers groups Thursday 14 July: Abingdon square (10.15am) - Wallingford market (13.5 miles) Path Partnership. The walks will start at will assist at certain road crossings. The Friday 15 July: Wallingford market (10.30am) - Pangbourne (11.75 miles). the source on Saturday 9 July and reach the rather unpleasant route into Lechlade along Saturday 16 July: Pangbourne (10.30am) - Shiplake (13 miles). Thames Barrier two weeks later. Then, on a busy road will hopefully be resolved by July Sunday 17 July: Shiplake (10.10am) - Marlow station (11 miles). Sunday 24 July, there will be a further walk with a brand new section of riverside path, but Monday 18 July: Marlow station (10.15am) - Windsor bridge (14.25 miles). along the Thames Path Extension eastward if this is not open in time we will have several Tuesday 19 July: Windsor bridge (10.35am) - Shepperton station (13.75 miles). from the Thames Barrier to Crayford marshals on hand to warn traffic. We will use the ferry - small charge will be made by the operator. Marshes. There will be no charge for joining the walks Wednesday 20 July: Shepperton station (10.40am) - Kingston Bridge and station It is hoped to have two sets of Ramblers but to help organise each day and get an idea of (9.75 miles). leaders and backmarkers for each walk so that, likely numbers we ask those intending to join Thursday 21 July: Kingston station (10.20am) - Kew Bridge (12 miles). if necessary, parties can be split into two more any stage of the baton relay to register in advance Friday 22 July: Kew Bridge (10.35am) - Vauxhall Bridge (13.5 miles). manageable groups. Other organisations are at http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/thames-path- The walk will pause in Barnes by a new memorial seat to David Sharp expected to provide marshals, including the national-trail-walking-relay-event-a-series- Saturday 23 July: Vauxhall Bridge (10.30am) - Thames Barrier (12 miles). River Thames Society whose members provide of-rambles-along-the-thames-10768308178. Sunday 24 July: Thames Barrier (10.30am) - Crayford Marshes and Slade Green many of the volunteers who maintain the path Details will also be available from me at 01424 (11.25 miles). by carrying out vegetation clearances and gate 845052 or [email protected]. Each day there will be a 30-40 minute break for lunch. Walkers are asked to bring repairs, etc. I believe there are only two stiles Graham Butler refreshments so that pub/café stops will be for drinks and sandwiches and use of toilets only rather than full meals. Transport to and from each walk will be the left on the entire route and Steven Tabbitt, the Ramblers representative responsibility of each walker. However, travel suggestions and local taxi numbers Trail Officer, has plans to replace these with on the Thames Path Partnership will be made available.

was re-enacted by Kate www.vanguardway.org.uk enjoy a weekend of walking, finest rather than muddy• London Parks Way: Details Ashbrook, current President cycling and/or sightseeing walking boots. Good luck to of a 62-mile/100 km walk route of the Ramblers and a member • Metropolitan Walkers' at Farnham, Surrey. There those who volunteer for the from Kingston to Greenwich of the Vanguards. A full Summer Ball: The Met will also be a three-course hypnotist show too! Further by way of several royal parks, description of the 66-mile/107 Walkers have a Summer Ball dinner and dance, so for information from Cathy the Thames Path and canal km route from Croydon to Weekender lined up for 10-12 once everyone will be Boorer on cathy.boorer@ towpaths, are at http:// Newhaven can be found at June when 74 members will looking fabulous in their rwcpartners.com londonparksway.com. 10 South East Walker June 2016 Plotting the Essex ESSEX coastal path The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 aims to improve public access to the English coastline. Working with Natural extras England and local authorities, Ramblers volunteers are surveying sections of the coast to form part of the England Coast Path national trail. With its estuaries, Essex has the longest coastline of any English county and Jeff Coe was one Ann McLaren of the first volunteers. s Footpath Secretary for particularly sea defences, so that Tendring, it naturally fell was very useful evidence and my Ato me to do the mapping main tip for anyone else doing – a life in rambling for my area. I covered Harwich the surveying work. The job took to Jaywick, quite a long stretch. about six days, spread over five nn was elected President of Ann’s major achievement. is now involved in developing the I used maps - not just Ordnance weeks. Essex Ramblers at our AGM Shortly after founding Essex England Coast Path through Essex, Survey ones, but street maps for When I finished, I sent the Ain February in recognition Friends, which organises short working with Natural England, the urban sections. Where there results to Natural England and of her services as walk designer, walks, in 1994, she was diagnosed and ‘seeking to get the best route were existing rights of way - built- Essex County Council, who organiser and leader of walks, with rheumatoid arthritis and possible’. up seafronts and footpaths made presumably will be able to access founder of groups, historian, and quickly lost her former walking Alan Goffee, Area Chair, said: up about 70 per cent of the the sections I couldn’t. I have member of the Area Executive and abilities, although this did not stop ‘This is a well-deserved appointment. potential route - it was easy. But heard from Natural England Area Council for many years. her walking with the Friends which Ann’s knowledge, common sense, the rest, about 12 miles, was a that my thoughts match much of Trained as a teacher but a civil she describes as her ‘lifesaver’. Nor hard work, kindness to all walkers bit more difficult. I didn’t enter theirs. But one area which shows servant until her retirement, Ann did her physical problems stop her and passion for Essex Area is land which was private property, that compromises may have to be joined the Ramblers’ Association continuing to play an active role in well known. As our first female but looking at the maps and made is at the National Nature in 1975. Ann’s volunteering CV the Ramblers. From 2006 to 2014 President, Ann has added another using binoculars I could often see Reserve at Hamford Water, where is impressive, and far too lengthy she ran a programme of monthly achievement to her Ramblers career’. tracks, for example, which might some of the habitat is said to be to list here. Having served her pub meals, the Ramblers’ Dining Mike Cannell be converted into public rights of fragile and where Natural England apprenticeship with Brentwood Club, for former walkers missing the Essex Area Media Officer way. I also took photographs. will be undertaking a full habitat Group, in 1991 she took over the company of others because of health One very important piece of assessment. This may mean the role of forming groups throughout issues. equipment was a GPS to enable path will not go as close to the the county on behalf of Essex Area. A Vice President since 2003, me to give accurate grid references water as we might like, but this At that time there were just 10 Ann continues to play a full part. for path junctions, items of should be largely compensated groups in Essex and we were being Concerned about the history of interest, spreading room and so for by finding higher ground with asked to form groups in every local Essex Ramblers becoming lost, she on. To complete the job, I drew good views. authority district. Ann had to fight volunteered to become the custodian existing rights of way on the map I am told that Natural England hard against the wishes of existing of as many items as she can salvage in one colour and the proposed is currently liaising with key groups to do this and it says much and store. In 2010, she designed the new rights of way in another. landowners and will soon start for her strength of character that Hadleigh to Stratford Legacy Walk I also spoke to people who had mapping the route. A final report this was achieved successfully. to celebrate the 2012 Olympics with lived in the area for some time. should go to the Secretary of State Ann’s support for these new groups ‘a great team of volunteers who did They were able to tell me that they next spring. in their early days is one reason all the walking out, took photos, had once been able to walk on some Jeff Coe why they remain part of Essex Area drew maps and arranged the whole sections which are now fenced off, Tendring Group today. This must be regarded as booklet in a printable form’. She Ann. Photo: Eric McLaren New guide and Tendring Ramblers build first plastic boardwalk waymarks for n an over-used and muddy footpath Chris Palmer and the public rights of way running from the B1027 (at grid ref officer for Essex County Council, Sarah Potter. OTM 120170) to Mill Dam Lake (the Altogether the installation took about four days Saffron Trail signage states Martin’s Farm), a working party and 120 work hours. he Saffron Trail is a 72- revised Landranger maps published in from Tendring Ramblers has installed what Working party member Jeff Coe said, ‘This is mile route across Essex from February and will appear on Explorer is thought to be the first plastic boardwalk the most rewarding job that Tendring Ramblers TSouthend-on-Sea in the south maps when they are reprinted. The in Essex following a request from St Osyth has undertaken. We were novices at the beginning east to Saffron Walden in the north route can also be seen using Streetmap. Parish Council. but became almost expert as the work progressed. west, which many feel complements co.uk. Using materials supplied by Essex County Group members adapted their work skills to suit the Essex Way which runs south west The new logo was designed and Council, the boardwalk runs for 60 metres. The the situation’. to north east. bought with financial help from Essex work was organised by footpath representative Mike Cannell The trail was devised by David Area and over 500 discs have been put Hitchman in the early 2000s and adopted in place - the whole route is now signed by Redbridge Ramblers following an in both directions. Our group has also enjoyable five-day group walk in 2007, agreed to buy signs to mark the start following which a guide was published. and finish of the route, and details of The route was re-surveyed in 2008 and the trail should soon be available on the a new edition of the guide published in Area website. 2009, with the backing of Essex Area. Redbridge volunteers regularly walk However, in the following years parts of the route to check signing and certain route changes were necessary footpath conditions, but anyone finding because of several footpath changes and a problem should contact me on 020 a third edition became necessary. At the 8989 5116 or [email protected]. same time, Redbridge Group wanted to The new guidebook with full colour re-sign the route in both directions with pictures is available from me at £4 more visible waymarks, increasing the plus £1 post and packing. Please send route’s status, and to get the trail marked a cheque for £5 to me at 16 Windsor on Ordnance Survey maps. Road, London E11 3QU. Following discussions with Ordnance Roger Young Survey, the route has been added to the Redbridge Ramblers Installing the plastic boardwalk by Nun’s Wood. Photo: Jeff Coe South East Walker June 2016 11 Footpaths and access Banstead Footpath 125 from the agency - cross- SURREY The county council has compliance - landowners managed to get this path are required to observe reopened. It is signed at a number of conditions both ends and is pretty relating to good agricultural snippets clear for the first few yards and environmental practice, from either end though the including keeping public remainder is essentially a rights of way open and passage through a junk yard accessible. I’m pleased to say (Austin 7 parts a speciality). It that the agency confirmed Well thank you very much! makes it possible to complete they will receive such reports a pleasant circular walk from both from the public and he Chairman of Croydon Christmas Day (our day off!) The clafoutis (look it up!) or was it the Kingswood, Banstead and highway authorities and that Ramblers, Peter Roud, and topics of conversation varied from huge chocolate profiteroles? I just Chipstead without using the these will form part of their Tcommittee treated over the previous evening’s television can’t decide. Anyway, we really do narrow and busy Chipstead recommendations for the 80 walk leaders to a lunch at the programmes to how to get the appreciate being appreciated! Lane. The path (grid ref TQ inspections which they carry Free Church Hall in Whyteleafe, best shine on boots! For me, the John Tickner 265555) runs west to east out to check compliance. Surrey, on Monday 7 March. highlight of the event was the cherry Croydon Ramblers through Pigeonhouse Farm We consider ourselves very on Chipstead Lane. Countryside Access lucky to have more walk leaders Management System than some groups have ramblers Reigate north David Ross, Local Footpath - an indication of how popular, Pauline Butcher has taken Secretary for Waverley interesting and successful our group over as Local Footpath north west, has been is! The lunch was expertly provided Secretary for the northern working with Surrey County by John Hilton and his loyal team part of Reigate (Banstead, Council to make the new of assistants, and it was a lovely Chipstead, Kingswood, system more useful to Local way of saying a big ‘thank you’ to Tadworth and Walton-on- Footpath Secretaries. David walk leaders who ensure we have a the-Hill). Many thanks to has recommended that George Seaborn who has walk every day of the year - except At the Leaders’ Lunch. Photo: John Tickner the enhanced access to the persevered over the years system be extended to other with Footpath 125 (see Local Footpath Secretaries. above) and other members Blazing a trail for virtual reality despite having first tried North Downs Way to step down from the role The North Downs Way Trail arnham & District technology offers a ‘try before you the Google Trekker project, for about 20 years ago! Manager, Peter Morris, in Ramblers placed buy’ experience designed to give example, most recently 18 members conjunction with Surrey Fthemselves in the vanguard users a real sense of the countryside spent a day improving access and Big Pathwatch County Council, has initiated of 21st century rambling with the around them and inspire them to visibility of signage along the first The project closed in January a scheme for volunteers to launch of the new North Downs enjoy the trail at first hand’ he says. eight miles of the North Downs with 2,746 km of Surrey paths survey and maintain sections Way Google Trekker initiative. In thanking those responsible Way helping to ensure that walkers completed, about 80% of of the North Downs Way. This Described by Trail Manager Peter for making the project possible, he looking to enjoy our stretch of this the total. More importantly, started in January and all of Morris as ‘the off-road equivalent highlighted the ‘huge enthusiasm beautiful and varied trail get off to we completed all the ‘sample the Surrey sections are now of Street View’, the trail which of our footpath maintenance team the best possible start. squares’ which were needed covered - almost exclusively stretches from Farnham to who continue to work tirelessly Graham Noakes to achieve statistical validity. by Ramblers groups and Dover, has become the first of in ensuring that newcomers and Publicity Officer individuals. It’s also pleasing to see most of the sections the 15 National Trails to be fully experienced walkers alike can easily Farnham & District Ramblers Rural Payments Agency have been audited with captured by Google Trekker. navigate this initial stretch of the I wrote to the Rural reports submitted to the Every mile of the North Downs North Downs Way’. Our monthly Payments Agency to ask how they responded to county council via the online Way has been recorded by walkers footpath maintenance programme, reports about crops or other reporting tool. with cameras mounted on a now in its 13th year, continues obstacles blocking public Rodney Whittaker backpack, providing a 360 degree to grow and in 2015 recorded its rights of way. As a condition Area Footpath & panoramic experience of the most comprehensive season, with of receiving payments Access Secretary complete trail. previous attendance records broken This has been made available in running team tasks throughout for public use via Google maps, both the summer and winter showcasing some of the beautiful seasons. Tasks completed include landscapes and architectural and the replacement or installation of 12 historical treasures Farnham and kissing gates, boardwalks, sleeper the rest of the south east has to bridges, finger posts and waymark offer. A presentation of the new posts, as well as sets of new steps programme at Farnham Town and handrails and several miles of Council offices was followed by a vegetation clearance. ribbon-cutting ceremony by the John Plympton, footpath mayors of Farnham and Waverley maintenance coordinator, praised at the dramatic new sculpture at the work of all those who take Hickley’s Corner, marking the part in the monthly programme, western start of the trail. Peter identifying and reporting problems believes the Google Trekker and working on improving every Peter Morris, North Downs Way Trail A signpost points the way on Banstead footpath 125. Rodney Whittaker initiative offers important social walker’s experience. As part of Manager with John Plympton, footpath and commercial benefits. ‘The new the preparation for the launch of maintenance coordinator for Farnham & District Ramblers.

further year. Chair: Barry Holland (chair@ There were two vacancies left surreyramblers.org.uk); Vice- Vacant unfilled: Secretary (Area Council Chair: Roy Endersby; Acting has authorised me to continue Secretary: Graham Butler posts as Acting Secretary though a ([email protected]); Treasurer: urrey Area held its replacement is still needed) and Jackie Leedham; Membership Annual General Meeting Publicity Officer to replace Bob Secretary: Anne Jamison; Son the 6 February in Hayward who stood down at the Footpaths & Access Secretary: Cheam. Barry Holland, who AGM and no one has been found Rodney Whittaker (footpaths- had been Acting Chair since to replace him. The Chair is [email protected]); November 2015, was elected keen to hear from members who Webmaster: David Leedham; Chair. Most of the other might wish to serve at Area level. Publicity Officer: Vacant. Former Local Footpath Secretary George Seaborn on the reopened Banstead officers were re-elected for a Area officers are now: Graham Butler footpath 125. Rodney Whittaker 12 South East Walker June 2016 Reigate Ramblers at the races round 30 Reigate Scattergories. or too quick an approach to a members joined in an After refreshments we were hurdle. The first race had to be A evening at the Woodhatch at the races. The course for the rerun with riders scattered on the Centre on 22 April devoted to 10-metre Woodhatch Hurdles course and horses still continuing having fun, games and, as a was built and assembled on site amongst uproar to the finish. The finale, an indoor race track! by John Field and proceedings horses were reassembled, the riders The rules were available on each conducted by Sheila Byrne. The remounted and the race rerun table but sometimes ignored. The hurdles were low but still a hazard to a finish which was decisive if room was noisy with the variety for the sledge-like horses being still open to comment. A truly and pace of play. Timing for dragged on strings by jockeys memorable experience and likely No lonely hearts here: One of Godalming & Haslemere Ramblers regular London moving between games was strict seated at the finish with winding to be repeated at our weekend in walks was through Chelsea on 2 April where they paused outside Chelsea Manor with Sally Wallace, our Chairman, spindles. Care was needed not to Cirencester in September. Studios in Flood Street, the location where the iconic front cover of the Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album was shot in 1967. They took the using the starting bell and final unseat the rider loosely placed on John Dougill opportunity to try to replicate the cover in their own way, writes Philip Watson. whistle for each session. Even so, the horse by a jerk on the string Reigate Ramblers Photo: Ann Clover those engaging with tiddlywinks still managed to squidge-off, flip their winks, and negotiate the occasional squop within the time allowed. Dominoes with two sets, but just one double six, was an easy ride but Jenga presented its own problems of assessment and delicate - almost surgical - probing and removal of elements in competitive deconstruction. Back to the nursery with Beat Dining out: Kingston Ramblers used to have a post-Christmas meal on a Saturday Your Neighbour and then the test evening but a new initiative by Maureen is a meal on a non-rambling day. The first of memory and alliteration with This is how it’s done. Photo: John Dougill took place at Côte in Kingston on Thursday 17 March and was a great success. More social events are planned, writes Brenda Horwill. Photo: Mike Wheeler

INNER LONDON Group focus: Blackheath insights n London rambling circles, shorter walks are also promoted Blackheath Group has through the London Strollers' Ilong had the reputation programme and have proved for 'far and fast', attracting hugely popular, often attracting members from both its local quite large turnouts. One area and across London who Wednesday each month, there want walks in the counties is now also a moderately paced Anniversary walk around London, particularly walk of around 10 miles. espite a damp and grey and welcoming group, always trickle of visitors from other groups Kent, Sussex and Surrey, that Blackheath Group has also day, and rail line closures, pleased to see new members, and making use of the Walk Finder. are more than 10 miles, and in run numerous joint walks with 23 walkers turned out enjoys encouraging and supporting We have had 20 well-attended summer may be as long as 20. Lewisham Health Walks. and D The pace is usually moderate several former health walkers for at least part of Kensington, new leaders. Like many groups weekends away, at venues ranging Chelsea & Westminster Group's we need more leaders and would from Minehead to Scarborough, to brisk and, as is common in now walk with them and with 25th anniversary walk on 26 also welcome fresh faces on the and Canterbury to Church all Inner London Area groups, London Strollers; this supports March. This closely followed the committee. We have had just Stretton, with a couple of two-day the walks are always accessible Ramblers' national objective to route of the very first walk, from three chairpersons, four treasurers, walks in other years. Excluding the by public transport. The leaders create better links between health Richmond to Osterley, led by the four secretaries, four programme weekends away, the anniversary was aim for invigorating walks walks and Ramblers groups. late John Holley on 24 March co-ordinators and six membership the group's 2,238th walk. through stunning countryside There is a separate mailing list and, of course, strike out in all for reminders and information 1991. secretaries since the first AGM. On Sue Chinn weathers and conditions, with about the short walks which The nine-mile walk was led by the positive side recent numbers on Kensington, Chelsea & groups of around 20 in size. anyone can join: http://eepurl. the group's Chair, Stewart James, walks have been good, with a steady Westminster Group using the Capital Ring route via In recent years though, there comIwCfL. Isleworth, Syon Park, and the has been a significant change Blackheath Ramblers has , before heading to this with the addition of a regular walks on Saturdays, into Osterley Park. An excellent comprehensive programme of Sundays and bank holidays pub lunch was had at The Fox in short walks of three to five miles, and one Wednesday walk each Hanwell where the staff coped which are fairly urban and in month. cheerfully with serving 21 people, Lewisham, Greenwich or nearby Clare Wadd with a coinciding beer festival an and at an easy pace. These Area Publicity Officer added attraction. Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster Group is a friendly On the 25th anniversary walk, beside the Thames at Richmond. Photo: Sue Chinn

ftrom Biggleswade in the north Mapping our walks to Shanklin in the south. So, in response to those enquiries from n South Bank Group we ran at our AGM, we mapped all people who think we stroll up and enjoy walks in and around the stations we had used between down outside the Royal Festival ILondon and love the fact November 2014 and October Hall and National Theatre on the that all our walks are based on 2015. In total there were 170 South Bank, we have real facts at public transport and we can across London and the south east, our finger tips to encourage them get to so many great places by used for 162 walks covering 1,450 to come out and about with us! train. miles across nine counties outside Sue Ellenby A happy group of Blackheath Ramblers in Greenwich Park. Forming part of a quiz that we London. Our destinations ranged Chair, South Bank Ramblers Photo: Alastair Fulton South East Walker June 2016 13 Let's make London a National Park City he idea to make London London, Trees for Cities, Thames spaces we have at our disposal, and better. In many ways our walking Chair, and himself a Londoner, the world's first national Tideway Tunnel, John Muir also enables you to quickly contact infrastructure is neglected. Making said 'This is an exciting time to Tpark city is such a simple Trust, Scouts London Region and your local councillors to call for London a National Park City will live and walk in London, and the one, and one which has gained Girlguiding London & South East. them to declare their support. raise walking's profile, our collective National Park City could bring a traction so quickly over the last Its instigator, Dan Raven-Ellison, This vision connects with expectations for outdoor recreation wealth of benefits for walkers with 18 months, you can easily find is a former geography teacher and Ramblers in Greater London as the in the capital and inspire all kinds of the increased focus on, and joined- yourself wondering why nobody National Geographic Emerging campaign references the hundreds activities that will have the potential up approach to, our green spaces thought of it sooner. 85% of Explorer who is passionate about of miles of walking trails that loop, to increase investment in signage, and walking routes that it will Londoners think it's a good idea young people's access to outdoor traverse and criss-cross the capital, guiding, access and promotion of bring. The campaign has already and 84% think it's something spaces and their ability to explore, which could be celebrated and routes. One of the first things I significantly shaped the debate London councils and the Mayor play and learn outside in our promoted through the National want us to develop is a clear map about how we view our capital and, of London should support. capital. The expectation is that Park City. As Kate Conto, Senior that shows not only all of London's with widespread support across the Formally launched last July, the funding will come from a mixture Policy Officer at The Ramblers, says footpaths and how to access them, political spectrum, is in a strong aim is to encourage individuals, of private giving, corporate giving in the proposal document, 'National but how the city's nature and green position to succeed.' community groups and businesses and corporate services; it will start Park City status would remind infrastructure is linked into the Sign up for the campaign's to do their best to make London a off as a small organisation and grow councils of the importance of public Areas of Outstanding Natural newsletter via their website and greener, healthier, fairer and even over time. space and encourage Londoners to Beauty that reach inside the M25. look out for a big event planned for more beautiful place to live and to The London Assembly has enjoy and use them.' Mapping like this, just like London Wednesday 21 September to help to visit. London is already Europe's unanimously passed a proposal to The campaign has recently run being a National Park City, is a take the campaign to its next stage. greenest major city, with more trees help the Greater London National some walking events as part of practical and powerful way to join Clare Wadd than people, and 47% of its area is Park City to develop their vision, the Mayor's Find Your London up people, places and ideas. Publicity Officer, Inner London made up of parks, nature reserves with support from across the Festival: Capital Ring Photography Des Garrahan, Ramblers' national Area and gardens; the campaign aims political spectrum; four London Expedition, a challenging walk to increase this to 50%. This will councils are also supporting the over the length of the 126km mean a city where people are better proposal. Londoners agree that Capital Ring over just four days; connected to nature, which is rich making London a National Park and Green and Blue Walk around in wildlife, and where we all enjoy City would make London a better Rotherhithe, an easy short walk high quality green spaces. place to live and visit (85%), benefit suitable for families, led by local There are currently 15 national children (85%), help protect and environmentalist Roger Manser. parks in the UK, but the Greater promote parks (88%), and improve Dan Raven-Ellison commented: London National Park City would Londoners' health (83%). The 'London has an incredible, diverse be very different from the existing aim now is to get two thirds of and world-class urban landscape national parks in that it would London's 654 wards to declare their that is not only fascinating to have no formal planning powers, support; so far 177 wards across explore, but is highly accessible too. meaning its creation would not 27 boroughs have done so. The With the Capital Ring, London threaten what is precious about the Greater London National Park LOOP and other strategic footpaths, existing national parks. The project City campaign website at http:// we have some brilliant routes to be is led by a steering group and has www.nationalparkcity.london/ has proud of too. That said, there is Aerial views like this one of Blackheath and Greenwich Park reveal the extent of a wide range of supporters and some amazing graphics and maps of much more work that can be done London's green space. friends, including CPRE, RSPB in London showing the different green to make walking in the capital even Photo: Luke Massey/Greater London National Park City Initiative

will be affected, temporarily or Area AGM permanently, by construction of the HS2 railway line and returned he Area Annual General via Ruislip Woods. BUCKS Meeting was held on Following the meeting, and 6 February in Ruislip, T refreshments including some with 44 members attending: excellent cakes provided by the highest we have had for Hillingdon Group, Simon briefs several years, though still a very Barnett, Ramblers' Director small proportion of our overall of Delivery and Development, News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex membership. outlined recent developments, Membership of the Area particularly the Big Pathwatch Executive Committee is and Ramblers' responsibility for unchanged, which means that we Walking for Health, including still have a number of vacancies, the opportunity for health walk in particular for an Area Secretary. schemes and Ramblers groups to Across London If you are willing to help in this, work more closely. He stressed or any other, capacity, please the importance of recognising recent series of six canal contact me at johnandjean@ the contribution of our volunteers walks, from Limehouse thamesinternet.com for further and of our vision for 2015-25. He by towpath to Brentford, revealed information. A drew attention to the website as a many diverse aspects of the Before the meeting Robert Jones- valuable resource, with dedicated London canal system when Owen, Secretary of Hillingdon pages for Areas and groups and walk leaders Frances Reed and & District Group, led a walk, in lots of information on volunteer Barbara Flack incorporated indifferent weather conditions, roles in the Volunteer Zone. visits to special places of with 25 members participating. John Esslemont interest along the route. We used some of the paths that Acting Area Secretary We saw the modern retention of waterways in Docklands, had a very informative guided a newer church built in the style by is Café Deco, worthy of a visit tour of the developing Kings of a dutch barn. for its chocolate cheesecake, and Cross site, saw how litter is used They took us off route to visit before you leave look at the deco imaginatively in mural form the Hoover Building just off the features around the lift, staircase, along the canalside by artist Kevin A40 in Perivale where we had walls and in the café. Herlihy and young people from time to walk around the building All of these visits enhanced our the Stowe youth club, had talks at and appreciate how the façade appreciation of the wider areas both the Church of St Mary the has been retained by Tesco, the through which the canal passes Virgin in Perivale where classical current owner. Built in 1933 as and took us through our industrial music concerts are held and then a modern palace of industry, the past and changing times. at Holy Cross in Greenford dating building remains a fine example Elise Harvey At the entrance to the Hoover building, now a Tesco. Photo: Elise Harvey back 700 years, juxtaposed beside of Art Deco architecture. Close Hillingdon Ramblers 14 South East Walker June 2016 Donate-a-Gate Following Elaine's walks s part of our 2015 AGM monthly stage of the walk at the we invited Elaine Steane end of which we are picked up for launched in Ato give a talk based on the return journey. The number of her guidebook for The Roman walkers varies but presently we have Way, a walk of 174 miles devised about 25 people on the walk some north Bucks by her and her family, and which of whom are from other groups. We have gone ahead and first two DaGs on the route our group completed in 2014. Should you be interested in joining developed a 'Donate a Gate' from Haddenham to Thame. We are presently undertaking us we can be contacted via our (DaG) scheme to cover the He didn't want any plaques another walk devised by Elaine, The website (www.amershamramblers. North Bucks area in which and wanted kissing gates Seven Shires Way, which is a walk org.uk). we operate. Guidance was rather than gates. He paid around Oxfordshire, a distance If you are interested in a very gratefully received from the his money and we installed of 234 miles and for which we are personalised and essentially image- Elaine Steane Isle of Wight Ramblers and the the gates. Further towards hoping that Elaine will give another based account of the Roman Way you Chiltern Society. The scheme Thame we have an agreed illustrated talk. can view my Blurb book by visiting highlighted on the home page. received the blessing of the DaG opportunity at Keepers The group travels by coach from my website johnadamslandscape. John Adams Area committee at the Area Cottage (SP 729086). Amersham to the start of each uk and clicking on the link word Amersham Ramblers AGM in February. The scheme We are currently busy was also formally launched improving the county at the Local Access Forum in council promoted Wing County Hall, , on 23 Millennium Circular Walk that March. Jonathan Clark, the has fallen into disrepair. The Wycombe walk benefits county council's Strategic county council has given Access Officer, introduced us nine gates to install as a me and I gave an illustrated starter. from Walk Finder presentation which was well- Doing our bit is enjoyable igh Wycombe members but also visitors from Ramblers national website which received. Subsequent to the and rewarding. Want to Ramblers hosted a three other Ramblers groups, is a useful facility for finding launch, Paul Hodson, Locality help or maybe set up your walk from Hambleden, namely Loddon Valley, East walks on days when one's own & Communities Manager, own group? I'm based in H Bucks, on Sunday 17 April and Berkshire and Farnham. group does not have one or in has asked me to repeat Haddenham and can be were delighted to find it was The visitors had found our walk areas that are unfamiliar, said the presentation for the contacted at williamjsbpiers@ Local Access Forums for gmail.com attended not only by our own by using the Walk Finder on the walks leader Angela Vasylenko. Haddenham & Long Crendon, Bill Piers Buckingham, Great Brickhill, rRIPPLE Wing & Ivinghoe, Winslow & District and Waddesdon. For further information on the scheme, including the application form and details of the option for a free stainless steel plaque, click on the 'Donate a Gate' tab on the Area website www.bucks- wmiddx-ramblers.org.uk. In February, a farmer in Working out where to dig the holes Kinsey asked us to install our for our second DaG (SP 736071). The Hambleden walkers. Photo: Angela Vasylenko

take themselves too seriously with year and a few weekends away. public transport. They monitor the a diverse programme of weekend footpath network in Harrow and Elsewhere in Bucks walks of 20+ miles to gentle Milton Keynes & District Group have adopted a stretch of footpath Aylesbury & District Group uk) is aimed at those in their 20s strolls of five plus miles. Members (www.mkramblers.org.uk) has on the edge of Pinner Park Farm (www.aylesbury-ramblers.org.uk) and 30s and walks are planned organise many weekends away in regular walks on Wednesdays and on which they have occasional path provides walks to suit everyone. flexibly throughout the year with the UK and overseas, challenge weekends between five and 15 clearing mornings. Tuesday walks are about four miles, longer 10+ mile walks usually on events and social events such as pub miles within reasonable travelling no faster than two miles an hour Sundays and shorter walks on nights, restaurant visits and theatre distance of Milton Keynes. West London Group (www. average. Thursday walks are six Saturdays. Several social events trips. Occasional away trips are organised westlondonramblers.org.uk) walks to nine miles and somewhat faster. take place every month and there in the UK and abroad. Some are from four to 12 miles on most Sunday walks can be up to 14 miles. are weekend trips to discover scenic Hike MK (www.mk- members act as local path checkers. Saturdays and Sundays with They hold regular footpath check coastline, rugged mountains and northbucks2030s.org.uk) is a group some midweek in a range of areas and clearance days and weekends everything in between. for people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. North West London Group accessible by public transport from away. Walks of six to 12 miles over a half (www.ramblers.org.uk/north-west- London. They also have occasional Chiltern Weekend Walkers day, a full day at the weekend. They london) walk every Sunday, usually social events and holidays and Chilterns 20s-30s Walking (www.chilternsww.co.uk) are a also have a variety of social events, around 10 - 12 miles but sometimes are currently walking the North Group (www.chilterns2030s.org. friendly bunch of 40+s who don't at least one week away during the shorter or more and accessible by Downs Way.

Walking Festival, on Sunday 11 For details of any of the above, September, with the morning email me at ivwramblers.nm@ session geared especially for ntlworld.com BEDFORDSHIRE families. Nick Markham bulletin Other courses Basic first aid - Before one of our your interest by emailing me at RIPPLE activities a conversation [email protected]. led to whether any of our volunteers was a qualified first aider. Asking Power tool training - Volunteers Maps, compasses and GPS around it turned out we had two with our RIPPLE activities who did volunteers who were qualified and the power tools course organised by ver two weekends in enjoyable. I must admit that the at Rushmere Country Park near further conversation suggested Lindsay and Central Bedfordshire March we ran our good weather did help. . Places will be successful introduction Looking ahead, we thought we'd limited so booking is essential. we should organise a basic first Council three years ago will be due O aid course not only for RIPPLE for retraining this summer. Central to map reading and compass try something slightly different and Continuing the theme of courses. offer a session introducing people introducing non-Ramblers to the members but for all our members. Bedfordshire Council will organise The general opinion from to the world of GPSs, GPX files world of maps we will again be Therefore if interest is strong enough the courses and everyone will be participants was that the and mapping apps. On Saturday 9 organising our 'Maps Can Be Fun' we could organise something later offered a place. courses were informative and July we will be holding this course sessions at this year's Bedfordshire in the summer. Please register Barry Ingram South East Walker June 2016 15 Bedfordshire Active in Leighton Buzzard Walking Festival (10 - 18 September) ur initial response Leighton Buzzard Canal Carnival to plans for a new and also to download from the Onational walking website www.bedswalkfest.co.uk. week from 5 - 11 September New routes, new interest walks was one of disappointment and related to our heritage, Capability irritation. Brown, the oldest vineyard in An overnight sleep and Bedfordshire, two beautiful chance to reflect on that estates and an overlooked village decision and suddenly positives are also included along with a for the Bedfordshire Walking section of the North Bedfordshire A break in a walk from Totternhoe Knolls. Photo: Mike Shephard Festival started to emerge Heritage Trail launched in May, eighton Buzzard Ramblers A group started walking the we have had three social events all particularly with regard to a new power-walking taster are very active with both Monarch's Way several years ago organised by Tracey Davies. The publicity and raising awareness. session, some old favourites, and long and short Sunday and and are over half way. As I write Race Night had a good attendance Individuals and groups can the 40-mile, two-day, Greensand L midweek walks as well as social they are at Castle Cary and expect to despite the weather (it forecast snow seize the opportunity not only Challenge over the weekend of 17 activities. be at Charmouth by the end of the during the evening and it did!), the to promote themselves but the - 18 September. The monthly 'Mystery Walks' season which will be 375 miles into Annual Dinner in Woburn was a festival the following week. The Book the dates in the diary and have continued to be popular. the route. All the stages have been chance for everyone to get together festival programme and web site enjoy a great week of walking. For These walks are four to six miles walked in relatively short distances for a meal and finally a Quiz Night. can equally promote the new groups and individuals around and start within 15 miles of over two to four days at a time. Our website is at www.lb- walking week and in doing so the east of England wanting Leighton Buzzard. The details are Some 35+ members will have been ramblers.org.uk and we have a help to raise awareness of our to have a day or a few days out not published in advance so it's turn away on a Spring Break to explore Facebook page at www.facebook. activities with footpaths and a warm welcome awaits. Please up at the meeting point and find out Harrogate and the surrounding com/ramblerslb. training. get in touch so we can help make where the walk is - and it could be area, Julian Chritchlow The programme will be your day even better. Contact anywhere Besides the walking programme Leighton Buzzard Ramblers available in July in time for [email protected] the Bedford River Festival and Barry Ingram bridleways in Willington and Cople because of the Footpath matters development of the new River Valley Park include: Our thanks to Bob Tarron, development until 11 Chair of the Footpath March 2017. • Extinguishment of parts of Committee, for news of the • part Cranfield FP22 for BW6, BW17, FP16 in Cople following path closures: continued development and BW1 in Willington and of new housing estate, creation of parts of Cople Central Bedfordshire continuing until 30 BW6, BW17, BW18 and in • Houghton Regis FP17 and September. Willington BW1 and BW11. FP45 to enable construction • works continuing until 6 We are concerned that in • In Kempston Rural on September. some cases work doesn't footpath FPA3 around the • Houghton Regis BW22, start until almost the area of Branston Way. FP13 and FP4 to allow end date and further • Little Staughton a diversion construction of A5 to M1 applications are then made. on FP19 and creation of link road, continuing until We believe notices should FP27 to make a link. One of last year's festival walks. Photo: Barry Ingram 14 October. only apply from the time, say • At Ravensden and • Part Leighton Buzzard three or four weeks before Thurleigh in the vicinity BW50 to allow construction the work is started, and be of Brook Farm there has works along Bossington rescinded when the work is been a modification Central Beds paths Lane, continuing until 15 completed. to the network with a September. creation, diversion and • Leighton Buzzard FPs 16, Bedford Borough extinguishment affecting in good shape 44 and 45 for housing Changes to paths and several paths.

iving in Central Beds we which includes Leighton Buzzard Blunham and Tempsford and by both the local authority are fortunate as we have Ramblers, recently took part in a our RIPPLE volunteers using and landowner the problem a highly active council survey of the footpaths in Leighton RIPPLE brushcutters and strimmers L would be tackled and the have ensured neither should rights of way team, headed by Buzzard organised by Central Our RIPPLE activities ensure path improved. For this to David Leverington. Footpaths Bedfordshire's rights of way team. paths stay open and in the be a problem for a year or work we would like more are regularly surveyed and We are also fortunate in having early part of the year our time two. In the east of the county volunteers willing to help out any problems dealt with RIPPLE teams, headed by Barry has been spent widening at Biggleswade and Dunton even if they are unable to join promptly. Very few paths are Ingram, who also clear many of our paths which have become our volunteers have improved our RIPPLE work. overgrown and there are always local footpaths. overgrown. paths for the benefit of both If you feel you can assist local residents and walkers. teams out in summer clearing Last year members of our group Brambles and nettles on us please contact either your One of the difficulties we overgrowth. Nearly all stiles walked the 80-mile John Bunyan a path are often enough group footpath officer or me to deter even the hardiest face is that some of the reports at [email protected]. have been replaced by kissing Trail and conducted a re-survey to we receive regarding blocked gates. bring the trail notes up to date for walker and in tackling them Barry Ingram on a section of the Three paths or broken stiles, when We have been fortunate in our a new guidebook. Unfortunately a Shires Way at Forty Foot Lane investigated, would only Footpath Secretaries. Ted Herbert publisher could not be found and near Souldrop produced an represent work for one or two successfully campaigned against at the last Area AGM we voted to unexpected bonus as the people for maybe an hour or Fullers Earth being quarried in put the guide online and this will landowner seeing what we so, The reports are often in a beautiful area of Woburn and be added to our group website at were doing offered to finish different parts of the county opened a realigned path through www.lb-ramblers.org.uk. our work when clearing the making it almost impossible the elephant sanctuary in Woburn Central Bedfordshire has large ditch and hedge. This was for one of our RIPPLEs. What Safari Park. Our present Footpath areas of glorious countryside and duly done and the path is we are proposing is that Secretary liaises with Central we are fortunate to have well now in excellent condition these should be handled by Bedfordshire Council and reports looked-after footpaths. It is not and should not need further the individual group footpath any problems as they arise and these perfect but could be a model for the attention for the next two officers and in conjunction with RIPPLE sort out the are normally dealt with without rest of England. or three years. Last autumn brambles and nettles caused problem with volunteers delay. Mike Shephard problems on a section of based locally. Tools can be The local Parish Paths Chairman, Leighton Buzzard A Ripple team at work with power the Kingfisher Way between provided and once approved tools. Photo: Barry Ingram Partnership committee members, Ramblers 16 South East Walker June 2016 Mark West ea & Icknield members are Garden Bridge sorry to report the recent Luntimely death of Mark West. Mark had been a member of the group since its early days – a reader’s view and it was through the group he so-called ‘Garden by lift and is promoted as a tourist TCOS believe this extravagance that he met his wife Sheila. Mark was an enthusiastic walk leader Bridge’ mentioned in attraction, which ironically will to be not within the public and contributed regularly to T the March issue of South destroy one of the most iconic views interest so will take legal action to East Walker (New footbridges of St Paul’s in London and ruin the prevent further funding from the the programme. Despite being Mark West busy with community and work across the Thames in London?) is Thamescape. There are still quite public purse. There are significant commitments, he found time years ago, more recently acting as neither a footbridge nor garden, a few hurdles for the Bridge Trust challenges to the transparency of to lead weekends away, often Auditor for the group's accounts. is not a step in the right direction to overcome, for example land the procurement process for the in Eastbourne, which proved He and Sheila also enjoyed the and is definitely not ‘more likely ownership issues on the South Bank award of the design to Thomas popular with members. social side of the group's activities, Mark had a reputation for usually being present at annual to go ahead’. and a recent call for it to be called Heatherwick, as well as concerns attracting 'extreme weather' when dinners and fielding a team on quiz The Chair of Inner London in by MP Kate Hoey, the London over funding, part of which is due to lead a walk - it could be nights. Ramblers, Phil Marson, spoke Assembly and local councillors. now under the guise of a sham torrential rain, strong winds or Mark was diagnosed with a brain against the scheme at the meeting in Critical planning conditions will loan ie interest free/no clawback even blistering heat; any of these tumour early in 2015, and whilst May 2015 held by Thames Central not be discharged until June or July mechanism for late payment. were likely to occur when Mark initially thought to be treatable, Open Spaces (TCOS) to challenge by which time it is likely the project I urge your readers to look at was leading. On one occasion in sadly it soon became apparent this corporate venture and Inner will be subject to a legal challenge http://www.tcos.org.uk for further Eastbourne there was unexpected that this was not the case. Apart spring snow; on another Mark from a few brief spells in the Keech London Ramblers continue to in the High Court. Indeed, as your information on the many objections reluctantly had to abandon the Hospice, he was nursed at home by support TCOS. article stated, despite £60 million to this project. walk as he feared for the safety of Sheila and it was there that he died This vanity project, conceived of public funding the Garden Maureen Jethwa the group in the gale-force winds! peacefully on 8 March, aged 55. by Joanna Lumley and supported Bridge Trust still needs to raise Mark paid great attention to Our thoughts are with Sheila, by Boris Johnson, will reduce and £30 million in order to reach their Phil Marson, Chair of Inner detail and kept precise records of Mark's sister Clare, and his wider obstruct public walking space on target. However, there is the matter London Area, adds: We have been his walking - he knew exactly how family. We have lost a respected both sides of the Thames, on the of the mayor’s public guarantee campaigning against the bridge many walks he had participated member of our group and a good in or led, the mileage covered and friend. Queen’s Walk and on the north for the bridge’s ongoing annual in close collaboration with TCOS the number of people involved. Rosemary Hasker bank in front of Temple station. maintenance costs of £3 million for over a year and will continue He served as Chairman some Lea & Icknield Group It can only be accessed and exited which hasn’t been finalised yet. to do so. Diary Dates Until Tuesday 12 July: Britain from the air Getting there A hundred aerial images explore Britain’s diverse natural and human landscapes. Royal Geographical Society Pavilion. Exhibition Road, Lobdon SW7 020 7591 3000, www.rgs.org Sunday 5 June: Wendover Canal Trust Restoration Day All the region’s transport news Conducted tours of the canal restoration works plus teas and cakes at Drayton Beauchamp church, 12.30 - 4pm. Also on Sunday 4 September. Surrey Sunday Rambler 765 www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk. A 16-seat minibus linking Dorking station and Cuckmere Valley Ramblerbus In East Sussex, the Ramblerbus (Bus 47) is Saturday 11 June: Tring Park Summer Festival town with the surrounding countryside and running again this summer on Saturdays, Activities and music at the Woodland Trust’s parkland on the edge of National Trust properties runs on Sundays only Tring, Herts. Sundays and bank holidays until 30 October. It until 23 October (except 31 July when many 10am -4pm, admission charge runs from Berwick station (between Lewes and roads are closed for a cycling event). The 07909 893545, woodlandtrust.org.uk/events Eastbourne) via Alfriston, Seaford (also with circular route serves Coldharbour, Leith Hill rail connections), the Seven Sisters Country Saturdays 11 June or 23 July: Explore with map and compass course Tower, Leith Hill Place, Holmbury St Mary, Park and Wilmington. The company also runs One day courses providing an opportunity to gain confidence and Newlands Corner, Hatchlands Park, Polesden Bus 126 which on Sundays runs from Seaford experience in map reading and land navigation, consisting mainly of Lacey and Denbies. Single journey tickets cost up the Cuckmere valley to Polegate and on to fieldwork in the countryside surrounding Battle in East Sussex. 10am £3, a day pass £6 and concessionary passes are - 4pm, £10 - reduced rates available. Call John with your preferred Eastbourne. Details from www.cuckmerebuses. accepted. date. Further courses might be arranged later in the year if sufficient org.uk. The service is operated by East Surrey Rural demand. Transport Partnership (01883 732791)with a John Harmer 01424 773998, [email protected]. grant from the Big Lottery Fund and supported Oxford rail works The railway will be closed between Didcot Saturday 18 - Sunday19 June: Open Garden Squares Weekend by the National Trust. A full 765 timetable can Parkway and Oxford to carry out flood Event run by London Parks & Gardens Trust with over 200 gardens be found at www.buses4u.org.uk prevention work in the Hinksey area from to explore across 25 boroughs. A £12 ticket covers both days. Saturday 30 July to Sunday 14 August (including www.opensquares.org Dover track blocked weekdays. Saturday 2 July: Art Night London Train services between Folkestone and Dover are Additionally, from Saturday 30 July to Sunday Inspired by Nuit Blanche in Paris this event organised by the Institute expected to resume in December. The line had 7 August the railway will be closed between of Contemporary Art takes place around venues from Admiralty Arch to close after an exposed section below the cliffs Oxford and Banbury for re-signalling work. off Trafalgar Square to Two Temple Place and Southwark Cathedral. near Dover was severely damaged in storms Then from Wednesday 3 to Sunday 7 August Free but some event venues require booking. earlier this year. A £40 million project began the railway will be closed between Oxford and www.artnight.london in March to replace the damaged section with a Hanborough for bridge repair work. Check new viaduct. Saturday 2 July - Sunday 7 August: Life and heritage on the before travelling at www.gwr.com/hinksey2016 Basingstoke Canal or call National Rail Enquiries. Free exhibition documenting the canal’s restoration as part of the Brighton’s Breeze up to the Basingstoke Canal Society’s 50th anniversary. The Lightbox, Woking, Surrey Downs buses 01483 737800, www.thelightbox.org.uk The three ‘Breeze’ bus routes from Brighton town and railway station to Devil’s Dyke (Bus Saturday 16 - Sunday 31 July: British Festival of Archaeology 77), Stanmer Park (Bus 78) and Ditchling Over a thousand events across the UK take place, organised by the Beacon (Bus 79) continue to run every Saturday, Council for British Archaeology. Sunday and bank holiday throughout the www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk year though some cuts have been made. Bus Saturday 30 - Sunday 31 July: Festival of Wildlife 77 runs seven days a week from 13 June to A weekend of walks, talks and family activities in Panshanger Park, 9 September, a shorter period than previous on the west side of Hertford. Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust and years, and no longer has open top vehicles. If Herts Natural History Society. travelling by train to Brighton or Hove to catch www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/festival one of the Breeze buses, show your train ticket Tuesday 2 - Saturday 27 August: Crossing Places, Getting Places to obtain two bus tickets for the price of one Paintings and drawings by Stephen Goddard inspired by a walk along or get a third off the price of a ticket for one the River Wey from Eashing to Guildford, comparing present day person. National Bus Pass holders travel free. views with postcards from the 1900s. More details at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ Godalming Museum, Surrey breezebuses, 01273 886200. Polesden Lacey 01483 426510, www.godalmingmuseum.org.uk