Issue 115 Ramblers 1.2012

News and information from the Isle of ALKWight walk walkTALK is sponsored by Area and Groups

Season’s greetings to all our readers

High Sheriff declares Trail open THE PROJECT TO improve access at The timberwork has been supplied and Youngwoods and fitted by Island company Clifford Copse has been completed by Matthews Ltd. Isle of Wight Ramblers working in A leaflet describing the four-mile trail partnership with Wight Nature Fund. starting at station is being The trail was opened by the Island’s distributed widely. High Sheriff, Susie Sheldon, at a ceremony on Sunday 23 October. The project, costing £38,000, was funded by the Leader Rural At Alverstone Mead, existing board Development Fund, Isle of Wight walks have been replaced and a Ramblers Doris Trappitt legacy new section constructed across an scheme and Wight Nature Fund. The exceptionally muddy path. At the stiles have been replaced as part of same time, four stiles have been our on-going Donate-a-gate scheme. replaced by gates and some minor These significant achievements surface works carried out to improve have provided improved facilities for access to a wildlife hide. countryside users, particularly the The work at Youngwoods Copse has less mobile. The “easy access trail” opened up a new path which has a should encourage more people to boardwalk and a new bridge crossing take up walking as part of a healthy the river and now connects with the lifestyle and hopefully become Newport to Sandown cycleway. members of the Ramblers.

Main picture High Sheriff Susie Sheldon cuts the ribbon Inset Ramblers members explore the new trail

ThankThank youyou IW Ramblers is delighted that Wightlink will help sponsor other sources of income – means that costs are mostly production costs of walkTALK from this edition forward. covered. Wightlink has also devoted a whole page to the Wightlink!Wightlink! Wightlink’s contribution is substantial and – together with Ramblers on their wesbsite www.wightlink.co.uk. www.iowramblers.com walkTALK Welcome... Ramblers annual general meeting 2012 THE PROPOSED SALE of camping with numerous tents forests by the government is and shelters. The County Press ... to walkTALK, the newsletter from the MEMBERS ARE INVITED to attend this year’s Group and Area AGM Isle of Wight Ramblers. If you’re new to on hold and a panel will soon reported a “rave” taking place walking, or if you’ve not seen walkTALK which will take place at 11.15am on Saturday 4 February 2012 at issue an interim report about at this site on 9 September and Community Centre. The out-going committee will present a report of Woodland before, why not join us? Benefits include: proposals to sell woodlands. that the owner had been bailed last year’s activities, including the annual accounts, for approval of the •260 led walks on the Island each year; to appear at the magistrates •talks and discussions about Island membership and a new committee will be elected. We have enjoyed an court. features and heritage; • Consider the annual report (full report available on website or from excellent relationship with •walking holidays; Maureen Mansell, tel 883927) the Forestry Commission David Howarth discusses the The sale of Forestry •Walk magazine and walkTALK; which has developed a Commission land must be •discounts from leading outdoor suppliers • Consider the income and expenditure and the balance sheet continuing threat to our forests... (eg Cotswold; Blacks) and HF Holidays; • Appoint office holders and the committee sound management plan stopped. Our woodland •support for an organisation campaigning • Appoint representatives to the governing body of the Area (Groups for each forest and provided heritage is precious. In France, for greater access to the countryside. only) and General Council recreational facilities for Germany and Austria the And joining us couldn’t be easier. Just go • Appoint an independent examiner for the accounts the public. In 2005, the woodland coverage in each to www.iowramblers.com and click on • Discuss and consider motions Commission dedicated all its country is 30-40%, but the UK the membership link. We look forward to freehold woodland as Open has just 5%, much of it already seeing you! NB It is important to note that if certain office holders or an independent examiner can not be found, the AGM can authorise the committee to fill Access Land giving walkers in private hands, often with IW RAMBLERS extends a very warm these vacancies at their discretion at a later date. the right to roam. Where land little or no access. welcome to the following new members: has subsequently been sold, At this time of year, a Main Group AGM agenda right of access continues with 1. Welcome woodland walk can be truly Mr Richard Mair the new ownership. This public who have this legal right of Commission last year. The Mrs Elaine Shiers Freshwater 2. Apologies for absence spectacular. It is a pastime that access is shown on Ordnance access. This certainly seems Isle of Wight Ramblers has Mrs Lyn Cottrell Wootton 3. Approval of last year’s AGM report and any matters arising we all enjoy, and it is crucial Mrs Elizabeth Brammall Survey maps. to be the case at Woodhouse received a report that the 4. Presentation and approval of annual reports and accounts that access is guaranteed so Ms Mary Hoather Copse, near , public has been intimidated Mr Gordon Bailey 5. Election of committee members and independent examiner One of our concerns is that that future generations don’t Mr Michael Cass 6. Discussion of motions a new private owner may be a 45-acre ancient woodland and forbidden entry and encounter a land of forbidden Mr Tony Hall Freshwater 7. Close less sympathetic to the public which was sold by the Forestry there appears to be extensive forests. Mrs Olive Harris Wroxall Mrs Jill Ellis Brighstone Arrangements are: Mr Martin Ellis Brighstone 9am Local walk Miss Jacqueline Doughty Ryde Island Ramblers celebrating success Mr Ivor Manzalaoui Ryde 11.15am Group 1 AGM SOME 80 MEMBERS and guests Our guests included the Lord Target 2000 project when the Isle of Mrs Sandra Scovell Seaview 12 noon Area AGM celebrated the winning of the Lieutenant Major General Martin Wight was the only area to achieve Mr Paul Thomasson 1.15pm Lunch (provided by Tom and Jean Denoon) Mrs Julia Thomasson Bembridge Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service White, Deputy Lord Lieutenant full compliance (all paths open), and 2.30pm Talk and discussion with Chairman Rodney Whittaker at Sandown and Rugby Patricia Partridge, Andrew Turner has also worked in partnership with Wightsole 3.15pm Tea/coffee Mr Peter Wheeler Ryde Club on 25 September. David MP and Chairman of The Ramblers National Trust regarding signing of Ms Rosemary Foy Nominations/motions to Area or General Council to be submitted, before Howarth led a four-mile walk from Rodney Whittaker. Several Island Access Land. He was presented with 8 January 2012 to David Howarth, Area Chairman, 4 Woodlands, Sandown station visiting the organisations were represented at a certificate, signed by Julia Bradbury. Membership September 2011 two nature reserves at Main Group – 521 Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0FE. the event. The Deputy Clerk to the Lord Wightsole – 29 Alverstone where The Nominations, with or without a seconder, for Group Committee Officers Rodney Whittaker made a Lieutenancy read the Queen’s Award Not in a group – 1 Ramblers had just and Members to be sent to Derek Corke, Group Chairman, 7 Watergate special presentation to John citation “Isle of Wight Ramblers – completed the project to Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1XN. Hague who was commended Campaigning for greater access to improve access. Total membership for his work campaigning for the countryside and encouraging for the IW Ramblers 551 Note Appointment of a Ramblers Secretary, Social Events Secretary, Area Council Representative and a Footpath sub-committee Representative, the Ramblers. John (pictured) community participation in walking will be made at the first Group Committee meeting after the AGM. has been a member of the activities” and the Lord Lieutenant IOW Area Council for presented the award to our Area Please send lunch bookings (£5.50 per person) to Ann Wellings, 17 years, three years Chairman David Howarth. David said Group Treasurer, 66 Silver Trees, Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 7ND as Area Chairman “Working in the community has been and 12 years as the foundation of our group over I/we wish to attend the IOW Ramblers AGM (please give names). Area Footpath the 43 years of its history. Whether Secretary. He it is the Council, National Trust, achieved successes AONB, CPRE, LAF, or landowners, at public inquiries the outcome has been to protect and and a magistrate’s improve access to our ROW network.” I/we enclose a cheque for £ payable to the Isle of Wight Ramblers. court judgment. For more pictures of the event, see He worked on the page 7.

2 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 3 The winding path to Footpath improvement coastal access Walk & Talk event

FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS of our Nature Conservation and Coastal Access walks, our third Walk & Talk event is scheduled in the walks programme for Comprehensive coastal access may have Tuesday 3 April. The 6 ½ mile walk will been enshrined in law on the mainland, but start at 10.30am from NT car the Island will need special consideration, park. We will stop in Brighstone for a as Access Officer Mike Slater explains snack lunch (no charge) and a short talk about footpath improvement work. The ON TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER the comprehensive Coastal Path. Just A special Order will need to be walk will visit some footpath problem Ramblers held the second Walk & over half (54%) of the existing path prepared and signed by a minister sites and an area of open access land. To Talk event. Twenty three ramblers runs either inland or on public roads. in DEFRA for us to be covered. In help with catering arrangements please joined the coastal walk from Ten miles of our northern coastline spite of several letters sent by the book your place on the walk in advance to Seaveiw and enjoyed between Yarmouth and Ryde have IOW Ramblers to various politicians by contacting Mike Slater on 752997, a lunch stop at the Crab and no public access or footpath. and officials, and the intervention email [email protected] Lobster in Bembridge. Over lunch of our local MP, we have not yet A study commissioned by the we reviewed and discussed the received any commitment that the Countryside Agency identified that implications and opportunities of the Isle of Wight will be included. Wight Sole Walks for younger ramblers – the South West Coastal Path is worth Wight Sole Marine and Coastal Access Act for friendly welcome guaranteed! Check the over £300 million each year to that The IOW Ramblers need to lead a Programme website for latest details www.wightsole.org.uk the Isle of Wight. Winter/Spring 2012 region’s economy. If we pro-rata that sustained campaign to ensure that Winter/Spring 2012 This Act of parliament – passed in to the Isle of Wight, it represents £35 our Island benefits from the early 8th January Quarr Abbey Walk Meet 10.30am at the Quarr Abbey carpark GR 562927 for a 5-mile Hilary walk followed by lunch at the Quarr Abbey tea garden. Allow two hours for walk. 299511 2009 – builds on earlier legislation million a year. The health benefits of implementation of coastal access. Meet 10.30am at the view carpark GR 491767 for a 7-mile Martin which has opened up access to the This campaign needs to include: 22nd January Blackgang (A) Hoy! walking are well known, improved walk taking in the coast and countryside. Allow 3.5hours. Bring a packed lunch. 867603 English countryside over the last 80 footpath facilities can provide an • securing support from other years. Our Rights of Way footpath enjoyable route to good health for Shanklin – Alverstone – Ramble Gary interested organisations across the 5th Feb Meet at Shanklin Train Station GR 581819 and enjoy an 8-9 mile flat(ish) walk. Allow 4 299511 network, the National Parks and thousands of walkers. Island; hours. Bring a packed lunch. open access to mountain, moor, Who knows where it will start from? Who knows where we will go? Starts In Wales and Scotland their version • involving the IOW tourist Industry; 19th Feb Mystery Walk TBA heath and down are a result of years 10.30am. Check website for details nearer the time. of coastal access has already been • identifying all the main benefits of campaigning leading to Acts of Lake Side Adventure Meet at Lake Common GR587839 at 10.30am for a 10-mile walk. Kerrie implemented. Here in of a full coastal access corridor 4th March Parliament in 1949 and 2000. Bring a packed lunch. Allow five hours. 07883 040120 a total of £50m was originally around the Island; Four Manors and a Donkey! Meet at car park GR 530817 for a mainly flat 14- Tracey The Marine and Coastal Access Act budgeted for implementation of the • carrying out a pilot survey of 18th March mile walk. Allow 7 hours. Bring a packed lunch. 867603 provides access along the whole new Act over ten years (2010-2019). one stretch of IOW coast to Meet at Ryde Pier head. GR 593936 to get the ferry/train to Petersfield Alison 1st April Overseas Outing English coast. In the words of the So far work has started by Natural demonstrate both the benefits and for a 6-8 mile walk.Time to meet to be confirmed nearer the time. Bring a packed lunch. 810220 Act, it will be made up of a path England on six stretches of coast our commitment; Meet at the Brannon Way free car park in Wootton GR 544919 for a Dave & Suzanne 15th April Steamin’ Along with spreading room, a margin of in Dorset, Cumbria, East Riding, • persuading the IOW Council to pleasant 6-mile walk and a bit of train spotting. Bring a packed lunch. Allow 3 hours. 282322 back coastal access. Meet in Freshwater at the foot of land accessible to the public for Kent, Norfolk, and Somerset. The Leg Warmers on for a Walk the Wight Warm Up Toby 29th April Tennyson Down (by public toilets) GR 345858 for a 13.5-mile walk. Bring a packed the purpose of its enjoyment. There progress is slow and any plans for a Coastal access is of the lunch. Allow 6 hours. 249629 will also be provision for the path to full implementation around the coast highest priority for The 13th May Walk the Wight More details at www.iwhospice.org/walk-the-wight.aspx Earl Mountbatten ‘roll back’ inland to cater for coastal have not been made public. The Ramblers on the Island. Hospice erosion. Some types of land use Ramblers are concerned that history If you are able to help our such as buildings, aerodromes and is repeating itself with legislation Want to be on our email list for walks? campaign please contact Contact Gary on 299511 or email highways are ‘excepted’: in these again being subject to delays and Mike Slater, [email protected] situations a right of way will be back-tracking. IOW Access Officer provided to bypass this land. Lost or running late? Gary’s mobile number is Unfortunately, as an Island the Isle of Tel 01983 752997 07804 856249 Here on the Isle of Wight we are Wight is not automatically included Email iowramblersms@ a long way short of having a under the provisions of this Act. hotmail.co.uk 4 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 5 A SPECIAL WALK was held on 7 September at Newtown National Nature Reserve. A new gate had been donated by Maggie Percival to commemorate the life of husband Dave, who loved walking in the countryside. Dave led many walks for the Ramblers. The gate is situated on path CB13a in a beautiful countryside setting. Whilst walking around the estuary, at the wildlife hide, we were lucky to spot two grey seals basking in the sunshine. A collection was held to raise further funds for our Donate-a-Gate scheme.

In memory

of Main picture Ramblers at the Dave Percival gate. Maggie Percival is front Dave left Inset Dave Percival EverEver thoughtthought you’dyou’d likelike toto Donate-a-GateDonate-a-Gate?? The Isle of Wight If you’re looking Ramblers Donate-a-Gate for a novel and scheme is supported by these Island inspiring way suppliers: Celebrating to... success • commemorate a special event; THANKS TO HOWARD DUFFUS for pictures • remember a loyal family pet; from the celebratory event to mark The • mark the life of a loved one; Ramblers’ success in winning the Queen’s Marcus Matthews • promote your organisation... T 07733 042 685 Award for Voluntary Service. E [email protected] ...then Donate-a-Gate! W redhillfarmdesigns.co.uk Main picture For lovers of walking and the Members crossing the new boardwalk at countryside, a commemorative GATES Alverstone Mead footpath gate is an opportunity supplied and fitted, Inset, top to bottom to create a memorial that will any size, anywhere The Lord Lieutenant and Area Chairman David provide improved access to fellow NEIL HOLLAND Howarth with the award; Wight Sole members walkers for years to come. 07511 564810 join in the fun; Chairman Rodney Whittaker addresses the group; founder member Joan A donation of £460 will finance Deacon with Jenny Hague; Group committee a new footpath gate which will members in discussion; guests included VIPs incorporate an oak plaque at a Andrew Turner MP and Patricia Partridge, suitable Island location. Deputy Lord Lieutenant; Chairman Rodney For more information, call Mike Whittaker shares a joke with David Howarth and Derek Corke; ...and the cakes were Slater on 752997 or log on to Telephone 01983 741207 www.iowramblers.com www.countyfencing.co.uk enjoyed by everyone!

6 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 7 Summer festivals may be fun but they also have a detrimental effect on the environment, argues Area Committee member John Hague

Festivals LAST SEPTEMBER BRIAN OULD led a Group One holiday to Torquay – land of cliff-top walks, finally finished Dartmoor rambles and cream teas! Here walkTALK gives a visual taste AT LAST THE season for “pop” Next year a new festival is scheduled of the trip, but if you would like to festivals is over and the countryside to arrive in the countryside: the read Adrian Burns’ journal, just go to (and residents) can have a bit of peace WOWfest is to be held in fields just www.iowramblers.com and select diary for a while. I am sure many members outside Shanklin. This proposed dates where you can download it in its will support such festivals although event straddles the former railway entirety. the benefit they bring to the Island is line, now a major cycleway/footpath Main picture Greenway, viewed from arguable. and lies just under St Martins Down. Lower Dittisham Advertised as an eco-friendly event, Inset, clockwise from top View from However it’s the effect they have on Ripon Tor, Dartmoor; Sun rays through there is likely to be damage to the Noss Plantation; Dartmoor the countryside and its users that countryside and landownings and needs to be looked at a little more certainly complete closure of some sensitively. The recent Bestival is major path routes are proposed. Again worth considering. Our walks leader, these are likely to extend over several Carol Hamilton, needed to recce weeks and will occur in August, at the her October ramble in the area. It height of the holiday season. would not have been possible to do it Pictures Unmistakable evidence of the condition around the Bestival date because all One serious result of these wide- our rights of way were left in after the festival the rights of way in a large area were ranging closures is that it forces closed for a full 12 days. However vulnerable users onto our busy and restricted view of the implications nearly a week after the event Carol dangerous road system. The Bestival and has a built-in presumption used the paths. The photograph closures are an example whereby to issue a licence. Damage to the shows the utter mess of clothing, an extensive mileage of rights of countryside and disruption to beer cans etc that had resulted, along way closures cut off access through our holiday trade and walkers is with footpaths completely churned a major section of countryside. not included. Local residents are up. The vast amounts of rubbish Alternative off-road sensible routes campaigning hard against this latest and abandoned tents demonstrates are generally not possible and these event – run by the wrong people at how the countryside and access to users are exposed to danger. These the wrong time in the wrong place. it is being abused. A week later, on closures are a public nuisance – We need to persuade our Council the ramble, walkers were able to something the event licence is officials that more consideration see that the mess was still not fully supposed to take into consideration. should be given to the effects these Delightful cleared and the path surfaces will take Unfortunately our licencing system, increasing numbers of sizeable events months to recover. which allows these events, takes a have on the countryside and its users. 8 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.comDevon walkTALK 9 Work party news Ramblers one-day outing 2012 FIVE MEMBERS GATHERED at Bembridge on a fine day in October for a work party to improve an important section of footpath. Bembridge BB 7 is a path along the coast near the lifeboat station. It was formerly part of the coastal path, but had been diverted along the beach in this section, although the beach is not useable at high tides. Editor’s note: Mike and A length of boardwalk 24 feet long has now been built his team should find their JACKIE HOUGH AND I are planning next year’s IW to span a section that has occasionally been subject tasks easier in future Ramblers Group coach outing. Jackie has booked a to wet, muddy conditions. This means the coastal thanks to a generous coach from Eassons of Southampton for Thursday 14 path can now be signed along here again and national offer from Bosch New grant to provide £5000 worth June. It is proposed that the coach takes us to a drop thus offer some good views across the bay of power tools for use by off point just up from Romsey (approximately a 10-mile for West towards the mainland. The timber for the Ramblers work parties. journey from Southampton). From there we can do a six- work was provided by the IW Council. Here on the Island we Wight paths mile, linear walk along the Test Way back to Romsey. For requested two pairs of Members interested in work parties power secateurs and a 36- those not wishing to walk there will be the opportunity approved can contact Mike Marchant on to visit Mottisfont Abbey, a National Trust property volt hedge trimmer. These IW RAMBLERS AND the council’s Rights of Way 564909, email mike.marchant@ tools have duly arrived and (pictured above) where the roses should be at their department have been successful in obtaining funds talkltalk.net for further will be put to work at the best. After a picnic lunch, we would then continue the to improve footpaths in West Wight. information. first opportunity. walk into Romsey. In the town we would meet up with the non-walkers and then enjoy a drink, look round the The costal path from to the Needles is Isle of Wight Steam shops, visit the Abbey or just sit by the river. badly eroded (pictured above). New steps will be installed and the path restored and levelled. The steep Can you help? We would anticipate catching the 8.30am ferry from East Railway 40th path from the chalk pit car park near the Highdown Cowes to meet with the coach just before 9.30am. We IW Ramblers’ Footpath Representatives anniversary walks Inn to the Tennyson Monument will be improved, would be back to Southampton to catch the 6pm return adding steps and handrailing. West Wight landscape THE AREA FOOTPATH Sub-Committee is asking members to THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE was received ferry. consider becoming a Footpath Representative. Over the last few from Roger Silsbury at the Isle of Wight partnership has agreed the funding of £11,474. IW months a number of long-serving volunteers have retired and we Steam Railway: Based on this years figures, (Eassons do not yet have Ramblers and National Trust will each give £1,000. The prices for next year), the cost of the coach would be £12. Council will also make a contribution to this work. are looking for members to look after the footpaths in “Today was the last walk in the IWSR 40th and . You will be provided with all the infor-mation You would need to fund your own ferry fare. Entry to Anniversary series of walks and again we Mottisfont Abbey was £8.50 (concession £7.60) this year. necessary, as well as training.There are over 25 other volunteers were blessed with lovely weather. On behalf and we meet twice a year to discuss ideas and problems. All Jackie and I anticipate a good response to this (based on of the IWSR may I offer thanks to the IW previous years) so if you wish to reserve your seat on the we ask is that you walk the few footpaths in your allotted area Ramblers for their support and I should at least twice a year to report their condition and become the coach, would you ring Jackie on 07773 473564 or myself be grateful if you could especially pass on on 566463 (or email [email protected]) eyes of the Isle of Wight Ramblers and IW Council Rights of thanks to those Ramblers members who Way Department. If you think you could assist in this valuable so willingly joined in and helped marshal. I Carol Hamilton, Walks Co-ordinator. contribution to the Island’s footpath network, please contact any hope they had as much enjoyment as I did in member of the Area Council or Footpath Sub-Committee whose organising.” names and telephone numbers are on the back of walkTALK. Summer shows We have all enjoyed participating and ANOTHER YEAR OF good publicity at the , Garlic Mike Marchant, Area Footpath Secretary helping out at the 11 walks held throughout and Wolverton Shows which attracted much interest in Walker-friendly pubs the year. A big thank you must go to Carol our activities and with some sales of books. This year Hamilton who has coordinated these events. WE HAVE NOW recruited over 40 pubs and cafes to this the show display had a makeover and new boards and scheme – the website shows updated details. Can you help IOW Steam Railway collected donations from Ramblers holiday to photos were in use. The group was very supportive and to fill leaflet holders from time to time? For information, please walkers at these events and has raised over Newquay, many thanks go to Carol and Rio for their photos. contact Howard Duffus, Media Officer, on 755469. £900. This money will be shared with IW 2012 Thanks also to David Skelsey (paperwork); Howard Ramblers and we have proposed that these Duffus (setting up prior to shows); John Gurney- funds be used to improve footpath access THIS YEAR’S WALKING holiday to Torquay was the Champion (storing equipment); Brian Ould, Neville and near a rail route. seventh one I have organised since taking over from one of Barbara Marshman (clearing up). Show volunteers did our past members, Bernard Kelly. With some regret I am an excellent job and most wore the new bright green It is hoped to organise a small number of making next year’s holiday my last. This coach holiday to sashes with pride! If you have photos that might be joint walks with IOW Steam Railway during Newquay, Cornwall is from 22 to 28 September 2012. Please suitable for next year’s shows, please send to Carol the summer in 2012. contact me for details on 297864 or e-mail [email protected]. Hamilton and include a brief description. David Howarth, Area Chairman Brian Ould Pam Dana, Vice Chair, IW Group Committee 10 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 11 THE BACK PAGE... THEPicture this... BACK PAGE... THE IF YOU ARE submitting photographs for inclusion in walkTALK, please ensure they are of high resolution (hi-res). This means a minimum of 200 dpi but preferably 300dpi. Keep your camera adjusted to its highest resolution setting and you should be OK. Pictures of less than 1mb in size do not contain enough pixels to withstand being reproduced in large sizes in walkTALK or for other publicity purposes and we have had to reject many otherwise good photos for this reason. COMING Meanwhile, many thanks to the following Coo! around Hamstead. SOON TO A The IW Council has Somewhat contro- members who have contributed CAMERA NEAR YOU... produced some new versial perhaps... photographs for this edition of The Great walkTALK place signs – this one was seems everyone’s in Photographic Competition seen on a recent wander a flap! walkTALK: Rio Bellgore- Gulit, Howard Duffus, John – and a spring-time Hague, Carol Hamilton, photography walk in the West Wight. Rambling On... The passage through the woods David Howarth, Maggie Oh it’s lovely to go rambling Is set at 45 degrees Percival, Mike Slater. (Apologies Along the country tracks, And I’m sure I can hear a if anyone has been left out). With the sun upon our faces sniggering And the wind across our backs, From creatures in the trees. Email addresses With the birds a-busy nesting The brilliant conversation THANK YOU TO all members who have informed us of And the trees trying hard to bud. Shrivels to a painful gasp. their latest email address. You will now be receiving It’s so lovely to go rambling But we must be thankful Through the brambles and the mud. regular updated information by email. Please inform There’s no nettle yet to grasp. We’ve survived the festive season, Bobby Carlin, our membership secretary, of any Ahead the group is jolly, update – just email Bobby on [email protected]. Eaten out of house and home, But our mirth has met its death. Please state your membership number, if possible. And there is nothing left to do The breathtaking Wight landscape But don the boots and roam. Has near taken all our breath. We gather in the car park Our website www.iowramblers.com With our apple snacks and sticks And then we turn the corner THIS YEAR OUR annual report and 2011 AGM minutes And we play Follow the Leader And the car park looms into sight. will be available on the website. If you would like Like a bunch of fluffy chicks. We pat ourselves upon the back – printed copies of those documents, please contact We really did all right. At first it is a doddle, Although our boots are caked in dirt Maureen Mansell on 883927, who will send them to For the road is nice and flat, And we’re too bushed to talk, you. We soon fall into twos and threes We’re already looking forward And start a little chat. Our website goes from strength to strength. You To the next great Ramblers’ walk. Then without even noticing, can now download our trail leaflets (Yar Estuary The even road has gone With grateful thanks to and Alverstone) and the Donate-a-Gate leaflet. And we’re in the back of nowhere the author, Ruth Twyman Newsletters and the latest walks programme are And the path goes on and on. of , who gave Lockyer also downloadable and can be printed. There is a permission for this poem to be That extra piece of stuffing complete footpath map of the island. There is even a And that double chocolate cake reproduced in walkTALK. list of Island loos – making it essential reading! Is now lying on our hips and thighs Carol Hamilton With every step we take. With grateful thanks to Wightlink for contributing to the print costs of Contact information walkTALK. Most of the production costs are now covered by sponsorship. Area Council IOW Group Committee Wight Sole Group Items for the next edition of walkTalk Area Chair David Howarth 759823 Chair Derek Corke 523456 Chair Gary Clarke 299511 Thank you to those who submitted material Area Secretary Vacant Vice Chair Pam Dana 863189 Deputy Chair Tracey Darch or 07804 for this edition. If you would like to contribute Treasurer Liz Brammall 741022 Secretary Rio Bellgore-Gullit 822296 Treasurer Dave Aitken 856249 to the next edition, published in April 2012, Footpath Secretary Mike Marchant 564909 Treasurer Ann Wellings 863402 Membership Suzanne Aitken please send to: Membership Bobby Carlin 740332 Walks programme Carol Hamilton 566463 Publicity Alison Cardy Access Officer Mike Slater 752997 Social Secretary Linda Sheasby 864401 Graphics/Web Toby Davies David Howarth, Red Oaks, 4 Woodlands, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0FE Countryside Officer David Howarth 759823 Committee Ann Parker 884263 Footpath Sub-Committee Media Officer Howard Duffus 755469 Members Bryan Chatting 761252 Secretary Mike Marchant 564909 Tel: 759823 Newsletter Editor Steve Williams 524007 Brenda Benson 562047 Planning Cttee Adrian Tavill 562565 Email: [email protected] Committee Joan Deacon 721286 Members Charlie Davidson 756788 Members John Hague 862842 Joan Deacon 721286 By 3rd March 2012 at the latest. John Gurney- 522665 Chris Edgeley 07960 Print: Isle of Wight NHS PCT Champion 908839 The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number 4458492. Registered charity in England and Wales number 1093577, registered charity in Scotland, number SC039799. Registered Office: Second Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW 12 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com