walkerSOUTH EAST No. 100 December 2017 Largest urban wetland nature reserve in Europe opens

althamstow Wetlands, an area of ten A cycle route also crosses the site, paid for by the reservoirs built between 1853 and 1904 Greater London Authority. Thames Water remains the Won what was marshland next to the owner of the site and maintains the reservoirs which River Lee in north east London, opened on 20 continue to be operational and are the main source of October. The 520 acre/211 ha site, previously only water supply for about 3.5 million households. available to permit holders - mainly anglers and Walthamstow Wetlands lies between Tottenham birdwatchers - is now open to the public daily, free Hale and Blackhorse Road stations with the main of charge. entrance on Ferry Lane, about ten minutes walk from The opening follows a £10.6 million regeneration of both stations. The site is open daily from 9.30am, the site, the result of a partnership made up of Waltham closing at 4pm from October to March and 5pm in Forest Council, Thames Water, Heritage Lottery Fund summer. No dogs (except guide dogs) are permitted. and London Wildlife Trust. On site are 13 miles of Further information is at www.walthamstowwetlands. footpath, a visitor centre and London's largest heronry. com

At the southern end of Walthamstow Wetlands, the listed Coppermill Tower will offer a viewing platform. There has been a mill on the site since at least the 1086 Domesday Book Essex rail crossings inquiry delayed public inquiry into and access were needed to check Network Rail's proposals these changes but Network Rail Ato close many railway suggested that the objectors should crossings in Essex was due contact landowners themselves. to open in Chelmsford on 18 The inquiry inspector however October but was adjourned told Network Rail to facilitate the because the company had not access to private land necessary to sent notices to all the landowners check the proposed changes. affected. A provisional date of 9 Ten Essex Area members have January has been set to resume worked hard to put together the the inquiry which is expected to 36 Proofs of Evidence for each run for about 20 days. crossing closure we are objecting It was found that notices needed to, as required by the inquiry. to be sent to an additional 12 The work has been coordinated at Built in 1885 as a pumping station, the Marine Engine House is now a visitor centre and cafe. Maps can be picked up here, important as paths are not signed. The building has been redesigned with the addition of a swift tower to house nesting swifts landowners and eight mortgage Ramblers Central Office by Eugene and roosting bats. companies. There were also 12 Suggett who has produced a 46- landowners who needed to be sent page Statement of Case, making notices for additional parcels of the general argument against the land. After these notices are served closures as well as looking at each there is a 42-day response period individual crossing. The Ramblers meaning the earliest the inquiry are employing a barrister, Merrow could start would be 1 December Golden, plus John Russell, Road but that date clashes with Network Safety Consultant and Des de Rail's Cambridgeshire crossings Moor, Expert Witness on the value closures public inquiry. There of walking. had already been an issue with Footpath Secretaries have put in five crossings where Network Rail a huge amount of effort, visiting, was proposing 'minor' changes photographing and finding to the proposed alternative information about each crossing routes. Both Ramblers and Essex County Council said that time Continued on page 3 Walthamstow Wetlands is only 3km from Woodberry Wetlands which opened in May 2016. A Greenway route links the two reserves. 2 South East Walker December 2017 Highs and Lows 25 walks in London's Camden High Line map showing both the proposed route and a walking route green spaces he Camden High Line is adjacent to where it is intended to his is the subtitle a proposed public path be, to enable the proposal to be for Peter Aylmer's and new transport link understood. T Walking in that will transform a section T London, published by of disused railway between The Low Line Cicerone in September. Camden Town and King's Peter, who is currently Cross. The proposed route runs Whilst the Camden High Chair of the London Group from Camden Gardens, just Line will take some years to be of the Long Distance north of the canal on Kentish developed, The Low Line exists Walkers Association, has Town Road, to Camden Road already. chosen and described overground station, and then It is a new walking route walking routes ranging continues to St Pancras Way, linking Waterloo with London from four to 14 miles ending in a public space at the Bridge station, and following the Peter Aylmer and spread across Greater northern end of Camley Street. base of the old Victorian viaduct London with options to shorten or lengthen some of It is proposed by Camden just north of Union Street in them. All are accessible by public transport and each Town Unlimited, the business Bankside. The route is mainly walk description is accompanied by 1:25,000 Ordnance improvement district for Camden car-free and is marked by a blue Survey mapping, Town, and is supported by triangle under a black and white "There's well over two years of work in the guide," crowdfunding. Backers include Low Line logo. It also extends said Peter. "I had a good idea for many of the locations Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, south into Elephant and Castle. right from the start, from both my general knowledge of who said: "This innovative As well as being a handy London - such as the Royal Parks - and having walked project has the potential to route away from main roads to become a real asset for Camden get between the two mainline the London Loop and Capital Ring; pretty much by and is a great example of a local stations, the Low Line is also a definition, these two trails link together many of the community taking an idea and journey through the heritage and best places for walkers in the capital. The concept of the garnering support in order to history of one of London's oldest book though is not just as a general walkers' guide, but make it a reality. I look forward neighbourhoods. as a walkers' guide that shows its readers many of the to seeing it develop." The leader The route, which runs adjacent best places in London to find wildlife. So I went and of Camden Council said "The to the arches, once provided easy talked to the London Wildlife Trust, and very helpful interesting to wander between this and the natural Camden High Line is a really pedestrian access across Bankside. they were too. Yeading Brook is an example of the channel of the river. So I start by going through the exciting proposal, which is Over the last 150 years this has locations they suggested." brand-new Walthamstow Wetlands, cross Walthamstow capturing public imagination been eroded as development, "Having locations is only one step. The walks have Marshes, join the towpath for a bit, then divert into the and would contribute to the both planned and informal, to work on the ground too, and that requires multiple Middlesex Filter Beds, now a nature reserve. Then council's ambition to further has built walls and fences, visits, at least three. One or two on my original list improve links between Camden buildings and other structures were discarded, others came in. That's pretty normal the walk takes the Lea proper, until crossing Hackney Town, Camley Street and King's blocking access along its length. for any walking guide I think and certainly tallies with Marshes and the Wick Woodland back to the towpath, Cross. It's great to see the Coordinated by Better Bankside, my previous Cicerone title Walking in Essex." skirting the Olympic Park, to finish at the gloriously crowdfunding figure rising daily The Low Line stitches these "My favourite is Walk 6, River Lea (Tottenham Hale photogenic Three Mills. All in six miles! " and the council is ready to work disconnected spaces back into the to Bromley-by-Bow). It's easy to follow the Lea just by Walking in London - Park, Heath and Waterside, with those behind the project urban fabric, through a range of sticking to the navigation towpath, but it's much more Cicerone, £12.95, ISBN 9781852848132 as it moves forward." It is also large and small projects that will being supported by Sustrans and transform the public realm, and Camden Air Action. support appropriate and creative For Ramblers it would offer uses of the rail arches along another route away from traffic, the route, to bring economic, and the ability to design new social and environmental circular walks including Camley vitality and encourage footfall Street Nature Reserve, the and exploration deeper into the Regent's Canal, Regent's Park neighbourhood. and the Camden High Line. You can find out more from Several sections of the route will http://www.betterbankside. have views over London. co.uk/buf/thje-low-line and there The Camden High Line website are also handy leaflets available https://www.camdenhighline. showing the route. com/#camdenhighline includes a Clare Wadd Three Mills at Bromley-by-Bow, finishing point for Walk 6. Ramblers Greater London Forum atest update from the and non-members - as anything that projects around London's strategic Forum coming after our enhances our walking experience can routes and the Extended Network. L last meeting of 2017. Just only be for the good and adds to the Details are being worked on and another meeting? Hopefully not. value of any walk in London. Topics will be circulated in the New Year. Time for the Forum to get active under discussion included Will However, to achieve anything, and do something to justify its Norman (London's Walking and better communications have to be existence? Well, we think so and Cycling Commissioner), changing established between the Forum and so do those stalwarts who met the Forum's name, the Ramblers the Areas and their London groups. recently at the Ramblers office 'urban policy'. Thames Path, Why? Of course, to do anything in Vauxhall. By the way, when strategic routes, England Coast Path, we need to tell you how you can get you are next in Vauxhall go for a London as a National Park City, involved. We need to work within stroll and enjoy the tranquility of Extended Network, Revitalisation the existing Ramblers system in Vauxhall Park. Well worth a visit. of the Forum, Love London Walk London. We just have to hope that Anyway, to get back to the Forum London publicity drive, National when we ask for your help you will and its latest meeting attended by Kate Trails website, and so on. All within not be able to resist the challenge! Ashbrook (on behalf of the Board a couple of hours. Our thanks to all Any thoughts, ideas, offers of help, of Trustees) and eight people from who contributed to the discussion. are all very welcome. across five of the six Ramblers Areas And what of the future? Another Tom Berry with responsibilities for members meeting before any real action! We Chair, in the London area. One could say hope we can do better than that! Ramblers Greater London Forum for all walkers in London - members The Forum is looking at developing [email protected] South East Walker December 2017 3 walkerSOUTH EAST Cross border path cooperation success Distributed quarterly to members or as long as most of us & Exercise) group that normally the local Parish Path Warden and fabrication of a bespoke galvanised of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, can remember, the eastern operates between Aylesbury and was able to put Bill in touch with spacer/adapter. Bill also had to Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton walking route between Buckingham replacing gates with Howard Dell of the Chiltern Society deal with a last-minute intervention Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, F Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and Thame and Haddenham has been stiles. Bill contacted Mike Smith, who had installed a gate of this type by the landowner that very nearly Surrey Areas. obstructed near the Oxfordshire/ then the Chairman of Thame & and could provide useful advice and scuppered the project. Finally, Bill Buckinghamshire boundary by Wheatley Ramblers, as the gate was pictures. I also put Bill in touch and his team were able to install the THE RAMBLERS a large, rusty, metal field gate on our patch just inside Oxfordshire, with Jonathan Beale, the appropriate new gate which is now in place with Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford which was usually firmly locked. and Mike agreed to donate £100 Field Officer at Oxfordshire County a plaque showing all the donors. House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW. The only way to proceed was to towards the cost of a new gate. Council, who needed to approve the We are all incredibly grateful to Tel: 020 7339 8500 climb over by using a step that Bill then set about persuading the project. This he did and the county Bill and his team for crossing the Email: [email protected] had been welded onto one of landowner to give permission for council gave a donation towards the border to resolve this long-standing Web: www.ramblers.org.uk the bars of the gate. This was the gate to be replaced, and earlier cost of the gate. problem. It was an example of Company registration no: fine for the agile but not good this year agreement was finally Bill then ordered and paid for what can be achieved with the 4458492 Registered charity no: 1093577 for everyone. Reports sent to obtained with a donation towards a 4.2m gate and amazingly got it cooperation of all the various bodies Oxfordshire County Council the cost. delivered for free. He then had to involved. EDITORIAL achieved nothing. The type of gate proposed was modify the installation as the existing To visit the North Bucks rRIPPLE Editor: Les Douglas Then about three years ago, Bill a Bristol combination gate where posts, which were to be retained, web page, go to www.bucks- Email: [email protected] Piers, who lives in Haddenham, the field gate can be locked closed were a non-standard distance apart wmiddx-ramblers.org.uk/donate-a- Tel: 020 8809 2338 (please leave message) decided something needed to be and a self-latching pedestrian gate at 4.4m and the hanging pins gate. You can also see a couple of done about the gate. In 2015 is embedded within the structure. were also non-standard. However, short clips on YouTube by searching DESIGN AND PRINT Bill formed the North Bucks This was a new venture for North Bill's knowledge, experience and for North Bucks rRIPPLE. Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 rRIPPLE (ramblers Repairing and Bucks rRIPPLE, excellent contacts enabled him to Tony Clark Improving Public Paths for Leisure At this point I got involved as overcome these problems with the Thame & Wheatley Ramblers Opinions expressed by contributors are not specifically endorsed by The Ramblers. ISSN 1747-4140 C 2017 The Ramblers. All rights reserved.

Copy Date: For issue No. 101 is 12 January 2018.

After: The new gate with (left to right) Bob Ward, Chairman of Thame & Wheatley Before: The old gate (at grid ref SP 728066) was a problem for many path users. Ramblers; Andrew Gordon, sponsor of the spacer adapter: Bill Piers and Jerry Mitchell of Photo: Bill Piers North Bucks rRIPPLE. Photo: Tony Clark 50 Walks on the Essex Coast

coast after having walked the whole length when writing Essex Coast Walk," Peter said. Does he have a favourite? "They are all great walks", he said, "especially when the sun shines and the tide is high. However, other weathers give different atmosphere, as do the different seasons, and when the tide drops the birds come out to feed on the mud. Hence one can do the same walk lots of times and it's never the same." "I like the first one around Manningtree as this is probably the most varied with the walk going along the riverside, through countryside, the interesting town of Manningtree, historic and attractive Mistley, past two Mistley Towers feature on Walks 1 and 2 Peter Caton interesting churches - and all from a railway station with a regular fast few years ago author service to London." Continued from page 1 intends to shut all crossings in the expert knowledge on road safety Peter Caton walked the "But I also enjoy the remoteness country over the next few years. and rights of way as a minimum. Acoastline of Essex and of the Essex coast, such as around over a very short timescale. All Every crossing's turn will come, So we would really appreciate it if described his experiences in Old Hall Marshes, Hamford Water the Footpath Secretaries, who and no matter how hard Footpath you could donate to our crowd- Essex Coast Walk, a narrative and along the Blackwater. Bradwell have drawn up Proofs of Evidence, Secretaries work, they will not funding appeal for legal fees at rather than a walking guide. to Burnham on Crouch is the most will act as witnesses at the inquiry stop this by talking to Network the public inquiry - go to www. Peter has recently returned to the challenging - 15 miles along the and will be cross-examined by Rail. Network Rail means to ramblers.org.uk/crowdfund. Essex coast and written a guide longest stretch of coast in England the Inspector and Network Rail's steamroller this through and We have a duty to protect the to walks of two to 15 miles which with no settlement - not even a barrister. only by fighting at all levels will rights of way network for the future in total cover the entire currently house. Not a walk for the faint we retain a usable path network. and to do that we need to help with publicly-accessible coast, the hearted and best to pick a fine day." Crowd-funding appeal We need to fight at local and finance as well as our time. longest coastline of any English 50 Walks on the Essex Coast, I must emphasise that this is not national level, engage with other Alan Goffee county. Peter Caton, Matador, £9.99, ISBN just about Essex. The crossings organisations and seek public Chair, Essex Area "It took me about a year to 9781785892578. Free post and closure programme will be the inquiries. All this costs money See also Essex members make research, work out routes and check packing is available when ordered via first of many. Network Rail and we need legal expertise, and video on page 10. the walks, but I already knew the www,swanbooks.co.uk. 4 South East Walker December 2017 More ways to OXFORDSHIRE find our walks on-line Countryfile Live ozens of members volunteered to staff our stand over four days in August for the Dsecond BBC Countryfile Live show in the n addition to our printed tab on the main menu. If your grounds of Blenheim Palace which was attended walks programme you'll objective is to see the walks offered by 120,000 people from all over the country. Ifind our next half dozen by a particular group, click on their The weather was variable with the occasional or so walks on the top left of name at the top right of one of our thunderstorm but it didn't dampen our spirits. We used our website's homepage www. web pages. The next few walks will the occasion to raise awareness of what the Ramblers ramblers-oxon.org.uk. be on the top left of the new page. has to offer in convivial walking and our work to If you want to see the whole To see all of a group's walks, click improve access to the countryside. A lot of people programme of walks throughout on the group's name at the top right were not aware of our role in clearing footpaths and the county, click on 'walks of a page. Then click on 'walking', Engaging with visitors to our stand at Countryfile Live. programme' under the 'walking' then on 'walks'. resisting closures and were also interested in receiving Photo: Mike Smith advice regarding animals in fields. We spoke to more than a thousand people and most of them left with a interview. All in all I consider it was a very worthwhile clearer view of who we are and what we do. As well as venture for us which we may repeat next year. gaining publicity in newspapers I also had the chance Roy Clement Footpath matters to broadcast our activities via a BBC Radio Oxford Area Press and Publicity Officer The county council: There has the old maps in going along the been a significant change within field edge; the walked line was Briskly does it the Countryside Access team down the middle of the field. This Vale volunteers' over the past few months, a move has now been cut off by a new ur President Sir Muir Gray was that has seen some staff move to fence between the walked line and quoted in dozens of newspapers on 24 be managed in other teams. The the definitive line, forcing walkers golden gig August. He was espousing the virtues field officers will not be in the to use the latter. What is patently O same office as each other and will obvious is that this path is the old embers of operation. Since the of 10 minutes brisk (three-plus miles per hour) no longer be in the same office line of the Westwell - Holwell the Vale Path Volunteers group was daily walking. as the rights-of-way section that road, which (I think) was awarded Vo lu n t e e r s formed in 2012, we Sir Muir said: M deals with claims and diversions. elsewhere by the 1770 enclosure path maintenance have developed an "We all know More on this when we have award and appealed against so group of the Vale of increasingly productive physical activity been officially told of the new that the original road was kept; White Horse Ramblers, relationship with the is good for your arrangements. the Davis map of 1791 shows celebrated their 50th county council's Field health, but for the road on the line of Westwell path improvement Officer for our area, the first time Diversions, claims etc: We are FP3. Somewhere between 1791 success in August when resulting in more tasks we're seeing the still waiting for the diversion and the first Ordnance Survey the they cleared 200 metres being completed year on effects that easily orders over the Oxfordshire Golf road seems to have been diverted of a well-used footpath year. We have cleared achievable changes Course. Various orders have to its present winding route. The on the western edge of nearly 12 kilometres of can make. By now been confirmed, particularly locals are trying to claim the Faringdon. path and spent a total walking just 10 those at Lobb Farm avoiding the walked route on the basis of (they This included sawing of 700 person hours in continuous minutes buildings, Launton FP4 removing say) 70 years' use; I expect this to off overhanging tree doing so. at a brisk pace every the climb over the railway, and rumble on till the second coming branches, lopping and Jim Parke day, an individual Souldern FP1 giving a better view of Godot. raking, with both of Vale Path Volunteers can reduce their of the viaduct. The proposed our brush cutters in [email protected] risk of early death Sir Muir Gray, President of bridleway has vanished from the Summer growth: Again the by 15 per cent. Oxfordshire Area Oxford flood alleviation scheme; I summer produced riotous growth They can also prevent or delay the onset of have asked for it to be reinstated. of brambles and hawthorn, and disability and further reduce their risk of serious The landowners are apparently I have asked for clearance of health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart refusing to dedicate; also some Lewknor FP17 where I have been disease, dementia and some cancers." His medical residents are terrified of an assailed by growth on both sides colleagues were featured on radio and television invasion of great hordes of gipsies for two years, my attempts at conveying the same message. Sir Muir is clinical from the small camp to the south taming the Triffids by the usual adviser to Public Health England's 'One You' of the scheme. methods being met by vigorous campaign and for the free Active 10 app designed regrowth (as Horace wrote, you Westwell: The d'Arcy Dalton Way can expel Nature with a pitchfork to help people get going and keep going on brisk at Westwell FP3 was waymarked but she will return with interest). Left to right: Jim, Bill, John and Graham enjoy 'gold'-wrapped walks. chocolate bars at break time on the Vale Path Volunteers' 50th gig. for years off the definitive line, David Godfrey Photo: Dave Cavanagh Dave Cavanagh which follows every single one of Area Footpaths Secretary Chair Oxfordshire Ramblers

than one hour per week. We can provide you with a 'How to' guide for Footpath doing this, and standard responses Area AGM for you to modify as appropriate. xfordshire Area's Annual General officers This is the most regular task of Meeting will be on Saturday 20 January our footpath officers, for whom at Nettlebed Village Hall, starting at 3pm. ould you keep an eye we have vacancies in our Didcot & O on proposed planning It will be preceded by: a short walk at 10am; lunch Wallingford and West Oxfordshire in the hall or White Hart pub; and a speaker from Wapplications that groups. You can read about them Ramblers Walking Holidays. After the AGM involve a public right of way? in the document 'Footpath officers' there will be more cakes than you could ever eat. You can do this very easily under the Documents tab on our from the comfort of wherever you website www.ramblers-oxon.org. For more details see our walks programme. use your computer, by checking uk. If you would like to know Any member wishing to stand for election to an online planning applications more, please contact me in the first Area officer post or as a Members' Representative on that have been submitted to your instance. our Area Council should inform the Area General district council. Only 1% or so of Dave Cavanagh, Secretary ([email protected]) of this applications involve public rights of Chair Oxfordshire Ramblers, and be proposed and seconded by two other members way, so the job generally takes less [email protected] A footpath in a new housing development. Photo: Dave Cavanagh at least seven days before the AGM. South East Walker December 2017 5 Another success Walking with the Disabled Ramblers n August Henley & Goring for our Parish Ramblers had their second joint Iwalk with the Disabled Ramblers. We met at Nettlebed for a seven mile Path Wardens walk and I was amazed at the rough tracks that the mobility scooters and their drivers could navigate with ease. At one point we ampton's Parish Path walking the plank than traversing a were confronted with a pipe-digging crew Warden Steve McLaren bridge. One of the fine replacement and a trench across the road. Not even that reported two decrepit bridges is shown here. B stopped us! We detoured off-road into a footbridges to the county council. Dave Cavanagh field then beat a path back to the road on Crossing then was more like Chair, Oxfordshire Ramblers the other side of the trench. The third of our joint walks was in late September. Joan Clark Henley & Goring Ramblers Relishing the challenge. Photo: Joan Clark

closely with groups. The Joomla! website software is provided by the Web officer vacancy Ramblers, and there is a support o you know your front the job of tutoring group officers system for it. So, not only would our end from your back end? on how to put their content on their two Area website officers support Our wonderful website group's pages and, if necessary, one another, they, in turn, would D be further supported. If you would was created and is kept on the putting images and text on their straight and narrow by our Area pages for them. like to know more about being one web officer, Pat Lonergan. We A candidate should enjoy of our two Area web officers, please would like to have two Area web learning the technicalities of our drop me a line. officers. In part this is to have back- Joomla!-based website so as to Dave Cavanagh up. The additional web officer be able to do behind-the-scenes Chair, Oxfordshire Ramblers Photo: John Gordon would have, as part of their brief, stuff, and be disposed to working [email protected] I'll have some of that BUCKS briefs News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex Relaunch day e celebrated the relaunch of our group new logo. A five mile woodland walk then gave us Ken (in shorts) with some of the group at the mill. Photo: Elise Wright (formerly the Chilterns 20s-30s) on the chance to build up an appetite for a barbecue WSaturday 29 July with a fun-filled day. followed by our very own Chiltern Young Walkers hat does a postman everywhere in between. This started with coffee and a superb cake which sports day. do when he retires? Hillingdon Ramblers have just Alicia Brockington, our Socials Coordinator, had Jacqui Stiefel WKeep walking? completed the Lea Valley Walk baked and decorated in the form of the group's Chair, Chiltern Young Walkers Well, the answer lies with Ken which winds through Lensford Chapman of Hillingdon Ramblers in Hertfordshire, headquarters who in his 27 years as a postman, of Ramblers Walking Holidays. prior to retirement, walked 10 On hearing that we were passing miles a day for six days a week. through, Ken was invited to take us His sister-in-law recommended into the old converted mill house he join a walking group and try where the company is based and it out before he retired and so in Tony Maniscalco, Marketing and 2002 he found himself walking Public Relations Manager gave us an additional 10 to 16 miles each an overview of the many types of Sunday with our group. On his holidays on offer before showing first walk an 80-year old member us around the grounds (remember strode out ahead of the group the song 'There's an old mill by with an energy and purpose the stream, Nellie Dean'?, well this which impressed Ken and led is said to be where it originates). him to think 'I'll have some of Built in 1863 it still has power that' ... and so began the start of generated by the waterwheel. a different lifestyle opening up a By the end of our next programme companionable new world to him. in January 2018 Ken will have led On retirement Ken embarked 64 walks for our group, covering upon his first Ramblers Walking over 530 miles. When asked what Holiday in Africa where memories he likes most about the Ramblers of the Drakensberg Mountains he replied "It's spending time with remain with him as the best holiday like-minded people and there is he has experienced. It exceeded always a great mix of people and all his expectations especially as personalities." We are all glad that it was the first holiday of this type he decided to 'have some of that'. he had undertaken on his own. Elise Wright Ken has now notched up some 40 Hillingdon Ramblers Ramblers Walking Holidays from Celebrating the relaunch. Photo: Derek Pelling South America to Vietnam and Bucks Briefs continues on page 6 6 South East Walker December 2017 West London remembers Ken Around orty West London a number of other groups version of one of Ken's the number of stiles. His members and which included Richmond, favourite walks, which until gate will not only be used Milton Ffriends braved the Kingston, the Vanguards recently had over 25 stiles by ramblers such as us, but intermittent drizzle on and the Independents. He along its route. The group by the local community Wednesday 11 October to led joint walks for Richmond walked through Ballinger living along Chartridge Keynes dedicate a new kissing gate with West London as well Grove and Pednor Bottom Lane who may go out for in memory of Ken Royce. as leading many of the West to ascend steeply to 'Ken's the occasional stroll, or ilton Keynes Path Check results are in Ken had been an active London Group's holidays. Gate'. The location, in a walk the dog regularly, now and we managed to achieve 100 per cent West London member, Ken's contribution to prime position, 10 minutes' finding that the fields with Mreturns from the parishes this year. 244 who walked regularly with rambling has been greatly walk from the centre of good views have become far hours were spent checking the 696 paths and 398 the group for decades. He missed by many of his friends Chartridge, opens out to a more accessible. Following problems were found. held different positions since his death in 2013. grassy field with a splendid, the dedication everyone Thanks go out to our Footpath Secretary, David on the committee and in After paying tribute to peaceful view south across walked through the gate Reed, and all of the volunteers that carried out the particular was the Rambles Ken, a close friend for many Pednor Bottom to the and continued the short work to complete this task. David also organised a Organiser for many years. years, Bert Neale, officially Chiltern ridges beyond. Ken distance to reach the Bell series of midweek path maintenance days earlier in the He led a great variety of 'opened' the new metal would have been pleased pub in Chartridge. After an year in which a motley crew of heavily armed (with walks in many areas such kissing gate in the Chilterns, with the setting and to know extended celebratory lunch clearance tools that is) set to work doing the jobs that as the Chilterns, Thames near Chartridge. The seven that other new kissing gates break, the group returned to were unlikely to be carried out by the cash-strapped Valley, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and a half mile circular have been placed along the Great Missenden via Capps council's rights of way department. The plan is that and within London's open walk from Great Missenden route of his original walk in Lane and Lee Common. he will be doing it again in 2018. spaces. Ken also walked with followed a slightly shortened the last year or so, reducing The gate was funded by Keith Lloyd has tested the waters by leading some West London members who short walks on Mondays. These have met with had booked their Ramblers some success, but it would be nice to dispel the Walking Holidays through myth that 'Monday is washing day'. So, if you are the Ramblers Holidays' not happy washing or whatever else it is you do on Walking Partnership scheme. a Monday, please come along. Boyd and Sue Fisher West London Group would have continued with their Saturday walks, carrying like to thank the Chiltern out forays into areas in surrounding counties, as well Society and their volunteers, as extending further afield into Oxfordshire and who organisedthe installation Leicestershire. Also, Tracey Giddings has become a through Bucks County regular contributor to our walks programme with a Council. These volunteers series of shorter walks which, as any group will tell have been very busy replacing you, are constantly in demand. stiles with gates, operating We have started our latest series of walks along the 'Donate a Gate' scheme, the Milton Keynes Boundary Walk, which we last which West London used, covered in 2013. This is a series of five linear walks and clearing paths in this part which cover the 60-mile route. We have also added of the Chilterns. some Wednesday circular walks, all of which take in a Sue Aldridge section of the Boundary Walk. Ken's gate is officially 'opened'. Photo: Sue Aldridge West London Group Ian Andrews Milton Keynes Ramblers

Following a break, with light HP14 3EG). An abbreviated Area Annual Report and AGM refreshments available provided version of the report, excluding by West London group who are contact details, will be published he Area Annual General at the hall itself is very limited, but alternatively you can join the walk hosting the meeting, we hope to on the Area website, http://www. Meeting will be held there should be adequate roadside at 10.30am at Perivale station. have a speaker or speakers; details bucks-wmiddx-ramblers.org.uk. will be available nearer the time. at 2pm on Saturday 3 parking in neighbouring streets. The room is booked from 1pm Notice of any formal motions to T Copies of the Annual Report February 2018 in Holy Trinity If you require further information and will be available for anybody be proposed at the AGM should will be available at the meeting Church Hall, Medway Drive, about the meeting please contact attending the morning walk to eat reach me no later than one week or, from early January, on request Perivale, Greenford UB6 8LN. me (tel 01494 881597 or email packed lunches. before the meeting, ie Saturday 27 from me, either as a PDF file The nearest Underground January. We still have a number johnandjean@thamesinternet. After the formal business (requests, with Annual Report' station is Perivale: approximately a com). there will be opportunity for as the subject, to johnandjean@ of vacancies for Area Officers, 20 minute walk. Cross Horsenden Before the meeting there will questions and discussion. This thamesinternet.com) or in print including for the Area Secretary; Lane South to a footpath alongside be a walk of about five and a is your chance to make your (requests, accompanied by a any offers of help, or enquiries the railway, emerging on Scorton half miles led by Tom Berry (tel views known on how Ramblers stamped addressed envelope of about what is involved, are Avenue; turn right into Woodhouse 07719 193235 or email thomas. operates, whether locally or suitable size for an A5 booklet, to welcome. Avenue, and Medway Drive is the [email protected]) starting nationally. Please come along and 4 Park Farm Way, Lane End, High John Esslemont fifth turning on the left. Parking at 10.15am from the church hall; exercise your democratic rights. Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Acting Area Secretary

like the 465 from Kingston to Dorking Upper Inglesham and Inglesham open The South Downs Trust, a new charity Briefly might be cut back to Leatherhead but for public use. Instead of following for the South Downs National Park, was Surrey County Council has stepped in to the verge of the A361, the new route launched on 16 October. More details Back numbers: Julia Lafene, a member provide a subsidy for the Surrey section is off-road and mostly follows the river, at www.southdownstrust.org.uk. of the Ramblers for many years, asks of the route. with new signage, gates and bridges installed. if anyone would like her collection of Cassiobury Park Heritage Trails walk and South East Walker which go Winslow District Ramblers explore the history of the parkland and back several years. If you are interested Group: This Buckinghamshire group Brakspear, the Henley-based pub and can collect from Wembley, please (which is affiliated to the Ramblers) has operator, has made its Pub Trails adjoining Whippendell Wood on the contact Julia at [email protected]. around 100 members including a 101- available as an app and added trails from west side of Watford. A short trail and a year old who can still turn out in his a further 10 pubs. The circular walks long trail visit heritage information points Buses: Recent changes to bus services shorts whatever the weather and cover from pubs are now linked to 19 pubs in around the area which has recently seen six miles or more without a problem the company's Oxfordshire and Berkshire which cross the Greater London border a £6 million lottery-funded restoration. have seen the 402 from Bromley to writes Valerie Newby, their Publicity heartland, All the Pub Trails are available The routes can be downloaded from Tunbridge Wells withdrawn between Officer. on ViewRanger, a free GPS app. The Bromley and Dunton Green whilst the trails can also be downloaded from www.watford.gov.uk/cassiobury or read 505 from Chingford to Harlow now runs The Thames Path National Trail has www.pub-trails.co.uk and printed copies on a leaflet available from the park's on Saturdays only. At one stage it looked a new and improved route between are available from the featured pubs. two cafes. South East Walker December 2017 7 Lambourn Valley seat ugust saw the BERKSHIRE 'untarpauling' by AJohn Davies, our first Chairman 50 years ago, of a magnificent oak bites seat overlooking part of the Lambourn Valley Way. The seat was provided by West Berkshire Council and erected by Colin Honeybone and his team Our welcome guests and the 'untarpauling' was John Davies with the new seat. witnessed by 30 wet but very year we arrange on the way. We were able to take and conversations never lagged. happy walkers - nothing to do with the champagne provided for the occasion! a walk for the London those who wanted a slightly longer Before the group departed back to The Lambourn Valley Way is 22 miles long and runs from Uffington Iron-age EBlind Walkers who we route and all met up at the end to London we enjoyed a quick drink fort to Newbury and the seat provides excellent views including a medieval meet at a railway station. enjoy a drink at a pub. in a pub near the station. We have farm, part of which has remained unploughed for more than 30 years. Last summer we met at This year we met the group at been doing this for many years August also saw the installation of Colin's last gate. Since 2003, Colin has Twyford station and in glorious Reading station and walked along and enjoy meeting old friends and been responsible for installing 269 gates. The team's work normally involves sunshine walked from Waltham the canal and then the Thames new. the removal of existing stiles and replacing them with either timber or self- St Lawrence via Knowle Hill and Path to Sonning church. The Ali Melabie closing metal gates, sometimes with motorcycle inhibitors. Whilst looking Shottesbrooke Park, picnicking weather was warm and sunny Mid Berks Ramblers forward to his 'retirement', Colin is happy to train an apprentice to carry this project forward. Our coach walks have continued to be well-received, the most memorable being a trip to Hayling Island in Hampshire. Originally designed to explore National Trails outside of our region, the group continues to offer a choice of three different walk lengths on each trip thereby allowing time to take in the local sights, tea shops and inns. Wednesday evening walks in the summer also proved popular with the attraction of a cool drink and food being particularly welcome on the hotter evenings. Looking forward, plans are already well advanced for our Christmas party and a Boxing Day walk to help lose those unwanted pounds. Richard Trimmer Enjoying a day in the sun. Photo: Ali Melabie West Berks Ramblers

In Reading, Alan revealed many interesting facts. For Town example, the Waterstones Third age walkers bookshop is located in an old church and some of the original n our group - and no doubt in many other tours stained glass windows can still Ramblers groups - we have an increasing number be seen on the upper floor. We his year, new members were shown many reminders Iof older walkers, still very fit and capable of Alan and Eleanor have of the time Oscar Wilde spent walking four or five miles, full of experience and led two historical walks T in Reading gaol and learned still keen to get out into the countryside as they have in Windsor and Reading. about what happened to Queen done for many years, but who now find they can't which proved very popular. Victoria's finger (don't ask!) The walk at the rate they once did. Alan's informative and 12th century abbey is currently With this in mind we have what you might call 'a amusing commentaries provided undergoing a £3 million third tier' who walk regularly but who call it a stroll. interesting facts about both restoration and currently closed Their pace is steady - they have plenty of stamina still towns that many of us were to the public but we can't wait - but not fast. This has proved very popular and now unaware of. For instance there is for the work to be completed there are regular such 'strolls' in the programme. These a blue post box outside Windsor and included on another historic vary from three to five miles depending on terrain. Castle which was used for posting Reading walk. These 'strolls' are not confined to the oldies and anyone airmail letters in the 1930s, but is Brian Poulton who wishes to walk at a more leisurely pace is welcome. no longer in use. South East Berks Ramblers This can include those recovering from injury or illness whilst people who live alone enjoy the company and the relaxed social activity. We have been much encouraged to hear that a surgeon who recently carried out a hip replacement on one of our members (aged 85) said : "If everyone coming to have their hip done was as fit as you I'd be happy to do the operation till you were 90 years old!" (Not boasting, but last time out there were two replacement hips, two new The 'Third Age' group near Hannington. Photo: Monica Hills knees and four over 80s). As many of the 'strollers' have been walk leaders for We walk all kinds of terrain - no dumbing down in many years they know lots of interesting and unusual standard - but at our pace so as not to annoy the faster walks and the pace enables walkers to look around and walkers. All in all it is a win win situation. Windsor's blue post box. Photo: Brian Poulton study their surroundings in a way not possible when Jill Kendal there are still 10 miles to the finish. Mid Berks Ramblers

First Aid course was selected, as of needless death from a lack of 21 courses with 176 Berkshire this short course covered the basics first aid. Participants learn how Ramblers being awarded a first aid First aid training and St John Ambulance offered to administer cardiopulmonary certificate. Of these, 27 have now to tailor the course to be more resuscitation (CPR) and about the renewed their certificate after three n 2012 the Area committee paramedic help to arrive. relevant to Ramblers activities. The recovery position. Instruction is also years. Our next course will take decided that Berkshire I was tasked with arranging first other advantage was that St John given on how to dress a wound that place in Theale on 13 March 2018 Imembers should be aid courses that were publicised on Ambulance has several centres in could have imbedded foreign objects and I hope more of our members will encouraged to learn basic first groups' websites and newsletters. Berkshire that can be used to give and dealing with strokes, asthma take advantage of this opportunity aid skills, so that there will To encourage members to attend, this course. attacks, choking, sprains, strains, to learn an important life skill, so be someone who could give Berkshire Area committee agreed This three-hour course covers bites and stings. After successfully that more and more of our future immediate assistance to anyone that these courses would be how to respond to choking, the completing this intensive course, walks will have someone able to who is ill or injured during subsidised from Area funds. After heart not beating, severe bleeding, participants are awarded a certificate respond should an emergency occur. any of our walks. This can be considering the options available, heart attack and blocked airways, that is valid for three years. David Turner vital during the time it takes for the St John Ambulance's Essential which are five common causes Since April 2012 there have been Loddon Valley Ramblers 8 South East Walker December 2017 Pubs and walkers Even the Sea e've plenty of good he mysterious mix of sea and sky seen on pubs in north Bucks a winter's walk along the Saxon Shore but sometimes can W Way in Kent inspired our resident poet be stuck for finding a range of T good walks from such pubs. Lizzie Ballagher to pen these words. In Oving for instance, the Black Boy pub can readily We walk with ghosts where the waves provide lunch for 20 or more hungry walkers, but the local That lullay the cradling shells footpaths are in such a dire Are no bigger than a ripple, state that most walking groups would go elsewhere. And where sea and land and sky In Oving's case, however, Are one. residents were so aggrieved by the situation that they have Aylesbury & District Ramblers set off from the Black Boy at Oving. Photo: Peter Spinks formed the Oving Paths Action Forlornly, a fog-horn moans, Group to resolve 50 identified Sounding for us - problems on the parish's public For anyone who's lost - rights of way. The group has teamed up with our North Gauzy shadows in the mist, Bucks rRIPPLE (ramblers Grey shallows at our feet. Repairing and Improving Public Paths for Leisure and Exercise) and so far about ten awkward Colour bleeds away with the tide and dilapidated stiles have Leaving only the silver sting of salt on skin. been replaced with self-closing All is hushed, blunted, numbed: gates. These have been paid for through the generosity of the All is swallowed in sea-fog and shadow. parish council and local residents Even the sea is dumb. via the Bucks Ramblers' Donate- a-Gate scheme. Walking groups can now © Lizzie Ballagher put the Oving pub on their lists of good starting points, being on the Outer Aylesbury Ring and Matthews Way, a five mile circular walk linking the village with the Pilgrim at A new gate installed by North Bucks rRIPPLE volunteers. Photo: Bill Piers North Marston and the George & Dragon at Quainton, now within easy reach of the Black Boy via two new gates. Another parish in north Bucks, Preston Bissett, has a pub landlord at the White Hart who also wants to develop a range of inter-village and circular walks. Here again there are numerous path problems but also lots of stiles have been replaced with gates. A local initiative could also make the pub a good start point for walkers and for drinkers looking for some not too strenuous exercise. Bill Piers North Bucks rRIPPLE Getting to the Black Boy is made easier. Photo: Bill Piers

stealing. This one could go all the comfortable, but it is difficult to way to the Supreme Court. clean. Most of our group prefer When we go into Hertfordshire, the traditional leather version, and Not so glorious mud with an apparently different I have come round to their way of geology, we encounter a new thinking; I'll confine my Gore- h, winter! Those crisp a walk, to get the ordeal over and our north Essex mud, the kind quality of mud - more viscous, a Tex boots to the summer months. blue-sky mornings when done with; or at the end, so that that sticks to your boots and bit like used engine oil. Frankly, A few people wear wellies. They Ayou stride out across at least we don't have to do most won't come off, leading to a sort I prefer it: it doesn't stick to the are perfect for navigating puddles, a hoar-frosted field, with a of the walk trying to get the evil of clumsy tarantella as soon as boots in the same way, although it they are easy to clean and they satisfying crunch underfoot. stuff off our boots. Whatever you we hit a hard surface in a usually does test their waterproofing. But don't seem to collect mud in the Except that we all know it is do, try to avoid a muddy field in unsuccessful attempt to shake the at least we are lucky in that our same way as Vibram soles, but I hardly ever like that. The usual the middle of a walk; it's the worst mud off. local agriculture is mostly arable, don't think they are as grippy as circumstance is grey skies and of all worlds. Crossing certain fields means so we don't have to navigate lace-up boots and they are heavier mud. Up here in north west Essex It's said (the truth of this is we all finish up about three inches manure-filled farmyards tooand more tiring if you walk any we have clay, which provides the debated) that the Inuit people taller, like so many platform- often. distance. They are also hell to stickiest form of mud, meaning of northern Canada have 50 booted mid-seventies Elton Johns. Which brings me to the question remove unless you carry one of the walk-planning takes on an different words to describe types Footpath law says that the first of footwear - should it be the classic those V-shaped wellie-removers in additional dimension: how do we of snow. I think that we should few centimetres belong to the leather boot, the fabric Gore-Tex your rucksack. avoid the cross-field paths? Or, if have 50 different words for mud. local authority and what is below version, or the Wellington? In Enjoy your winter walking! we can't avoid them, where do we There's a north of England word belongs to the farmer, opening the past I have favoured the fabric Mike Cannell place them? - at the beginning of I like - 'clarty' - which describes the question of whose soil we are upper as being lighter and more Uttlesford Group South East Walker December 2017 9

Earlier this year she took us to breakfast, fish for lunch and fish lead in walking and organising Ireland again, which for me has for tea - I've never felt healthier. events and holidays - perhaps you Little Women now become one of my favourite Mind you, with beer at about £8 may have noticed how petite they rambling destinations, what with a bottle, me and my room buddy are! ow you may expect from at home, always out rambling, beautiful walks with stunning Roy were very well behaved! Now I know there are others in the the title of this piece an photographing or 'clubbing' scenery, delicious meals, music this lady can only be about five group who can organise stuff Narticle of outstanding and often just returning or just and ale with good company - feet tall but once again walks and probably walk the hind legs literature, on a par with Louisa going on adventurous holidays. what's not to like! Then in July too fast to catch up and is always off a donkey and in the interests May Alcott's tome of the same Recently returned from China she took us to the Lofoten Islands, up the front and could possibly of balance I shall have to try and name. Unfortunately this is not and Croatia - now off to Wales, just off the coast of Norway but take over the organising of this find some large, competent males the case as you will find if you then New Zealand for four weeks. within the Arctic Circle - Wow! country, such are her skills! to write about next time just to care to read on! There's no stopping her! - stunning walks with scenery to I am sure all walk groups prove I am neither sexist nor size- As a member of Croydon Next on my list is another 'M', match, led by Norwegian Goddess have similar members as I have ist - could be tricky! Ramblers, I have noticed over the she is the Croydon Ramblers go- of the Fjords, Hilde. Fish for described, people who take the John Tickner years that ramblers come in all to person for all things and events. shapes and sizes, which is fairly She seems to be out rambling most obvious really but I have also days or alternatively organising noticed that some of our fittest our walks programme which is and busiest members are shall we always very interesting, full and say petite women. varied - she organises teas for 'M', I shall use initials to avoid walk leaders, teas for longstanding embarrassment (or repercussions!), members, lunches for those one of our more senior members reaching the ripe old age of 80 in her 80s, until recently cycled years, holidays, coach trips, the everywhere, she does Scottish AGM and probably everything country dancing, regularly walks else! A veritable human dynamo up and down hills all day and is of organisation and competence, always near the front, no car, so now in her 80s, when out rambling bus, train and walk everywhere - I can actually catch her up and petite, fit and tough! possibly overtake her - only when Another, 'N', I think she has she's going uphill though! Once passed the 80-year mark (but I again, very petite - amazing lady. don't like to ask, just in case!), is Last but not least is 'A', a walk a very competent photographer leader, a committee member and and artist and is virtually never excellent organiser of holidays. Croydon Ramblers on the Lofoten Islands. Photo: John Tickner Oare Marshes – a remote beauty here are many beautiful places Engineers assured us on a recent visit, that distance from one another, remain from Nearest railway stations are Teynham and to walk in Kent but a much- the source is in Bavaria and comes from rain those times. Faversham. Oare village is served by Stagecoach Toverlooked area with a beauty of that fell a thousand years ago, but wonder From here you can head inland across buses from Canterbury and Faversham on its very own is the Oare Marshes. Here how they know that! If you were hoping the flat open marshland with not a single Mondays to Saturdays. Oare Marshes nature you have big skies, a wonderful vista to catch the Harty Ferry from here to cross stile to trouble you. Those looking for reserve is owned by the Kent Wildlife Trust across the Swale to the Isle of Sheppey the Swale and visit the gourmet pub of that refreshments might wish to call in at the (www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk). and, even for seasoned ramblers, a name on the opposite bank you will be isolated, but well frequented, Plough Inn at feeling of remoteness. disappointed. Despite signs in the nearby Lewson Street. This is a delightful old pub A favourite walk of mine is to start from village of Oare, there is no longer a ferry. with a very talkative grey parrot that will the car park at Oare Marsh nature reserve All that is left is a causeway leading across wish you all the best as you head back to (grid reference TR 013647) - a reserve of the mud into the Swale's murky waters. your starting point, perhaps visiting trendy international importance for wildfowl Oare Creek, which forms the eastern Conyers Quay, with a further opportunity that attracts twitchers from miles around edge of the nature reserve, is lined with for refreshment at the Ship Inn, before with their binoculars and long range pleasure craft and has a long history of boat heading east along the Saxon Shore Way camera lenses. Hides scattered around the building. But, perhaps more interestingly back to the nature reserve. But perhaps reserve are open to the public and contain still, as you head west along the Saxon the most curious thing you will see on your illustrations of birds that can be seen on Shore Way as it follows the banks of the way back will be a mobile home floating in the lake, One curiosity, on leaving the car Swale, you soon come across the remains the Swale. Certainly, no noise to be had park, is pure spring water gushing from a of an old jetty for this was an area where from the neighbours here! nearby faucet. This never stops and is an gunpowder was once manufactured. The Stuart Booth old artesian well dating back to the 1700s. nearby empty brick buildings, spaced a safe North West Kent Ramblers Signs still point to the long-ceased Harty Ferry.

Birdwatchers are drawn to Oare Marshes. The ferry across the Swale estuary to Sheppey ran from here. 10 South East Walker December 2017 Hazel Jarrold: ESSEX a tribute azel, a stalwart of a lasting memory to Hazel as she, extras rambling in Essex, died together with another local rambler, Hin July 2016 after a long Stan Dybal, devised and badgered illness. She was 68. the local council into laying it out. Joining the Ramblers in 1982, Thurrock Council, together with Hazel became a founder member the Local Area Forum, had cleared of Thurrock Ramblers in 1984/85, it, re-waymarked and repaired North West Essex Group working very hard to keep the group stiles, to make it worthy of Hazel's afloat. Hazel became a committee work. We thank them for their member in 1985 and was Essex support and work. After the many celebrates 30 years Area Chair from 2000 to 2015, disagreements Hazel had with the having been Vice Chair prior to council, she would have smiled to n August we celebrated our 30th anniversary 24 ramblers, including a couple of the original group that. Moreover, she held the job of know what they had done in her with a cream tea after a short walk around members, took over Spencer's Farm Shop in Wickham Essex Footpath Secretary for over name. IWickham St Paul and Bulmer in the north St Paul and enjoyed a generous cream tea which 30 years. Hazel's ability to listen After leaving Horndon we crossed Essex countryside. included sandwiches, cakes and unlimited tea and to people and talk to anyone made the first of many ploughed fields, all Midway through the walk there was a heavy coffee. The group continues to organise at least one her many friends, and Thurrock of which had been raked for easy and unexpected downpour which did cause some walk every week and an annual group holiday. colleagues always knew where to walking, and again Hazel would problems for those who had not bothered to take their Geoff Farrow turn for advice and support; at have smiled. Walking close to Arden waterproofs! Fortunately everyone soon dried out and Chair, North West Essex Group times she seemed to almost be the Hall, using well-used field edges we Thurrock Group. made our way into a wooded area Hazel's email address 'Rambling where, as if the council had ordered Rat' sums up her sense of humour too many posts and had nowhere to but courage is the word that put this one, was a 10 feet high, five- Essex members in video comes to mind when we think of fingered signpost held in place by a her, and we stand in awe over the concrete slab three feet in diameter. number of years she fought battles It was a monster and the focus for with ill-health. In her later years a number of photos. We continued she attended Area meetings in over pleasant open fields with the Chelmsford, travelling from home sun shining, making it a morning early on the bus. She walked with to enjoy. The highest point of two sticks so needed to rest before excitement was crossing the slip chairing the meeting. She then road to the A13 where a police car timed the proceedings to enable her stopped to allow the first of the party to catch the last bus home. to cross. However, as the remaining Footpath work was an abiding 30 appeared they switched on their interest and she took the job of siren and drove off. Footpath Secretary very seriously Having walked round Horndon, and had a perfect recall of route rarely losing sight of the church details. spire, we found our way to the By 2007 Hazel was trying to recreation ground. Thurrock Group promote a book of two to five mile wished to have a lasting memorial to walks for people with disabilities Hazel, and the bench provided there with Essex County Council. She did just that. The blessing provided reminded us that only 20 per cent of by the local vicar, Sue Mann, herself Alan Goffee at a threatened rail crossing. Photo: Laura Burley disabled people needed wheelchairs a walker and long distance rambler, and walks must be suitable for all was poignant and heartfelt. We amblers Central Office cars to prepare ourselves for the a powerful argument against the disabilities. Hazel always seemed to then adjourned to the village hall for suggested in August next crossing. proposed diversion. The scenery put rambling first, despite her many an enjoyable buffet lunch and time that a video be made This was the bizarrely-named along the road with its double R health issues. She was a lovely lady, to chat. It was a just end to a day of to support the legal battle with E33 Motorbike by Pitsea station. 'S' bend, overhanging branches and Essex Area has lost a champion. memories and sunshine. Network Rail over the foot This time we met under the A13 and cycle path was filmed and Clearly the best way to celebrate Thurrock Group deserves our crossings they are proposing flyover by the side of a recycling the continuous hum of the traffic her memory was by a walk and on thanks for organising the day. Chair to close. This was agreed and compound to be briefed. Most recorded. Sunday 8 October Thurrock Group Brian Hatcher led the walk and with here's the story of that day. films have an exotic setting and Our last crossing of the day were joined by members from across his yellow-jacketed team provided After meeting at Purfleet station, this was ours. We were joined was E29 Brown and Tawse near Essex, totalling 39 walkers. We met first-class directions and support. the production team agreed to by Geoff Forward and others West Horndon station, where the just off the delightful high street Everyone involved should feel proud start filming at crossing TO1 from Basildon Group and, with proposed diversion is onto country of Horndon-on-the-Hill, where of what they achieved. We are sure near the Rainham Marsh RSPB more people involved, walking lanes with no verges, a really high the church, woolmarket, two pubs Hazel would have been as well. reserve, with Laura Burley from the crossing became increasingly humpback bridge and fast-moving and many old buildings cluster Alan Goffee, Essex Area Chair and Central Office producing and difficult so Laura's decision to traffic. The crossing, newly gated, together. The route we followed is Ann McLaren, Essex Area President Ash Stally-Chudasama directing. issue numbers was helpful and painted and cleared of vegetation Having found our way to the much reduced the chaos. Geoff provided the backdrop for my few crossing with some difficulty we then spoke to the camera about words on Network Rail's plans. were asked to walk over it. Then the proposed crossing closure. By the fifth attempt, when I finally we were asked to walk back. We After a further briefing we got my lines right, it was a 'wrap'. were then asked to cross again decided to walk the path diversion We adjourned to our cars but this time in a different order. proposed by Network Rail, which exhausted, to reflect on our This caused confusion as we could required crossing the busy Pitsea possible fame and for Laura and not remember the order from the Hall Lane. The attempt to film us Ash to reduce the four hours of first time. We continued this for crossing the road was abandoned drama to four minutes and add some time until we had opened as it took 12 minutes for us to voiceovers to bring sense to the and closed the gates correctly and cross because of the continuous video. perfected the correct order. As a flow of cars and heavy lorries, Thanks to everyone who gave break from this excitement, local and the camera ran out of power. up their time to attend and member Angela Harvey spoke to The same could be said of the support this project. The video the camera on the benefits of the members who having reached can now be seen on the Ramblers' crossing. Laura Burley nodded peak performance level were Facebook page. her agreement and called it a frustrated at being unable to dash Alan Goffee 'wrap'. We all then retired to our across the road - although it made Chair, Essex Area Rev Sue Mann blesses the memorial bench at Horndon. Photo: Len Banister South East Walker December 2017 11 My day as a guide KENT ver wondered what it's like Rambling was his main escape to be the person who lives from the constant misery of Ein your SatNav? Well I football as he is a Crystal Palace found out during our annual supporter. I then helped to guide walk with the London Blind his wife Jess ("After 50 metres calling Ramblers on Sunday 30 July. uneven ground ahead") and We met at Borough Green learnt about their life together in station ("Mind the gap") on a south-east London, their charity seemed to go nowhere, doesn't lovely sunny morning and it was work and their recent trip to Italy connect to where we think it evident we had another good with a company that specialises should; it's on the ground but not turnout with 18 members of our in holidays for the blind. on the map - these are potentially group and 15 from London Blind We then enjoyed a picnic lunch Lost Ways 'Lost Ways'. If we don't get them Ramblers. After introductions at Ightham Mote, a 14th century recorded we will lose them! we paired up for the first leg of moated manor house, now a The success of the project ork is underway on yet to add the unitary authorities a nine-mile circular walk across National Trust property. Other depends entirely on volunteers a project to find lost which are within Kent Area. rolling fields ("After 100 metres members took over guiding duties doing the field and research work pathways in Kent. From this database, for each cowpat minefield approaching"), with most leading a partner for at W - in effect, becoming Ramblers 'Lost Ways' is Kent's response to route anomaly, a dossier is we needed the side-stepping least one leg of the walk ("After legislation which, broadly, means produced which forms the basis of detectives. I have identified a dexterity of Strictly dancers to variety of volunteer roles from 15 metres keep left, stiles ahead"). that if a path that existed before a Preliminary Field Survey, which negotiate that one! Orchards Of course, we mustn't forget the 1949 has not been recorded or which members could choose (or is used by volunteers to reconcile beckoned towards Ightham wonderful dogs, both guide dogs is not in the process of being put the definitive map and statements you can choose any combination at Mote. The beautiful apple and others who joined in the on the definitive map by 2026, with what is on the ground, any time). orchards ("Mind the overhanging fun! Continuing along quiet it will be extinguished and lost. photographing it and recording • Lost Ways Records Research trees") proved to be an enjoyable country lanes ("Ahead, narrow 'Lost Ways' is part of the national anecdotal evidence from local Volunteer: searching old records distraction as some foraged for path, single file only") and more response by the Ramblers to the residents. This data is then used in support of a claim, much of decent windfalls ("Apple hazard orchards before returning to legislation, 'Don't Lose Our Ways'. to determine if the route anomaly which can be done online. on footpath") and shared with • Lost Ways Field Research Borough Green station ("You As Project Coordinator, I have should be classified as a 'Lost Way'. our friends, of course! Volunteer: visit candidate have reached your destination") set up an IT system to manage the I arranged a brief meeting of I helped to guide Jason, an IT route locations, reconciling the to say our goodbyes and look project by establishing a distributed volunteers in early September and teacher, as we chatted about our definitive map and statements forward to another walk next database containing the mapping have sent each of them a dossier respective groups and shared with what is on the ground and year. Thanks to Eva for arranging data, the associated map statements relating to one 'anomaly' for interests in cricket and football. and will hold the research findings investigation. This will test the recording anecdotal evidence the walk on behalf of our group following investigation. approach and the system and I will from local residents. and to everyone who made this During the summer I reviewed review the approach in the light of • Lost Ways Route Volunteer: such a fun and rewarding day. most of the Kent County Council volunteer experience and modify this combines the above roles so If your group would like to definitive maps and identified the system if necessary before a full that you do all the work for that invite the London Blind Ramblers around 300 'route anomalies' that launch in early 2018. route. for a walk pleases email Valerie@ merit further investigation. I have We have all walked a path which clark.co.uk or visit http://www. Lost Ways will only work if metroblindsport.org/london- members volunteer. Anyone blind-rambling-club/. They do LittlebourneVillage Hall, CT3 wishing to be a volunteer is 24 walks a year between March Area AGM 1ST. asked to ring me on 01322 and October, usually of six to The meeting, hosted by 864277 or email me at eight miles. ent Ramblers AGM Canterbury Ramblers, starts at nevillelostwayskentramblers@ will be on Saturday Alan Richardson 10.30am and will be followed by btinternet.com. 3 March 2018 at Alan on the walk with the London Social Secretary, West Kent K a buffet lunch and a short walk. Neville Machin Blind Ramblers. Photo: Brian Rowland Walking Group Lost Ways Project Coordinator Trust target White Cliffs Walking Festival his year's festival in August White Cliffs Group, with walks Walking Holidays. Connecting attracted a record number to suit everyone from historians with other organisations for mutual of 1,251 walkers on 43 to botanists and even young benefit in this way helps us to reach reached Twalks. The event was opened in smugglers. It is a fantastic initiative out to new supporters." a ceremony on Walmer Green by which is raising our profile and The walks in this year's festival ent Ramblers are success of this campaign. The Kate Ashbrook, Vice-Chair of the recruiting new members. I joined ranged from special interest routes delighted that an White Cliffs are an iconic Ramblers, who said the festival one of a series of extremely popular to historic tours such as the Royal appeal to protect part national landmark as well as enabled walkers to enjoy"some of carers strolls. These walks are part Marines Heritage Trail in Deal - K the best countryside in Britain". of a pilot programme, being run which was put on twice - to the 32- of the White Cliffs of Dover offering some of the finest coastal The annual event, put on by by Sue Mott, in partnership with mile White Cliffs Challenge. Other hit its £1 million target in just walking in our country. We have White Cliffs Ramblers, received Carers UK, with grant support walks which proved popular were three weeks in September. particularly enjoyed walking warm praise from Vanessa from Sport England. It was a the six mile Ramparts, Bastions There were fears that part of in this area and, knowing the Griffiths, Chief Executive of the moving and inspiring experience. and Batteries of Dover Castle and the White Cliffs could be sold nature of our beloved cliffs, are Ramblers. In an update to Chairs One of the reasons the White Cliffs three White Cliffs coastal trails, to developers, prompting the very happy that they have been and Secretaries nationwide she Walking Festival is so successful is Next year's White Cliffs Walking fundraising drive by the National saved for the nation." wrote: I learnt a great deal when I that it is run in partnership with Festival is set for 23 - 29 August. attended the popular White Cliffs other organisations including local Graham Smith Trust. The National Trust bought Walking Festival. It is run by councils, Stagecoach and Ramblers White Cliffs Ramblers More than 17,500 people the land between South Foreland made donations and the appeal Lighthouse and Langdon Cliffs was supported by White Cliffs in 2012 and as a result of the Ramblers, who organise the latest appeal will be able to annual White Cliffs Walking add 170 acres (700,000 square Festival. The £1 million will metres) of clifftop land adjacent be used towards the cost of the to Wanstone Battery to its purchase, along with money estate and to improve the land's from the trust's Neptune coastal management and visitor access, fund. as well as preserve the World War White Cliffs Ramblers 2 relics around the site.

Chairman, Margaret Lubbock, Graham Smith The Walking Festival is launched on Walmer Green. Photo: Rob Riddle said: "We're delighted by the White Cliffs Ramblers 12 South East Walker December 2017 newsletters. A buffet lunch will be Area AGM provided for those staying for the AGM. Assistance back to Redhill urrey Area members are after the AGM is being arranged for reminded that the next those without their own transport. SURREY Area Annual General S Our guest speakers from Surrey Meeting will be held on Saturday County Council will explain 10 February 2018 at Bletchingley current and future policy and how Village Hall, High Street, Surrey Ramblers can help more snippets Bletchingley, near Redhill RH1 4PA (grid ref TQ 326508) and with countryside work. hosted by Reigate Group. The agenda, previous minutes The AGM will start at 2pm and annual report for the Ramblers and there will be two walks in year ending September 2017 will Restoring Busbridge the morning, one from Redhill be available on the Area website to the hall, the other starting and www.surreyramblers.org.uk in finishing at the hall. Both walks December. will be between four and five miles. Graham Butler Lakes dam Walk details will be available on Acting Area Secretary the Area website and in group [email protected] he footpath working the route. just under the boundary wall and party of Godalming & The upper lake is owned by the subsequent stream of water had THaslemere Ramblers is Busbridge Lakes, a grade 2a listed eroded a large section of the path assisting the Surrey Countryside heritage garden, while the lower lake and the underlying dam structure. Access Team in an ambitious belongs to the Godalming Angling Surrey's Countryside Access Mindfulness walk engineering project: rebuilding a Society. A major issue has been Team devoted two training days dam between two lakes. who owns the intermediate dam; where they inserted plastic piping, Surrey Bridleway 163 is an whoever owns it would be liable chemically treated the exposed important link for walkers and for the potentially costly repairs. dam foundations to stabilise the horse riders in the Godalming area. Predictably, no one is prepared to surface, and installed a concrete It runs from the residential districts admit ownership! base. The ensuing repairs consist south of Godalming High Street With our Footpath Secretary of installing four gabions on the towards Hydon Heath in the Surrey Ian Wilks applying pressure on all concrete base to hold up the bank, Hills Area of Outstanding Natural parties, along with the Chairman fitting a new overflow pipe with Beauty and an extensive network of Busbridge Parish Council, a site ancillary works to stablise it, then of public rights of way. The only visit was arranged with two county back-filling the large hole with soil alternative off-road route involves councillors and Steve Mitchell, and rubble, and consolidating the A silent walk Photo: Tony Pearson a long detour. The bridleway head of the Surrey Countryside final surface to make the bridleway ast Surrey Walkers the moment, not the past, not the crosses an old earth dam between Access Team. It was arranged that usable again. are always looking to future, but taking in what was two lakes, and unfortunately this three days of consultancy time A gabion is a large wire basket Eintroduce new walks. happening to us with every step. structure has been leaking and if would be allotted to interpreting a which is first secured in place and Their quarterly programme With no talking as a distraction, left would collapse. Surrey County radar survey of the dam. After that then filled with stones to stabilise already ranges from three mile we were able to be at one with Council closed the bridleway an agreement was reached: without earth banks. Here the two large ambles to 10 - 12 mile day walks nature and to get to use all our to all users in June 2015 for a anyone admitting any liability, the gabions needed six tonnes of stones. as well as one hour fast fitness senses. period originally of six months, two landowners would meet the Awkwardly the stones were piled workouts. So it was no surprise One walker, Mike from Oxted subsequently extended to the end cost of materials and allow access. about 200 metres from the dam when member Amanda Whiteley said "after about 20 minutes I of 2017. As can be imagined, local Work on rebuilding the dam finally and need to be moved. On the day came up with the idea of a really found that my mind was feelings about the closure run high, started in March 2017. this was done by an enthusiastic Mindfulness Walk. On a lovely calmer and I felt more relaxed. but until recently there has been One of the overflow pipes from team of volunteers from Surrey August evening 18 members I tended to concentrate on one little progress towards reopening the dam had broken its connection Choices, who loaded wheelbarrows joined for a three mile walk in sense at a time and in particular the countryside near Limpsfield where I was placing my feet, it with the stones and trundled them Chart, and experienced the walk was a different experience and I to the dam site. Our work party in total silence. enjoyed it." then moved the stones up the hill Amanda explained "as people At the end of the walk, whilst and loaded them into the gabions. we live too much in our heads, it socialising at the local hostelry, As one of the working party, Bill is good to bring your mind into several walkers said what an Monaghan, said: "It was back- your body and concentrate on unusual and enjoyable experience breaking work - but not literally, your breathing and where you it had been to capture the sounds, thankfully! By the end, as everyone are placing your feet." With this smells and sights along the route. began to see the results of their in mind, she advised us to follow Many different birds were heard work, we were all quite chirpy and our breath as we walked and if and in particular it was very special proud of our joint achievement." our mind wandered, which it to hear two owls communicating We hope the route will reopen by was bound to do, then she asked with one another. Christmas. Working party members take a rest on the gabions they filled with six tonnes of stones. us to bring it back to our breath Tony Pearson Left to right: David Hutton, Jim Chipchase, John France, Bill Monaghan. David Hamill again. It was all about being in East Surrey Walkers Photo: Jim Chipchase Godalming & Haslemere Ramblers Local footpaths finally open again fter more than seven to continue the route. With no and with Ramblers' volunteers years of persistence by the waymark posts nearby, most helping to erect waymark posts ARamblers, three public walkers would assume that they and clear overgrown vegetation. footpaths near Newchapel, were entering private property and In August, I led a group of 19 Lingfield have finally become would turn back. East Surrey Walkers along the accessible again. Having reported 15 different paths, It has been a very frustrating It was in November 2009 that path defects to Surrey County experience trying to get the a local resident contacted me Council, I was dissatisfied that county council to deal with these about the state of these paths. A no action was taken to resolve the problems. I gained the impression riding stable sand school had been problems and so I approached the that council staff did not treat created across the route of one local county council committee this as a priority because the paths path, forcing walkers to go around to try and get some action. In were not being used. But this is a the boundary, which was totally December 2015 the committee chicken and egg situation; unless overgrown. Two other local paths instructed their countryside staff the paths are accessible, walkers joined in a paddock that had been to resolve the matter but it was are not going to use them. made by erecting a fence behind only in July 2017 that the paths Tony Pearson a large house and garden with no once again became accessible after Local Footpath Secretary, East East Surrey Walkers in front of the fence that previously prevented walkers from continuing gates or stiles to enable walkers negotiations with the landowners Surrey Walkers on the route. Photo: Tony Pearson South East Walker December 2017 13 Footpaths and access Memorial gate installed ountryside Access Heath had 71% and Tandridge and ingston Ramblers had a dedication ceremony Hauxwell and Barbara cut the ribbon. Everyone then Management System: Reigate & Banstead 69%. We need for the John Hauxwell (our ex-Chairman) walked to the Black Swan pub at Martyr's Green for a I had an opportunity C to remember that results can be Memorial Kissing Gate on Thursday 21 most enjoyable lunch. to review with Steve Mitchell, affected by , for example, a single K September in the presence of Barbara Hauxwell (his Brenda Horwill the Countryside Access Team missing signpost which results in a widow), their two sons and a grandson. Also present Publicity Officer and Secretary, Kingston Ramblers Manager, an early version of a path failure. were Barry Holland (Surrey Area Chairman), Brian proposed updated Countryside At a time when the network is Reader (Woking Group Chairman) and Malcolm Access Management System. clearly deteriorating owing to the Ash (Ockham parish councillor). The main advantage appears to county council cuts, we have some The new gate, installed by the Guildford Ramblers be that it allows Local Footpath good evidence which we should gate team, is situated at grid reference TQ083571 off Secretaries to delete problems which certainly be showing to the elected Ockham Lane between Ockham and Martyr's Green. have been resolved and amend 'path councillors. I hope we will be able David Cooper led 20 ramblers from Horsley station to furniture' when a stile is replaced to continue with BVPI checking as the gate, where they were joined by 15 others (including with a gate. It is intended that the the trained volunteers do provide us the Hauxwell family). Roger Seear spoke about John new system can be used on mobile with reliable figures. phones. Volunteer Path Wardens: I'm Best Value Performance Indicators: pleased to report that nine members The May 2017 BVPI result showed attended Volunteer Path Warden a lower figure of 77% of paths 'easy training on 22 September, bringing to use', compared to 85% in May our total numbers to 119. 2016. Likewise, the November Bridges: I have been provided with 2016 figure of 74% was down on a list of 1,400 bridges for which the 84% of the previous November. the county council's Countryside Surrey is divided into four areas for Access Team is now responsible. the purpose of BVPI results. The We will be discussing at the Local highest scoring area was Elmbridge, Footpath Secretaries meeting how Epsom and Mole Valley with 91% to assess interest among secretaries of the paths easy to use; Waverley and other path volunteers. and Woking had 82%, Guildford, Rodney Whittaker Runnymede, Spelthorne and Surrey Area Footpath & Access Secretary Photo: Brenda Horwill

Ivel Valley Walkers BEDFORDSHIRE hat a busy year it has holiday based in Tenby from 17 to been for the group 22 June. Wwith week-long We are always seeking new ideas holidays in the Peak District, and new walk leaders to promote Northumberland and North our programme on the back of bulletin Yorkshire plus coach trips to the very successful Bedfordshire Norwich and the National Walking Festival in September Memorial Arboretum plus the where interest walks proved very regular walks on five days a popular. With this in mind a few week. members think it would be good RIPPLE activities We've also enjoyed the summer if we could provide some interest evening walks and a social evening walks ourselves. We are looking for ecause of holidays, the walking festival and cleared the entrance to a path, put in four marker posts, flying over Dunstable Downs leaders who enjoy researching and the reorganisation in Central Bedfordshire cleared a way through an impenetrable hedge and courtesy of the London Gliding sharing information on walks of Bcouncil, our path work activities have generally made the path more user friendly. Staploe Club, plus our participation in the perhaps two to two and a half hours been confined to just three areas, Knotting, Parish Council was appreciative of the work. Bedfordshire Walking Festival in and around two or three miles with Moggerhanger and Upper Staploe. Volunteers have now been issued with high-vis gillets September. frequent stops. Examples in mind Knotting is in the north east of the county bordering which being double thickness should help keep us In December we have a mulled are history, wildlife and industrial on Northamptonshire and very rural. One could walk warm during the winter months and be valuable as a wine ramble at Henlow on Sunday heritage themed walks and maybe there all day without seeing another soul. After years of health and safety measure. 10, a walk and lunch at the White even fruit picking walks. neglect, Bedford Borough Council, with the help of our Changes at Central Bedfordshire council have Horse in Southill on Wednesday Many of us use technology in our 13, a six-mile Boxing Day walk day to day lives to communicate volunteers, is starting to make amends and their first reduced the number of rights of way officers from five from Warden Hills and, on and we have an idea to set up job was to put in yellow-topped marker posts. With down to two although they have been recruiting a Wednesday 27, a seven-mile walk a WhatsApp group so we can third member. Bedford Borough is up to strength and the support and cooperation of the landowner over two from Northill. Before letting in communicate with each other by work periods some 14 marker posts were put in, some the changes completed so things should start moving the New Year on Sunday 31 we phone. This allows free texting/ being replacements for old but most were new. In some forward more rapidly. have an eight-mile circular from messaging over the internet and places clearance work was necessary as well. We are currently discussing not only a programme Ampthill Park and on New Year's saved messages are encrypted. The In Moggerhanger, an excellent few hours work for 2018 but how and whether we can change our Day will be covering a nine-mile setting up would involve a bit of transformed a path overgrown with thick thorn into an working practises. Both councils would like us to be section of the North Chiltern Trail work so your thoughts would be attractive and pleasant route to walk. The local parish less dependant on their staff. Currently at least one from Barton-le-Clay. appreciated. We are also hoping to council has thanked us for our work. of their employees brings tools and refreshments and Looking further ahead the group provide an IVW blog page. It gives Upper Staploe is another area of North Bedfordshire remains with us for the whole time. This was important is planning a long weekend in the the opportunity to chat, share and needing attention and in mid-October our volunteers for us to ensure that in the event of any problems Cotswolds from 27 to 30 April, provide information, swap ideas, with a landowner or even a member of the public, a and a weekend in the Lincolnshire arrange a coffee morning, etc. It council employee could deal with the situation. The Wolds in autumn. In between will could also be used to advertise and councils would like to change this arrangement because be a coach trip to Lincoln in May sell items like walking equipment their staff could be used elsewhere whilst we work. and a week-long coastal walking and clothes. Providing the work is arranged by them and cleared with the landowner and they meet us beforehand with tools and refreshments and collect them at the end there shouldn't be a problem particularly with path clearances but could be a problem when putting in marker posts as they have more sophisticated equipment for ensuring the exact location. It may also mean that we could be more flexible about our working arrangements. Every volunteer is important and all views are welcome so if you haven't already made your views known please do get in touch with me. Until we meet again early in the New Year may I take this opportunity to thank you all for your valuable contributions during 2017 and wish you a very happy Ivel Valley Walkers at the National Memorial Arboretum. Photo: Sandra Axtell Christmas and a healthy and productive 2018. Transforming a path at Moggerhanger. Photo: Andrew Gwillam Barry Ingram Bedfordshire Bulletin continues on page 15 14 South East Walker December 2017 West Essex in Wish you were here? sunny Sidmouth Thame & Wheatley go west! hirty-seven Thame & directions to converge at Forde the south coast, before visiting the Wheatley group members Abbey. With the weather not at its village of Seatown and reuniting and guests headed to best, most people were glad to take at the Clock Inn at Chideock, T Say cheese! Photo: Dave Brewster Somerset in early September advantage of a tour of this former which offered welcome rest and for their annual holiday break, medieval monastery. hospitality. Ilminster was the focus ifty West Essex members The hotel's jewel in the crown staying at Warner's Hotel, set in With Wednesday's weather of Thursday's walks. set off on 2 October for five is its stunning music room with the rolling, landscaped 1,000 acre dawning bright and sunny, the Before leaving, everyone voted the Fdays in Devon, staying at chandeliers and a newly restored Cricket St Thomas estate. group travelled by coach for a holiday successful and enjoyable. the Sidholme Hotel in Sidmouth. organ. This is where we met each A series of daily easy, medium spot of Jurassic coastal walking. Our attention will now focus on This was organised via Ramblers evening to learn of the plans for the and long walks had been planned Three routes loosely followed the the planning of our 2018 holiday Walking Holidays who arranged for following day. There were always at and were led by Ruth Cornish, Peter walk featured by Julia Bradbury which will again be a Warner's the coach to take us there and back least two walks of different grades, Bozier, Bob Ward and me, with Bob in the television series 'Walks break, this time at Holme Lacy in plus, most importantly, three walk often incorporating options for those also taking on the task of organising with a View'. Walkers from all Herefordshire. leaders, Ted, Angela and Joe. Ted's wishing to opt out at some stage. bookings and accommodation. three groups managed to climb Mike Smith local knowledge, being a resident of Local buses were used by some to A guided tour of the parklands, Golden Cap, the highest point on Thame & Wheatley Ramblers Sidmouth and a stalwart of the local get back to Sidmouth from walks led by Bob on the day of arrival, Ramblers, proved to be invaluable. the easy way. Others used buses introduced the whole party to the On Monday afternoon, Ted led to visit Lyme Regis, Exeter and stunning landscape of the estate. the group on a riverside walk into Budleigh Salterton. So this proved Echoes of past uses were everywhere. the town, along the promenade for to be a good location to meet the The zoo, with its exotic collection our first proper view of the sea, and needs of all the group, including of animals and birds, which closed up Jacob's Ladder to Connaught an unforgettable visit to a donkey in 2009, Crinkley Bottom (who Gardens. From here we had a sanctuary. remembers?), and later the backdrop wonderful view over Sidmouth, the On the final day a five mile walk for the television series 'To the countryside and the sea. Our route was completed by many whilst Manor Born'. led back to the hotel, unpacking and others took the opportunity to take The estate grounds were also getting ready for the first of our pre- a last look around Sidmouth. A the starting point for walks on the dinner meetings. traffic-jam free journey home was Tuesday, all heading in various Some of the group on Golden Cap. Photo: Ken King Our hotel began as a moderate a good end to five enjoyable days sized Georgian villa in 1824 which, among walking friends. over the years and via various owners, Pat Juchau Completing the Cross Britain Way grew to its present impressive size. West Essex Ramblers ver the August bank miles from Bala to Brithdir on the on the Mawddach Trail, a former holiday a group of Saturday, as there was nowhere in railway line, so flat all the way and Hayling Island trip O15 Milton Keynes between to park the cars. Sunday then the grand finale, the walk Ramblers set off on the final was an easier day, from Brithdir to across Barmouth Bridge before e have been organising section of the Cross Britain Way. the end of the Cross Britain Way fighting our way through the a September coach trip This was a tough one, with 19 in Barmouth, only 13 miles mostly masses of holidaymakers to finish W for the past few years at the coastguard station. There and this year our destination was is a tiny sign on the noticeboard Hayling Island in Hampshire for indicating the finish of the walk. a walk along the route of a disused On the Monday most of us went railway line, the Hayling Billy off to walk Cadair Idris via the Coastal Path. classic Cwm Cau circular route. Such is the popularity of these Others went dolphin watching on coach trips that the 50-person limit a fishing boat. As for luck there was quickly passed and we had to was none, no dolphins just sea and set up a waiting list. On the day we no views from the mountain, just were blessed with good weather and cloud. Oh well it is always good to had a lovely walk with a meal at the have something for another time! highly recommended Ferryboat Inn. MK Ramblers relax by the coastguard station at Barmouth after completing the Ian Andrews Brian Poulton On Hayling Island. Cross Britain Way. Photo: Peter Hurst Milton Keynes Ramblers South East Berks Ramblers Photo: Brian Poulton

echo the time he was on the run. Then route passes through. They are in gratitude there are the places where he spent the night to the late Trevor Antill who devised the In the king's footsteps or had a meal. But it is the scenery they route. ur interest in walking the Sussex. have enjoyed the most with the variety of Mike Shephard Monarch's Way began at our In May 2011 six members of our group the English landscape in all the counties the Leighton Buzzard Ramblers OAGM in November 2010 when started the walk at Worcester on the a proposal was put forward that we walk first stage of this long term venture. The the route at a leisurely pace in stages original group of six has now grown to 10 over a few years and visit interesting sites who have three outings a year on the route. along the way. The walk is divided into three guidebooks The route is over 600 miles in length and and a highlight was when they received roughly follows that taken by the future their first certificate for completing the King Charles II after the Royalist army was first guidebook. Now they are on the third crushed by Oliver Cromwell on 3 September guidebook and have completed 500 miles. 1651 at the Battle of Worcester. His journey In October they arrived at Great Wishford of escape was a flight through the Midlands in Wiltshire and feel they are now on their and Cotswolds to the coast at Charmouth last lap, hoping to complete the walk in July and Bridport where his attempts to escape 2019. to France failed. Charles and his party then They feel Charles II has been with them continued inland through the southern all the way. All along the route there are counties before eventually escaping to plaques and memorials to the fugitive France on 'The Surprise' at Shoreham in prince, plus pub signs and street names that On the Wiltshire Downs on their most recent stage of the Monarch's Way. Photo: Mike Shephard South East Walker December 2017 15 children ventured into the fields us onto their private estate. media attention. Please contact me and woods for a 90-minute amble Already our thoughts have turned at the email address below. Walking Festival seeking trails, signs and sightings to the 2018 festival and because To those people who missed of wildlife before returning to a the event is growing year on year nine days of enjoyable walking and ecord numbers turned people during a walk and one of the camp fire for refreshments and tales we need more people to become intend to come along next year, out for the eighth annual stories that will be remembered for of bizarre events in Bedfordshire. involved. Help with creating and the dates of the 2018 Bedfordshire Bedfordshire Walking a long time was one by two ladies R Do we ever have failures or collating varied and interesting Walking Festival will be 8 - 16 Festival in September though, from Florida who were visiting problems? The truth is yes we do walks. Help with publicity whether September with the Greensand 40- for the second year in a row, both the area on holiday at the time and it is so disappointing for people it is helping out at the Bedford mile challenge over the weekend of Saturdays saw rain as did some of Hurricane Irma. They were who turn up expecting a walk or a River Festival or other venues 15 - 16 September. other days too. scheduled to go home on the day of leader standing waiting in vain but where we can promote ourselves or Barry Ingram Big turnouts were recorded not the walk but with aircraft grounded the most annoying part is that any distributing programmes or getting [email protected] only on the interest walks but also were unable to do so. They came failure could have been avoided. on the longer walks where, despite on the walk and said they had really It is always appropriate to asking people to book in advance, enjoyed the walk as for three hours thank walk leaders who do an so many turned up on the day it was it took their minds off the fact that excellent job whether the walk is Yellow-topped necessary to get the coach driver to they might not have a home to go an informative/interest walk where make an additional trip. Three back to. Fortunately, they were a lot of research is necessary or an marker posts interest walks alone attracted over able to return to Florida a day or enjoyable Ramblers type walk or 200 people and although some of so later and their home had evaded health walk or taster session or the everal counties, including posts. I would be interested in the other walks and activities didn't the wrath of the storm. Greensand Ridge Challenge. Bedfordshire, use yellow- your thoughts on this whichever achieve so much success almost all Following a suggestion that we All the organisations Stopped marker posts which Area you belong to. were deemed successful by their include some form of social event, involved whether supporting or are highly visible and enhance respective leaders and supported by we arranged an evening of Trails participating; Luton, Central the rights of way network. Earlier this year there was Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough the number of participants. and Tales and on a rain threatening a major concern because the It is always good to talk with evening over 30 people including and Sandy, Ampthill, Flitwick company doing them said it town councils, The Greensand was discontinuing the service. Trust, Forest of Marston Vale, Both Central Bedfordshire and Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Bedford Borough have been Railway, Leighton Buzzard P3, exploring alternatives but do not Elaine and Theresa from Nordic appear to have found a permanent Walking, Shuttleworth, Jordans solution. One rights of way officer Mill, BRCC, Clophill Heritage suggested we make an appeal not Trust, our four Ramblers groups only to other areas for information as to possible suppliers but also plus the Villager magazine. Lastly to Ramblers Central Office to a big thank you to Simon and support a campaign for all areas Installing yellow-topped marker posts Christina at Ickwell Bury and Chris to adopt the yellow-topped marker at Knotting. Photo: Barry Ingram A festival walk on the steps of a Hindu temple in Bedford. Photo: Barry Ingram from Bedford School for allowing Area AGM nner London Area's AGM will INNER LONDON be on Saturday 3 February 2018 Ifrom 2 - 4pm at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2. The AGM will consider the insights formal business of the Area - electing Daniel Raven-Ellison committee members for 2018-19, spent a month walking in a 563 km electing delegates for General Council spiral through every London borough 2018 (7 - 8 April in Bangor) and the and was joined by over 100 people annual report and accounts. For the including councillors, mayors, the first time, we will have stalls from Deputy Mayor for the Environment London National Park City Ramblers Walking Holidays and HF and Ramblers volunteers. He will Holidays at the AGM. bring brilliant visuals, enthusiasm and n October, Urban Good launched the London Park City in 2019. At the same time, the National Park The guest speaker will be Daniel a positive vision for London's future. National Park City map, showing London as the City campaign has become the National Park City Raven-Ellison, instigator of the Greater We hope as many Ramblers' world's first National Park City, and featuring Foundation, a charity, with Daniel Raven-Ellison, the London National Park City campaign members of Inner London and our I and now Chief Exploration Officer of groups as possible will join us for what all the open green spaces and outdoor activities in instigator of the campaign as Chief Exploration Officer London. (CEO). the Foundation. Daniel is an inspiring promises to be an enjoyable afternoon, The massive map includes all of the capital's 3,000 The campaign continues to work to get over 50% and entertaining speaker, and an avid Please keep an eye on our website parks plus woodlands, playing fields, nature reserves, of ward councillors to support the campaign. You walker who has done a number of www.innerlondonramblers.org.uk for city farms, rivers, canals and all the spaces that can check if your ward councillors have supported the extraordinary walks around and across group walks on the morning of the contribute to London's parkland. Some of the most campaign via the website http://www.nationalparkcity. London, and the UK's other cities and AGM which will end at the venue with time for lunch before the meeting. iconic walks through and around London are drawn, london/ - if they haven't, please write to them and ask National Parks. This summer he including the London Loop and Capital Ring, along them to support it. 262 ward teams have now declared with symbols marking places to swim outdoors, climb their support for London to become a National Park hills, pitch a tent or go kayaking. It even shows front City, with just 62 more now needed. John Wootten 1930 - 2017 and back gardens - but no buildings! e were sad to learn from 1994 to 2001, serving as Printed on the same press as Ordnance Survey maps, of the death of John our representative on the Inner the London National Park City map is a large-format Wootten in August. London Area council, and as (952mm x 1270mm) folded map - custom drawn to W John was a Kensington, Open Spaces Officer, from 1998 highlight all the places to explore. On the reverse is a Chelsea and Westminster group to 2001. giant atlas of London with ideas for explorations and walk leader from 1992 to 2012, Heather Wheeller information graphics about the park. leading about 90 walks in total, Kensington Chelsea & Westminster Group The map was financed through crowdfunding and mainly in the Chilterns and is being given away free via http://urbangood.tictail. around London. He was a true com/ (for the cost of postage, with donations welcome) gentleman and very caring, and and is selling out quickly at the time of writing. Their his walks were well supported. hunch was that most people would be surprised to learn After he stopped leading he that nearly half of London is green and blue, and they continued to walk with us for made the map to connect children and adults to nature, a short while. We missed his green and blue space, play spaces and sports pitches, company when he moved to a new trails and cycle paths. home near relations in the West The London National Park City idea has now been Midlands. embraced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has incorporated John was also a valued it into London's draft Environment Strategy, and who member of our committee John with nieces and a nephew. has announced that London will become a National Inner London Insights continues on page 16 16 South East Walker December 2017 Street Tree Walk Diamond Jubilee Footbridge LoveLondonWalkLondon and very exotic. The attendees ran its inaugural London included both those with a particular he Diamond conceived at the time its name from this event. progress. You can see the themed walk in October, interest in trees and many who just J u b i l e e of the Diamond Jubilee It has received planning design and find out more #teaming up with Paul Wood (@ fancied an urban walk on a sunny TFootbridge (also celebrations for Queen permission from both about the bridge at http:// TheStreetTree). Sunday. known as the Cremorne Elizabeth II, marking the the London Borough diamondjubileebridge. Together with Ramblers Chair Keep an eye out for foot and cycle bridge) location where she boarded of Wandsworth and london/. Des Garrahan, Paul, who is the more#LoveLondonWalkLondon is a proposed new her launch for the start of Hammersmith & Fulham, Clare Wadd author of The Street Tree book, led walks, likely to include another pedestrian and cycle the Diamond Jubilee river and now needs a private Chair, Inner London 25 Ramblers, including members of Street Tree walk towards the crossing of the River pageant in 2012, and takes sector sponsor in order to Area Capital Walkers on a three hour stroll end of the year, this time around Thames between around Hackney, home of the largest Chelsea. The Street Tree book is Battersea Bridge and variety of street trees in London. available from bookshops and online Wandsworth Bridge. During the walk, which started through Amazon or the National It will connect Chelsea at Hackney Central and ended at Book Service. The Street Tree is Harbour in the north Dalston Eastern Curve Garden, we contactable via https://thestreettree. with Battersea in the saw hundreds of varieties of trees, com/. south, and is designed to both rare and common, indigenous Clare Wadd accommodate 1.2 million pedestrian and cycle journeys a year. Running alongside the railway bridge connecting Clapham Junction and Imperial Wharf, it will enable greater integration between the north and south of the river and will also link with the Thames Path. These two South Bank Ramblers were impressed with their new Ramblers rucksack covers (www.ramblers.org.uk and click on 'Shop') during an August walk in Kent. Photo: Sue Ellenby On the Street tree Walk in Hackney. Photo: Clare Wadd The bridge was

and the soundtrack followed us as we walked around enjoying the early autumn trees and higgledy graves. Let's Get Lost We did get a little caught out as we Art in the city et's Get Lost is an immersive, minutes, and there are 28 intimate, had one iPhone and one Android, sonic experience in an inner audio portraits in total. The use of and the app is iPhone only. I plan Lcity wilderness from award- British Library archival sounds gives to return at the weekend and try out shortlisted producers For Now, and a glimpse of hidden layers in the East Let's Get Lost as part of a circular featuring a soundtrack specifically end woodland and flickers of past from Mile End taking in the Regent's made to be listened to whilst lives, encouraging you to let go and Canal and Victoria Park. wandering through Tower Hamlets lose yourself for a while. The app is produced by Jo Morris Cemetery Park's winding paths. The further you venture, the more and Susanna Grant and supported by Many South East Walker readers you'll hear - so the experience can last Arts Council England. The original will be familiar with Tower Hamlets anything from 20 minutes to a couple music is by Darren Hayman, former Cemetery, opened in 1841 and the of hours - and you can visit again, and frontperson of the band Hefner, last of London's 'magnificent seven' take a different route, meaning you beloved of John Peel. His more recent - it's the largest urban woodland discover something new. If you can't projects include Thankful Villages, in London, and a magical place to get to the cemetery, you can listen an ambitious folk project, in which Take a stroll in the City of London to find Nathaniel Rackowe's Black Shed Expanded, explore just around the corner from to the music from the website www. Darren visits all 53 of England and a neon strip-lit upended garden shed which appears to be caught in mid-explosion. Mile End tube station. letsgetlostapp.com by pressing the Wales' thankful villages (all their It is one of the works featured in this year's Sculpture in the City event, a free show If you download the free app play symbols in the different places members of the armed forces survived of contemporary artworks in public places by artists including Damien Hirst and Mark (currently iTunes only), plug in your on the map. World War 1) and pulls together Wallinger. It runs until May 2018 and details of the works and a map to find them headphones and simply wander, We visited early one evening at the first person interviews, folk tales and can be found by following links from https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk. sounds and stories are triggered start of October, just before dusk on songs, field recordings and his own through the GPS on your phone as a sunny day, and the cemetery was personal experiences to create a vast you pass through the cemetery - you reasonably busy with strollers, and patchwork depicting community, walk in and out of the audio as you people cutting through by bike or on history and legend. stroll. This makes it unlike other foot. The app downloaded quickly, Clare Wadd sound walks, as you choose your own route, and therefore your own soundtrack. The soundtrack is a mixture of interviews and field recordings threaded through with lost sounds from the British Library's archive, some of which are almost 100 years old. Stories whisper in your ears - Rabbit catches bats, Christopher got This footbridge takes south east London's Green Chain Walk over the course of lost at sea and Charlie Brown had a the railway line which once ran to Crystal Palace High Level station. It was also pub full of monkeys and the largest where in 1871 the French impressionist Camille Pissaro painted Lordship Lane funeral the East End had ever seen. Station, Dulwich whilst living nearby to escape war in France. A plaque marks the In the invisible chapel you can hear spot he painted though the scene from the bridge is now unrecognisable. More a circle of horses snuffle in your ears. than a hundred works by artists such as Pissaro are on show at The EY Exhibition: Impressionists in London at Tate Britain in London until 7 May 2018. The stories last from 20 seconds to 10 Getting lost in Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. Photo: Clare Wadd

Until Sunday 4 February 2018: Landscape Until Sunday 18 February 2018: Helen Allingham Photographer of the Year includes watercolours of idyllic rural life by the first woman Diary Free exhibition of winning and shortlisted entries to artist elected to the Royal Watercolour Society in 1890 this year's competition goes on show on the balcony at Watts Gallery, Compton, Surrey Waterloo station before touring the country. wattsgallery.org.uk, 01483 810235 Waterloo station, London SE! Dates Saturday 14 April 2018: Map and compass awareness Until Sunday 4 March 2018: Turner in Surrey course Until Sunday 21 January 2018: Wildlife Photographer Exhibition of JMW Turner's work produced in the county, Following the success of previous years, North West Kent of the Year exploring the artist's retreat into nature, capturing the Group is holding another course for those wishing to 16 winners from the annual international photography beauty of the landscape and its rustic elegance. Admission improve their skills. It will be held at the new venue of the competition. charge. George & Dragon, Westerham, starting 9.45am. Tring Natural History Museum, Herts The Lightbox, Woking, Surrey. To register, please contact Chris Baker on 01322 341722 or www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring, 020 7942 6171 www.thelightbox.org.uk, 01483 737800. [email protected] by 7 April.