SHREWSBURY RAMBLERS

Newsletter November 2019- February 2020

www.ramblers.org.uk/shrewsbury

The Ramblers Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in and Company registration number: 4458492 Registered Charity in England and Wales number 1093577 Registered office: 2nd Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TW

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Chair and Webmaster: Neville Hubbard (01743 352658) Vice Chair: Audrey Menhinick (01743 247404 Secretary: Sue Turner (01743 243754) Treasurer: Mick Gadd (01743 249975) Membership Secretary: Rebecca Barker (01743 242865) Publicity Secretary: Amanda Hartley-Newton (01743 709507) Programme Secretary: Di Higgs (01743 271138)

Email: [email protected] Self-Funded Activities: Peter Greeve (01743 240686) Footpath Secretary: Neil Mosley (01743 271531) P3 Group: Peter Knight (01743 246609) Area Representative Phil Barnes (01939 809037)

Committee: Kath Bristow (01743 270525)

Ramblers Website Addresses: www.ramblers.org.uk/shrewsbury

www.syr.org.uk - (Shropshire Young Ramblers) www.ramblers.org.uk

Shropshire Young Ramblers email: [email protected] Rail Rambles Website: www.railrambles.org - Leaflets available from Shrewsbury railway station and Tourist Information

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday 22nd November - Social Evening and AGM 7.00pm. at Bradbury Hall, Trinity Centre, Church Road, Meole Brace (See p3)

Saturday 18th January – Post-Christmas Festive Walk and Meal at The Plough, Wistanstow ( See page 6)

Saturday 18th January– Shropshire Area AGM. 14.00 at the Methodist Church Hall, Church Stretton hosted by the Shropshire Young Ramblers and the South Shropshire Group.

Offers of walks for the March – June 2020 programme should be th sent to the appropriate co-ordinator by Friday 17 January 2020

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SHREWSBURY RAMBLERS’ AGM & SOCIAL EVENING 2019 Friday 22nd November 2019 7.00pm – 9.30pm The Trinity Centre, Church Road, Meole Brace, Shrewsbury, SY3 9HF

The meeting will include: • An overview of the group’s activities in 2019 • Election of committee 2020 • Area report • A light supper with wine and soft drinks

Some hard copies of reports from officers will be available at the meeting along with the minutes of the 2018 AGM. They will also be available on the group website from one week before the meeting for one month so that members can read them in advance. Members who cannot attend the meeting nor access the website should ring the Secretary who will provide a hard copy.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES

P3 Co-ordinator - Peter Knight is stepping down after several years in the role. Social Events Co-ordinator – A new post to help organise social events such as quiz evenings, barbeques, suppers and any other social get-togethers.

Nominations from members for any committee posts must be seconded and received by the Group Secretary Sue Turner at least one week before the meeting (15th November)

Any Other Business items to the Group Secretary Sue Turner (01743 243754) [email protected] by 15th November.

This is your group so come along and use the opportunity to let us know how you would like the group run, share any ideas for events or new walks with us, and maybe even join the committee. We welcome fresh ideas and enthusiasm so please let us know your feedback about our thriving group and get involved.

WAR WALKS ON THE HOME FRONT - Peter Greeve

A book of 18 walks with interesting links to people and places in Shropshire during World War 1. Each walk has a clear map and walk directions as well as relevant points of interest.

Walk 1 Map acknowledges Shrewsbury Ramblers and is taken from our own Book of Walks.The walks are county wide and although mainly short in length they could be extended. Copies are available in Shrewsbury library at £2.50 and other outlets. Published by .

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SHROPSHIRE WAY FESTIVAL OF WALKS AND CELEBRATION – Audrey Menhinick

We had a great response to our request for walks from walking groups across Shropshire resulting in a programme of 26 walks from 23 groups. Despite the changeable weather over 300 people were walking part of the Shropshire Way from 21st to 28th September. The final walk from the Kingsland Bridge was led by Sue Turner and we had the pleasure of welcoming Kate Ashbrook our National Ramblers Chairman. It was a mostly fine morning for 40 walkers with a preview on Shropshire Radio.

Kate Ashbrook Clare Featherstone, John Gillham and Audrey Menhinick

Afterwards sixty people came to the Celebration with bubbly and a cream tea at theTrinity Centre. Kate Ashbrook spoke about the history of the Shropshire Way and John Gillham introduced his Guidebook and video.

The book “Walking the Shropshire Way – Official Guide” from Cicerone Publications will be released around 15th November but you can pre-order at a reduced price of £13.45 from https://shropshireway.org.uk/ and this way the Association will benefit from your purchase.

The Importance of Walking

Walking can add minutes to your life. This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at £3000 per month.

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Group Away Week May 18th – 22nd 2020 Abergavenny

It has been agreed that next year’s Away Week will take place during the week of May 18th – 22nd and will be based in Abergavenny.

The website describes it thus: ’an ideal base for exploring the Brecon Beacons, Abergavenny has much to offer tourists - a blend of old and new, with activities and things to do to suit young and old alike. A visit to Abergavenny can really feel like a break away from it all - you can almost feel time slowing down as you unwind and take in the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery of the Usk valley’.

We hope to be able to plan a programme with a choice of walks/activities each day as in recent years, if sufficient leaders come forward.

Details and a Booking Form for next year’s Away Week can be obtained from: Peter Greeve 1 High Ridge Way Shrewsbury SY3 6DJ by sending a stamped addressed envelope (no telephone calls please).

Alternatively details/form can be requested by sending an email to [email protected]. Forms will need to be downloaded and returned to the above address rather than being completed online and returned by email.

Payment of the £10 contribution can be made either by cheque payable to ‘Ramblers Association SS6’ or by Bank Transfer (See p7)

WOOD’S BREWERY OFFER

During the preparations for the Shropshire Way Festival in September, the SWA negotiated a deal for some promotional beermats with Wood’s Brewery.

Stephen O’Neil, joint managing director of Wood’s Brewery has offered Shropshire Ramblers a generous 10% discount off food and drink in any of the three Wood’s pubs upon the production of a valid Ramblers membership card.

This offer will be available until 30th September 2020 and can be used for our Festive Lunch. Many thanks to Amanda for securing this deal.

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FESTIVE WALK AND LUNCH

We have been asked by a number of people to consider re-instating the post- Christmas Festive Walk and Lunch. Many thanks to Amanda who has arranged one on Saturday 18th January at The Plough Inn, Wistanstow, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 8DG

There will be a 4 mile walk by the River Onny at 10.00 to work up an appetite for the lunch at 12.30.

Cost of Lunch - 3 courses - £19.35 for members, £21.50 for non-members (These prices include coffee and mince pies)

The Plough is offering a 10% discount to members only and membership cards must be shown on the day to obtain this discount

The booking form for the Festive Lunch is available on the Shrewsbury Ramblers web site. However if you require a paper copy of the form please send a stamped addressed envelope to Mick Gadd, 2 Sparkham Close, Radbrook, Shrewsbury. SY3 6BX

There is a limit to 60 people and bookings will be taken on a first come basis. Meals will need to be pre-ordered by 20th December

FOOTPATH GUARDIANS WANTED

The Footpath Secretary (Neil Mosley) is looking for interested members, or even friends of members, to “adopt” a particular footpath which they cherish and/or frequently walk; perhaps close to where they live. The idea being to monitor the condition of the footpath and report any issues which may arise e.g. obstructions, broken stiles, flooded sections etc. This will be an informal voluntary role which doesn’t require attendance at meetings. Monitoring need only be conducted two or three times a year, but could be extended to a network of footpaths in the local vicinity if time permits. Please contact Neil via email if you are interested: [email protected].

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Paying for Special Events by Bank Transfer

Up to now paying for Shrewsbury Ramblers special events, such as coach trips, holidays and socials, has been by cheque or cash. Following a limited trial over the last 2 months we are now offering the option for you to pay for these events by bank transfer (BACS). This will not only make payment easier for members but also save Shrewsbury Ramblers money, as we are now charged 30p for every cheque and a similar charge for cash, that we pay into our Ramblers specified bank account.

If you wish to pay in future for these events by BACS, can you please follow the following process.

1. Transfer money into our Ramblers account: Bank: Unity Trust Bank Account Name: Shrewsbury Ramblers SS06 Sort Code: 60-83-01 Account number: 20360173 Reference: Please enter your name as reference

2. For coach trips, once you have made the bank transfer please email Peter Greeve at [email protected] with the following information: Event(s) Name of people requiring tickets/seats for each event Number of Tickets/seats required for each event Amount transferred Contact telephone number

If paying by BACS there is no need to complete a booking form

You may continue to pay by cheque if preferred, however in this case please return a booking form as detailed in the newsletter for the event.

3. For all other events please refer to the event item in the newsletter for specific details concerning booking forms and payments. It is essential that this process is followed to enable the event co-ordinator to determine who is requesting tickets/seats, how many you require and other details (e.g. menu choices).

If you wish to pay Shrewsbury Ramblers by BACS for any ‘20 Walks around Shrewsbury’ books please contact Audrey Menhinick or Mick Gadd for details.

Mick Gadd Treasurer

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SHREWSBURY RAMBLERS COACH TRIPS

ABERDOVEY - SATURDAY 17th AUGUST 2019 (Peter Greeve)

Once again we enjoyed a splendid walk in Wales ably organised, recced and led by Phil Barnes. Leaving the coach at the tiny settlement of , 47 walkers followed a path bordering the River Dyssani, with views to the surrounding hills, before reaching the coast at . A stiff sea breeze was exhilarating on an otherwise fine and sunny day. Finding a more sheltered spot along the beach for lunch, we then walked across a widening expanse of firm sand extending across the Dovey estuary. Stranded jelly fish were dotted across our path and also the sad sight of a dead seal washed up on the earlier incoming tide.

The pastel shaded buildings glinting in the sunlight made a welcome entrance into Aberdovey when, after leaving rucksacks and changing footwear at the coach, we invaded the cafes in the town itself-one in particular where I was offered a choice of cream, ice cream or custard with a generous helping of home-made treacle tart. Ice creams were also the order of the day with ample time remaining to enjoy a stroll along the seafront or to simply sit and savour the warm sunshine. A great day out.

LONGNOR - 10th SEPTEMBER 2019 (Di Higgs)

Another great day out was in the Peak District organised by Val and Doug Davies. The walk started from the picturesque village of Longnor where some of the scenes from the TV series Peak Practice were filmed.

There were two groups of walkers. One took the harder and longer option which included an ascent of Chrome Hill (pictured) in the Upper Dove Valley featured on pages 36-37 in the autumn edition of Walk Magazine. This is one of a number of hills known as the Dragon’s Back as they resemble the plates on the back of a stegosaurus.

The other group took the easier option of first visiting the Cobbles Café for coffee before doing a shorter, less strenuous route which circuited the hill, meeting up with the others at a couple of points. All then returned to Longnor for well-deserved refreshments. Great walks in a new and very attractive area.

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Shrewsbury Ramblers Coach Trip. Slate Trail , North Wales: Tanygrisiau to

The Slate Trail is an 83 mile circular walking route starting near Bangor, North Wales. It enables exploration of the industrial heritage of the slate villages throughout .

The Trail visits some of the less-frequented but beautiful parts of Snowdonia, passing through all the major mountain ranges, offering a range of experiences from mountain to forest, lake to river, from the valley to the sea. It follows public rights of way or permissive paths, crosses rough and remote areas and passes next to disused quarry workings and along minor roads.

The Tanygrisiau to Beddgelert section too is full of varying landscapes – industrial, open moors, woodland, mountain / sea views, valleys, lakes, tracks and lanes. The route passes through the hamlets of and finishing with a rocky riverside approach to Beddgelert (river conditions dependent). Gelert’s Grave is near to the finish. Time permitting post walk refreshments in Beddgelert.

Walk Leader: John Law Date: 21st April 2020 Distance: 9.25 miles Grade: Moderate + Seat Price: £12.00

Seats for this coach trip are limited to 33. Journey time 2 hours. Applications to: Peter Greeve, No.1 High Ridge Way, Shrewsbury. Please refer to Booking Form and details about payments by Bacs.

NB: • Walking boots / ankle protection highly recommended. • Coach leaves Cineworld (Old Potts Way) Shrewsbury at 8.00 am prompt. Returning from Beddgelert at 4.30 pm

Whilst recognising that the walk is several months ahead, the next programme will not appear before late February 2020. Details will still be included but seats may be less readily available.

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BOOKING FORM SLATE TRAIL You can now book your place(s) in two ways:

BY CHEQUE Please complete the slip below and send it with your cheque for £12.00 per person to Peter Greeve, 1 High Ridge Way, Shrewsbury, SY3 6DJ In the event of any changes/enquiries regards booking please contact Peter Greeve: 01743 240686 or Mick Gadd 01743 249975 Please make cheques payable to: Ramblers Association SS6

BY BACS Please follow the process on page 7 of the newsletter. If paying by BACS there is no need to complete a booking form

COACH TRIP SLATE TRAIL TANYGRISIAU TO BEDDGELERT

Name(s): ......

Address: ...... Telephone Number: ......

Number of Seats: ...... at £12.00 per seat

TOTAL: £ ......

WEDNESDAY EVENING WALKS - Sue Roberts and Shirley Konieczny

The Wednesday evening walks as usual started with a gentle walk along and continued to offer a range of attractive walks, whether it was visiting the shuts and passages in Shrewsbury, enjoying the spring rhododendrons on Nesscliffe Hill to the more strenuous climb up the Wrekin. The poor weather early on did not attract the new walkers that we come to expect but we had a steady number each week averaging out at 20 per week.

The season ended after a short walk led by Mick Gadd with a meal at the White Horse in Pulverbatch organised by Al Davies. A light hearted game of ‘name the location’ was enthusiastically received by the 33 walkers that attended with the winner going home with a bottle of wine.

Sue & Shirley would like to thank all the walk leaders this year.

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SHREWSBURY P3 ACHIEVEMENTS – Peter Knight

The Shrewsbury P3 team has been as busy as ever improving footpaths, as usual working towards the south of the county, but also on the Severn Way, improving steps and handrails at Copthorne and fitting new stiles and reinstating some eroded paths at Monkmoor and Ditherington. We have also been doing some work on the Shropshire Way. Installing a stile/bridge/kissing gate at Pitchford near Acton Burnell Our 15 volunteers have completed 592 hours work on 16 occasions in the 4 months to the end of August. Although metal gates have been in short supply we have still installed 13 of them.

We have lost 2 of our team but have gained another 2 so they are busy learning the ropes.

Amongst other work the team have also installed 16 stiles, 15 marker posts and 4 new bridges.

This being summer we have also brushcut and cleared 865 metres of footpaths of extremely enthusiastic growing vegetation. Fitting a handrail on the Severn Way under a bridge at Monkmoor following a collapse due to During the next few months I hope there flooding will be more metal gates available as they are much preferred to stiles by walkers.

The Importance of Walking -2

• I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

• The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

• I joined a health club last year and spent about 400 quid, but haven't lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

• My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60.

Now he's 97 years old and we don't know where the hell he is

Many thanks to Peter Greeve for these “fillers”

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