DORSET FOOTNOTES Newsletter of the Dorset Area of the Ramblers Association ISSUE NO. 73 Spring 2016 WE NEED YOUR HELP - GET INVOLVED, GIVE US YOUR SUGGESTIONS Those of you that have read the Dorset Area Annual Report 2014/2015 will know that the Area is financially sound, has a slowly decreasing membership and has a happy set of volunteers looking after the local engine room. There is, however, a downside, we do have several vacancies that need to be filled. After four years as Chairman, Keith Seymour has stood down and no one has volunteered to stand. Keith left us with an excellent legacy and Area Council recorded their thanks and appreciation to him with special reference to his leading role in setting up the 4050 Walkers Group and, with Jim Scott, redesigning the Website. A quick reference to the Who’s Who on page 7 will show you that we also have Area Council Vacancies for Vice Chairman, Publicity Officer, Countryside Secretary and three Individual Members, the latter being a great way to join in and learn ‘the ways’ of Area Council. The Area General Meeting was held on 21st November 2015 and the main speaker was Des Garrahan, Chair of The Board of Trustees. Unfortunately the turnout was very low, at 23 persons, a factor that no doubt contributed to the difficulty in filling Area Council Vacancies. There was an extended discussion as to the possible reasons for the very low turnout at the Area AGM as compared to the Group AGMs and possible ways to improve it. Approximately half those attending were from the ‘Hosting Group’. One outcome is this article explaining the problem and asking for suggestions. Area Council are also to consider different formats and timing including whether a full day (morning walk followed by AGM) on a Saturday is a disincentive. There was also short discussion as to whether the image of a “rambler” is an incentive or disincentive to join the Ramblers and whether the historic name is a net positive or negative for recruitment. If you have any suggestions, we would love to have them, please pass them on to Jim Scott, our Secretary, by phone or e-mail – see Page 7 for contact details. The Ramblers was founded by volunteers in 1935, and they remain the heart and soul of the organisation. People have widely differing motivations and reasons for volunteering and these need to be recognised. No one should ever give their time reluctantly, through a sense of obligation or guilt. Volunteering itself is a positive thing for society as well as: • empowering people and helping them to make their voices heard • broadening people’s knowledge, skills and experience • widening and strengthening social networks and increasing participation in civil society. The Ramblers broad-based supportive approach to volunteering is nicely encompassed in “The Ramblers: Our approach to volunteering” – simply type it into your search engine and it can easily be downloaded. The Ramblers also have a Volunteer Zone – a dedicated space for the volunteers who help support their work. Whether you lead walks, carry out campaigning work, maintain your local paths or help run a group, you’ll find plenty of resources and information available on the website. Doug Pigg WE DO NEED YOUR HELP - GET INVOLVED, FEEL GOOD AND KEEP WALKING! The Ramblings of Three Rusty Zips and Cathay An occasional series on the meanderings of three late middle-aged gentlemen and a papillon through Dorset and beyond. Having completed Book 3 of The Monarch’s Way the Three Rusty Zips decided on a more local walk for the winter of 2012/13 and we decided to walk The Wessex Ridgeway originally conceived by the late Priscilla Houstoun. During The Monarch’s Way walk we had devised a rating scheme called “The Boots” for the hostelries we stopped at. The scheme has a maximum of ‘5 boot’ that can be awarded with five criteria: i) Is it papillon friendly? ii) Is the ale of good quality? iii) Is the food good? iv) Is it friendly and welcoming? v) the overall ambience. The rating system commenced with The Wessex Ridgeway. The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 1 - 18/10/12 Marlborough to Devizes (16½ miles) We left Dorset at 08:15 and drove to Devizes where a taxi collected us for the onward journey to Marlborough where we feasted on a breakfast of coffee and flapjacks at a cosy little café in The High Street. Contrary to the forecast it was a lovely sunny morning as we left Marlborough on the old Bath road and over the downs to Avebury. Lunch at The Red Lion with gammon and Old Speckled Hen on draught. Fully replete we started on the remaining ten miles over stunning countryside with no settlements to be seen. Cloud took over from sun and just twenty minutes from Devizes the rain came down. We reached our car wet, tired but exhilarated with our efforts. The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 2 - 22/11/12 Devizes to West Lavington (10 miles) We left Dorset at 08:15 and drove to West Lavington where we caught the 09:47 Route 2 bus to Devizes. After several days of persistent rain resulting in severe flooding in parts of the West Country the outlook was unsettled as we left Devizes. We walked the canal path for a mile or so before starting the climb to the ridge where we were greeted with very strong winds. At coffee break Cathay put on her coat. A downhill walk to The Lamb at Urchfont; a lovely locals’ pub with good beer and inexpensive pub grub awarded 4 boot. The afternoon was extremely windy but the rain held off. We arrived back in Dorset very tired and muddy – especially Cathay. The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 3 - 13/12/12 West Lavington to Westbury (13 miles) Leaving Dorset at 08:00 we arrived in Westbury where we transferred to a taxi to West Lavington. A dry cold day with temperatures just below freezing all day. Vast sweeping views over rather desolate country all day. Lunch was taken at The Three Daggers in Erdington a nice comfy pub with their own beer brewed in their micro-brewery next door. We enjoyed lunch so much we awarded the pub 5 boot! The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 4 - 03/01/13 Westbury to Heytesbury (11½ miles) We drove and parked the car at Westbury. An overcast day but we were blessed and the promised rain kept off all day with just a few drops as we reached Heytesbury. From Westbury we climbed Beggars Knoll to re-join the Ridgeway. The wettest December for years (unknown to us then this was a precursor for each subsequent December being even wetter yet) made the paths very muddy and slippery. At Warminster we made a detour via Cop Heap in to Warminster town centre to The Mason’s Arms a delightful CAMRA town pub with beef and ale pie to die for and excellent real ales. Another 5 boot award pub! After lunch we reluctantly left the conviviality of the pub and walked up Imber Road to re-join the Ridgeway and after three steep climbs arrived in Heytesbury to find a taxi waiting to return us back to our car in Westbury The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 5 - 17/01/13 Heytesbury to Hindon (8 miles) We departed Dorset at 08:00 and drove to Hindon where we transferred to our pre-booked taxi to Heytesbury. Another very cold day and overcast, but although below freezing, due to the prolonged rain over the previous two months the first part of the walk was still flooded in places. However once on the ridgeway we enjoyed good brisk walking for the rest of the morning. A good lunch was had at The Angel in Hindon completing this short stage.

2 The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 6 - 31/01/13 Hindon to Ludwell (11 miles) Weather forecast was for rain all day as we drove away from Dorset to Ludwell to meet our taxi to Hindon. Rain, snow, and more rain over the last month had left the ground water-logged and most of the route was a quagmire making for extremely difficult walking. However we counted our good luck that the forecasters were wrong and the promised rain never materialised. We stopped for lunch at The Foresters in Donhead St Andrew for a BLT sandwich and chips and an unrecorded beer. Pleasant enough pub but only awarded 3 boot. The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 7 - 14/02/13 Ludwell to Shroton (13 miles) For this stage we were joined by Bob, a campanologist from Bere Regis, who eventually became an honorary “Rusty Zip” in 2015. We drove to Ludwell and started walking at 08:30. After several days of incessant rain it was nice to have sun on our backs but the ground was even more waterlogged than the previous stage. Both Bob and Tim slipped and fell arse over tit in the appalling mud and standing water. When not watching one’s feet the views were spectacular with Win Green being the highest point. We arrived at The Cricketers, Shroton just in time for food at 14:00 where we met spouse Diana and friend. Unfortunately the pub would not allow Cathay in so she had to wait in the car. An unwelcoming, unfriendly pub awarded 0 boot. After an unremarkable lunch we were driven back to the car at Ludwell. The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 8 - 21/02/13 Shroton to Anstey (11½ miles) Another morning only walk. We drove to Iwerne Courtney (Shroton) and started walking at 08:30 with a good climb up Hambledon Hill. A cold but sunny day with ice on the puddles, From Hambledon we descended down in to Shillingstone before climbing again to over 700 feet. The climb left us a little short of breath so we stopped for coffee and home baked chocolate cookies. After this short break we strolled along the ridge taking in Ibberton Hill (the inspiration for Priscilla Houstoun), Bulbarrow and Rawlsbury camp before descending to Breach Woods and finally The Fox at Anstey. Here we were met by spouse Diana and friend for lunch with a few pints of Badger Ale. The hostelry was awarded 4 boot before we were driven back to Shroton to our parked car. The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 9 - 28/02/13 Anstey Breach Woods to Sydling (12 miles) Spouse Jane drove us to Breach Woods for an early start at 08:00. A cold overcast day with heavy frost on the ground. At Dorsetshire Gap we signed the obligatory book and proceeded onwards to Folly and a long slog uphill to the summit of Ball Hill. Close to Giants Head sleet started and it became even colder. Eventually we reached The Greyhound at Sydling St Nicholas, one of my favourite Dorset pubs, where we were met by spouse Diana and her niece Moira for a very enjoyable lunch and the odd beer or two from their choice of guest ales before being driven home. Naturally the pub was awarded 5 boot. The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 10 - 21/03/13 Sydling St Nicholas to Beaminster (14 miles) Spouse Jane drove us to Sydling St Nicholas. A cold wet day and the rain from the previous few days had undone the relative dry of few weeks before and the ground was waterlogged and farm tracks flooded. We arrived at the Kingcombe Centre for a plain and simple lunch but the hospitality gave it 5 boot. In the afternoon the wind and rain intensified so much that Cathay, now a ball of muddy water-logged fur, refused to go any further and had to be carried the last couple of miles to the Red Lion Inn at Beaminster. Here we were met by spouse Diana who drove us back home after we had dried out a little and enjoyed a pint of Palmers ale. The Wessex Ridgeway – Stage 11 - 28/03/13 Beaminster to Lyme Regis (18 miles) We drove to Beaminster on a cold but sunny day. Cathay had recovered from the previous week and enjoyed the walk with tail at full mast all the way! The going was relatively free from mud but with no hostelry enroute we stopped for a picnic lunch at Gashay Farm where I was presented with a birthday cake and a bottle of Doombar. We followed The Ridgeway down to Lyme Regis to arrive much later than planned where spouse Diana had been waiting at The Cobb for over an hour. Being a birthday boy I escaped a scolding! Laurie Fairhurst 3 Cartoons by Phil Drake Sue Blake has been rummaging through her collection of historical Ramblers materials with a view to donating items of interest to the Dorset History Centre. Her endeavours unearthed two cartoons by Phil Drake, who was a Rights of Way Officer until he retired some time ago. They may have been used in Footnotes before but they make a fun addition to Footnotes 73.

And just to round-off Christmas (and fill in some space) What do you call a man with a seagull on his head? Cliff What do you get if you cross a snowman and a vampire? Frostbite What do ghosts wear on wet days? Khaghouls What do you call a fly without wings? A walk

Footnotes is available by e-mail. Just send me an e-mail at [email protected] and also tell me which Dorset Ramblers Group you belong to. Until the E-Footnotes numbers reach a level where separation from the general mailing is worthwhile those electing for E-Footnotes will receive both versions

4 Wessex Wanderer – Keep on track with our Railway Walks The Wessex Wanderer, public walks from stations on the Bristol – Weymouth railway line will continue for another season in 2016. The first walk will be in May and the last in October. Ann Light, who has been the Co-Ordinator for the last five years is handing on to Joy Harrison from the Severnside Group, though continuing to give support. In 2015 there were 31 walks of which 25 were circular and six linear. The average number of walkers per walk rose to 17 despite the gap in walks from mid-July to early September due to electrification of the line. The offer of shorter options and walks of 8-9 miles proved to be most popular. Additionally historic walks which were professionally led also proved popular. Not surprisingly longer walks were not so well supported – perhaps because from the southern end the 6.38 am train needed to be caught. The walks managed to reach 58 non-members and 78 walkers, both members and non-members, who had never been on a Wessex Wanderer walk. The Bank Holiday weekend of 23 May attracted 40 walkers for a seven mile walk in Bristol whilst a Wednesday walk from Maiden Newton in June had 30 walkers. The programme is financed by the four Ramblers Areas through which the line runs – Dorset, Wiltshire. Somerset and Avon plus a grant from the Heart of Wessex Community Rail Partnership. Thank you to Dorset Area for its continued support. At the end of each season all the leaders are invited to a meeting to review the past season and make plans for the future. In November 2015 it was again held in Maiden Newton Village which is very close to the railway station and plans made for the next season as well as receiving a financial report from the WW Treasurer who is also the Treasurer for the West Wilts and Swindon Area, and a former leader. The WW walks are not just for Ramblers members and offer the opportunity for non-members to sample what we can offer. It also fulfils the charitable aspect of the Ramblers. If you have never tried a WW walk and live in the east, why not try some of the Dorchester, Upwey and Weymouth walks using the Waterloo – Weymouth train? The Wessex Wanderer has an excellent website www.wessexrailwaywalks.org.uk and you will not only find details of the walks and photographs but lots of other information. Susan Blake Wessex Wanderer Leader 1997-2014; South Dorset Group

Ramblers – East Dorset Group Purbeck Plod – Sunday 10 July 2016 Start at Swanage Pier at 08 30 walkers (09 30 runners) (Entry on the day – Please arrive at least 15 minutes earlier) 25 miles via SWCP, Kimmeridge, Ridgeway Hill, Corfe Castle, Nine Barrow Down, Ballard Down Finish by 20 00 at All Saints Church Hall, Swanage A shorter 16 mile route is available for walkers only Entries and Information – please contact Event Secretary, 76 Bloxworth Road, Poole BH12 4BW Either email [email protected] OR click on the Purbeck Plod page online www.eastdorsetramblers.org.uk Can you help on the day please? We need marshals to help out at the Start and Finish and at Checkpoints. Please contact Lister Jackson – 01202 690495 Email - [email protected]

5 Changes to Rights of Way in Dorset Orders affecting changes to the following rights of way have been confirmed since Issue 72 and effectively cover the period from September to December 2015. If you would like more details please send a DL (9”x4¼”) stamped, self-addressed envelope marked ROW to the Area Footpath Secretary (address on page 7) Note: PINS is the abbreviation for the Planning Inspectorate – the Government agency that deals with opposed Orders which are seeking to either:- • create, divert or extinguish rights of way • modify the definitive map and statement for an area They also deal with unopposed orders which require modification in some way. Confirmed Orders (# identifies any New Numbers) Chickerell FP22 (part): Diversion (HA 1980, S119) Frampton BR9 (part): Modification to correct route. Piddletrenthide BR2 (part): Modification to upgrade to Restricted Byway Piddletrenthide BR7; Modification to upgrade to Restricted Byway Portland BR107#: Creation (Highways Act 1980, S26) Portland BR108#: See below Portland FP26 (part): Extinguishment (Highways Act 1980, S118) [# 15/117 & 118 Explanation: Part of FP25 has been upgraded to bridleway status (BR107) and the remaining section will be re-numbered FP109#. FP29 has been upgraded to BR108] Sturminster Marshall, Great Coll Wood BR21#: Modification to add bridleways Spetisbury, Little Coll Wood BR29#: Modification to add bridleways Thorncombe FP71 (part): Diversion (Town & Country Planning Act 1990, S257) West Lulworth BR27: Winfrith Newburgh BR12: Chaldon Herring BR5: Owermoigne BR11 (part): Owermoigne BR12: Modification to upgrade to Restricted Byways Winterbourne Steepleton RB8: Littlebredy RB13#: Winterbourne Steepleton RB7: Littlebredy RB6: Witchampton BR28 (part): Diversion (Highways Act 1980, S119) (Note that unless otherwise stated, the above Orders are also confirmed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981(Section 53A (2)) Long Term Temporary Closures/Diversions under Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: Section 14(1) (Note that unless otherwise stated, the following Orders are Under Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984: Section 14(1)) Bere Regis FP30 (part): From 14.12.15 to 05.06.16. From SY 846 946 to SY 844 947. Construction works. Alternative route signed. Charminster FP1 (part): From 05.11.15 for 26 weeks (extension but probably complete by 31.12 15) From SY 679 927 to SY 679 926. Work on road bridge and riverbank. Alternative route available. East Orchard FP2 (part): From 07.12.15 to 26.06.16. From ST 836 181 to ST 838 178. Demolition of building. Alternative route available. Hurn BR7 (part): From 07.09.15 to 06.03.16. From SZ 1375 9680 to SZ 1370 9680. To allow access to major road works on A338. NO ALTERNATIVE ROUTE. Portesham RB11 (part): From 07.01.16 to 06.01.17. From SY 6316 8662 to SY 6325 Martinstown RB8 (part): 8662 and from SY 6319 8661 to SY 6296 8575. Extension to Portesham FP13: allow work with NE to repair collapsed badger sett. Portland FP6 (part) SWCP: From 12.10.15 to 12.04.16. From SY 6858 7290 to SY 6830 7254 and SY 6821 7207 to SY 6800 7181. Landslips. Signed SWCP diversion. Powerstock BR22: From 13.10.15 TO 12.10.17. (Extension). Unsafe bridge at SY 5329 9666. Signed alternative route. Weymouth FP125: From 30.11.15 to 29.11.16. From SY 6754 7764 to SY 6757 7765 and SY 6784 7780 to SY 6815 7780. Damage to path. Alternative route available. It should be noted the Footpath No125 Weymouth between grid reference SY 6757 7765 and grid reference SY 6784 7780 has a permanent closure in force since 2001 due to unstable ground. (Please Note: All the above closures are for Health and Safety reasons. Any person who uses or permits the use of the footpaths in contravention of any of the above orders will be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.) Jan Wardell 6 SO WHAT DOES THE AREA CHAIRPERSON DO? As a taster for your exploration of volunteering with Ramblers I have reproduced below the description of the Area Chair Person’s Role, which is essentially about Governance, Leadership and Management. Main purpose of the role: To identify and promote opportunities for the Area to contribute and make a difference to the local walking environment. To ensure that the committee has a clear sense of direction and purpose and these coincide with the Ramblers strategy. What we need from you: This role would suit you if you have a passion for promoting the charitable aims of the Ramblers and an ability to motivate and inspire fellow volunteers. You will need to be able to encourage discussion in meetings and a commitment to our democratic principles. You will also need a willingness to learn about the Area constitution. What’s in it for you: The opportunity to shape the direction of the Area and work as part of a team. The chance to promote the Area through the whole organisation – sharing your successes and raising your issues. Why you are needed: Area committees need to be democratic and effective. The Chair is looked on to provide leadership, helping the committee to set aims and monitor them. They identify where more volunteers are needed and if the existing committee needs more resources or training. The Chair also encourages the board to regularly review their constitution. What you could be doing: Speaking with the Groups in the Area and helping them to work together, liaising with Board members, encouraging others to volunteer on the committee, networking, developing agendas for meetings, planning the AGM, putting forward ideas for campaigns and projects to the committee, promoting the aims of the Area to Groups and encouraging them to get involved, acting as a spokesperson and facilitating meetings. Resources: Resources are available on the volunteer section of the Ramblers website www. ramblers.org.uk/volunteer Contact: Volunteer Development Team [email protected] / 020 7339 8500 Doug Pigg

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT - NORDIC WALKING During the 1930s super fit competitive cross country skiers in Finland started to use poles in their off season training when there was no snow, they soon realised that this was giving them a massive advantage and that the technique was a perfect training aid that kept their heart and lungs in top condition and ensured upper and lower body muscles remained in top shape. The physical benefits are that it: • Tones the upper and lower body at the same time • Uses 90% of the skeletal muscles • Burns up to 46% more calories than ordinary walking • Reduces the pressure on knees and joints • Great for the Heart and Lungs • Ideal for neck, shoulder and back problems It is really important to learn good technique that is tailored to the requirement of the individual - poor technique and wrong sized poles can result in discomfort and injury – so why not give it a try, help out those knees and scare off the cattle – but get some training first. Also a good technique if you fancy trying cross-country skiing. Doug Pigg Want to know more? - http://nordicwalking.co.uk/ - Several Dorset based Instructors