FARNHAM RAMBLERS....NEWSLETTER 58....AUTUMN 2012
Hello everyone - Our 50th Anniversary celebrations are over - a great series of events but completed with a sigh of relief by all your committee that everything went well!!! There is a brief summary below. May I thank, Margaret Hooker, Barry Smith, Anthony - for the loan of his marquee, your committee members and all those others who helped to make these events the success that they were. Our membership continues to grow and is at 472 thanks to the welcome that you all give to prospective and new ramblers. Please keep encouraging others to join us. I would like to thank Roma Soden for her 5 years as Walks Coordinator for the Thursday Shorter walks. When we split the Thursday walks in to two, one longer and faster and the other shorter and slower, Roma took on the shorter walks. Also thanks to Bernadette Kamill for Co-ordinating the Sunday Longer Walks for many years. Both have 'managed' very successful programmes. So thank you very much Bernadette and Roma, from all the walkers. Dave Gibbs has kindly agreed to take over the Sunday Longer Walks and John Plympton the Thursday Shorter Walks - so walk leaders should expect to be 'chased' by them as they put together future programmes. John Hemsley, Chairman THE 50th. ANNIVERSARY SUMMARY The Walks 1. The Farnham 50 Mile Circuit - Saturdays 9th. and 30th. June. This was walked over 2 separate Saturdays with 24 ramblers walking on the first Saturday and 15 on the second - a special mention should go to the 5 members who completed all of the 50 miles - Chris Addison, Mike Desborough, Sue Hearn, Godfrey Howard, and Ian Shanks. 2. The 50 Mile Anniversary Week - Sunday 10th. to Saturday 16th. June. The weather was atrocious at the beginning of our week but improved steadily over the 7 days. 9 walks were lead during this week and 149 ramblers took part. All the anniversary walks had a theme that related to the 50 year history of our Rambling group and there were many very positive comments from ramblers complimenting the leaders and others on the knowledge passed on and the explanations given during the walks. Thank you to Gerald Turner, Maz Viveash, Malcolm Morse, John O'Donoghue, Anne Pullinger, Geoff Hooker, John Plympton, Mike Desborough and Linda Rowland for leading our 50th. Anniversary Walks and to Mike again for the 50 Mile Circuit.
The Social Events 1. The 50th. Anniversary Hog Roast Lunch on Saturday 16th. June 120 members, former members and guests enjoyed this relaxed and social celebration. Mary Pullinger, a founder member and Benedict Southworth, Chief Executive of The Ramblers Association were our guests. Mary and her husband Frank helped to organise the first walk programmes back in 1962/63. Benedict congratulated us on our 50 years, addressed the gathering and presented Sylvia and Bob Kimmis with a Long and Good Service Award. Congratulations to Sylvia and Bob who are still contributing to the life and activities of the Rambling organisation and our rambling group and have been for over 40 years. 2. The 50th. Anniversary Dinner on Saturday 11th. August This three course dinner was at Waverley Abbey House. Before the reception, Barry Smith lead a guided short walk to the 12th. Century Cistercian Waverley Abbey which can be seen from the house. This was thoroughly enjoyed by nearly 40 members including our guest Kate Ashbrook ( see photo below ). Many thanks to Barry for his expertise and information. A glass of sparkling wine in the evening sun, served on the terrace looking across the gardens to this Abbey, welcomed them back and all the other 69 attendees. Mary Pullinger was again with us as our guest and John Nathan, Chairman of Surrey Area and his wife also joined us. At the end of the dinner, Kate Ashbrook, who has recently been appointed Chairman of the Ramblers Association and is a long standing trustee, addressed us. She reminded us of our heritage and why many of the public footpaths in England are only here because of the efforts of Ramblers in the past. She complimented Farnham Ramblers on our 50th year, our full programme and our activities to protect and maintain our footpath network. She even recalled some of the public enquiries in which we had been involved. She urged us to 'keep defending- our rights of ways' and offered her help if needed. An inspiring and motivational speech. Our thanks to Sue Hearn and Geoff Hooker for organising this successful event.
Barry Smith reviews the history of the Cistercian Waverley Abbey, visible in the background. Our president, Kate Ashbrook, on left in a pink shirt, listens with interest.
The 50th. Anniversary Booklet Every member and many former members should have received a copy of this booklet. Its history section is now on our website so as to be available to all. If any member has not received their free copy and would like one, will they please contact me on 01-252-792570 or email [email protected].
50th. Anniversary Badge The design was displayed at these events and at the AGM. Please contact Geoff Hooker for details or to order one. ( [email protected] or 01252 713752 )
COMING UP
Winter Walks Festival. This series of walks is from December 22nd. to January 6th. We plan to have a local walk every day during the Festival. See the walk programme for details.
Christmas Dinners. also see walk programme Wednesday Long Walkers on 12th Dec. at the Farnham House Hotel, 12.45 pm for 1.15 pm. There will be a walk that morning at 10.00 am from the Hen & Chickens (SU 756 422) For further information please contact Bill Joint on 01252 620935 or email: [email protected]. Wednesday Short Walkers on 12th Dec. at the Hollybush Pub at Frensham 12.30 after 10.30 am 3 mile walk from Hollowdene Recreation ground led by Anne Pullinger. Lunch at 12.30. Booking in advance essential. For details Tel: Anne Pullinger 01252 725661. Thursday Long Walkers on 13th. Dec. at 12.30pm at the Water Witch, Odiham. Ann Nelson will lead a walk of 4.5 miles from Colt Hill CP in the morning and resume after lunch for a further 2.5 miles. Costs are £15.99 for 2 courses, or £18.99 for 3 courses. Bookings, with a £5 deposit and your food order, should be with Ann (01252 510462) by 25 November. Thursday Short Walkers on 20th Dec. Walk 10.15 am. 4.5 m. Alice Holt - Gravel Hill CP. SU 803 434. Morning walk only. Followed by Lunch at Forest Lodge. Contact Janet de Vulder to book - 01420 473945. Friday Walkers on 7th. Dec. at the Barley Mow at the Sands at 1.15pm. Anyone who wants to book it, please contact Liz Witham on 01252 721087, email: [email protected]. There is a £5 deposit and your food order needs to be with Liz by 29th. Nov.
Surrey Area AGM on 9th. February. 2 pm - 5 pm East Horsley Village Hall, Kingston Avenue, East Horsley KT24 6QL . There are two walks beforehand - a 5 miler starting 1040 and a 3 miler starting 11.40. See walk programme for details and/or see the Surrey Area website.
Litter Pick Walk 14th. January. Liz Witham is leading another litter pick starting at Farnham Park Golf Club Car Park at 10.30 am. Please come and help keep our countryside clean.
Saturday Special 23rd Feb, from Richmond for a 6 mile walk up Richmond Hill and along the Thames to Teddington Lock; then back via Twickenham old and new. Bring packed lunch or eat at a pub. We visit two. Meet at Farnham Station in good time for the 8.58 am train, (half-price in groups of 4). Leader Liz Witham.
Spring Social 9th. March at South Farnham School. 7 o'clock. Please put the date in your diary.
Spring Holiday 2013: Oxwich Bay, Gower Peninsula This 5 night holiday from 19th to 24th May will be based at the Oxwich Bay Hotel, south Gower. The holiday is already full with 45 members booked . Gaynor Ross and Mike Desborough are arranging this holiday and they aim to provide a short, medium and long walk each day. For more details or to join the reserve list, please contact Gaynor Ross 01252 799930 to see if are places become available.
Autumn Holiday 2013: We are planning two holidays in the Autumn -
The Dales Country House Hotel, Sheringham, Norfolk. 1st – 6th September 2013 for 5 nights The Sheringham terrain is relatively flat compared with Surrey. The hotel is situated on the edge of a lovely woodland area and the walking will provide many different views of the sea. They have a web site at www.mackenziehotels.com should you wish for further details. The hotel is some distance from shops. There are several interesting places to visit in this area. Sandringham is not too far for a daily trip. Wells next the Sea is a quaint seaside town worth a visit and there are several nature reserves in the area. Jean Mortlock will lead a short walk on arrival day (Sunday) at 3pm so that ramblers can stretch their legs. The cost will be £360 per person for a double or twin room, £460 for a single room for dinner, bed and breakfast for 5 nights. If you would like any further information, please give Jean a ring on 01206 738675 or e-mail [email protected]. Booking is on a first come, first served basis. The booking form is below.
Keswick Country House Hotel, Lake District. Sunday 22nd. to Sunday 29th. September 2013 - 7 nights We have booked 15 rooms. 8 doubled and 7 twin bedded. Please book asap. If we are over- subscribed, then we will ask the hotel if they have more rooms available. We will be organising 3 walks per day. Long, Medium and Short. Keswick is an ideal place as a base with lots of interesting walks in the area. The hotel is about 7 or 8 minutes walk from the centre of town. There are boat trips around Derwentwater, plenty of pubs and a theatre next to the lake. Price is £444 per person for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast based on 2 people sharing a double or twin bedded room. Sorry there are no single rooms or single supplement prices available. If you would like to join this holiday, please complete the form below. If you would like more details of the area and the walking, please phone or email Chris Hodge (01252-725899 or [email protected]).
Spring Holiday 2014 - Derbyshire. April 6th – 11th 2014. This is a five day break, walking on and around the Peak District Hills. Although this is 18 months away, David Ross, our organiser, asks that we book very early to secure accommodation. See the end of this newsletter for more details and the booking form.
Spring Holiday 2014 - Isle of Man There is a probability that there will be a second spring holiday in 2014 and that is to the Isle of Man for their Walking Festival on 11th. to 17th. May. To register your interest, can you please let Dudley Elsmore know by completing the form at the end of this newsletter.
A Reminder If the winter weather is particularly bad on a given day, it would be wise to check with the walk leader, or our website www.farnhamramblers.org.uk, before setting out.
WERE YOU THERE? I suppose that all the 50th. Anniversary activities should be here, in pride of place, but they are outlined above ( and in the last newsletter ) so no more of them.
7 July - Ridgeway, eastern section & 28 July - Ridgeway, eastern section Over the last three summers, Mike Desborough and Godfrey Howard have organised a series of linear walks along the Ridgeway national trail from Avebury in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire – about 90 miles in all (although there were a couple of short sections missed out!). Between 20 and 25 members joined each walk. The 12 mile section on 7th July took them along the Thames from Goring to Watlington – a very wet start but a fine (if muddy) afternoon The section on 28th July was another 12 miles to Wendover, passing Chequers on the way – a glorious day’s walking. The final section was completed as part of the coach ramble on 23 September (see below).
Sunday 12th August. John Slocombe led a 4 mile circular from his house in Farnham. It was followed by a superb cream tea in his garden on a beautiful sunny afternoon. 17 Ramblers appreciated John’s delicious homemade cakes and scones made by Judy Knapp. Our thanks to both of them.
Monday 13th August - We had nine people picking up litter and filling rubbish bags. On the way back to the car park, we were invited into Jenny’s delightful courtyard garden for coffee. So a good time was had by all! Well done Liz and Jenny.
Saturday Special to Isle of Wight -18th. August. 15 members enjoyed a lovely sunny day on the Isle of Wight in August. A small party visited Osborne House and the others watched the Cowes Week racing and a circular walk to Gurnard Bay.
Saturday Special, 25th August Mike Desborough led a 12 mile walk along the North Downs Way from Dorking to Merstham. 11 members started by climbing Box Hill in the rain but the weather soon perked up and there was fine early autumn weather for the rest of the day.
Malvern Holiday: September 9th-14th 2012. A great time was had by all 48 Farnham ramblers with five days at Great Malvern. We were blessed with good weather to enjoy three different length walks each day, on and around the Malvern Hills, and afterwards to relax in the various tea shops and inns. We were well looked after at the Mount Pleasant hotel and other establishments. In addition a group visited the local Morgan Motor Works. An entertaining and amusing talent show on the final evening completed an energetic week .
Called 'The Full Monty' Walk along the Malvern Ridge - 6 hills done, another 6 to go!!
Coach Ramble - Sunday 23rd. September. 32 wet weather walkers braved the forecast and headed for the Chiltern Hills. In reality, the rain was less persistent than the forecast. 19 people completed the final stage of the Ridgeway and the rest enjoyed the glorious countryside. The group even found a church selling teas and refreshments … and managed to eat them out of cake!
2012 AGM: on November 3rd. 2012 at South Farnham School. 90 ramblers enjoyed a very social evening. Sue Ford was voted in to replace David Brinton as Treasurer and John Cregan replaces John O'Donoghue on the committee. Mary Stuart-Jones is standing down as our Countryside representative at Surrey Area after many years. Thank you to David, John and Mary for their work and efforts on our behalf. We need a replacement for Elaine Turnbull as secretary. She has served us all well for many years. We need a VOLUNTEER PLEASE!! Thanks to John Nathan our Surrey Area Chairman who addressed the meeting and to Bob Hayward, Area Publicity Officer for selling the area calendar. Also thank you all for helping to clear up afterwards!!
Footpath Maintenance. Below is a summary of this year's activity. Please note that next year, 2013, this maintenance work will be on Tuesdays. March: At Puttenham Golf Course - erecting ten new waymark posts, reopening a lost footpath through woodland, vegetation clearing and waymarking. April: At North Farnham - erecting John McQuinn’s memorial gate, vegetation clearing and erecting two new fingerposts. May: At North Farnham - resurfacing a footpath including drainage grips, erecting two sets of new steps, refurbishing two kissing gates, erecting new fingerpost and vegetation clearing This included help from 6 Ramblers central office staff on volunteer week. June: At Moor Park Farnham - erecting a new mobility gate, ditching and culvert clearance, vegetation clearance, erecting new fingerpost July: At Puttenham Common - waymarking with 15 to 20 new waymark posts, vegetation clearing, waymarking and starting to reopen lost footpaths. August: At Rowledge - refurbishing a sleeper bridge, extending and refurbishing boardwalks, installing drainage grips and upgrading fencing supports, and extensive vegetation clearing September: At Frensham Common - waymarking the whole common which included erecting 21 new waymark posts, 7 new fingerposts, extensive vegetation clearing on 3 paths and replacing faded or broken waymarks at 25 locations October: At Thursley - working on two paths including the Greensand Way clearing a number of redundant stiles, extensive vegetation clearing on both paths. Thank you John Plympton, team leaders and 'workers' for your efforts on our behalf. In particular, the 19 Footpath Wardens, most of whom completed their training in the last 12 months, and who cover the area from Pirbright in the north to Thursley in the south.
Laying a boardwalk at Peper Harrow- footpath 487
Jenny Draper writes in memory of Ann Howe Ann Howe died on 18th August after a long illness. She was an enthusiastic rambler who, even in the later stage of her illness, wanted to know all the details of the long Thursday walk – the route, the lunch stop and who was walking. This was sometimes difficult when there were over twenty on the walk! Ann sometimes led walks – she always looked forward to Thursdays. She was interested in every rambler and had immense knowledge of the countryside, history, music and literature. She was a good friend and will be sadly missed.
Website message board The password for the Message Board on our Website is weather.
SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF WALKERS As you may know, we are recommending that all walkers carry, in their day sack, a small form ( see below ) which contains their basic but key details. This form is held by you, not your walk leader or on some data base. It is only used in case of an accident but it is available in case of an accident. It is to the benefit of you, as a walker, that any information required in an emergency is accurate and available. The best way to achieve this is for you to carry your own information when walking. The benefit and responsibility thus go hand in hand. I attach a copy of this form and ask that, if you don't already have one, that you complete one and keep one in you day sack when walking. Ideally keep it in a clear plastic bag so that there is some protection if needed in bad weather. We ask that all Walk Leaders, as part of their initial briefing at the start of a walk, ask if everyone has a completed 'Basic Detail Form' in their day sack. The leader will explain the reason for this form and why this is a sound approach. They will say that it is entirely voluntary but explain why it is in everyone's benefit to carry such a document. They will be given a small supply of these forms to give to walkers if needed. This request will be made to all walkers including visitors. Thank you for your help .
Farnham Ramblers Basic Details. These details are required to provide emergency services and others with essential relevant information in the event of an accident or sudden illness while on a walk. Name Address
Phone Number/s Date of Birth E-Mail Address Significant Medical conditions, Medicines or Allergies. Blood Group Contact in case of emergency Address (if different from above) Phone Number/s
AUTUMN HOLIDAY 2013 - SHERINGHAM, NORFOLK - BOOKING FORM
DATES - 1st – 6th September 2013 The Sheringham terrain is relatively flat compared with Surrey. The hotel is situated on the edge of a lovely woodland area and the walking will provide many different views of the sea. There are several interesting places to visit in this area. Sandringham is not too far for a daily trip. Wells next the Sea is a quaint seaside town worth a visit and there are several nature reserves in the area. By the time September comes around I shall know little more about the area and will send an information sheet to all the participants. I will lead a short walk on arrival day (Sunday) at 3pm so that ramblers can stretch their legs.
We are staying at The Dales Country House Hotel, Lodge Hill, Sheringham, Norfolk NR26 8TJ. Telephone 01263 824555. They have a web site at www.mackenziehotels.com should you wish for further details. Booking-in time on Sunday is 2pm and booking-out on Friday is 11am.
The cost will be £360 per person for a double or twin room, £460 for a single room. These prices include dinner, bed and breakfast for 5 nights. Booking is on a first come, first served basis.
A packed lunch from the hotel will cost £6.95. I should mention here that there are no shops nearby so if you do not want the hotel packed lunch then it would be necessary to make arrangements the night before if a lunch stop is not planned for the walk the following day.
A deposit of £25 is required when booking. £5 of this is towards administration costs. Cheques should be made payable to Ramblers’ Association, Farnham Group.
If you would like any further information please give me a ring on 01206 738675 or e-mail [email protected]. If you would like to come please complete the booking form below and send it with your cheque to: Jean Mortlock, Gaye Cottage, Malting Green, Layer de la Haye, Colchester CO2 0JE with your cheque. It would be a great help if this could be done as early as you can. Thanks.
Please reserve a double/twin/single room in the name(s) of
NAME………………………………………………………………..PHONE…………………………ADDRESS…… ………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. E-MAIL…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I enclose a deposit of £………….. SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?………………………………………………………
I am able to offer transport to and from Norfolk. I would like a lift to and from Norfolk. (Cross out as appropriate)
I would be most interested in 3, 5 or 7-10 mile walks. I would be willing to lead a walk. (Cross out where appropriate)
AUTUMN HOLIDAY 2013 - KESWICK, LAKE DISTRIST BOOKING FORM WHERE – KESWICK Lake District WHEN – Sunday September 22 2013 for 7 nights DESCRIPTION – 3 walks provided everyday HOTEL – Keswick Country House Hotel
We will be organising 3 walks per day. Long, Medium and Short. Keswick is an ideal place as a base with lots of interesting walks in the area. The hotel is about 7 or 8 minutes walk from the centre of town. There are boat trips around Derwentwater, plenty of pubs and a theatre next to the lake.
COST - £444 per person sharing a double or twin bedded room - 7 nights for dinner, bed and breakfast. Sorry there are no single rooms or single supplement prices available. We have booked 15 rooms. 8 doubled and 7 twin bedded. Please book asap. If we are over-subscribed, then we will ask the hotel if they have more rooms available If you would like more details of the area and the walking, please phone or email Chris Hodge (01252-725899 or [email protected]).
A deposit of £25 per person is required when booking together with a cheque dated 15 July 2013 for the balance of £419 per person. Cheques should be made payable to 'Ramblers Association, Farnham Group'.
Please complete the booking form below and send it with your cheques to- Chris Hodge 1 Broomwood Way, Farnham GU10 3LP asap and by the cut off date of 31 December 2012. Please state any specific food requirements.
------Please reserve a double / twin / room as a couple or
I am travelling as a single and willing to share a twin bedded room.
NAME/S PHONE ADDRESS
I enclose a deposit of £25 or £50 and post dated cheque of £419 or £838.
I am able to offer transport to and from Keswick. or
I would like a lift to and from Keswick. ( cross out as appropriate )
Spring Holiday 2014 Dovedale, Debyshire: Sunday 5th-Friday 11th April
Please book a.s.a.p. and by Friday 30th November
This is a five day holiday, walking on and around the Southern end of the Peak District. We shall stay at the “Peveril of the Peak” Hotel in the National Park – see http://www.thepeverilofthepeak.com. This HF hotel has 45 rooms and I have provisionally reserved 15 double/twin and 10 single rooms.
There will be at least three walks (short, medium and long) each day, Monday to Thursday. On Sunday afternoon, when we arrive, I will take you on a short walk to the Stepping Stones in Dovedale. The holiday will only go ahead if there are sufficient volunteers who are prepared to lead the different length walks.
At present I have 2013 prices, so a small adjustment is to be expected.
The cost per person for full board: Sharing a double or twin room...£380 Single room...£420
Please cut off and send booking form and a deposit of £30 to the organiser: David Ross, 10 Shortheath Road, Farnham Surrey GU9 8SR.
Cheques payable to “Ramblers Association, Farnham Group”
A further payment, expected to be £50 per person will be required early in 2013, once the final price for 2014 has been announced. The balance will need to be paid by the end of February 2014.
Booking form for Dovedale Derbyshire April 2014
Name(s)...... Telephone......
Address
I enclose a cheque of £30 per person.
I/we would like a DOUBLE / TWIN/ SINGLE room.
I am / I am NOT (delete as appropriate) prepared to lead Short/Medium/Long walks.
I am / I am not (delete as appropriate) an existing member of HF.
FARNHAM RAMBLERS - SPRING HOLIDAY 2014
Our second of the SPRING HOLIDAYS in 2014 will be to the ISLE OF MAN WALKING FESTIVAL which runs from Sunday 11th May to Friday 17th May 2014. We would arrive on Sunday 11th and leave on Saturday 18th May 2014
The festival in 2012 comprised 5 walks on Monday (4 to 8 miles), 5 walks on Tuesday (4 to 13 miles), 6 walks on Wednesday (4 to 11 miles), 6 walks on Thursday (4 to 10 miles) and 5 walks on Friday (5 to 9 miles). They envisage that 2014 will be similar with a few variations as it is their 10th anniversary.. There is also the Coastal Path Walk over 5 days of a total distance of 95 miles, the Millennium Way over 2 days of a total distance of 24 miles and the Herring Way, a 15.5 mile walk in a day. All of these are for experienced walkers only. During the week there are numerous social events including a Walkers dinner every evening, Manx dancing, a Male Voice choir, Oompah Band and others. The price includes the walking festival package, Travel from Heysham as a walk on passenger, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast in a 3 star hotel, all chosen walks and social events, unlimited travel on all forms of transport on the island, welcome evening and supper, timetables and a local map. The PRICE is £520 per person, single room supplement £84 and is the same as quoted for 2013. It is estimated that to fly from Gatwick for the same package would cost in the order of £599 If you would like to take your car please let me know and I will obtain a price. This is for GUIDANCE ONLY to give some idea of the cost, firm prices will be on the booking form which will be sent out in the autumn of next year..
The Coastal Path is a SEPARATE PACKAGE and would need to be booked separately. If those who are interested in the Coastal Path walk let me know, I will obtain a price.
If you are interested in this holiday, would you please complete the form below and return it to me by the end of the year so that I can get an idea of numbers. There is NO commitment in completing this form.
Dudley Elsmore ------
To Dudley Elsmore, 93, Badshot Park, Badshot Lea, Farnham, Surrey GU9 9NF
Please complete this form and return to the above
I/We are interested in the Ramblers Spring Holiday to the ISLE of MAN in 2014 Name/s______Address______Post Code______Contact Telephone Number______Signed ______I/we would like to travel - by Air from Gatwick by Sea from Heysham as a foot passenger by Sea from Heysham with our car by Sea from another port (Please delete as appropriate)
This is only to gauge interest in this proposal and does not imply any financial commitment at this time.. Booking forms will be sent out at a later date when a deposit will be required. Normally the full amount of the cost (less the deposit) of the holiday will be required 8 weeks before the start of the holiday.