NEWSLETTER & PROGRAMME

1st August – 30th November 2019

www.whitecliffsramblers.org.uk White Cliffs Ramblers: Annual General Meeting Please note that the Annual General Meeting of the White Cliffs Ramblers for 2019 will be held on Sunday, 3rd November at 13.30 at St Margaret's Village Hall, St Margaret's at Cliffe. A 6-mile circular walk around the St Margaret's Bay area and starting from the village hall promptly at 10.00am will be led by Margaret Lubbock. Please note this will be the only walk on this Sunday. The village hall is open from 12.30 pm and you are welcome to eat your lunch there. Drinks and biscuits are available; please help yourselves. The AGM is your chance to have your say about the committee and its performance. It is also your opportunity to re-elect those members standing again and to fill any vacancies. As advised previously, our Chairman, Margaret Lubbock, after several years of exemplary leadership, hard work and commitment on our behalf is standing down this year. We must fill this vacancy, so if you wish to stand or to nominate someone else please inform Helena Trevelyan, Group Secretary (01304 820445). If you have any items for the Agenda, please inform Helena and note that any item under AOB should be short (less than 5 minutes) and must in any case be advised to the Secretary before the start of the meeting.

White Cliffs Walking Festival We are counting down to 7th annual walking festival from August 22nd – 28th. It will comprise 42 walks, ranging from short special interest ones of one or two miles, to the 32-mile White Cliffs Challenge. There will be 12 new walks, including Over The Downs (12 miles), From Coast to Downs (11 miles), and Beautiful Hythe and Beyond (five or 10 miles). For further information refer to the Festival booklet (already sent to Members) or www.whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk . The festival will be opened, in a ceremony on Deal’s Memorial Bandstand on Walmer Green, on August 22, by Kate Ashbrook. Kate is vice-president and chair of The Ramblers, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, vice-chair of the Campaign for National Parks and patron of the Walkers Are Welcome towns network. Please book up for the walks you would like to go on by visiting the festival website www.whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk The organisers have worked very hard throughout the year to put on the festival, but we need assistance, particularly start of walk coordinator and marshals. If you can offer your services during the festival, please contact Lesley Stephenson on [email protected] or telephone her on 07753 245969.

The Kearsney Loop Months of negotiations involving the Ministry of Defence, Dover District Council and White Cliffs Ramblers finally came to fruition this summer with the launch of a new walking route – The Kearsney Loop.

The 2.6 mile route takes in Russell Gardens, Bushey Ruff, Kearsney Abbey and Scotland Common. Previously walkers who wished to set off from the Abbey and do a circular walk via Scotland Common were faced with a dangerous walk of about half a mile along a very busy road. The negotiations, led by Les Preston, have resulted in an agreement with the MoD for a new permissive footpath across their land. This new path has not only enabled the creation of The Kearsney Loop, but it also gives a much safer access route to the wider footpath network above Temple Ewell.

Having obtained agreement for the new footpath, volunteers from White Cliffs Ramblers, led by Averil & Steve Brice and John Polden set about installing two new kissing gates, a set of steps and way- marker posts along the route. Part of the cost of this work was met by a generous donation from White Cliffs members, Jane and Alan Ford.

Following the opening ceremony on July 2nd, Lesley Stephenson led a walk around The Loop – a walk that will also feature in this year’s Walking Festival.

A Kearsney Abbey Loop leaflet has been produced, giving full details of the route and its points of interest. The leaflet was by Robert Peel, Area Secretary, who has also published some excellent walking guides for Kent, see: http://www.kentramblers.org.uk/Books/index.htm#TRVWWK (Photos: Rob Riddle & Tony Bristow)

East Kent Ploughing Match The 75th East Kent Ploughing Match will take place this year at West Court Farm, Shepherdswell, CT15 7PZ on Wednesday 25 September 2019. We need 12 volunteers to each offer 2 hours of their time across one of 4 time-slots during the day. As in previous years, White Cliffs Ramblers will be supporting Kent Area Ramblers by greeting visitors to the stall, distributing our Walks Programmes and other materials and inviting people to join us. This has always been a great day for people to see what we do for walking and keeping the public footpaths open and in good repair. There are opportunities for volunteers to see some of the many stalls and events taking place at this premier farming meeting. Visitors will arrive from 9am, therefore the first group of Volunteers (8 - 10am) will be helping to put up the tent and prepare the tables, as well as meeting the first people interested in walking. The other three shifts are: 10-12 noon, 12 - 2pm and 2 - 4pm when help is needed again to dismantle the tent. You will not be out of pocket as the £5 entrance fee will be either reimbursed or you will receive a free ticket in advance. To offer your help please contact Margaret Lubbock by email ([email protected]) or by telephone (01304 831011) and indicate your preferred time-slot.

Bitten by a tick? As the prevalence of tick – borne disease has increased in this part of the world it is worth taking note of the following advice and guidance Ticks are tiny blood-sucking arachnids which can be found in areas of dense vegetation, such as long grass or bracken. They can attach themselves to you and feed on your blood by biting through your skin. Ticks are known to carry a variety of diseases. The most serious of these is Lyme disease, which can be transmitted through the bite of an infected sheep tick.

If you are planning to go walking in an area of dense vegetation, consider taking the following precautions: • Wear trousers and long-sleeved shirts and keep cuffs fastened and trousers tucked into socks. • Wear shoes or boots rather than open sandals. • Use insect repellent: DEET or Permethrin can protect against ticks for several hours. • If you find a tick, remove it quickly, preferably with a specially-designed tick removal tool. These are better than household tweezers as they avoid the risk of squashing the tick and releasing fluids into your skin. In an emergency you can use a thread of cotton looped around the tick’s mouthparts, which you then pull steadily upwards. • Dogs are also vulnerable to ticks: consult your vet for insect repellent or a tick collar. • After your walk, carefully brush all clothing and examine yourself for ticks. Pay special attention to their favourite feeding places: the backs of knees, around the groin, under the arms and, especially on small children, the hairline and scalp. If part of the tick breaks off or you think any part of it may be left in your skin, wash the site thoroughly but don’t worry about digging with a needle as that may do more damage. Your body will deal with any embedded remains. Consult a doctor if the small area of redness gets worse. For further information see: https://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/LDA002-8-web.pdf

No. Date Time Map ref. Walk Miles Grade Contact Postcode (Kms) 3535. Thursday 10:45 TR229359 Royal Saxon Way Day 1 Folkestone to 11 Mod. 3 Andrew 01/08/2019 CT20 1SE Elham. Meet at Folkestone Parish Church. (17.7) 07754 797848 Lunch stop in Etchinghill. The following or 01233 720513 churches will be passed, St Martin's Cheriton, St Nicholas' Newington and St Mary and St Ethelburga's Lyminge. Finish at St Mary's Elham. Bus from Elham at 09:56 arrives Folkestone Bus Station at 10:28. 3536. Saturday 07:30 TR215431 Swingfield Breakfast Walk. Meet at 6 Mod. 3 Joy 03/08/2019 CT15 7HU Folkestone Garden Centre - the venue for (9.7) 01304 825302 optional breakfast after the walk (at own expense). 3537. Sunday 10:00 TQ592522 Shipbourne Park at The Chaser Inn or 12 Mod. John C 04/08/2019 TN11 9PE opposite on Upper Green Road. Walk (19.3) 3/4 07792 038926 via Ightham Mote and Ivy Hatch. Restart or 01795 841408 from the Chaser Inn at 2.15pm. Afternoon walk via Plaxtol and Fairlawne Estate. Fig. of 8 (7 + 5 miles). 3538. Tuesday 12:00 TQ691534 Wateringbury Brunch and tea walk. If 6 Easy 2 Keren / Margaret 06/08/2019 ME18 5DD having lunch meet at "Where Memories (9.7) MW Meet" tearoom at 10:30 (188 Tonbridge 01795 843927 Road). Free parking opposite at village hall, or 01795 842518 or park on road. Walk starts at 12:00 noon.

3539. Thursday 10:00 TQ758681 Chatham Meet at Wiffen Ave. (turn right at 8 Mod. Margaret MW / Sue 08/08/2019 ME4 4SF Brook Theatre). £2.50 for 4 hours. (12.9) 2/3 W Joint walk with Maidstone Ramblers taking 01795 843927 in lots of historical sites. Most of the walking Or 07749 913602 is on pavements with some grassy areas. The first part covers about 4.5 miles and those wishing to shorten the walk can stop off at The Ship & Trades pub for a drink. The walk continues around St Mary's Island and returns to The Ship & Trades. The last lap is back to the car park via Fort Amherst. Bring picnic lunch / snacks. Please car share. Return to car park by 3.00pm. 3540. Sunday 10:00 TR158407 Lyminge Meet at the village hall (small 11 Mod. 4 Colin C 11/08/2019 CT18 8EJ parking charge for hall funds). Fig. of 8 walk. (17.7) 01303 259075 Lunch – bring a picnic or Coach & Horses or 07586 045998 pub. 3541. Thursday 10:00 TR042209 Appledore / Lydd Cinque Ports 100 Walk 4: 10 Mod. 3 Graham S 15/08/2019 TN29 9AS Meet at Lydd Town Hall to catch bus to (16.1) 01304 367853 Appledore (departs at 08:53 arrives 10:27). or 07815 453324 Bring packed lunch – no pub stop. 3542. Thursday 10:00 TR066536 Chilham 7 Mod. Jill / Ev 15/08/2019 CT4 8BZ Meet in the lower village car park. (11.3) 2/3 01304 364856 or 01304 824344 3543. Sunday 10:00 TR299428 Dover Meet outside Crabble Athletic 12.5 Mod. Val E-N / Clair 18/08/2019 CT17 0QJ Ground. Lunch stop at Samphire Hoe, (20.1) 3/4 01227 720324 recommend that you bring a packed lunch. or 01304 214778 3544. Sunday 10:00 TR217353 Folkestone Hidden Martello Towers. Meet 5.2 Mod. 4 John Gr 18/08/2019 CT20 2X) near the Grand Hotel, The Leas (park (8.4) 01303 250230 outside the hotel / nearby roads. or 07814 786839 22nd – 28th AUGUST WHITE CLIFFS WALKING FESTIVAL 3545. Thursday 10:00 TR221609 Meet at the Nature Reserve car 10 Mod. Val E-N / Heather B 29/08/2019 CT3 4BE park. Lunch stop at The Rose Inn, (16.1) Flat 01227 720324 - food orders to be taken or 07969 703891 by 22nd August. RADO 3546. Sunday 10:00 TQ722377 Goudhurst Meet by the Vine Inn. Park on 11 Mod. 3 Rob G 01/09/2019 TN17 1AL nearby roads. Lunch stop in Cranbrook, pub (17.7) 07580 039671 (The White Horse) and cafés. or 01303 259099 3547. Tuesday 10:15 TR919205 Rye 10 Mod. 3 Ted 03/09/2019 CT15 6DT Meet at the station car park (£2.90 all day). (16.1) 01304 364856 Lunch stop at the Queen's Head, Icklesham. 3548. Thursday 10:00 TR174647 Herne Common Meet at Garden 11 Mod. Carol B 05/09/2019 CT6 7NW Centre - park at the far end of the car park. (17.7) 2/3 01277 374529 Lunch stop in Broad Oak. 3549. Sunday 10:00 TQ794375 Sissinghurst Meet in the village by the 10 Mod. Rob G 08/09/2019 TN17 2JG church - park on the street. Lunch stop at (16.1) 3/4 07580 039671 The Bell and Jorrocks, Frittenden. or 01303 259099 3550. Sunday 10:00 TR091416 Brabourne Meet opposite Brabourne School 5 Mod. Anne & Tony 08/09/2019 TN25 5LQ (off Canterbury Road). Parking is very (8) 2/3 01304 372814 limited, please car share where possible. Or 07976 944396

The Five Bells The Cross, Lower St, Eastry, Kent CT13 0HN 01304 611188 [email protected] Paddlesworth, Kent CT18 8AD 01303 892205 www.thefivebellseastry.com Two courses for £8.50 from the specials board Family Run, John always offers a warm welcome (Monday - Friday 12noon – 2pm) Traditional Home Cooked Food in Friendly Atmosphere £6.50 for Lunch Club Members Real Ales - Large beer Garden – Car Park Food served daily 12noon – 8.30pm An Original Battle of Britain Pub Function room Available Photos and other items from airmen involved in the war. Beer Garden - Real Ales www.catandcustardpot.co.uk Bed & Breakfast Ro & Steve welcome you to COACH & HORSES 16 Palace Street CHURCH ROAD, LYMINGE , FOLKESTONE CT18 8JA Canterbury 01303 862694 CT1 2DZ 01227 786371

Outdoor and Travel Clothes A day can start one way and end in a different way altogether. Rohan gear is designed for our unpredictable world GOOD HOME COOKED FOOD Versatile clothing that does more than one job allows Senior Citizens Lunches Tues - Sat £7.50 Sunday Carvery £9.95 Friday is Food Theme Night Regular Live Music you to be prepared, carry less and enjoy more.

Facebook page: Coach & Horses Lyminge 10% discount to WCR with this advert

3551. Tuesday 10:00 TR374453 St. Margaret's Bay 5 Mod. John W 10/09/2019 CT15 6DF Meet at the Dover Patrol Memorial. (8) 3/4 01304 852563 or 07774 437350 3552. Thursday 10:00 TR262478 Shepherdswell White Cliffs 30th 10 Mod. Les O 12/09/2019 CT15 7LL Anniversary - A Chairman's Walk. Meet (16.1) 2/3 07801 508958 Shepherdswell Green, park on roads. Lunch stop at Woolage Green - The Two Sawyers. 3553. Sunday 10:00 TR177439 Elham Meet in the square. Fig. of 8 walk (6+ 11 Mod.3 Andrew 15/09/2019 CT4 6TL 5 miles). Lunch-stop at the Abbott's Fireside. (17.7) 07754 797848 or 01233 720513 3554. Thursday 09:15 TR102294 Lydd / Dymchurch 12 Mod. 2 Graham S 19/09/2019 TN29 0NW Cinque Ports 100 Walk 5: Meet at (19.3) 01304 367853 Dymchurch Village Hall to catch bus to Lydd or 07815 453324 (departs 09:32 arrives 10:08) 3555. Thursday 10:00 TR148360 Saltwood 5.5 Mod. 3 Rhona 19/09/2019 CT21 4HL Meet at Brockhill Country Park. Parking (8.9) 01303 258022 £1.50. Option for refreshments after the walk at the veggie café. 3556. Sunday 10:00 TQ676337 Bewl Water 9 Mod. 3 Rosie 22/09/2019 TN3 8JH Meet at the Visitor Centre. Parking - £2.00 (14.5) 01795 435797 (all day). Lunch stop at Scotney Castle (National Trust) or bring sandwiches. 3557. Sunday 10:00 TR182375 Newington 6.5 Mod. 4 Colin C 22/09/2019 CT18 8FD Meet at the village hall - small charge to (10.5) 01303 259075 park for hall funds. or 07586 045998

3558. Thursday 10:00 TR343635 Ramsgate 12 Mod. 2 Margaret M-W / 26/09/2019 CT12 5JB Meet Pegwell Bay Country Park - £1.30 to (19.3) Carol park all day. Lunch stop in Broadstairs - pubs 01795 843927 and cafés. or 01227 374529 3559. Sunday 10:00 TR066536 Chilham Meet in the lower car park. Lunch 13 Mod. 4 Jim Bu 29/09/2019 CT4 8BZ stop in Wye - pubs and cafés. (20.9) 07948 149938 3560. Sunday 10:00 TR234539 6 Mod. Jane G 29/09/2019 CT3 6JE Meet at the Railway Station (9.7) 2/3 01304 611771 3561. Tuesday 09:30 TR185543 Bridge 21.6 Mod. 3 John Gr 01/10/2019 CT4 5BL The Canterbury Ring (Outer Rim). Please see (34.8) 01303 250230 http://canterburyrings.info/ to check out or 07814 786839 the route which covers paths/bridleways and lanes near to Lower Hadres, Upper , Tyler Hill, Broad Oak, , , and Bridge. There are opportunities to do just sections of your choice and making travel arrangements accordingly. Lunch stop in Tyler Hill. It would be helpful to the walk leader if you could notify him if you intend to participate by the day before the walk.

WALK DETAILS FOR DECEMBER 2019 TO MARCH 2020 TO ANNE & TONY BY 18TH OCTOBER PLEASE

3562. Thursday 10:00 TR177439 Royal Saxon Way Day 2 11 Mod. 3 Andrew 03/10/2019 CT4 6TL Elham to . Meet in The Square, (17.7) 07754 797848 Elham. Lunch stop in Kingston. Walk passes or 01233 720513 the following churches: St Mary's Elham, St John the Baptist, Barham, St Giles' Kingston, St Mary's, , St. Peter's Bridge, St Mary's and St Peter's Bekesbourne. Return to Elham by train from Bekesbourne at 16:09, the no. 17 bus from Canterbury at 16:40 arrives Elham at 17:11. Single fare Bekesbourne to Canterbury £2.80 (£1.85 with railcard) 3563. Thursday 10:00 TR18543 Bridge Meet near the recreation ground 7.5 Mod. John P 03/10/2019 CT4 5BL (Patrixbourne Road). Mid-morning stop for (12.1) 2/3 01304 823705 tea / coffee / snacks / toilets. or 07966 741187 3564. Sunday 10:00 TQ960490 Charing Meet in Pett Lane, situated at the 9.5 Mod. 4 Jim Bu 06/10/2019 TN27 0DS end of a row of houses. Lunch stop in (15.3) 07948 149938 Stalisfield Green. 3565. Sunday 10:00 TR392656 Ramsgate Meet at George VI Memorial 6 Mod. 2 Mary C 06/10/2019 CT11 8AJ Park, Victoria Parade entrance. (9.7) 01843 61521 3566. Tuesday 10:00 TR343540 Hacklinge Meet at the Coach and Horses. 8.5 Mod. 2 Jerry S 08/10/2019 CT14 0AS Park in nearby roads if not eating lunch at (13.7) 01304 363272 the pub - book beforehand or before start or 07778 020660 of walk, lunch at 14:00.

3567. Thursday 09:10 TR319416 Hythe / Dover Cinque Ports 100 Walk 6: 14.6 Mod. 4 Graham S 10/10/2019 CT16 1NS Meet at Pencester Bus Station, Dover to (23.5) 01304 367853 catch bus to Hythe (departs 09:20 arrives or 07815 453324 10:14). Lunch stop in Folkestone - pubs and cafés. 3568. Sunday 10:00 TR380482 Kingsdown Meet on Undercliffe Road, 12 Mod. Lee, 07932 812514 13/10/2019 CT14 8EU Oldstairs Bay. Fig. of 8 walk (7 + 5 miles). (19.3) 3/4 Parking may be limited, please car share where possible. Lunch stop at the King's Head Kingsdown. Re-start at 13:45 3569. Thursday 10:00 TR175678 Coastal walk from Herne Bay to 10 Mod. John R P 17/10/2019 CT6 5RB Birchington (linear). Meet by the War (16.1) flat 07414 863194 Memorial in Memorial Park. The war memorial is a 5-minute walk from Herne Bay station. Park in Dering Road (free) or at the station (£3.50). Lunch stop in - pub and café. Return by train (15:07; 15:35; 16:04; 16:23) - £4.00 without concessions. 3570. Sunday 10:00 TR376529 Deal Meet at Union Road car park (currently 12 Mod. 3 Lee 20/10/2019 CT14 6EA free on Sundays). Lunch stop in Sandwich - (19.3) 07932 812514 pubs and cafés. 3571. Thursday 10:00 TR079453 Wye Downs 9 Mod. Elaine 24/10/2019 TN25 5HE Meet at Wye Downs lay-by car park. Lunch (14.5) 3/4 01233 812328 stop in Wye - pubs / cafés. or 07532 399721 3572. Sunday 10:00 TR179599 Fordwich Meet in Marlow Meadows. Lunch 11 Mod. 3 Chris B 27/10/2019 CT2 0BT stop in Bridge - various pubs / picnic sites. (17.7) 07855 898234 3573. Sunday 10:00 TR800403 Brabourne Lees 6.5 Mod. 3 David J 27/10/2019 CT14 8ER Meet in Bridge Road. RADO (10.5) 01303 269151

3574. Thursday 10:00 TR063366 Aldington Meet opposite The Walnut Tree. 11 Mod. 3 Andrew 31/10/2019 TN25 7DY Please park considerately on the road. Fig. (17.7) 07754 797848 of 8 walk (6+ 5 miles) - lunch stop at The or 01233 720513 Walnut Tree. 3575. Sunday 10:00 TR358446 St. Margaret's - at - Cliffe 6 Mod. 3 Margaret L 03/11/2019 CT15 6AB AGM Walk. Meet at the village hall car park (9.7) 01304 831011 (NOT the village car park near the church). or 07720 137465 Bring picnic lunch to village hall upon return or local pubs. AGM starts at 13:30. 3576. Thursday 10:00 TR007628 Oare Meet near The Castle pub. Lunch stop 10 Mod. 2 Ross 07/11/2019 ME13 0PY at The Ship, Conyer. Walk goes out along (16.1) 01227 657886 the Saxon Shore Way and returns through or 07962 810138 fields. 3577. Sunday 10:30 TR377505 Walmer Remembrance Sunday Walk. 7.5 Easy Les P 10/11/2019 CT14 7LH This walk will take us via the Hawksdown (12.1) 2/3 01303 863495 Airfield Memorial, where a minute's silence or 07526 557663 will be observed, and onto the Dover Patrol Memorial before returning to Walmer. 3578. Thursday 10:00 TR161345 Dymchurch / Hythe 8.9 Mod. Graham S 14/11/2019 CT21 6FB Cinque Ports 100 Walk 7. Meet by Hythe (14.3) 2/3 01304 367853 library to take bus to Dymchurch (departs or 07815 453324 10:08 arrives 10:29) Lunch stop in Lympne. 3579. Sunday 10:00 TR142470 Stelling Minnis Meet near the Rose and 10 Mod. Anne and Tony, 17/11/2019 CT4 6BE Crown (park on the road if not using the pub (16.1) 2/3 01304 372814 or for lunch). Fig. of 8 walk (5.5 + 4.5 miles). 07976 944396 Re-start at 13:30. 3580. Thursday 10:00 TR143439 Rhodes Minnis (Sixmile) Meet at West 9 Mod. 3 Lorna / Len J, 07980 21/11/2019 CT4 6XY Wood car park, near Sixmile Garage, Stone (14.5) 309419 or 01303 Street. Lunch stop in Elham, pubs and tea- 862862 rooms. 3581. Sunday 10:00 TR098449 Hastingleigh Meet at the village hall 10 Mod. 4 Jim Bu 24/11/2019 TN25 5HR (donations please). Lunch stop at The Tiger (16.1) 07948 149938 Inn, Stowting. 3582. Sunday 10:00 TR255424 Alkham Meet at the village car park. There 5 Mod. Rhona , 01303 24/11/2019 CT15 7DA are a couple of steepish hills towards (8) 3/4 258022 Lydden. 3583. Thursday 10:00 TR204485 Breach Down 9.5 Mod. 4 Margaret L, 01304 28/11/2019 CT4 6LJ Meet at the layby, junction of Elham Valley (15.3) 831011 or 07720 Road / Deringstone Downs. If using Sat. Nav. 137465 to reach start location, please ensure that you are not directed to South Barham Road. Lunch stop in Elham - pubs / tea-rooms.

LEGEND FOR THE WALK PROGRAMME

EASY LESS THAN 2.5 MPH MOD. 2.5 – 3.0 MPH FAST 3.0 – 3.5 MPH V. FAST OVER 3.5 MPH 1 FLAT 2 FLAT WITH SMALL INCLINES 3 FLAT WITH SOME SMALL HILLS 4 UNDULATING WITH SOME STEEPER HILLS 5 MIXED SMALL AND STEEP HILLS

RADO = Registered Assistance Dogs Only

GOOD WALKING ETIQUETTE

• ALWAYS KEEP BEHIND THE LEADER AND DON'T TRY TO SET THE PACE • WHEN WALKING IN CROPPED FIELDS KEEP IN SINGLE FILE • ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT THOSE IN FRONT OF YOU, AND THOSE BEHIND YOU ARE WITHIN SIGHT – WE DON’T WANT TO LOSE ANY WALKERS • KEEP TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE ROADS IN SINGLE FILE UNLESS INFORMED OTHERWISE BY THE LEADER OR BACK MARKER • DOGS ARE WELCOME ON MOST WALKS. CHECK WITH LEADER BEFOREHAND (PHONE), BUT MUST BE KEPT ON A LEAD AND UNDER CONTROL

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2019 /2020 22nd – 28th August: White Cliffs Walking Festival 25th September East Kent Ploughing Match 8 – 16 October: Mallorca holiday. 18th October: Quiz Night, The Five Bells Eastry 3rd November 2019: White Cliffs Ramblers AGM, St. Margaret’s Village Hall, St. Margaret’s at a Cliffe. 23rd November: Barn Dance, Barham 8th – 14th June, 2020: Isle of Wight holiday, contact Jim Bushnell.

Quiz Night Once again, an opportunity to test our brains! Our Quiz Master & Mistress Colin and Rhona Hodges will be presiding over the proceedings. Venue: The 5 Bells, Eastry. Date: Friday, 18th October. Time: 7pm for 7.30pm. Food & drink will be available, (at your own expense.) Prizes can be won. You don’t have to be part of a team (of 6); just come along and we will include you in one. Everyone welcome. Look forward to seeing you. Anne Bristow.

Kettle Street Kids Around thirty years ago I worked for a time as a Special Needs teacher in East London and have written a book, entitled Kettle Street Kids, containing (hopefully) some of my more amusing memories of that period. So quite different from the 'Nuffink in Particular' series. The stories are all true, with a modicum of dramatic licence, so the location and all the names have been changed. Also, to be on the safe side, it’s written under the pen name E D Bremner. The book retails at £4.50 of which £3.50 will go to a Parkinson charity/research, in recognition of Ray Brannon’s illustrations (Ray is a Parkinson sufferer) and £1 to the White Cliff’s funds. There will be some copies available for sale to club members otherwise it can be purchased on Amazon price £5 under author’s name or book title, published by Louanvee. Many thanks Ted Roche

The Royal Saxon Way During the forthcoming walks programme, Andrew Swarbrick will be leading two walks that will follow the first 2 sections of the newly established Royal Saxon Way (RSW). The following information is from materials promoting these walks. The RSW comprises two walking routes: a linear walk between Minster-in-Thanet and Folkestone via Lyminge of 35.6 miles (57.4km), and a circular route between Lyminge and Folkestone of 16.5 miles (26.6km). The linear route follows the coast west from St Mary and St Eanswythe’s initially, and then climbs from Sandgate via the Enbrook and Seabrook valleys and the line of the Elham Valley Railway to Lyminge, then follows the line of the River Nailbourne, which joins the Little Stour, which in turn joins the Great Stour and finally proceeds to Minster. The circular route provides a way back from Lyminge to Folkestone, following ancient droveways across the downs via Paddlesworth, joining the Pilgrim’s Way (itself an ancient trackway) for part of the way. The linear walk is relatively unusual in providing a north-south route across the grain of the North Downs, allowing a great variety of environments to be experienced. Much of the route is close to rivers, providing reasonably easy walking. There are 16 historic churches on the route, most of which are open most days. The RSW has been created to link places with Saxon associations - churches in particular. The Diocese of Canterbury is supporting the RSW as a pilgrimage route and is planning an inaugural event at the end of September. The first of Andrew’s walks, from Folkestone to Elham, will take place on Thursday 1st August. The second stage, from Elham to Bekesbourne, will be on Thursday 3rd October. It is hoped to complete the final section of the RSW (from Bekesbourne to Minster) in a subsequent walks programme. For more information about the Royal Saxon Way please go to: https://geopaethas.com/lyminge-pathways-blog/a-long- walk/

THE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN MARGARET LUBBOCK 01304 831011 TREASURER MARGARET MILSTED-WILLIAMSON 01795 843927 GROUP SECRETARY HELENA TREVELYAN 01304 820445 MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY ANDREW SWARBRICK 01233 720513 JOINT WALKS SECRETARY & NEWSLETTER ANNE BRISTOW 01304 372814 JOINT WALKS SECRETARY TONY BRISTOW 01304 372814 GROUP FOOTPATHS OFFICER RICHARD FRITH 07774 184007 SPONSORSHIP/ ADVERTS PRESS/PUBLICITY GRAHAM SMITH 01304 367853 Group officers – non-Committee Members GROUP LIBRARIAN TONY THORN 01303 260955 WEBMASTER GAVIN TREVELYAN 01304 820445

We welcome new walkers, whether they have been members of other groups, walked on holidays, or exercised the dog or ambled down to the shops. However, most of our long walks take about 4 hrs (plus an hour break midway) and we average 10 miles. If you think this is too much for you, start with one of our short walks which take about 2/2.5 hrs and average 6 miles, or arrange to finish your first walk at the halfway point. “All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. Despite the safety of members being of paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important, therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify the hazards associated with it and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to happen”.

The Ramblers Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in and Wales. Company registration No 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1093577. Registered office; 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.