walkerSOUTH EAST No. 93 March 2016 Our chance to put walking in on election agenda t the start of May, London • Be prepared to talk about how will have a new mayor. important walking is to you if AWho that mayor is and any of the candidates, either for what they choose to do with their mayor or for the assembly, knocks time in office will directly affect on your door and asks your views. the lives of the 8.6 million of • Invite your local assembly us living in London, many of candidates out on one of your whom are walkers. Even more group walks - get in touch people who commute into with Central Office for more London every day, or who visit information on campaigns@ for sporting events, art galleries, ramblers.org.uk. opera, theatre, music, or to see If you love walking in London, family and friends, will see an we hope you’ll join us in impact from the new mayor’s supporting our Love London Walk policies and decisions. London campaign; it’s the first Our aim over the next couple of time we’ve done anything like this months is for all of the candidates in London, but we represent nearly for both the mayoral election 13,000 Ramblers members living in itself, and for the London and many more who spend Assembly election that take place on their days or evenings here, for the same day, to hear loud and clear work or for leisure. If you’re a walk from as many different voices as leader or part of a group or Area possible, why walking is important committee that includes London, to us as Ramblers, and why it should please make sure the other Ramblers be important to them as prospective continued on page 2 Walkers take in the view from Primrose Hill. mayor and assembly members. We are calling on them to do three things, not just for Ramblers, but for everyone who walks in London, be it zone 1 or in the outer Green candidate joins walk suburbs: n a blustery Tuesday Office for a walk with the Green ideas and Sian was the first to the Greater London Assembly • Employ a walking ambassador morning in January, Party’s Sian Berry. take up our offer. As well as being elections, so is highly likely to be to promote London as a world Oa group of Ramblers We had invited all the main a mayoral election candidate, an assembly member from May; class walking city for all. volunteers from across London mayoral candidates to join us Sian is also the first name on the she is currently a councillor in • Champion the met bright and early at Central on a walk where we could share Green Party’s candidate list for Camden. and other routes to ensure they As Ramblers Chair, Des remain safe and open for all Garrahan, led us along the Thames Londoners to walk. Path from Vauxhall to Battersea • Ensure equality of access to our we talked to Sian about our amazing and green spaces campaign asks for the elections, so that everyone has a green space and about why we love walking in close to their home. London. We’re doing this under the Love Sian Berry said: ‘If I’m elected London, Walk London banner. Mayor of London I’ll prioritise walking as a healthy and enjoyable Get involved way to travel and spend leisure We’re calling on you to get involved time. It’s central to the Green too, by contacting the prospective vision, and protecting the Thames canidates to let them know how Path from encroachment by important you think walking in developers or properly preserving London is - be it for recreation, for and signing the London Loop and health and fitness or as part of the are to me an essential transport solution. part of the job of running London • Visit our ramblers.org.uk/ Sian (centre) on the walk along the Thames Path. Left to right: Graham Butler (Ramblers Greater London Forum), Des Garrahan (Chair of ), Sian Berry, Clare Wadd, John Leyton (in beret) and Teri Moore (Ramblers trustee). for the common good’. London website to quickly and Photo: Victoria Armitage Clare Wadd easily email your candidates. 2 South East Walker March 2016 Knitting in the Bedford honour path of HS2 for Barry first discovered yarnWendover where the line will have bombing/guerrilla knitting, a devastating effect (tunnel or no edford Borough our community. Barry is richly Those who have helped put the Ior tree-tagging as I prefer to tunnel). In Stoke Mandeville, Council has recognised deserving of this award, for his walking festival together, who call it, when visiting a friend in there are 11 trees with knitting on. Bthe work of Barry phenomenal commitment to the have looked after the Netherlands. It was winter HS2 will cross the A4010 at Stoke Ingram, Chair of Bedfordshire local countryside and his tireless and help with our RIPPLE and some trees in the town square Mandeville near the Bucks Goat Ramblers and key figure work on the Bedfordshire (Restoring and Improving were covered in it. Centre. behind the Bedfordshire Walking Festival and much Public Paths for Leisure and Right from the first announcement Most of the ‘scarves’ have stayed Walking Festival, with the more besides. Thanks to Barry, Enjoyment) scheme. about HS2 back in March 2010 I put, though one or two have been presentation of a prestigious residents and visitors have been The award is made in memory was terribly upset about the effect it removed.Most people like them, and local award in December. able to get even more from the of Winifred Fowler who became would have on the Chilterns and the whenever I’m out installing them I Mayor of Bedford Borough, beautiful countryside. the first female mayor of Bedford Vale of Aylesbury and many areas I always talk to passing walkers, and Dave Hodgson, said: ‘The On winning the award Barry in 1970 and recognises men and know well and walk in frequently. have found that many people out in Winifred Fowler Award provides said: ‘I am absolutely staggered women who, regardless of age or In a moment of inspiration in the countryside have no idea how a special opportunity to recognise and I think I have got this award background, selflessly give back 2013 I decided to start knitting and HS2 will impact on the very areas the hard work volunteers do in on behalf of lots of other people. to the borough. wrap the long ‘scarves’ around trees they are walking in, especially if which either stood directly in the they are not local. path of HS2 or on trees at points There are a number of trees with where the view of the line would knitting on near Wendover and impact greatly on the countryside or Dunsmore and there are more to locality. come. I was not short of locations to do Julia Drummond this. The first were mainly around Aylesbury Group member

Honoured: Left to right are Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, Barry Ingram and David Fowler, son of Winifred Fowler. Julia and one of her ‘scarves’ with passing walkers on a Wycombe & District group walk. Photo: Inge Mikkelsen

May), Thames Path in London - complete re-routing as a result of a Hampton Court to Crayford Ness development. Fortunately, on this Trail by Phoebe Clapham (5 May). occasion the only examples of the Gasholder Park opened Revised titles in the Recreational latter were minor. Some authors cast iron gas holder Cross station. Path Guides series include the guides use a voice recorder, but I prefer guide frame, one of Gasholder no.8, the largest of the Capital Ring by Colin Saunders to carry A4 printouts of the book several which once gas holders in Pancras Gasworks (5 May). All include Ordnance pages, on which to make notes. A dominated the St Pancras which was decommissioned updated Survey mapping, a chapter on The is 153 skyline in London, now forms in 2000, was dismantled each day’s walk stage and cost ew editions of 12 of miles long (including its two the centrepiece of a new open and taken to Yorkshire for £14.99. the Official National alternatives at the east end), plus space created as part of the restoration before being carefully Colin Saunders, author of the Trail Guides and three station links, and it’s slow going redevelopment of former reconstructed on a nearby site on N North Downs Way guidebook Recreational Path Guides are when one has to keep stopping to railway land behind King’s the banks of the Regent’s Canal. published by Aurum Press this writes: make text changes - I’m lucky if spring. A new edition of my guidebook I manage two miles an hour! So These include updated guides for the North Downs Way from the daily stages are quite short to the North Downs Way by Farnham to Dover was published in comparison with my usual Colin Saunders (published 7 in January, incorporating many progress and 15 day trips between January), South Downs Way by minor changes to the route July and September last year Paul Millmore, (3 March), The description and updated useful were needed to cover the whole by Anthony Burton (5 information. The rrp is £14.99, route. I much appreciated the but copies signed by me can be Southeastern high speed trains to bought from Footline Press (www. whisk me down to east Kent. footlinepress.org.uk) for £9.99 Mission accomplished, I supply plus £2 postage, or send a cheque the publisher, Aurum Press, with for £11.99 to Footline Press, 35 details of the changes, then check Gerrards Close, London N14 the page proofs an sit back to 4RH. await the results of my efforts. It’s You may be interested to learn hard work, but someone has to do how I set about updating my Gasholder Park, a unique open space at King’s Cross, opened in late October. it!’ guidebooks. I need to start at least six months before the planned publication date, to allow for the continued from page 1 who experience London on foot walk not just for recreation and many stages involved in publishing you meet know about our and we need to make sure London enjoyment but also because it gets a book. Of course, as for any campaign and how to get involved works for walkers and cyclists us from A to B and helps to keep route, the author must re-walk it in it, in case they miss this article. alike, and that more people can us fit. Love London, Walk London! to check what has changed, and Sometimes it feels like the make healthy travel choices. Yes, Clare Wadd in such a dynamic area as south cyclists have a more powerful voice we remain distinct from pedestrian Publicity Officer, Area east England there are bound to than we do in London, but this is organisations like Living Streets, Twitter: Ramblers_London be many changes, from simply our opportunity to have our say but our aims also overlap with Instagram: LoveLondonWalkLondon kissing gates replacing stiles to a too. There are many more of us theirs, and we do, most of us, Website: ramblers.org.uk/London South East Walker March 2016 3 walkerSOUTH EAST Festival year for Facelift for Distributed quarterly to members of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, ‘Capability’ Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton historic London Keynes and West Middlesex, , Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and Areas. green space THE RAMBLERS Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford rompton Cemetery in centre. House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, west London has been The Friends of Brompton London SE1 7TW. awarded nearly £4.5 Cemetery run tours on some Tel: 020 7339 8500 B million from the Lottery to Sunday afternoons. Details Fax: 020 7339 8501 Email: [email protected] protect its future. from www.brompton-cemetery. Web: www.ramblers.org.uk The award to org.uk or 020 7351 1689. Company registration no: announced in December, will 4458492 go towards a major facelift for Registered charity no: 1093577 the historic 39 acres of green Claremont Landscape Garden, near Esher, Surrey, is one of the many sites where EDITORIAL Brown had an early influence. space and one of the oldest Editor: Les Douglas designated Grade I cemeteries Email: [email protected] he 300th anniversary National Trust, English Heritage in the country. The Royal Tel: 020 8809 2338 of the birth of Lancelot and members of the Historic Parks will also invest a further (please leave message) T ‘Capability’ Brown, Houses Association. £1.2 million in the project with often described as the ‘father of Events arranged for the festival additional funding coming DESIGN AND PRINT landscape architecture’ will be include an exhibition at Orleans Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 from its charity, the Royal Parks marked in a nationwide festival House Gallery, Twickenham Foundation. Opinions expressed by contributors this year. (020 8831 6000, www.richmond. Among the 205,000 people are not specifically endorsed by Nicknamed ‘Capability’ because gov.uk/orleans_house_gallery), buried are notable figures The Ramblers. of his habit of telling clients illustrating Brown’s contribution including suffragette Emmeline ISSN 1747-4140 that their gardens had ‘great to the development of the ‘English C 2016 The Ramblers. Pankhurst, writer George All rights reserved. capabilities’, Brown changed Landscape Garden’ at a local Borrow and tenor Richard the face of 18th century English and national level and work by Tauber. Brompton is one of the Copy Date: For issue No. 94 estates through his designs for contemporary artists who present ‘magnificent seven’ cemeteries is 12 April 2016. hundreds of gardens. His carefully modern interpretations of Brown’s that opened between 1833 constructed rolling landscapes work and ideas. Called ‘Capability and 1841 in what was then the using trees, lawns, water, bridges Now’, the exhibition runs until countryside around London. and buildings have shaped people’s 19 June before moving down the The cemetery will undergo view of the English countryside. road to the Museum of Richmond a major facelift which will Over 250 sites are attributed or from 1 July to 29 October. help recreate the vision of connected to Brown ranging from Elsewhere, there will be events the cemetery’s architect, small private gardens to larger included in the Chalfont St Giles Benjamin Baud, by restoring country estates such as Stowe and Jordans Literary Festival the chapel, central colonnades in Buckinghamshire, Petworth in May and a series of walks of and catacombs, conserving the in West Sussex, Wrest Park in Brown’s landscape at Ampthill historic landscape and turning The grave of suffragette Emmeline Bedfordshire and Audley End in Great Park in Bedfordshire from the North Lodge into a visitor Pankhurst in Brompton Cemetery. Essex. Many are managed by the April to September. ESSEX extras East Essex Friends Group in York. Photo: Peter Wrigley welcome.’ 20th anniversary we joined many ‘We still have members who joined other fellow Ramblers on the 80th, Shorter walks groups the group 21 years ago’, says Phil with a walk at Snape Maltings. The Coney, Chair of Essex Friends. ‘Jo and one thing we all have in common is he 2015 Ramblers General with frequent stops. The proposal Friends group activities. Brian Shaw rarely miss a walk and are we enjoy good company.’ Council at Cambridge was well received and the list of The original small list of members regular leaders on every programme. Alan Goffee Tdiscussed providing short interested members rapidly reached has grown into three groups with an As we had a big celebration of our Area Chair walks to encourage new members. the level to justify a new group. active combined membership of close The fact that Essex has groups set The idea was frowned upon by to 400. It is a statement as how the up specially to provide just this Area Council and Central Office, needs of members can be developed came as a surprise to many. the belief being that this could be into a positive and progressive success. Le Grand Tour de Bures There are Friends groups for Essex, provided by existing groups. As Gillian Clark, Chair of Lea Valley led what has become the enjoying the route, the company, the East Essex and Lea Valley. Many clearly this was not happening and Friends says: ‘Founded in 2002, the annual Le Grand Tour de weather and their own elevenses and members are unaware of what these with the reaction of local groups, was group flourishes and now boasts a IBures on Saturday 10 October. lunch which they brought along - no groups do and in some cases do not unlikely too. membership of over 110. It could Now this is not some five or 10 pub stops on the way for this walk! believe they are part of the Ramblers. A formation meeting was be said ‘from small acorns great oaks mile bimble but a more serious The Tour was not a race, starting This is an attempt to highlight the arranged and, using the standard grow’. We are very proud of our 20-miler! That said, it is a beautiful as it does at 9am from Bures village background and their work over the Ramblers constitution with a suitable success, in no small measure due to walk that takes in some quite hall and finishing at 5pm. If, years. amendment, Essex Friends came into the warm welcome that potential spectacular scenery on the Essex/ upon reading this, you would like In 1992 Essex Area Executive being. The Friends name was taken members receive which encourages Suffolk border around the village to take part, you would be more identified that members were leaving from the article by Ann in 1993. On them to join the Ramblers. of Bures. Ten intrepid walkers than welcome either by joining because of the pace and distance of 28 May 1994 its inaugural walk took Chair of East Essex Friends, Peter participated this time and, as Colchester Ramblers this October walks being provided. In April 1993 place. Over the next year the group Wrigley, says: ‘Members find the usual, the walk was blessed with (details will be on our website www. Ann McLaren, now an Area Vice grew in strength and established itself programmes attractive as they include good weather. The advantage of colchester-ramblers.org.uk in due President, wrote an article in the Area as an important part of Essex Area. a variety of locations and terrains and the route, which was inspired by course) or by calling me (01787 newsletter entitled ‘Where have our In January 1995 a new year lunch leaders try to minimise road walking a sadly-deceased friend of mine is 227929) and I would be willing to friends gone?’ and asked for views was arranged and the success of by keeping to field and woodland that it is never more than two and lead it for your group. and ideas. The result was a proposal this identified the need for a social paths. The group walks at a speed a half miles from Bures so ‘escape’ Janet Penfold to form a new group the sole purpose element to the group. This remains that reflects a general level of fitness is possible. Not that anyone did so, Colchester Ramblers being short walks of up to four miles to this day an important part of a and new members are particularly 4 South East Walker March 2016 Going loopy Lest we forget ur Sunday walk led by and by 10.50 were at the Field of stillness descended. Then the second Joan on 8 November, Remembrance, an area set aside cannon before trumpets played. We ORemembrance Sunday, for individuals who had taken part stood and thought of the stories took us around many of the in conflict to be honoured with a of military life told by relatives or memorials to the fallen of the simple wooden cross with a poppy, personal experience. And when they world wars and recent conflicts, their name and a message. A small finished we gathered our thoughts and to be within earshot of service was being held but many together and continued our walk. at 11am. people were looking at the crosses. Just a few of the memorials we Although familiar with the The larger regiments had sections visited included the Canadian, television coverage of the laying of for various campaigns. I looked for, New Zealand, Holocaust, Royal wreaths and the parade I had never and found, the Royal Engineers, the Artillery and Bomber Command, been to London for this day. regiment one of my grandfathers had remembering not just the 55,573 We gathered at 10am in time served. RAF aircrew lost, but all those lost to see bands marching to take up In the distance could be heard through bombing. By the Thames their positions. We went through the bands playing in Whitehall we passed another of the new St James’s Park, saw the royal and at 11 o’clock Big Ben chimed memorials, this time to the Battle cars heading towards Whitehall, and a cannon fired. Silence and of Britain, in memory of ‘the few’. Towards the end of the walk we Timecheck: At the Willett Memorial Sundial in Petts Wood, permanently set to came to the Cenotaph, surrounded British Summer Time. by the wreaths of the royal family, ave you ever wondered rural idyll, passing through such Commonwealth, politicians and why people get so places as Foots Cray Meadows, others, forming a sea of red. Hexcited about London’s which looked like they belonged Throughout the day we saw many Green Belt? Then try walking in a Constable painting, before people of all ages proudly wearing the London Outer Orbital Path gently climbing to Sidcup Place their medals. Most were too young (Loop), described as the M25 for for views of the Cray valley. We to have been in the Second World walkers, which uses this green ended the day in Petts Wood War, many clearly younger than corridor around the capital. with its associations with British those on our walk. Perhaps they were Last year I was looking for ideas Summer Time, where we debated the most important part of the day. to help fill our group’s walking the accuracy of the sundial. Because it’s not just remembering the programme when I hit upon the By now we were all well and past but remembering the present idea of taking on another long truly hooked. that is important. Lest we forget. distance path, having successfully October saw us walking section Peter Owen led the whole of the Thames Path three from Petts Wood to West Havering & walk some years ago. Having Wickham in shorts and t-shirts. The group paused at the Battle of Britain memorial Ramblers briefly read about the London Along the way we passed through Loop I felt it would fit the bill, as it picturesque countryside with links passed directly through our area. to the creation of bank holidays As we started out from and the abolition of the slave Colchester has it cracked on a miserable August day, it trade. Having set off from Keston was hard to believe that the town Ponds where we had a late lunch rganising a week’s with en-suite bathrooms. The We meet after dinner to plan the had once been a popular venue admiring the water lilies, someone holiday for a group can kitchen is amazing with an Aga, next day’s walk, often both a long for Victorians departing on spotted an ice cream van, so of Obe a fraught affair but oven, microwave, two dishwashers, and short walk, which may be taken sightseeing tours of the Thames. course we had to stop and buy one! Colchester Ramblers have got it three upright fridges and a deep straight off the map - ie no chance With grey skies above and the We are now contemplating what cracked. For the past 10 years, freeze. There is a cool room and of a recce - so good map reading fairly desolate scenery of the surprises are in store for us when in alternate years, we have hired pantry plus a vast array of crockery skills are paramount. In addition, Thames estuary around us, our we resume our walk in April. a large country house as our base and utensils. The manor nestles in there are endless possibilities in the spirits were flagging. Then, as if There are tantalising promises of for a walking holiday. a fold in the hills reached by narrow area such as Lyme Regis, Golden by magic, we bumped into a guy Battle of Britain airfields, which This year we returned for a country lanes often bordered by Cap, Killerton house and gardens, from the Environment Agency heard the roar of the Spitfires’ second time to Shefhayne Manor, high hedges. It has stunning views Bridport, etc. who gave us an impromptu talk on engines as they took to the a beautiful Elizabethan house across the valley and a beautiful In the past decade we have stayed cleaning up the Thames and later, air. And Sussex cattle wearing in Yarcombe, east Devon. The garden. in Wales in a house belonging to as if to prove his point, we spotted reflectors so they can be seen by house and estate once belonged to We do our own cooking on a the Earl of Snowdon with a bureau a group of seals. Unfortunately, motorists and modern-day trams, Sir Francis Drake who bought it simple rota system - a group of containing photographs of Princess the rain that had been threatening to name but a few. Roll on spring in 1581. It has been passed down three plans, cooks the evening meal Margaret, and a converted barn on came down with a vengeance so and let the adventures begin! through the family and now let as and clears up afterwards for one Dartmoor which had a Jacuzzi to we decided to literally bail out at If you fancy joining us along a holiday venue. The house enables night in the week. This year we ease our aches and pains. Apart and enjoy the facilities the way you can contact me on a group to enjoy gracious living by provided ourselves with breakfast, from one year we have always whilst reading up on its wartime [email protected] way of a comfortable living room packed lunch and dinner for just enjoyed lovely weather and in 2015 importance as the Enigma relay for further details. with sofas you just sink into, a very £30 a head for the week! The cost we had sunshine every day! station for Bletchley Park. Sandra Dalton large panelled dining room able to of hiring the house, divided by 18 Janet Penfold The next section proved to be a Havering & East London group seat 20, and lovely quirky bedrooms people, was £137 per person. Colchester Ramblers West Essex Group host German visitors

hree years ago a Lodge where they were given the pier, a Thames-side large group of West a tour. As the sun came out walk through London and TEssex Ramblers the walk continued to High the week finished with a spent a week walking in Beach church where the vicar, visit to Heath Germany, hosted by the Gill Hopkins, served coffee and an opportunity to look people of the small central and the group sang a song in around . town of Lengerich. thanks. The rest of the walk Various evening events were On 5 October, 32 people was in brilliant sunshine organised too finishing with from Lengerich came to stay at and our guests enjoyed the a quiz with joint English- Gilwell Park near Chingford wonderful views over both German teams. During a for a week with West Essex London and Waltham Abbey. vote of thanks the leader of members providing them The rest of the week was filled the German group spoke of with a full programme of with visits to , a the possibility of West Essex activities. On their first day boat ride to , Group visiting his area again they walked in the rain to the a walk from Leigh to within the next few years. Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Southend with a stroll along Pat Juchau Our visitors outside Gilwell Park. Photo: David Keane South East Walker March 2016 5 INNER LONDON Peckham Coal Line project insights supported

nner London Ramblers is come down to ground level supporting the Peckham and the route would continue ICoal Line project, which through Kirkwood nature Group focus - aims to transform disused coal reserve before arriving at Queens sidings between Peckham Rye Road Peckham. and Queens Road Peckham Most of the land required is London Strollers stations into a high-level owned by Network Rail who, urban linear park with access it is hoped, will support this ondon Strollers is different Mike Biggs. Both series of walks walks on most Saturdays, Sundays for walkers and cyclists. walking and cycling initiative from other walking groups were attracting large numbers and Thursdays. This is an ambitious plan as part of London’s overall Las the led walks are usually of people and demonstrating Whilst the intention remains that dreamt up and led by a small transport solution. However, in the Greater London Travelcard the potential for a new group all of the groups in Inner London group of volunteers, who have the scale of the project shouldn’t (and Freedom Pass) area. specifically for short walks in the continue to offer short walks as successfully fundraised over be underestimated, and much Restrictive as this might at first Greater London area. Both the part of their varied programmes, £70,000 for a feasibility study will depend on the results of seem, it permits a huge variety from ‘Saturday Strolls’ and the ‘Waterside the particular shorter walks focus taking place in early 2016. One soil surveys to establish the canal towpaths to the vast parks of Walks’ are now incorporated into of London Strollers means that of the volunteers, Paul Dietrich, technical options to build up the Richmond and Bushy, Hampstead the London Strollers programme its walks attract members from a kindly gave up a Sunday embankments where there aren’t Heath and routes like the Thames and many new leaders have come wide variety of Ramblers groups morning just before Christmas sidings. Path, Capital Ring, London Loop forward to expand the range of from across London and beyond, to explain the vision to a few For those who don’t live in and a myriad of other options. walks offered. sometimes including visitors from of us struggling to imagine Peckham and wouldn’t see the Formed around five years ago, the The group doesn’t like to rush, overseas who are holidaying in what it might all look like once direct benefit of a much better group was largely the brainchild of so walks are at a leisurely pace the capital. It also attracts a large complete. and infinitely more pleasant Alex Mannings who was then the and are between three and seven number of people new to Ramblers The project would create link between the two stations, Area Chair. Alex’s vision was to miles. London Strollers is ideal for as it offers a relatively quick and London’s first elevated green the route could be combined build on the success of two series of people who are new to walking, easy way for the public to try us space and, while it’s hard to avoid with walks in Nunhead and walks which the Area had run for want to do short walks, want to out. For more information on the comparisons with New York’s Camberwell Old Cemeteries, many years, the ‘Saturday Strolls’ just spend a few hours on a walk, group go to www.londonstrollers. High Line, the ethos behind the Peckham Rye Common and One arranged by Les Douglas and the or want to explore London and the org.uk Coal Line is very different, as Tree Hill to the south and the ‘’Waterside Walks’ organised by surrounding countryside. There are Clare Wadd this is a community-led project Surrey Canal and Burgess Park which seeks to improve links to the north to make enjoyable between the two stations and longer walks. It’s also expected connect the two communities. that the Coal Line will provide The plans would see stairs fantastic views over the city. and a lift installed at Peckham I’ll be leading a few walks Rye station to give access to taking in the proposed route and the sidings which form the old explaining the project, so keep a Rickett Cockerall coal line on look out on innerlondonramblers. the north side of the station org.uk if you would like to (and where some of the track is know more. And, keep an eye still visible in the yard at ground on peckhamcoalline.strikingly. level). Existing embankments com/ for events and updates would then be built up, and from the project team. We wish more steps and lifts installed to them every success with this allow pedestrians and cyclists to exciting project. join and leave. The park would Clare Wadd A London Strollers group walk in . Photo: Clare Wadd New footbridges across the Thames in London? he mayoral and London Bridge’ from the South Bank to the design competition last year now Assembly elections on Temple is a private sector initiative. has a contract to provide design T 5 May could herald a Much the most ambitious in services for the proposed bridge. picking up in the pace of change how it would look, it has run But Pimlico residents are up in in London from a walker’s point into widespread criticism, in part arms, and Westminster Council’s of view. because of its £175 million price Environment Policy & Scrutiny Site visit: (left to right) Phil Marson (Area Chair), Paul Dietrich (Peckham Coal The Ramblers ‘Love London, tag, and initial ask for £60 million Committee held the first of its Line Project) and Clare Wadd. Walk London’ initiative is calling from taxpayers. But the promoters hearings on the controversy on 18 on candidates to commit to a have recently promised to raise £20 January. Walking Ambassador. Living million more themselves and it One proposed bridge, however, Streets’ ‘London: A City that Puts now looks more likely to go ahead. has not run into opposition. It London First’ is asking for the Controversy has also erupted would link Lombard Road in walking-friendly transformation around Council’s Battersea with Chelsea Wharf. of London’s local town centres. proposed pedestrian-and-cycling Wandsworth and Hammersmith But transforming London bridge in the huge Vauxhall Nine & Fulham councils have liaised into a walking-safe, walking- Elms development area. This closely over the project. The only attractive city needs, among many would run from opposite the new problem? No firm sources of other things, walking-specificAmerican Embassy that opens next funding have yet been earmarked! infrastructure. Proposals for three year across to Pimlico Gardens, Robert Molteno new pedestrian bridges across the midway between traffic-ridden Secretary of Wandsworth Living Thames are a step in this direction. Vauxhall and Chelsea bridges. Streets (and long-standing The much-publicised ‘Garden The consortium that won the Ramblers member) How the Coal Line might look. 6 South East Walker March 2016 Training courses ur first two courses take reading how to use a compass to BEDFORDSHIRE place in March: find your position and follow more OSaturday 12 March: Map complicated routes. Awareness course at Great Brickhill The costs remain the same as last Cricket Club. An introduction year, £7.50 for Ramblers members bulletin to how to read a map and plan a and £10 for non-members. simple route. The one-day course These courses will be followed will also give the opportunity to over the summer with a Map practice basic map reading skills Reading Day and a totally new with a briefing as to what had been learnt on the course. ‘GPS to Maps’ course on how to achieved and what hadn’t. In Saturday 19 March: ‘Walking work with a GPS and maps together short, a guidebook had not been with a Compass’ course at Sundon before making an appearance at the Area AGM produced because no publisher village hall. A more advanced 2016 Walking Festival. could be found who would do course designed to teach those Nick Markham he Area AGM was held on question and answer session. Her what the committee had asked for. with a basic knowledge of map Training Officer Saturday 21 November knowledge of what is happening Self-publishing had become the Tat Maulden village hall in the Ramblers was refreshing only option but the sub-committee and hosted by North Beds and comprehensive and her wasn’t sure where the money for group. Tony Wilkins, one of the presentation was appreciated. this would come from. There had group’s founder members and The meeting re-elected Barry also been some misunderstandings North Beds a conscientious RIPPLE group Ingram as Chair, Kevin Barrett over the trail write-ups and maps. member, led a very enjoyable but as Treasurer, Bob Tarron as After some lively exchanges John wet morning walk. We returned Chair/Secretary of the Hartley proposed that the trail be trail revived to enjoy a choice of soups and a Committee and Richard published on one of the group’s wonderful buffet lunch provided Hemmings as Independent websites. This was voted upon by committee members. Examiner. There were no and by a small margin accepted. The Area Booklet containing nominations for the posts of The decision means there will be the agenda, minutes of the Secretary, Publicity Officer and no book and therefore no revenue previous AGM, financial report, Membership Secretary. Rita to maintain the trail. Ted Herbert reports from officers and group Tarron was thanked for acting as was asked to continue his work as chairmen, and updates on the Minute Secretary at Area meetings Chair of the sub-committee and John Bunyan Trail, Walking and AGM. Nick Markham publish the Bunyan Trail route Festival and training activities was offered his training services and online. available during the lunch break so these were accepted. There were Thanks are due to Chairman members had the opportunity to no volunteers to attend General John LeWarne, committee prepare questions. Council at York on 3-4 April. members and members for their Teri Moore, a Ramblers trustee, The most lively discussion excellent organisation and to Tony now dried off and well fed, gave a was about the John Bunyan Trail. Wilkins for the morning walk. laptop presentation followed by a Ted Herbert, Chair of the sub- Ivel Valley group will host the thoroughly absorbing and lively committee, opened the discussion 2016 AGM.

Lea & Icknield news Roy Carter attaches one of the new trail signs. Photo: Mike Tenwick ea & Icknield members walk in late October and quickly Secretary for three. Our thanks go (albeit a small number convinced each other that it was to both of them for their hard work Lof them) celebrated the much too wet to walk. Lo and whilst in office. Regrettably, both New Year with our customary behold, the following week saw a posts are yet to be filled. walk from the visitor centre on repeat performance, this time on a Our popular quiz night was held Dunstable Downs. local walk. Finally, the first in mid-November, taxing everyone’s Our usual New Year leader, Sunday walk of 2016 saw only one little grey cells with a variety of Stewart Hinks, announced that other member turn up beside the trivia. In a repeat performance of the he’d shortened his planned walk leader in very wet weather and, yes, previous year, the Leasiders galloped due to the muddy conditions - but you’ve guessed it... into first place (can they be beaten?). most of the route, via Kensworth, However, we’ve had more success And in a repeat of the last two years, Whipsnade and the Tree Cathedral, with our non-walking activities. the wooden spoon went to SuPaJeDi turned out to be reasonable Our AGM was held at the end (who are to be allowed to keep it - underfoot and sheltered from the of October with quite a good they cannot fail to be beaten!). cold wind. attendance, possibly due to the fact As we look forward to our coming One of the discs used on wooden posts. The unseasonable weather of the that we repeated the formula of walks we hope that the remainder vel Valley Walkers have rights of way throughout, the early winter turned several walks combining it with a cheese and wine of the winter will be kind to us or revived and upgraded trail includes no fewer than into paddles and others into non- evening! Two committee members maybe we will be changing our the North Bedfordshire 23 villages and two country events; those few of us who profess left their posts - Freida Gerrish name to Lea & Icknield Waders! I Heritage Trail with new parks plus a reasonable number to be hardy gathered in heavy had been Publicity Secretary for Rosemary Hasker signing and an updated route of public houses, so plenty of rain in Wilstead for a mid-week six years and Bill Campbell Social Lea & Icknield Group description. This follows the refreshment stops can be made group’s long tradition of on the way. supporting and promoting The updated route details walking in the county. describe the route in both The trail, which starts in directions, divided into 11 St Paul’s Square in Bedford sections, and provide a brief and takes a circuit of about 70 history of points of interest. It miles, was originally devised by is on the group’s website www. the late Gordon Edwards around ivelvalleywalkers.co.uk and can 2000 and a route description be downloaded as a pdf. was published in an A3 double- Thanks are due to all those sided leaflet. Gordon’s aim was group members who helped with to design a trail which walkers updating the trail and to Bedford from near and far could follow Borough Council’s rights of way to discover this underrated area department. with its wonderful heritage Graham Mills features. Following existing Ivel Valley Walkers Enjoying a New Year’s Day break on Whipsnade Heath. Photo: Eric Peppiatt South East Walker March 2016 7 Footpaths and RIPPLE Bedfordshire Hiding behind the scenes Bridges initiative from Ramblers Walking Festival but very active is the Area Recently we have seen an but nevertheless by the Footpath Group and there is increase in the number of end of November individual plenty to keep them busy in temporary path closures members and members of 2016 (10-18 September) addition to dealing with the because of problems with the public had walked 40% usual applications for path bridges. of the sample squares. diversions and consultations. Long periods of rain during For Bedfordshire there Ongoing activities and the autumn and winter have were 1,235 squares of which people involved are: left the ground wet and 346 were walked (28.02%). • North of Houghton Regis unstable and resulted in However there were 511 development – Tom Henrick the land either side of some sample squares of which 206 • Bedford to Bletchley bridges being eroded. This were done (40.06%). Big railway upgrade – Bruce can make a bridge unsafe Pathwatch finished at the Blott, Tom Henrick and and in a worst case the bridge end of January and it will Mike Tenwick. will collapse. Where councils be interesting to see how • East Coast railway are aware they will make a many more squares were replacement of ‘at level’ temporary closure order on walked during December crossings of rights of way the grounds of health and and January. If you were in Bedfordshire – Mike safety. As well as the ones one of the members who Tenwick, Marcus Kilby, notified to us by councils we did participate thank you Anthony Copsley and Peter would like to know about any for getting involved in this Patmore. you come across while out worthwhile exercise. • North of Luton walking. There are bridges development – Bob Tarron. like the one in Renfold RIPPLE activities Luton Borough Council’s (Bedford council notifiedChanges in rights of way rights of way improvement in January 2016) which are departments at both Central plan and review of definitive going to cost a lot of money Bedfordshire and Bedford map strategy - Bob Tarron and may take longer than six Borough councils may mean We have also been invited months to repair. However some changes of working to take part in the Highways quite often bridges in the in 2016 but at the time of One of the festival walks last year. England study for improving countryside can be fixed writing discussions are at an he success of the Map and drawn in more and more people the A1 between the M25 and easily and quickly by one of early stage and all our RIPPLE Awareness sessions and and every year seen subtle changes. Peterborough - Mike Tenwick our RIPPLE teams working in volunteers will be kept family events in 2015 have The unique appeal of the festival is the contact and is setting conjunction with the council. informed of developments. T up a sub-committee. Our RIPPLE activities, if not encouraged the organisers to is that it doesn’t just cater for one For more information on Big Pathwatch already started, will certainly continue putting on events with group of people and that almost all footpath activities contact It is most disappointing be taking place in April and families and younger children in the walks are free and people can just Bob Tarron at Robert. that our groups failed continuing through to October mind. turn up. Obviously this can’t always [email protected]. to get behind this great and possibly November. Details This year there will be a family be the case but it enables people to will be on group websites and session with the Map Awareness decide at the last minute. In an ideal available from me. course specially for parents and world it would be great if everyone Members who went on their children. Another contributor booked in advance like groups who power tool courses when we is hoping to get a school teacher want to come for a day or more and first started three years ago to bring out a class during school we are gradually building up details will need to have a refresher time for a ‘nature walk’. These two of where groups can stay and making as the certificates only last ideas for families and children are it easier for a group to attend with a three years. These courses examples of how the organisers like coach or minibus. are available to any of our to constantly look for new ways of This year’s festival promises to RIPPLE volunteers and are encouraging people to the festival be the best yet and we’ve already free of charge. Some of our and out into the countryside. The booked the weather so if you’re volunteers prefer to work success of the festival is because year thinking of coming please get in with just secateurs, pruners on year there are new walks created. touch and we will do our best to ad loppers and we welcome everyone. Contact me by Contributors like to be creative but make your stay as welcome as we email walking@madasafish. are realistic enough to know there can. For information or if you want com or phone 01234 353704. has to be a balance between new to help, please contact organiser@ Power tools were used at Toddington. Photo: Barry Ingram Barry Ingram ideas and old favourites. bedswalkfest.co.uk. Each year the festival has evolved Barry Ingram

across the county. About 240 • Kent movie map live. Kent Bacombe Hill near Wendover, say a final farewell to former Briefly modification orders are still County Council’s film office Grangelands and the Rifle group stalwart Jack Crisp who to be investigated. The map has collated details of over 200 Range near Kimble, and Hog died shortly before his 102nd • Honoured: Congratulations can be viewed online at www. films and television dramas and Hollowhill Woods near birthday! to Brian Reader, Chairman hertsdirect.org/rowmap and filmed in the county and Marlow. of Woking & District printed copies can be viewed produced an interactive map • Chiltern hillforts. The group, who was awarded at major libraries and at showing nearly 300 locations • Studio tours. The Chilterns Conservation Board the British Empire Medal in county hall. used. Also included are studios of Victorian artist has been awarded a grant the 2016 New Year’s Honours themed trails including Jane George Frederic Watts and from the Heritage Lottery list 2016 for ‘services to • Hot stuff. Monisha Bharadwaj, Austen, James Bond, Charles his wife, the designer Mary Fund to develop plans for promoting the rights of way who runs an Indian cookery Dickens, Darling Buds of May, Watts, have been recreated a new project to research, network in Surrey’. Brian school in Hounslow, hosts The Other Boleyn Girl, with a in the house they lived in promote and conserve served as Area Footpath occasional food walks special Tudor Trail to be added at Compton, Surrey. The hillforts and other prehistoric Secretary for many years and in Southall offering the later this year. The map is at Watts Gallery Trust, which features. Plans include was national Chairman of opportunity to browse shops, http://entfilmoffice.co.uk/ restored parts of Limnerslease, surveying and researching the Ramblers. discover unusual ingredients kent-movie-map/moviemap- with a lottery grant and the sites and using laser that you can buy, enjoy small live-2/ donations, arranges guided technology to search for • Herts definitive map. In tastings and discover how tours on Tuesdays, Fridays and previously undiscovered December food, ritual and history are all • Bucks nature reserves Saturdays (call 01483 813593 features in densely wooded County Council published its connected in Indian culture. swap: Berks, Bucks & Oxon for details). Compton is on areas. More than 20 five yearly updated definitive The leisurely walks last Wildlife Trust has entered the North Downs Way to the hillforts exist in the Chilterns map and statement of public about two hours, start from a partnership with west of Guildford. with the most visible being rights of way. About 60 Southall railway station, and Buckinghamshire County on Ivinghoe Beacon but many kilometres of additional paths cost £15 per person. Details Council to look after four of • Ramblers and other are hidden in woodland near have been added taking the at www.cookingwithmonisha. the county’s nature reserves. friends attended South London Wendover, Princes Risborough total to 3,147.5 kilometres com. These are at Pavis Woods and Crematorium in December to and Henley-on-Thames. 8 South East Walker March 2016 OXFORDSHIRE Vale Path Volunteers on-line ale of White Blessed by fine weather the team Horse group’s Vale worked with a will on a morning. V Path Volunteers After the session the team retired maintenance team was to the Vine Inn in Cumnor for delighted to be joined by some well-earned refreshment. seven staff from Ramblers This clearance was one Central Office, led by Eleanor of nine work sessions the End of an era Bullimore and Lizzie Flew, in group undertook as part of its usan Maguire retired as Variety of walks, with associated projector and screen that she November. autumn programme. In the early Area Chair at the January social aspects is another area suggested. Susan’s spell as Area The path that needed attention months of 2016 there will be six AGM, having been in that in which she has highlighted Chair followed five years as Area was situated in the parish of sessions on paths which have been S Cumnor near Oxford. Where identified as needing attention by post for three years. She packed the achievements of colleagues, General Secretary and 10 years as a huge amount into the period, championing and encouraging best Chair of Henley & Goring group. the path ran through a stretch of the team. working indefatigably for practice. She worked closely with Doubtless I have overlooked woodland, Saddle Copse, it had If you are interested in doing Ramblers in Oxfordshire. She colleagues in West Oxfordshire to other of her achievements. We become obstructed with branches path maintenance work with the acknowledged the achievements effect a renaissance in the group shall miss her great enthusiasm and from holly trees. This resulted in group please contact me (jmh. of others to the extent that one there. On the communications energy at Area level, though both the path becoming dangerous as [email protected]). If you might easily have overlooked her front she introduced a bi-monthly will remain much in evidence in ramblers had to walk round the can handle secateurs and a rake own contributions to all aspects e-newsletter, and a periodic printed her contributions to members in tree with a steep drop on one side. there is a job for you! of our Ramblers life. letter. Meetings at all levels have the Henley & Goring region. The path had also become blocked Jim Parke From my vantage point as Vice- been improved by the digital Dave Cavanagh by partially-fallen young trees. Coordinator, Vale Path Volunteers Chair I knew that whilst the proverbial swan looked calm, the feet were going ten-to-the-dozen below the surface. Susan, with Jim Parke, established our parish path warden scheme, organising and taking part in lots of training workshops, including Oxfordshire County Council input. We now have wardens in over 70% of Oxfordshire parishes. She has been very supportive of the formation and equipping of path maintenance groups, and full of ideas for pursuing other access actions through the Footpaths Sub-committee. Susan Maguire is front left in the picture. Peak District weekend The combined group. Photo: Jim Parke icester & Kidlington stayed at The Peveril of the Peak, Our local walks took us along the group had a wonderful a comfortable HF country house. River Dove to Milldale on the first Bweekend at Dovedale in Most of us ate too much as the food day and to Ilam Park on the second. October. was excellent. With many local walks A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. The weather was kind and the in the immediate vicinity we were Mary Gough autumn colours beautiful. We able to leave our cars in the car park. Bicester & Kidlington group

The path before work began. Photo: Jim Parke

Preparing to burn off the calories. Photo: Mary Gough Parish Path Warden training nother training day for 4pm). in becoming one, please let me Parish Path Wardens Tea, coffee and biscuits will know at jmh.parke@btinternet. A will be held on be provided but please bring com. Saturday 19 March at Clifton your own lunch. If you are a Jim Parke Hampden village hall (9am for Parish Path Warden and would Parish Path Warden 9.30am start, finish around like to attend, or are interested Administrator The end result. Photo: Jim Parke South East Walker March 2016 9 supporters meanwhile prepared a selection of festive fare, including Festive fun and traditional local free-range turkey, Footpath matters and all the trimmings. The hall, a new facility within St John’s Big Pathwatch the original landscape plan, fundraising church, still used for worship, Congratulations to the Area on and the order map is as clear provided a comfortable and very being the first to complete its as mud. Finally, the diversion hame & Wheatley Group. Committee members Ken appropriate setting for the lunch. sample squares on 11 December, order for Banbury 58 had as group’s annual Christmas and Linda King, residents of the A short informative and moving while I was battling a gale, snow its deadline for objections a Tcelebration on 5 December village and both members of the documentary film, screened by and hail on the Falkland Islands date before the notice was sent proved to be the most popular to charity, were largely responsible for Ken following the meal, described (it was warmer in London). out which probably means it is date. planning and organising the event. how the funds raised by the group Thanks also to all who helped in invalid even though Cherwell Forty-five people enjoyed a Ken’s pre-lunch walk headed to were helping in the educational, this particularly while I was away District Council has intimated three-course lunch at the village the village of Little Milton before health and welfare needs of many in December. I suspect that we to Central Office that it will hall at St John’s, Stadhampton, returning to Ascott Park, where of the villagers in southern Mali. are in the top 10 for squares extend the deadline (the order with the majority turning up a 15th century manor, destroyed Linda later revealed that in a completed, but this depends should be re-advertised with for a bracing five-mile walk in by fire in 1662, once stood. The seasonal gesture of goodwill all of on how Central Office works a deadline at least four weeks blustery conditions beforehand. site, now a heritage trail, offers free the suppliers had donated the food out its statistics. I reported as from the publication date of the The event, as well as bringing public access to the buildings and free of charge, helping to boost ‘unusable’ several obstacles that revised order). together members of many features, rescued and renovated in donations to this worthy cause. I actually got over where it was Oxfordshire groups, aimed to the past few years. Mike Smith obvious that the average member Other matters raise funds for Mali Development Linda and her group of Malian Thame & Wheatley Ramblers of the public would not do so. The worst obstructions I found during Big Pathwatch were Diversions, claims. etc actually in Bucks - square Diversions of Stoke Lyne FP15, SP6116 being misallocated to Goring Heath FP18a, North Oxfordshire when the only right Leigh FP26, Tetsworth FP51 of way is across the boundary. and Enstone FP21 have been This path is obstructed by confirmed. The expected pheasant pens, four barns and package for the Oxfordshire Golf a wood. The next worse were Course, which was built across on Arncott BR4 over the BMX the original diversions, has been track and its western boundary, received; it doesn’t solve all the which consists of a barbed wire anomalies. There is a proposal fence above a five foot ditch. for a hydro-electric plant at Several other paths on the Bucks Culham weir, which could spoil side of Pans Hill are also heavily a beauty spot. A diversion order obstructed. has been made for Witney FP40 David Godfrey which does not correspond to Area Footpath Secretary Enjoying the lunch. Photo: Dave Baker Banbury & North Oxfordshire ob Clement, who miles. So it appears reasonable to the rivers having at least two feet through a hedge backwards and was Chairman of assume that all this very pleasant in hand before impinging on some of us possibly had been. Bour group for many exercise may have helped to keep path surfaces. However on the However we got back to our start years (and a past Chairman me healthy! You get some great morning of the walk I checked with a feeling of winning against of Banbury Cross Players walks and make a lot of new the return route before starting the odds!’ and appeared in over 70 of friends. I only regret that I no and found water at least six inches Less physically demanding was their productions) recently longer have the energy to join deep flowing strongly over the our greyhound racing night at celebrated his 90th birthday them!’ path. When we crossed the flood Towcester. It was a well-attended with a party attended by Right now the fields around plain at Upper Heyford we only visit and thanks must be given to family, friends and over a this part of the world are pretty just got across, paddling through our Social Secretary for arranging hundred ramblers. treacherous with mud and shallow water before skirting a it all. The party used their Speaking at the gathering Bob surface water making rambling large pond by climbing along expertise (?) to back the winners. said: ‘Now that I have reached rather challenging. One of a disused gate. From Steeple One of the races was won by this incredible age I am often our leaders, Martin of Robin Aston we took an alternative an outsider who came in at 12- asked how I manage to look so Hill pressed on with a walk on route via Rousham which I had 1, closely followed by our much well. I usually reply that 53 years 29 December but writes: ‘We not surveyed; we found a fallen fancied Fast Boy Walking who of being waited on hand and foot started at Lower Heyford to tree across our path, at the top of seemed a cert to us but failed to

in a very happy marriage has walk to Upper Heyford, cross a steep slippery descent that was live up to our hopes. Some said he Bob Clement at his 90th birthday party. a lot to do with it. But I think the flood plain and climb to well beyond the walk grading of ran like he had his walking boots there may be another reason. I Steeple Aston before returning ‘leisurely’, and then had trouble on! It was hardly Ascot but the planned, Hopefully no one will joined Banbury Ramblers in by a different route across the locating the start of a path despite excitement of the races together lose their shirt next time! 1986 and for the next 25 years flood plain to Lower Heyford. a finger post pointing into dense with the culinary delights of Roy Clements I went walking with them every When I reconnoitred the walk undergrowth. After this many the car park supper made it all Banbury & North Oxfordshire Sunday usually doing at least 10 a week earlier all was well with of us felt we had been pulled worthwhile and a repeat visit is group

Surrey buses Cranbrook (Devon) Getting there Surrey County Council is proposing changes to a A new station has opened to serve the new town here. number of bus services in the county from September Trains on the London Waterloo to Exeter line call hourly. as part of its Local Transport Review. Details of these All the region’s transport news can be found at www.surreysays.co.uk. Comments West of England need to be made by 14 March. Changes made by South West Trains have seen additional Sunday services between Salisbury and Oxford London Waterloo, and some trains running to Yeovil Rochester Chiltern Railways has announced that its new service Junction via Yeovil Pen Mill. Two new daily services A new resited station closer to the historic heart of the from London Marylebone to Oxford Parkway will connect Bruton with London for the first time and city opened in December. It is linked to the Medway be extended into the main Oxford station on 12 there are direct services linking Castle Cary and Frome riverside via a subway. December 2016. with Basingstoke, Woking and Clapham Junction. 10 South East Walker March 2016 KENT calling The quarter in Kent

t the time of writing we the shortest route that covers every and much else. We opened up the are experiencing our first path in a given area at least once. meeting not just to our regular A cold snap in an otherwise Talking of Big Pathwatch, we’ve volunteers but to all members warm, wet winter that has worked quite hard in Kent to bag interested in the subject matter. produced liquid mud on many squares. The results have been Over 40 people attended including paths easily deep enough to patchy but in many areas we’ve staff from Kent County Council’s overwhelm a pair of boots. done most of the sample squares. public rights of way team. The Area’s Annual Review Particularly in , where I We are particularly looking has gone out to all members - a live, of the squares that fall wholly forward to the opening of the first The route of Via Francigena record 44 page issue thanks to the or mainly in the borough only one stretches of the England Coast Path proposed route along the quayside eighth interregional meeting many contributions from groups remains unsurveyed. in Kent from Camber to Ramsgate was one of the significant gains of the Via Francigena Ways in and members. As usual we have In late November we held a day- during 2016 and are still working on of the project. Although a public Canterbury. The Via Francigena included two walking routes and long seminar on footpath law. We the guidebook we intend to publish inquiry found in favour of using the is a 1,700 km pilgrim route that this year a brain-teaser based on Big were delighted that Eugene Suggett to coincide with the opening. quayside when not needed by the follows the North Downs Way from Pathwatch - the challenge is to find and Janet Davis, senior policy However, at the time of writing landowner for storing vehicles, the Canterbury to Dover then meanders officers at Central Office, joined us there are still uncertainties around landowner is proving uncooperative through France, Switzerland and to spend the day explaining the ins the route of the path in the vicinity in creating the necessary access. Italy to its current final destination and outs of stiles, gates, bulls, crops of Richborough Quay where the In December I attended the of Rome - there are plans to extend it southward to Apulia and perhaps beyond. Interregional meetings are held in different cities along the route and this was a chance to explain to an audience from many countries the role of the Ramblers in looking after paths and promoting walking. Currently waymarking and interpretation of the route in Kent is poor but that is currently being addressed by Canterbury City Council. Robert Peel Annual Review. The seminar being addressed by Eugene and Janet. Area Secretary East Kent Walking Group’s Peak walking Arundel weekend ach year we like to explore took us along the river Arun, then were breathtaking views across to further afield than our east on some of the Monarch’s our next destination of Amberley. Eusual East Kent jaunts Way, passing through woods and This is a gorgeous village, packed on a Sunday. In July 2014 we farmland, before heading north with many thatched houses and visited Wissant on the French to almost touch the South Downs again, its own castle. On our coast, and in September the with wide open views. We then return we managed to visit the Southwold area of Suffolk. In descended to the lovely village Riverside Tearooms at Houghton 2015 Arundel was chosen as our of Burpham for a welcome break where some decide (solely for base for a walking weekend. before returning along the river the benefit of future walkers!) to Arundel, with its castle, with stunning views back to the sample the cakes there - excellent! cathedral, wetlands centre and castle. Before the final mile or so past good accommodation, proved an On Sunday, we walked north the wetlands back to Arundel, ideal location, and conveniently through the castle estate, passing we stopped for lunch at the Black allowed us to start walks both follies and crossing a pretty Rabbit pub, right by the river. A days from the town centre. There valley before reaching the ridge pefect setting and a lovely end to On the path from Mam Tor to Hollins Cross. Photo: Bob Tolson were plenty of eateries too, which overlooking the Arun. Before we our trip. is very important as we’re a pretty descended to the river path, there Kerry O’Grady ine members from drive to Bamford and then a climb sociable crowd and our evening North West Kent Group to the Wheel Stones followed by meet ups take high priority. They Ndrove north to the Peak views of Lady Bower Reservoir and tend to be rather raucous affairs, District in October for three days a stop at the visitor centre before with lots of laughter, good food of walking based at the Swiss continuing to the cars. and the odd drink or two and, as House B&B in Castleton. Many thanks to Mike Hickie there were 17 of us, this weekend The first day’s walk was from the for organising the excellent was no exception. We also had B&B to the gorge on the Limestone accommodation and leading the fantastic weather both days, which Way and then on to Mam Tor. great walks and, possibly, the is always a bonus, crisp autumnal There were great views from the top good weather that added to the mornings, the leaves just starting to Lose Hill and Win Hill which enjoyment of the trip. Four out of to turn, with the sun burning we later walked to. Our second the six pubs in Castleton provided through any early mists for two day started in Edale and included meals (and drinks) - all of a very very sunny days. Ringing Roger and views of Kinder high standard. Saturday’s walk of 13 miles, Enjoying the first day’s walk at Arundel. Scout, site of the Mass Trespass in Carole Flowerday 1932. The final day was a short North West Kent Group South East Walker March 2016 11 Hospice support Festive t the beginning of Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Julian Alain Lewis. The current Mayor 2015 Tunbridge Wells Stanyer, and Chris Thomas and his of Tunbridge Wells, David Elliott treat Ramblers decided to wife as ambassadors of the hospice. and Mayoress June Crowhurst were A romley Ramblers has support the Hospice in the Weald The second walk, number 14 at the start to see us off. by buying copies of ‘20 Walks in the book, was a five and a half Lawrence McLean always welcomed in Wealden Country’ by Peter mile circular from Leigh led by Tunbridge Wells Ramblers B Christmas in style, with Titchmarsh to sell to members. an annual celebration lunch - We also decided to do two walks with all the trimmings - preceded each year from the book with by an invigorating morning walk. Building an appetite for lunch. donations from members going to Photo: Lawrie Smith the hospice. I led the first walk, This Christmas, 66 members number 15 in the book, which enjoyed a very tasty meal and views from the North Downs. was a six and a half mile circular excellent hospitality at Woodlands And, as a bonus, the walkers were from the Kentish Horse Inn at Manor Golf Club in West treated to mulled wine, coffee and Markbeech. The author was at Kingsdown, Kent. We were also mince pies at the half way point. the start to see us off and we were blessed with a clear blue sky for a Who could ask for more? joined on the walk by the then At Leigh, before the start of the second walk. most enjoyable five mile circular Lawrie Smith walk, which took in delightful Chairman, Bromley Ramblers

Ramblers 80th birthday party, Thames boat trip, tea party South and a walk and lunch in the BERKSHIRE New Forest. Doug Buchanan, our Social Secretary, was East congratulated on the success of these events. Brian Jones was thanked for bites Berks the work he has put in to the online walks programme and t the group’s Halloween- walks submission system which they learn something new. There themed AGM in enables leaders to enter walk is also Essential First Aid training A October, Shirley details online. offered by St John Ambulance Poulton, Chair, reported Events planned for 2016 West Berks tailored specially to our needs. We another successful year. She include a treasure hunt, coastal ust to remind readers that the to attract new walkers, or people have a Fish and Chip Supper on 4 thanked the committee for walk, a trip on the Watercress winter wasn’t all wet weather migrating from the local ‘Walking March and Richard Fenton is still their hard work and the walk Line steam railway and a group Jand mud, there’s a photo below for Health’ programme. consulting members about dates and leaders who, between them, 30th anniversary celebration. of members enjoying themselves at As well as our walks and working locations for our 2017 HF holiday. had led over 200 walks in the 2015 saw the start of a new our Christmas Social. parties we have a number of other Sadly we have had to say goodbye year. initiative, ‘Short Easy Taster We have such talented members events. Our Training Officer, and thanks to Greg McGill and Gill In 2015 the group sponsored a Walks’ for non-members on who entertained us right royally. Colin Honeybone, offers occasional Kedgley who have left the committee. further five kissing gates to replace Saturday mornings. These have Thanks to everyone who contributed, compass and orienteering training Welcome to Carol Andrews who has old wooden stiles in Bracknell attracted up to 28 walkers on both in front of an audience and days where he takes a group of a dozen taken over as Social Secretary. Forest district. Group holidays either a one or two mile walk and behind the scenes. Let’s look forward or so members into a local nature For further details on any of the in France and Sidmouth were they are supported by local GP to our new programme, however, park and sets them various tasks to above, take a look at our website at well supported and a waiting surgeries. Several people joining where we have lots of good things test their navigation and map reading www.wberksramblers.org.uk. list has had to be introduced these walks have gone on to coming up. skills. These events are always fun Denise Buchan for our 2016 holiday in Jersey join the Ramblers. These walks Our super-efficient Coach Walks and even seasoned walk leaders find West Berks Ramblers which 25 members have booked will continue in 2016 with the committee has not only produced for. Our holiday organiser, addition of a three mile option. a cracker of a programme for 2016 Janet Norris, was thanked for all After the AGM a fish and chip but is now working out details for the wonderful holidays she has supper was enjoyed by all. next year! A new addition, which we organised over the years. Brian Poulton think will be very popular, is an extra Social events have included South East Berkshire walk in December from Old Sarum a quiz night, skittles evening, Ramblers into Salisbury to visit the Christmas Market in the city. Before then we have a programme packed with walks of different lengths and on different days at East Berks varying times to suit all members. We are particularly keen to see more very short walks (two to four miles) Having a good time at the Christmas Social. Photo: Chris Reynolds goes military

organising tournaments especially for the young stars. ighteen members of East was followed by a visit to the Mel Barlow 1941-2015 Mel will be missed by all who knew him. He has Berks group had a day out Officers’ Mess, amusing anecdotes at Combermere Barracks from John on army life and a t is with great sadness that South East Berks left his wife, Maureen, son Peter and stepson Nick. E in Windsor on 12 October. We chance to buy wine and port with a Ramblers report the passing of Mel Barlow Brian Poulton South East Berks Ramblers started our day at the Household Household Cavalry label. Iwho succumbed to prostate cancer after a 10-year Calvary Museum where John, Back to the museum for a talk bravely fought battle. our guide, introduced us to army on the history and ceremonial Mel joined the group soon after its formation almost 30 life. aspects of the regiments of the years ago. He led countless walks and what a gentleman After examining items of kit Life Brigade and the Blues and he was. He never put himself first and was courteous to worn by soldiers in combat, we went Royals which together form the all. Mel, in his quiet way, was persuasive and it was very walkabouts and saw drill training, Household Cavalry. This allowed difficult to say no if asked to lead a walk. He has left a some very impressive armoured for a dressing-up session! Jackboots, wonderful legacy of a large army of walk leaders. vehicles and visited the stables to bearskins, red tunics, shiny helmets Mel was always interesting to talk to because he had see the horses and learn about their and breastplates - we tried them all. such diverse interests and was dedicated to them all. His training. A couple of drum horses We had a very enjoyable day out first love was sailing and up to 18 months ago he travelled nudged John for a mint, which and John was an excellent guide. the world to skipper boats and move them from one they obviously knew he had in his continent to another. He had a great interest in tennis Pauline Thompson pockets! Social Secretary, East Berks and was involved with many coaching projects and Mel Barlow with some new friends. Lunch in the soldiers’ canteen Group 12 South East Walker March 2016 New Chairman BUCKS for Wycombe

atricia (Pat) Endacott briefs is the new Chairman of PHigh Wycombe Ramblers. She took over from John Shipley News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex at our AGM on 11 November though nearly missed the meeting because of traffic delays. Pat and her partner have been members of the group since 1993. Au revoir Pat says: ‘Although I have been a Rambler for a long time, I’ve never been involved outside of the walking, so I’ve made a start on learning what is going on at Area but not Pat Endacott and national levels by attending the Area committee meeting and will to repaying some of the enjoyment do that each time for at least the I’ve had over the last 20+ years.’ next year. I am looking forward Tony Wells goodbye Ron gets a special thank you. Photo: Iran Adil-Smith

hat is it that prompts walking on farmland, etc. All new outbreak in 2001 many of the a person to become to a ‘town boy’. scheduled walks in the Chilterns West London W a walk leader? How My first venture into leading a were cancelled and I looked many leaders have led 200 walks walk, a year after joining, occurred at walking in London as an and get kissed by the Chairperson when the scheduled leader was alternative. My explorations of celebrates 60 years when they do? Ron Dyke has taken ill and asked me if I could lead London as a schoolboy gave me a done it all and now reflects for him. What could I say? It was sound base with plenty of ideas and est London group’s AGM in December brought our on his 37-year contribution 12 miles commencing in Henley having just completed my degree 60th anniversary year to a close. to Hillingdon Ramblers since and much to my consternation 32 in politics and contemporary W After the business of the meeting, the focus of our becoming a member in 1979. people attended; I commenced in history I incorporated places of celebration was a display of photographs dating from the very early ‘I grew up in north west London style. For those amongst you who historical interest into my walks. days up to the present. In the 1950s, all the girls seemed to wear long and as a boy would take a bus might be worried about leading In the three-year period when I was skirts and stout shoes and to have curly hair topped with a beret. Men into and wander your first walk just remember that studying I walked less and certainly wore jackets, mostly tweed, and all carried haversacks. There seemed around famous landmarks such I started with 32 walkers and three became less fit. We covered a lot to be a lot of interest outings, as well as country walks, when everyone as Billingsgate and Smithfield. I dogs! of east and south east London looked very trim and recalled that my father had walked All of my walks were then emphasising architecture and blue smart. As we came from Chelsea to St Albans one day, centred around the Chilterns and plaque buildings. Walks were nearer to our own time just because he fancied it, and this I found the advice and support usually 10 miles but in recent years we began to recognise memory stayed with me as I grew of existing leaders invaluable. In they have reduced in length as I got some of our earlier up. I have never owned a car and the mid 1980s I was persuaded by older! Over the years I led 106 rural selves. Seeing how so, for me, public transport and a fellow leader to join the Long walks and 94 urban walks. much younger - and walking were the norm. When Distance Walkers Association and What do I think looking back? I slimmer - we looked my three children were young we my first walk with them was from made many friends along the way provoked much would take them walking with near Enfield to the Cambridgeshire and the times I spent exploring hilarity. We rounded the dog and when eventually we border, some 30 miles and I have to areas for stimulating routes have off the evening by decided to train guide dogs for admit to being exhausted, not so given me wonderful memories. I cutting - and eating the blind, they too would join us much with the distance as the pace. hope that the joy I received from - a specially iced cake on walks. But, although we lived In 1984 I completed a 100-mile walking was imparted to those who with six candles. one in Hillingdon then, I had limited charity walk on Dartmoor in just walked with me.’ for each decade. knowledge of the Chilterns and so under 36 hours and it sometimes Although retiring from leading Margaret joined Hillingdon Ramblers with takes an experience like this to we look forward to seeing Ron on Lydamore the aim of learning more about appreciate how fit walking makes many future walks. West London’s celebration cake. West London the countryside around me and us. Elise Harvey Photo: Margaret Lydamore group what restrictions would apply when With the Foot and Mouth Hillingdon Ramblers

car park along the Ridgeway, remainder of the walk involved In memory of Kate heading up to Ivinghoe Beacon. enjoying flat and easy paths along Taskmaster that I am, I insisted the canal and between reservoirs led a 12-mile walk on away in October. that people climb the infamous for a bit of impromptu bird Saturday 28 November, The walk was well attended, Steps Hill, which everyone did spotting, before heading back up Idedicated to the memory of despite the bitter wind chill. We apart from a couple of renegades the Ridgeway, then to a nearby Kate Doherty, a founder member took the same route that Kate led who swore they were the official pub. There was also a live link-up of our group who sadly passed in February 2007, from a hidden photographer and her gaffer! The by phone taking place with Kate’s husband in New Zealand during the walk and I made up a batch of Kate’s recipe home-made Scottish Tablet, which was well enjoyed too. Kate, or Katrina as she was Kate known, was one of the key people adventurous, and very honest, and from the Chilterns 20-30’s group loved sharing all the good things in to start up a weekend walkers life with friends and family. She group in this area back in the mid touched many people in a positive 2000s. She spent her last years in way. We are sure that Kate was New Zealand and Australia with looking down on us, satisfied in her husband Gavin. Kate was a the knowledge that the group she great influence on the group and helped to set up is thriving. well-liked by all who had known Andrew Zelin On Ivinghoe Beacon. Photo: Sumita Shah her. She was bubbly, energetic and Chiltern Weekend Walkers South East Walker March 2016 13 North Bucks donate-a- MK Ramblers gate scheme needed With all the spending cuts, where villagers have formed trailer across a field and then a regular supply of gates, or a rights of way group. Wing lending a hand for most of even timber, from the local already has two parties, a local the day. In Maids Moreton authority is far from secure. business and a village society, another farmer used his JCB The Chiltern Society and interested in participating on consecutive weeks to tow some Ramblers groups have in such a scheme, without our trailer across a really for years operated successful doing any advertising. We boggy field to deliver two donate-a-gate schemes. One also have a local Ramblers gates and supporting timber for North Bucks has been contact who works for CPRE posts along with our tools, mooted before but now it’s and is investigating whether lunch boxes and comfy chairs. a critical need. Since our that organisation might be Doing our bit is enjoyable inception in January 2015 we able to assist. Anyone with and rewarding. Want to help - have installed nine gates and expertise or experience with maybe set up your own group? The group on the Czech-German holiday in October. one kissing gate, all supplied such schemes is asked to make I am based in Hadenham by Buckinghamshire County contact please. and you can contact me at ur AGM took place be an inappropriate word choice Council, as well as fixing up Friendly farmers have lent a [email protected]. on 1 November at leading up to the weekend, as numerous stiles. We are in hand recently with a double Bill Piers The Well, Willen, there had been very little sign of contact with several parish gate and bridge installation North Bucks rRIPPLE O preceded by a five-mile circular its arrival. However it came up councils, Wing in particular, in Whitchurch, towing our Coordinator walk. on us on day one in the form of a As has been the case for many high speed freezing wind blowing years, lack of interest prevailed. down on us as we left Castleton However the 19 members, out on the Limestone Way up past of 279, that did turn up just got the towering cliff of Peveril on with it. Once again there Castle. Two members had to were no takers for the role of turn back before we reached the Chairman, but all the other top of the pass because of the committee positions were filled, cold but the remaining 11 battled by yes, you guessed it, those on to Mam Tor and along the that already held the roles. The Castleton Ridge to Lose Hill. We work of the committee members were extremely lucky in that we goes largely unrecognised, but found a sheltered quarry for our without them the group would morning break and a wood kept cease to exist, as would the full us out of the wind for lunch. programme of walks that they In the afternoon we had rain as Volunteer Derek Holland takes a break in Maids Moreton. Farmer Richard Parrott assists with the installation of two strive to provide. The lack of well as wind, but luckily we had Photo: Bill Piers gates and two sleepers in Whitchurch. Photo: Bill Piers a Chairman makes meetings done most of the hard work and it more difficult and prolonged, was downhill to Hope and on to as members take the role on in Castleton along the river. On the turns in addition to their own. Sunday we set off from Edale and Winter Solstice walk Not something that they signed went up to Kinder via Crowden up for. After the AGM our guest Clough. Once again the winds t was with great pleasure that The reservoirs were built to top lost each time a lock is opened. speaker, John Hood, gave an were strong but we found a I led my traditional Winter up the at the On the day we were walking a amusing and off the cuff talk on sheltered spot on the way up. ISunset Walk on Sunday 20 Tring Summit. The Tringford number of the locks were allowing Thailand. Once we reached the ridge we felt December from Marsworth. Pumping Station is still in use today water through. We learnt that the In early October, some the full force of the wind, but, as It was a level easy walk from and worth a visit when it’s open. water was low at the canal basin at members headed off for a had been the case the previous Startops End, as we set off it The canal builders found that Aylesbury so they were topping it up. Czech/German holiday. It was day, the walk along the ridge was bright and mild and I was natural springs appeared wherever We passed through the pretty a combination of sightseeing had been planned so that it was optimistic that we would get a the base layers of chalk came close village of Wilstone on the return in Prague followed by walking behind us most of the time. From good sunset. to the surface. The largest spring to Marsworth. It was still quite in the rocky sandstone uplands time to time it was necessary to We walked along parts of the they found supplied a stream in light at this point, but by the time straddling the border between play statues to try and prevent Grand Union Canal including the Wendover. In order to use the we had all been served with mulled the German state of Saxony and the wind from blowing us over. Wendover and Aylesbury Arms. We water from this stream to feed the wine and mince pies the sun had Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Although it was not always also skirted the Startops, Tringford canal, the Wendover Arm was built begun to descend in the sky and The national park is an area successful, the heather provided and Wilstone reservoirs, with the to divert its water to the highest before we knew it we were treated of table mountains, natural a soft landing. We managed to many water birds including swans point on the canal as it crossed the to a lovely sunset whilst overlooking arches, crags and deciduous have lunch out of the wind then and Canada geese. The section at Chilterns at Bulbourne near Tring - the Startops Reservoir. forests. A good head for heights we headed towards Ringing Tringford gives surprisingly good the summit level. Julia Drummond was required to fully appreciate Roger. The plan had been to cut views and a ‘big sky’. Over 200,000 litres of water are Aylesbury & District Ramblers the spectacular towering rock across the peat to the trig point formation accessed on ladders and Madwoman’s Stones but a only, but oh the sight viewed change of mind meant we went from the top was worth every straight to Ringing Roger. A rung. wise decision because just as we Also in October we had what approached it we were attacked I believe was our first ‘Bus Pass’ by hailstones. It was a case of walk. The meeting point was finding a rock to hide behind Milton Keynes station from with rucksacks facing into the where the X5 bus took us to wind. As we found out later the Buckingham. Then it was a 12- hailstones were being fired at us mile walk back via Thornton, by the 60-70 mph winds of Storm Beachampton and Upper Weald. Clodagh, which made it feel as if As more of the group are reaching a machine gun was firing them retirement age this could possibly and boy did they sting. Once it become a regular feature. eased we wound our way safely On the last weekend in back down to Edale and the November our annual winter comfort of the Penny Pot café. pilgrimage to the Peak District Guess what! We’ll be back again took place. As with last year our in November. choice was the enchanting village Ian Andrews of Castleton. Winter seemed to Milton Keynes Ramblers Sunset reward. Photo: Marcus Kinch 14 South East Walker March 2016 Area Annual Report he full report for the year also our five London boroughs. ending September 2015 • Our very active Local Footpath SURREY Tis available on the Area Secretaries have regular contact website (www.surreyramblers.org. with county and London uk), the main points being: borough officers to ensure that • The Area managed to increase its obstructions are removed and snippets membership at a slightly higher access to Surrey’s rights of way percentage rate than the national network is maintained. After average but although we gained some years the county council’s many new members we also lost rights of way team has finally The busy weekend started many who didn’t renew. Retention received its new software which with a whole day figure of eight of members is an issue that most will aid the recording of path SABRE’s fifth walk from the village of Elstead Ramblers Areas face. Many of issues and allow progress in their on the Saturday and followed our groups now use social media, resolution to be easier to follow. the route of the very first SABRE Facebook and Twitter, and are Our Local Footpath Secretaries walk. On Sunday there was a finding more new members from are keen to assist the county anniversary these sources than the traditional council in its implementation. choice of shorter morning and methods of leaflets in libraries and Many of our volunteers have urrey and Beyond a weekend of five walks (one afternoon walks and a longer full day walk, all starting from information centres. The Area attended a brief training course to Ramblers (SABRE) being in two parts) which also has a Facebook page (www. become Volunteer Path Wardens Newlands Corner and ending celebrated their fifth attracted more than 90 facebook.com/Surreyramblers) and are able to carry out minor S with celebratory cakes. Thanks anniversary in January with members and newcomers. • David Leedham, our Webmaster, work (vegetation clearance around must go to walk leaders Mark, has revamped the Area website stiles and replacing damaged Eric, Christine and Nigel for and our groups are encouraged waymarks) without obtaining putting on these great walks. to ensure that the details for their prior permission from the county SABRE started as a spin-off own group are kept up to date. council. Surrey Area now carries of the SAWW group, which • The Area has been coordinating out Best Value Performance was age targeted, as an internet- various leader training days Indicators work for Surrey based Ramblers group aimed with our groups as there is a County Council and they are very at all ages and has now grown recognised need for new walks appreciative of all the work that to 228 active members. The leaders throughout the Area. the Area and its volunteers do. group has proved popular with These have been well-attended, • At the AGM in February 2015 both working and non-working and potential volunteers are our Chairman, Lynette Long, people and has twice won the still coming forward. Several said that she would carry on Surrey Area recruitment cup for members attended one of the until the autumn of 2015 and being the fastest growing group national Volunteer Development Barry Holland agreed to become but this year was beaten by just Days in Croydon in June. our Acting Chair until formal one member. • We have been encouraging groups elections at this year’s AGM. Derek Bunn to contact their local borough Roy Battison, Area Treasurer for Surrey and Beyond Ramblers or district Walking for Health several years, stood down and was Nigel Woodhead, SABRE Chairman, cuts the birthday cake. (SABRE) officers to provide links and replaced by Jackie Leedham. hopefully many of those who • Sadly, the Annual Report records attend the local authority walks the deaths of five past and will feel able after a while to walk current holders of positions in slightly further and join one of Surrey, all of whom died within Croydon’s dirty weekend our local groups. a period of a few months: Denis • The group reports show that Holmes a former Area Chair and many are in a healthy and active former Local Footpath Secretary; state. During 2015 the Area was David Sharp, who was our concerned about our Surrey Area Area President, a national Vice- Weekend Walkers group which President, and co-editor of South has had difficulty in finding East Walker; Margaret Sharp, leaders and officers. The group David’s wife who was active in has now ceased operating (see Richmond group; Alan Lewis, a right) and steps have been taken former Area Countryside Officer to transfer members to other and at the time of his death Local groups. Footpath Secretary for Mole • Many of our groups have working Valley; Duncan Lawson, who was parties that assist in clearing our Local Footpath Secretary for vegetation and erecting stiles Kingston. or gates on behalf of the county Graham Butler council’s rights of way team and Acting Area Secretary

Posed for a formal shot outside Tanners Hatch youth hostel. Photo: John Tickner

y friend and organiser A24 and up past Denbies and into and we had a sing song. Roy promised me the woods at Ranmore. It was now The following morning after Mexactly this. As it dark, which is all part of the plan filling up on muesli, etc, we turned out it was a 13-mile ramble to add a little excitement before weedled our way through the through the mud to Tanners arriving at the youth hostel - the woods and fields to Norbury Park, Hatch youth hostel where the woods can be very spooky in the Mickleham Downs and Headley showers (and toilets!) are some 20 dark. Heath where we stopped for lunch yards down the garden path from We lit the log fire before enjoying and then marched over Epsom Undaunted: Engineering works scuppered our ramble programme twice in the main building. a lovely meal of soup, Chicken Downs to Tattenham Corner and one week! Replacement rambles occurred on Wednesday 18 and Saturday 21 Anyway, 15 of us set off from Normandy (like a casserole) with the train home. Everybody chipped November; Dennis West (Hammersmith Fulham & Wandsworth Group) led from Merstham station on Sunday 29 veg followed by a choice of puds in something and our friend Lyn Earlswood to Redhill and Barbara Crow led a Godalming circular. Due to contacts November (sorry, no trains today!), with custard, coffee and mints We carted our food and anything else by email and phone both walks were well supported with nearly 30 on the Wednesday walk. Besides a rail replacement bus, the Saturday journey was further walked up to the café on top of had mulled wine, red wine and we did not want to carry (umpteen disrupted by two broken down trains. As if that wasn’t enough the walkers had Reigate Hill for coffee, carried on chestnuts for roasting - a veritable bottles of wine) by car to a point also to manoeuvre around jeeps on a byway! This photo shows some of the along the North Downs Way on banquet! Jeff then tried to get our about 15 minutes from the hostel. Saturday group looking at Eashing Bridge on their return walk to Godalming. and off to Box Hill, tea break, then brains working with a short quiz, Brilliant! Brenda Horwill Publicity Officer, Kingston Ramblers down to Burford Bridge, under the then I pulled out the old song sheets John Tickner South East Walker March 2016 15 Winter walking – SAWW closes down an everyday experience with fter 12 years, the group organised an extensive restrictions and be open to first Ramblersprogramme of social events, everyone, not just ex-SAWW Farnham Ramblers A group aimed at including darts nights, meals members. people aged between out, cinema, theatre and ten- SABRE was formed in 35 and 55 has been pin bowling. There were 2010 and held its first walk dissolved. holidays at home and abroad, in January 2011. For three The end for Surrey Area a visit to Go-Ape, and rock years, SABRE and SAWW Weekend Walkers (SAWW) climbing at Craggy Island. shared a walks programme, came at the group’s AGM Some members met their but the majority of the walks on 10 October attended by future partner on a SAWW were led by SABRE members only two non-committee walk. and SAWW perhaps lost members, despite 30 Following SAWW’s lead, something of its distinct members having attended a number of other groups identity as a result. the preceding walk. There aimed at people in their 40s As many of the regular were no volunteers for a and 50s were formed around SAWW walk leaders moved new committee and equally the country including the to SABRE, SAWW found it importantly, insufficientChiltern Weekend Walkers, more and more difficult to Farnham Ramblers - ready for the off. Photo: Alan Buttery walk leaders to sustain a Capital Walkers, Herts recruit new leaders. Many isiting ramblers enjoyed - even if some last skies. The longer, seven- walks programme. Weekend Walkers and members work long hours and other guests minute diversions were mile walk on New Year’s Eve SAWW was formed by Hampshire 40+ Walking. and cannot easily find time from across the unavoidable. Best laid led by Mike Desborough, two members of Surrey From the start, SAWW to plan and recce walks. By V south east were a welcome plans and all that ... for example, attracted 23 Under-40s Rambling Group maintained an active website 2014, it seemed likely that feature on almost all And for those undertaking ramblers, with one coming (SURG - now known as and aimed for 100% email the group would have to walks, as Farnham several walks there were from Southsea in search Surrey Young Walkers). contact with members which close. Ramblers kept up its compensations, as ‘horrible, of an organised walk that Dave Ebdon and Gavin was achieved in 2007. This Founder Gavin Dulley proud tradition offering cold, wet days’ were day. But the record this year Dulley argued at Surrey kept costs down and enabled stepped in at the 2014 AGM at least one walk every day matched by other walks was held by the ‘Christmas Area’s 2003 AGM that there the group to move to a and agreed to chair the group as part of the 2015 - 16 under ‘beautiful sunny Celebration’ walk taking should be a group targeted rolling walks programme and to lead a substantial Festival of Winter Walks. skies’. As walk leader Judy in the countryside around at working age people who where walks could be added number of walks - for one With 21 walks of varying Eccles recalls: ‘Our four- Farnham, with 31 ramblers walk primarily at weekends. at relatively short notice. year only. During that year, lengths and demands mile walk around Frensham led by Dave Gibbs on Despite considerable This suited those leaders who the group would need to programmed throughout Manor on Christmas Day, Sunday 20 December, most opposition, the formation of were unable to commit to a recruit more volunteers if it the 19-day period to offer which attracted eight of whom finished up at the a new group was eventually date several months ahead. were to survive. something for all, more ramblers, may have been Lamb pub to enjoy festive agreed and SAWW was born. In 2009, with many In many ways, the final than 270 walkers took the wet and muddy yet for one fayre in Farnham Ramblers’ The inaugural SAWW members at or near the year was a success. The opportunity to blow away visitor from Bracknell every typical convivial style. walk at East Horsley took upper age limit, a poll was group ended the year with any seasonal cobwebs and minute was thoroughly Farnham Chairman Alan place on 7 September 2003 carried out to establish 242 members, there was an enjoy the beautiful villages enjoyable. By contrast, Buttery praised the efforts and was attended by 19 whether or not this limit average attendance of 15 to and outstanding countryside we had a beautifully clear of all the walks leaders, walkers. From then on the should be relaxed. It was 20 on walks, and younger around the Farnham area. day for our walk on New a number of whom had membership and attendance agreed to maintain the age members were recruited. A Despite some unseasonably Year’s Eve, with great views undertaken last-minute grew rapidly until the group limit for SAWW in order to new website was launched heavy rainfall before from the top of Crooksbury recces and re-routed their was able to put on three walks encourage younger people to and a SAWW meetup group and during the festival Hill across to Butser Hill walks to ensure they want each weekend. Membership join. A new group would be formed during the year making for testing walking and ideal conditions for a ahead. ‘This was definitely peaked at 360 in 2008, the formed for those moving on attracted over 700 members. conditions at times, the picnic.’ a case of ‘going the extra majority of members being from SAWW. This group, Sadly though, despite proven resilience of walks Similarly, if inclement mile’ for the group and its new to the Ramblers. Surrey and Beyond Ramblers repeated pleas, new walk leaders and ramblers alike weather dampened numbers members’, he said. In addition to walks, the (SABRE) would have no age leaders have not come ensured that all walks were on some days, others were Graham Noakes forward. Gavin led over completed and thoroughly boosted by warmer, blue Farnham Ramblers 60% of the walks during 2014-15. With no leaders and no volunteers for the committee, dissolution was the only option. SAWW and its sister groups have recruited thousands of new Ramblers members of an age group that has traditionally not been well represented. It is important that this SAWW Chairs - left to right back row: Gavin Dulley, Richard Lovell, momentum is not lost. David Leedham Saved: Members of Godalming & Haslemere group found their route blocked by floods on one of their Dave Lambert, Simon Hughes, Dave Ebdon. Front row: Marianne rambles during the Festival of Winter Walks, writes Philip Watson. The situation was however saved by Fletcher, Jackie Leedham. Not pictured: Clare Spalding. SAWW member 2004-13 a friendly pick-up truck driver who kindly offered to ferry the 12 walkers through the flooded area!

Secretaries are being trialled addition to the Definitive Map and support of an application to add Footpaths and access by David Ross, Local Footpath Statement of a footpath between a new footpath from Tenchley’s Secretary for Waverley NW. two existing Byways Open to All Lane to BW54 Limpsfield. This Big Pathwatch Volunteer Path Wardens Traffic at Mickleham. This was was approved and no objections At 28 December, 1,225 squares I am in discussion with Surrey Elmbridge following an application by the late were received in the review period in Surrey had been completed County Council about the role I spoke at a county council local Alan Lewis when Local Footpath so it’s now officially added to the including all the ‘sample squares’ of Volunteer Path Wardens, the committee meeting in support Secretary for Mole Valley. Definitive Map and Statement. which were needed to achieve majority of whom are Ramblers of an application made in 2012 statistical validity. members. I attended a meeting in to add a Restricted Byway to the Woldingham Forestry Commission January to discuss how cooperation Definitive Map and Statement. Following a public inquiry, an project Best Value Performance between the council and Ramblers A few objectors also spoke and inspector confirmed the addition The project to enable the Indicators volunteers can be further improved. there was clearly confusion about of a long lost path, FP160 Commission to gain a better The November BVPI exercise the difference between public Woldingham. A Croydon understanding of public rights of for Surrey County Council was Countryside Access and private rights of way. After group working party, together way in woodlands was completed completed successfully. Most of Management System more than an hour’s debate, the with county council staff, have in the autumn. About 10 Surrey the 11 newly-trained volunteers It is generally agreed by Ramblers councillors voted to issue the completed substantial clearance members took part and each took part and the increased members who have registered that order for the addition to the map. work. received a letter of thanks from the numbers helped spread the CAMS is very easy to use and It is very likely that there will be head of the Forestry Commission. workload. A total of 244 hours was all path problems should now be objectors to the order. Tandridge spent on the exercise, equivalent to reported this way. A number of Tony Pearson, Local Footpath Rodney Whittaker one person working for more than improvements to make the system Mickleham Secretary for Tandridge gave Area Footpaths 30 days. more useful for Local Footpath An order has been issued for the evidence to a local committee in and Access Officer 16 South East Walker March 2016 Milestones to Millstones by Elaine Steane ome of you may have ecology of the countryside. Each As with my other books, already walked the walk is accompanied by Ordnance Milestones to Millstones is S234 miles around the Survey maps with the route richly illustrated with drawings Oxfordshire boundary on the marked in red. The 17 walks also of the mills and also of flowers Seven Shires Way or marched give details of access by public such as Jack-go-to-bed-at-noon, along Akeman Street on the transport and of places to stop for archaeological treasures such Roman Way. Now my latest refreshments. as the Hanney brooch, ‘Green book is a chance to make The walks explore some of the Men, and a woodwose. As a circular walks visiting 23 mills lesser-known footpaths, but each daughter of a cartographer, I have in the Oxford region. route has been carefully cheked a particular interest in geography Ardington Watermill. Mills have always been a focal for clear directions so there is little and the book is full of fascinating Many of the mills visited now Chairman and Membership point in the landscape, having chance of missing your way. information about the influence of have been lovingly restored by Secretary of Oxford City group. been an essential part of village Information is given about the geography and geology on village knowledgeable enthusiasts, who, It has been the friendship, life. With fellow Ramblers, I was history of mills with the difference development. on open days, will explain the enjoyment of open spaces and the attracted by the airy panoramas between undershot, breastshot I admit to having an ‘eye’ workings of the mills as the flour general merriment gained from surrounding the windmills, with and overshot wheels explained. for quirky architectural detail flows down the shutes. My book being a Ramblers member that has the contrast of the peace of the The development of post mills to en route, such as the engraved gives details of opening hours. made creating these walks such a riverside walks to watermills. tower mills, smock mills and now slate by Great Bedwyn post The routes not only take you rewarding project. Oxfordshire’s only steam mill at the popularity of the Archimedes office in Wiltshire showing a through beautiful countryside; Milestones to Millstones - Combe and the busy Wessex roller Screw to generate green electricity stonemason’s costs to repair a the wealth of detail and carefully Mill Walks in Oxfordshire and mill in Wantage, producing flour is described. Part of the charm religious monument including observed and researched Beyond by Elaine Steane, ISBN from local sources, are included. of the book is the inclusion of items such as ‘Corrected the Ten information in the book enriches 978-1-909116-58-0, available The walks average 10 miles but milling-related idioms such as Commandments - 110 shillings, the experience for the walker, from the author, local bookshops have plenty of access points to ‘Keep your nose to the grindstone’. ‘Embellished Pontius Pilate and creating a special day out. or Amazon, price £9.99 plus make shorter walks, with detailed ‘Having a millstone around your put new ribbon in his bonnet - 20 I have been a member of the post and packing. www. information about the history and neck’ and ‘Show your metal’! shillings’. Ramblers since 1983 and I’m milestonestomillstones.co.uk.

Elaine Steane. Chinnor Windmill. Stadhampton Watermill. Great Haseley Windmill.

Until Saturday 2 July: Historic views of Bucks Group is holding another course for those wishing to learn A display of views drawn mainly from Bucks Archaeological how to use a map and compass and others who wish to Diary Dates Society’s collection. improve their skills. It will be held at the Grasshopper on Bucks County Museum, Aylesbury the Green, Westerham, starting at 10am. Charge £3. To 01296 331441, www.buckscountymuseum.org register please contact Chris Baker on 01322 341722 or Until Saturday 5 March: Gateway to the Gods [email protected] by Thursday 24 March. Exhibition about the ancient temple site at Marcham, near Tuesday 1 - Saturday 19 March: Two Commons Abingdon, with artefacts discovered during recent digs. Two local photographers have recorded the impact of man Saturdays 16 or 23 April: Explore with map and Vale & Downland Museum, Wantage, Oxfordshire and nature on Thursley and Rodborough Commons over compass course 01235 771447, www.wantage-museum.com several years. An opportunity for beginners and those with little Godalming Museum, Surrey experience to gain confidence and experience in map Until Sunday 20 March: British Wildlife Photography 01483 426510, www.godalmingmuseum.org.uk. reading and land navigation, consisting mainly of fieldwork Awards in the countryside around Battle, East Sussex. 10am - 4pm. Images from the 2015 competition cover marine life, urban Saturday 2 April - Saturday 23 April: The Rise and Fall Standard charge £10, reduced rates available. A further wildlife, the botanical world and animal behaviour. of the English Switzerland course plus a more advanced one will be arranged in 2016 Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton This exhibition shows how from about 1880 to 1910 if there is sufficient demand. Contact John Harmer on 01582 548600, www.lutonculture.com Hindhead flourished as a lively Bohemian retreat, known 01424 773998 or email [email protected], for its healthy air as the ‘English Switzerland’. stating which date you prefer. Until Sunday 10 April: Wildlife Photographer of the Haslemere Educational Museum, Surrey Year 2015-16 1428 642112, www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk Sunday 24 April: Perivale Wood annual open day Images feature animals and landscapes from around the A chance to visit this 27-acre area of ancient oak woodland world. Admission charge. Monday 4 April - Friday 3 June: Feeding London: The beside the Grand Union Canal in west London, owned and Natural History Museum, London SW7 Forgotten Market Gardens managed by the Selborne Society Ltd as the Gilbert White 020 7942 5000, www.nhm.ac.uk Exhibition celebrating the history of market gardening in Memorial. 10am - 4pm. Refreshments. south west London curated by a Heritage Lottery funded Enquiries by email to [email protected]. Until Sunday 8 May: John Constable: Observing the project of the Environment Trust. weather Guildhall Library, London EC2. Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 May: National Mills Weekend The artist’s fascination with weather and its ability to 020 7332 1868, www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhalllibrary. Annual festival providing opportunities to visit wind and change the landscape is examined in this exhibition. water mills, many of which are not normally open to the The Lightbox, Woking, Surrey Saturday 9 April: Map and compass awareness course public. This year’s theme is ‘vintage power’. 01483 737800, www.thelightbox.org.uk Following the success of previous years, North West Kent www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk.