S O U T H E A S T No.85 March 2014

Footpathwalker campaigner Margaret Bowdery MBE retires after 43 years embers of Maidenhead- ‘Adopt a Footpath’ scheme in the duties to fellow-member Phil based East Berkshire 1960s and in 1967 she helped the Smith. She remains however as MRamblers paid tribute former Berkshire County Council Honorary Life President of the at their AGM on 15 November to update their Definitive Map. Then, group. Margaret has been presented Margaret Bowdery, who is well- on 30 June 1970, following her with a signed card from members, a known across Berkshire Area own initiative, the first meeting of framed certificate of good service and nationally for her tenacious what was to become East Berkshire and - at her own request - a bird Rt Hon Theresa May MP with Margaret at the official opening of the ‘Bowdery Arch’ involvement in countless footpath Ramblers group was held. table and a cheque to spend on her on 17 June 2005. Photo: Dave Ramm campaigns and access issues. Since that date - and until her garden where, she says, she hopes continue to enjoy the long-lasting and coach walks were especially Margaret well remembers that on recent retirement - Margaret has to spend more time but ‘with fewer friendships from our earliest task rewarding as well as indoor social first coming to live in Maidenhead, been the group’s Footpath Secretary problems!’ force days. I am profoundly grateful events. I am deeply grateful for and with a love of walking, she and through numerous campaigns In a letter thanking the group to all members, especially committee everyone for making the East Berks didn’t know where to go for a walk and successes has become one of the Margaret writes: ‘When I offered members past and present, who have Group so successful.’ as there were no signposts or visible country’s most respected champions to adopt a single path chain from given me such wonderful support Gerald Barnett paths on the ground. Paths which of rights of way. Maidenhead to Henley all those and encouragement over the years. East Berks Group Secretary could be found were mostly badly Within East Berks Group, years ago, little did I realise where Particularly important was the and David Bailey East Berks overgrown. Margaret’s response was Margaret is pleased to be able to that would lead. I can look back on introduction of the social side of Group Chairman to sign up to the Ramblers national hand over her Footpath Secretary so many happy memories and still the group. The group holidays Continued on page 2 Walking with our MP taines Ramblers were delighted to be They were blessed with a beautifully sunny national issues facing the walking community. joined by Kwasi Kwarteng, the MP for late autumn morning and the walk provided This was initially in response to a request from SSpelthorne, on one of their scheduled an excellent opportunity in an informal setting Central Office for each group to consider Saturday walks. for an exchange of views on current local and contacting their local MP. The underlying purpose behind this request is to ensure that our representatives in government (and opposition) recognise and understand the issues facing the Ramblers, such as the aim of joining up coastal paths and protection of existing rights of way, particularly when forestry land is being sold off. The walkers on that day had a chance to get to know their local MP and discuss issues with him whilst exploring some of the lovely paths around our area. They were impressed by Kwasi’s enthusiasm for Spelthorne and his Project evident enjoyment of the walk and hope he will find time to walk with them again. He generously offered to talk to a representative launch from the Ramblers Central Office in order to discuss key issues more fully. This message was n our centre spread duly passed on and a meeting is to be arranged. you can read about As a ‘thank you’ to Kwasi, Ramblers HQ Othe project to get sent him a specially created card resembling the London walking, launched cover of an OS map with a picture of the group by the Ramblers Greater taken on that day. A photographer from one London Forum. of the local Staines papers was present at the We’ve stated our case in the beginning of the walk to record the event and brochure above, produced by the short item which appeared subsequently the Forum’s steering group. It’s meant further publicity for the Staines now going out to TfL, local Ramblers. authorities and other interested Kwasi with some of the Staines Ramblers Photo courtesy Staines Informer bodies, to gain their support. 2 South East Walker Continued from page 1 of a life-threatening crossing of the time in which to do them. That the A404 itself. That tunnel - the will remain a perpetual mystery! Margaret has worked closely ‘Bowdery Arch’ - and Margaret’s Margaret lists amongst her with staff at Ramblers’ Central other achievements, bridges, proudest moments: Office on many campaigns over the towpaths and new path links, • the opening of Temple Bridge years. In particular Janet Davis and gates in place of stiles and so on, over the Thames in 1972 - the Eugene Suggett, both Senior Policy represent very real improvements ferry had stopped operating there Officers. to the path network, which will be in the 1950s. Ramblers donated Janet Davis writes: there for everyone to use for years £9,100 to the cost of the bridge. Margaret was an established figure to come. They are a brilliant legacy • the opening up of access to Sashes at the Ramblers when I started work and I am very grateful for having Island at Cookham, inaccessible for the organisation almost 30 years had the opportunity to work with since the ferry there closed in ago. What became apparent from Margaret as she fought for those 1956. Access over the new weir my earliest encounters with her was improvements. bridge was granted in 1991. that the title Footpath Secretary Eugene Suggett writes: • the visit by David Maclean, didn’t do justice to the work she It was 27 years ago, when I joined then Minister of State for the was doing for us. Margaret was a the Ramblers staff, that I first Environment and Countryside campaigner who would investigate encountered Margaret. She was in 1993 to see the many every possible means of achieving already a legendary figure by then, achievements of the group, which changes to the rights of way with a long-established reputation included the opening of the first network which would benefit the as a defender of public rights of way, disabled access kissing gate in the walking public - she would speak to and a campaigner for a better deal for Royal Borough of Windsor and councillors and to council officers, walkers. To work with Margaret has Maidenhead. and to landowners, she wrote letters been a delight, and an inspiration: • the opening of the towpath under and she carried out research - no whether it was her tenacious pursuit Cookham Bridge in 2007, thus stone was left unturned. I visited of councils in their dealing with avoiding crossing a busy road and her house on one occasion and obstructed paths, or her claiming two flights of steps. Campaigning was shown her Ramblers ‘office’ of public rights of way for them for this started in 1988. which I think had more paper in to be added to the definitive map, • champagne celebrations with it than I had around my desk at or her collaborative practical work Theresa May MP in 2005 on the Central Office, and in more than in the provision of user-friendly opening of what is now known as one instance it was apparent from a gates. Margaret’s energy seemed the ‘Bowdery Archway’ - a tunnel conversation with her that she had (and still seems) boundless. The under the busy A404 at Bisham. Margaret with David Bailey, East Berks Ramblers Chairman, next to the bird table in been working on a case into the vast amount of work and effort Persistence over eight years, with early hours of the morning. The list her garden which she says is already giving enormous pleasure to her and husband Margaret had contributed on the active support of Theresa Bernard. of her achievements is prodigious behalf of the public in general, and May, finally resulted in success at to kick-start the project this for those involved in work in and shows that persistence is often the nation’s increasing number of a public inquiry. new link for the Thames Path rural communities. the most vital ingredient when it walkers in particular, is something • persuading Royal Borough National Trail was completed in Unfortunately Margaret is comes to footpath work. This is for which very many people have of Windsor and Maidenhead 2007. retiring before a successful end to illustrated very well by the saga good reason to be grateful and glad. Council to fulfil their duty and • accepting an MBE for services another campaign with which she of the tunnel under the A404 After about 10 years of working provide a new footpath link to rambling from the Prince of has been involved for many years when eight years of campaigning, with Margaret, I just about stopped across the Public Landing Steps Wales in November 2006. - the missing link in the Thames including representations to the being astonished by the number of upstream of Maidenhead Bridge, • meeting Her Majesty the Queen Path National Trail at Bridge Secretary of State, and a three day challenges she seemed prepared to avoiding three road crossings. and His Royal Highness The Gardens, Maidenhead. She is public inquiry, eventually led to take on, and the number of things Campaigning for this started Duke of Edinburgh at a reception however, hopeful that a satisfactory the diversion of a footpath through she did. But I have never ceased to in 1998, and after East Berks given at Windsor Castle in 2010 route will be negotiated. a tunnel under the road, in place be bewildered about how she found Ramblers donation of £10,000 Tea at the station alkers gathered at Ridgmont railway station last October for one of the walks on the programme of the Bedfordshire WWalking Festival, a day which happily coincided with the opening of a tea room in one of the Victorian station buildings. The tea room and adjacent heritage centre result from a joint restoration project between the Marston Vale Rail Partnership and the Bedford to Bletchley Rail Users’ Group. The tea room is open all year - for opening times call 01525 287120.

Kenwood - a popular spot for strollers in north London Kenwood House restored fter several months closure During the closure the roof English Heritage has also given during which much of the was repaired and eight rooms the house more the feel of a home Abuilding was covered with redecorated to show as accurately as by dispensing with ticket desks and scaffolding, Kenwood House possible the original interior scheme rope barriers. Kenwood House is in north London reopened to designed and intended by Robert open free of charge to visitors daily. visitors in November. Adam. Photo: Barry Ingram South East Walker 3 S O U T H E A S T Ramblers Greater London Forum Waterside walker Thames estuary Distributed quarterly to members walks of the Ramblers in Bedfordshire, ssex Area Council was Inner London Area’s popular Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton kind enough to agree to Waterway Walks return for the Keynes and West Middlesex, Inner fund me to attend the summer, again led by Mike Biggs London, Kent, Oxfordshire and E who will point out places of interest Surrey Areas and to members of the annual forum of the Thames along the way. All walks are on Havering & East London, Lea Valley Estuary Partnership on 7 Wednesday evenings, start at 18.45 Friends, Redbridge and West Essex November. This was held at the and take about two to two and a half groups. hours. Any queries to mikebiggs11@ Royal Geographical Society in sky.com. THE RAMBLERS London and attended by about • 14 May: Brentford to Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford 200 delegates representing all Hammersmith - meet Brentford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, kinds of firms with an interest station (trains from Waterloo) for London SE1 7TW. a five mile walk along the Grand Tel: 020 7339 8500 in the Thames from dredging Union Canal and south bank of Fax: 020 7339 8501 companies to fishermen. and the Thames. Email: [email protected] Web: www.ramblers.org.uk bodies like the English Heritage • 28 May: Hackney Wick to Angel Company registration no: and the Zoological Society. The - meet Hackney Wick station 4458492 framework was 10 presentations (London Overground) for a four Registered charity no: 1093577 mile walk exploring Victoria interspersed with question and Our five-day walk Park then continuing along EDITORIAL answer sessions. the Regent’s Canal to Islington Tunnel. Editors: Les Douglas and The keynote speech was In March we are taking the first of two five-day circuits to explore some of the David Sharp delivered by Professor Chris walks on our proposed Extended London Network, including the Celandine Route • 11 June: Blackheath to Canary Email: [email protected] seen above on day two. For details see page four. Wharf - meet Blackheath station Address: Les Douglas, Rapley, head of climate science (trains from London Bridge) 8 Faircroft, 37 St Andrews Grove, at University College London is presently quite healthy; river considerable effort has been made for a five mile walk exploring London N16 5NJ (UCL is the academic sponsor of Greenwich Park, then through Tel: 020 8809 2338 traffic has increased and the water to transfer endangered species and the Thames Estuary Partnership) the foot tunnel to reach Canary (preferably evenings) is cleaner. The movement of compensate for loss of habitats. Wharf via the River Thames and and Britain’s top climate change ballast by barge increased by 50% Southend council representatives one of the West India Docks. DESIGN AND PRINT expert. He explained that there Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 over the last year and will continue emphasised how important the • 25 June: Erith to Crayford - meet was now international scientific Erith station (trains from London growing as material is transferred clean-up of the water and thus the Opinions expressed by contributors agreement that there was only a Bridge) for a five mile walk along to Wallasea Island in Essex from beaches was for the £350 million the Thames, Darent and Cray. are are not specifically endorsed by 5% chance that climate change the tunnelling associated with spent by visitors to the town each The Ramblers. was not an established fact. He There will then be a five week break ISSN 1747-4140 Crossrail and the Thames Tideway year and DEFRA explained how, with walks continuing as below: C 2014 The Ramblers. demonstrated the short to long- and Lee tunnels. in consultation with Sustrans, it • 30 July: West Drayton to Southall All rights reserved. term effects that would be faced by One presentation demonstrated was developing the coastal path in - meet West Drayton station people living in the Thames basin (trains from Paddington) for a six Copy Date: For issue No. 86 how the London Gateway (the the area. mile walk along the Grand Union is 12th April - 750,000 households are currently new deep-water container port on There is considerable work Canal. at risk. the north bank of the Thames in going on which has an impact Subsequent speakers like those • 13 August: Warwick Avenue Thurrock), which received its first on walking on both sides of the to Harlesden - meet Warwick from the Environment Agency cargo on the day of the forum, had estuary and is something which Avenue station (Bakerloo Line) and the Port of London Authority for a four mile walk along the transformed, not only the riverside, Essex and Kent Areas might like described what they were doing Paddington Canal. but the junctions around the A13 to be more directly involved in. to increase flood defences and • 27 August: Tower Hill to and added railway lines. Like the Len Banister Rotherhithe - meet Tower Hill reducing, by increased river proposals for the sewage tunnels, Chair, Ramblers Greater station - London Wall exit (Circle transport, the CO2 produced. much consideration has been given London Forum and District Lines) for a four mile The future of the estuary itself walk along the south bank of the to the natural environment and [email protected] Thames to historic Rotherhithe.

Livingstone explored the local countryside when resident here To Africa via Ongar plaque on this row of cottages fronting the A leaflet describing a David Livingstone Walk United Reform church in Chipping Ongar from Chipping Ongar to Stanford Rivers and back, Acommemorates the room occupied for about published by Ongar and Stanford Rivers parish 15 months by explorer and missionary David councils with assistance from West Essex Ramblers is Livingstone before departing for Africa in 1840. available locally. Livingstone trained for his missionary work in An exhibition on Livingstone, part of the 200th Chipping Ongar under the eye of the Rev Richard anniversary of his birth events, continues until 22 Cecil and on one occasion was called to take a service March at the Brunei Gallery of University of London’s at nearby Stanford Rivers where he is said to have School of Oriental and African Studies. It is open forgotten his words. He is also said to have walked Tuesdays to Saturdays until 22 March, free admission. many of the local footpaths during his stay and to have Details: www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/livingstone/, 020 7898 even walked to London and back to visit a sick friend. 4046. 4 South East Walker INNER LONDON insights Enthusiasm renewed at AGM outh Bank Group’s AGM We are really pleased that we members, and numbers hold up well was held on 23 November continue to get new and enthusiastic (currently 622), we continue to need Sand, as in previous years, people involved in the work of the to work on this. the meeting was preceded by a group. The key posts of Walks During the year a good step was Some of the group are seen on the edge of a ‘footpath’ looking more like a walk and then lunch. Organiser and Web Manager are taken to encourage people to receive waterway. Photo: Arthur Moore Some 42 members came, and now newly filled by Ann Constable their walks programmes by email. apart from enjoying the home- and David Hetherington while 50% of members have agreed to this made soup and chocolate brownies, Dudley Cloake continues to steer and this has saved a lot of postage participated in discussing how us as Chair. Speaking at the AGM costs. The group is looking forward In deep water we could update and improve our Dudley thanked in particular our to another active year and hoping communications with members. walks leaders, for without them to recruit new members as well as group of Hammersmith had to be revised in favour of Various ideas are now being taken there would be no walks! He also continuing to produce excellent Fulham & Wandsworth higher ground as the path was up by the new committee, which commented that although we are varied programmes of walks. ARamblers set off by train totally submerged by the flooded was voted in at the meeting. a lively group which attracts new John Pestle from Paddington on Saturday river. 11 January for a leisurely walk It might have been very wet around Cookham in Berkshire. underfoot but it was a bright clear The planned walk along the sunny day, perfect for a winter Thames from Cookham church, walk, with Wellington boots. along the edge of Cock Marsh George Fletcher This was the scene from the old stone bridge, now pedestrian, in Cookham. The road beyond the old bridge is deep under water and is located where the 30mph sign is visible. Photo: Arthur Moore

South Bank Group’s new committee. Photo: John Pestle Exploring London’s green walks with the Ramblers Greater London Forum n March we have planned minutes later. (The walks in bold form part of our proposed network) a series of five linked walks We will be walking at a steady Iwhich cover a 50 mile pace to cover the distances, Monday 10 March Ealing Broadway Station to Ickenham Station 10 miles. Walk via Dormer’s Wells, circuit of some of the best walks given the shorter daylight hours. Hillingdon Trail. Meeting Point: Ealing Broadway Station ZONE 3 at 10.30 (Mainline in the north west and northern We will have refreshment stops trains/District/Central tubes) Finish: Ickenham Stn ZONE 6 (Piccadilly/Metropolitan parts of Greater London. for drinks where facilities are tubes) Each day we will be highlighting available, but please bring lunch Tuesday 11 March Ickenham Station to Stanmore Station 10.4 miles. Walk via Celandine Route, Pinner, some of the named walks which with you to avoid long waits for Middlesex Greenway. Meeting Point: Ickenham Stn ZONE 6 at 10.30 (Piccadilly/ form part of the network we meals. Metropolitan tubes). Finish: Stanmore Station ZONE 5 (Jubilee tube) are promoting with the aim of Not everyone will want to seeing them brought up to a high complete the whole walk and as Wednesday 12 March Stanmore Station to Finchley Central 10 miles. Walk via Middlesex Greenway, Exploring standard and then promoted to we are deep within London there Totteridge Manor and Dollis Valley Greenway. Meeting Point: Stanmore Station ZONE 5 (Jubilee) at 10.30. Finish: Finchley Central ZONE 4 (Northern) Londoners (see centre spread). will be places where you can easily We believe you will be surprised break off and take train, tube or Thursday 13 March Finchley Central Station to Marylebone Station 10.5 miles. Walk via Dollis Valley to discover just how attractive bus home, especially at lunch Greenway, Hampstead Heath Link, London North City Walk and Regents Park. these London walks can be. time, but please let the leader Meeting Point: Finchley Central ZONE 4 (Northern) at 10.30. Finish: Marylebone You are invited to join one or know if you are leaving the party. Station ZONE 1 come on all five walks. The start For further information contact Friday 14 March Marylebone Station to Ealing Broadway 10 miles. Walk via Hyde Park, Kensington times should allow most walkers Graham Butler on 01424 845052 Gardens (Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk), Holland Park, Hammersmith, from around London to make or email: [email protected] On Thames Path, Kew Bridge, Gunnersbury Park, Ealing Common. Meeting Point: the starting points in time. We the days of the walks the leader Marylebone Station ZONE 1 at 10.30 (mainline trains/Bakerloo/Circle & District at Baker will delay the start of the walk if a can be contacted on 07702- Street). Finish: Ealing Broadway Station ZONE 3 (mainline trains/District/Central tubes) train or tube is due to arrive a few 121433. South East Walker 5 Kent calling Path clearing pilot scheme launched he county council’s Public Rights of Way make a huge difference to the state of the paths. and Access Service recently started a pilot My husband and I have been clearing paths with The group make a stop on the Mani peninsula. Photo: Frank Hughes Tscheme for path clearing with Maidstone the advance knowledge of the county council for and White Cliffs groups. some time. We select overgrown paths discovered Those interested attended a meeting in Brabourne whilst out walking and have found the work fun to and were given a short induction course in the safe do. Walking use of hand tools. Both groups have been issued It doesn’t take long to see an enormous improvement with bow saws, loppers, bill hooks and slashers and and it is lovely to know that other walkers will maps highlighting paths designated for clearing by enjoy the benefit of our work. Last summer the volunteers. county council phoned to ask if we could clear two If the trial is successful it could be extended to impassable footbridges on Romney Marsh, reported in Greece wenty members of Fermor went to The King’s School other Ramblers groups in Kent in the future. This by another Ramblers group. Canterbury group visited in Canterbury from where he was could be of great benefit to the Ramblers by raising Although we live some distance away we agreed to the Mani peninsula in famously expelled for holding public awareness of our organisation and we could go. It was a lovely sunny day and the air was filled T Greece in the autumn of 2013 for hands with a local greengrocer’s with hundreds of tortoiseshell butterflies feeding on a holiday organised by myself and daughter. When only 19 he walked purple thistle heads. We had never seen so many and Alan Clewer. from London to Istanbul and were delighted. What a reward! The holiday was made possible later wrote of his experiences in ‘A Averil Brice after EasyJet began scheduled flights Time of Gifts’ and ‘Between the Secretary, White Cliffs Ramblers last year to the Messinian capital of Woods and the Water’, both still in Kalamata which is only a one-hour print. During the Second World coach ride to delightful Kardamyli war he was a resistance leader on where we stayed in village rooms Crete. The 1957 film ‘Ill Met by and spent a week walking in the Moonlight’, starring Dirk Bogarde Toyotas mountains. as Fermor, tells how he captured the The terrain was testing but we German in charge of the island and took things slowly, which was shepherded him across mountains just as well as everyone wanted to to a waiting British vessel. Fermor, admire the views of the mountains, who died in 2011, also wrote gorges and seascapes. We started ‘Mani’, which tells of his and his out at 8am so as to do most of the wife Joan’s travels in the wild and hard work before the hottest part rugged peninsula before tourists of the day which was reserved for came. Canterbury resident Artemis swimming and snorkelling in the Cooper, the wife of historian blue sea. One walk took us to the Anthony Beevor, recently published ancient Mani capital of Areopoli Fermor’s biography and also helped where Mavromichaelis started publish ‘The Broken Road’ which the revolution that led to Greek tells of the last section of his trans- before... independence from the Turks. European walk which he never got From there it was a short walk to the around to writing. We also visited ... and after Photos: Averil Brice Diros caves where we were punted the village of Exohori, where the along caves encrusted with beautiful ashes of writer Bruce Chatwin were stalagmites and stalactites. scattered. Chatwin fell in love with Another of our walks took us past Mani after meeting Fermor. the former home of classic travel This was not just a walking writer Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor. holiday! There was a local link here as Frank Hughes 50th anniversary celebrated orth West Kent and Chairman of the Ramblers. Group, which draws Pub lunches are a popular Nits membership from feature of the group’s rambles the London boroughs of Bexley and, naturally, we visited some of and Bromley, celebrated its 50th our favourite hostelries during the anniversary on Sunday 8 September week-long walking festival which 2013 with a lunch at the Bromley followed the anniversary lunch. Court Hotel. For more information on the We were delighted to welcome group, including our walks, check Brian Reader who, as a founding our website at www.nwkramblers. member of the group, was at the btck.co.uk. inaugural meeting in Lewisham Stuart Booth town hall on 19 July 1963. Brian Chairman, North West Kent At the anniversary lunch on 8 September: long-standing group member Stephen Roberts, founder member Brian Reader and later went on to become a trustee Group Stuart Booth, group Chairman. Photo: Jack Yan 6 South East Walker BUCKS briefs News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex Path user groups meet council The moment of no return - West London members contemplate the ascent of Pen-y- n January path-user and Cyclists’ Touring Club were that. Because of the reduction in Ghent. Photo: Margaret Lydamore representatives met Bucks present. budget, the summer clearances will ICounty Councillors to The BHS presented a report be cut. Some money will be given express their concerns about the which showed that recreational to parish councils to do path work Walking with threat to the county council’s horse-riding brings £57 million but this will of course be patchy. rights-of-way budget and the a year to the county’s economy, We were told the team will focus transfer of part of the team thus illustrating the value of the on enforcement so we hope to see to Ringway Jacobs, and to bridleway network. notices served on landowners who West London emphasise the importance of the We were pleased that Janet Blake, fail to follow the law. est London group route that involved stepping into public-path network (see ‘Back cabinet member for planning and We shall keep a close watch on members enjoyed space on nothing but a wing and a to bandit country in Bucks?’, transportation, recognised that the council and will make a fuss if holidays in two December 2013). the council must carry out its standards drop. W prayer. After the descent, a flower contrasting walking areas last The Ramblers, British Horse legal responsibilities on rights of Kate Ashbrook festival with tea and cake in Horton year. In April, we had a short Society (BHS), Chiltern Society way, we shall hold the council to Area Footpath Secretary church helped us recover. Another break in Moreton-in-Marsh, an splendid day was spent walking excellent centre for exploring the from Haworth to Top Withens, northern Cotswolds and served reputedly the scene of Emily Bronte’s Colin Kennedy receives his by good public transport. farmhouse Wuthering Heights. As Buses took us to our starting well as the Bronte parsonage and 1,000th walk certificate points, and enabled us to walk museum, on this occasion housing the Monarch’s Way from Moreton t the recent AGM of up each week; he even took on the proud of him, Rosemary Weston a rather strange exhibition which through Blockley with its former silk Wycombe Ramblers, and cloak of Chairman for 15 long and and John Esslemont before him. seemed to have little to do with the mills to Chipping Campden, along with typical modesty, Colin dedicated years. So we should be Angela Shipley Brontes, Haworth also boasts many A the Cotswold Way from Broadway Kennedy made an acceptance excellent tea shops. Some of us also to Stanton and the Windrush Way speech thanking his mother, visited Saltaire, where the Victorian between Bourton-on-the-Water grandmother, and relatives long philanthropist Titus Salt founded a and the Slaughters. There seem to forgotten and bravely managed to mill and village for his workers on be more long distance trails in this avoid an outbreak of tears which the River Aire, and which is now part of England than you can shake come with such high achievement. a boot at, and all link attractive a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But, (I was taught never to picture-postcard villages, cosy pubs The mill, now an exhibition centre, start a sentence with ‘But’, but it and the most beautiful landscapes. has a strong connection with David seems fitting here!) aren’t we all October saw us back in Skipton, Hockney, and houses several of his covertly envious of his being only another very good centre, from works. the third person to take this prize which we were nearly washed away Every holiday should offer and it should therefore not be beautiful and varied walking, underestimated. Since 1992 (21 two years ago. We were luckier this reliable transport, good pubs and years to save your math) when Colin time, and had excellent walking tea shops, and a bit of culture. The joined the Ramblers and began every day, again making use of Cotswolds and the Yorkshire Dales amassing this considerable total, he good public transport. One of have them all. has faced wind and weather and all the highlights was the ascent - by manner of human kind that turn a representative party - of Pen-y- Margaret Lydamore Colin celebrates after his 1,000th walk with the group. Ghent by a somewhat precipitous West London Group Leaders’ lunch he Chiltern Weekend the pre-lunch walk. No chance of midweek walks to our programme Walkers’ group has again getting lost with all those leaders! as well as leading many interesting Thad a very successful On getting back to Lane End there and innovative walks. year and much of this is due to was a warm welcome awaiting us * Andrew Zelin, one of our the many volunteers who come in the village hall with an excellent former members, has been a regular forward to lead walks. three course lunch prepared for us contributor to our walk programme The group organises its walk by Iain Thompson. The soup had and is helping us get fitter by programme in a different way to to be Scotch Broth, followed by putting on the Yorkshire 3 peak many groups. The planning is lasagne and a choice of desserts. challenge again. done using Google Calendar and All good walking food and with a * Alan Shiell, who continues to members can see when gaps occur vegetarian option too. lead for us. and, sometimes at quite short The committee wanted to * Jon Hilton, who has encouraged notice, add a last minute walk in highlight some of the outstanding others to lead walks and organised time for the Chairperson’s weekly contributions made by a number of unusual walks as well as hosted email update. individuals over the past year. camping and social events. In order to thank all members who * Sandra Rooney, who has led 19 Anne Mograby, group have led walks during the year, we walks during the year and at a swift Chairperson for the second year, held a walk and lunch on a Sunday pace now known within the group was thanked by many walk leaders Thanked: Leaders Andrew Zelin, Alan Shiell and Jon Hilton. Photo: Anne Mograby in November. 36 people gathered as the ‘Sandra pace’. for organising such a memorable and we all left feeling well fed and Lawrence Jones/Anne Mograby in Lane End, Buckinghamshire, for * Mark Percy, who has introduced event. A good time was had by all much appreciated. Chiltern Weekend Walkers South East Walker 7 Extra awards at Aylesbury AGM ylesbury Ramblers have Another important factor, which introduced two additional has become a key factor of the Aawards in recognition of Thursday walks, is the location of a some extraordinary achievements suitable pub that can accommodate of members during the past year. 20 - 30 ramblers, serve drinks Roy Johnson was awarded the quickly, and provide good lunch ‘Best Group Member’ award of time food at reasonable prices. John 2013, and presented with a glass Taylor has aptly demonstrated, on trophy, in recognition of his work numerous occasions, his ability in establishing the Outer Aylesbury to sniff out such places. For his Ring. This does not detract from much appreciated efforts John the efforts of others in raising was awarded the ‘Best Pub Picker’ funds, preparing publicity and trophy, being a ceramic model of The old and new London blend in east London. fitting waymarks etc, but without five figures active with their jugs Roy’s vision and persistence the of ale. It has become essential for implementation and inauguration the Thursday walk leaders to find John Taylor with his ‘Best Pub Picker’ ‘I can’t believe of the route may never have a suitable lunch venue which could Trophy. Photo: Aylesbury Ramblers materialised. see a challenge for the trophy in 2014. The Thursday walks are very I’m in London’ well supported, having upwards of he above comment was opportunity to visit new areas 28 ramblers and sometimes over made by a Spanish and take time to explore places 30. This may be down to the ‘baby Ttourist who joined us for of interest along the way gave boomers’ swelling our ranks from a day’s walking after finding this walk its unique appeal. recent retirees, but in any event our details on the web. Camaraderie grew as we sampled they will be introduced to the He had not appreciated the Lebanese coffee shops, German Outer Aylesbury Ring and the best number of rivers, parks and green delis and Thai restaurants and pubs in the area. spaces in London which we take these stops soon became a regular We have our core regular for granted and are all part of the feature of the walk. So, how do ramblers on the Tuesday and Capital Ring. Neither had he we follow this? Sunday walks but during 2014 we expected a coffee stop or organised The Evening Standard recently aim to encourage new walkers on lunch. ‘Londoners are so lucky to ran an article on riverside these days as part of a recruitment be able to walk in their city and developments in London ... ‘The drive for new members. This will listen to birdsong and imagine Thames Path has been named be the main challenge for 2014. that they are in the countryside’ Europe’s most spectacular city Peter Spinks was his comment as we walked walk - only beaten worldwide by Roy Johnson leading the Aylesbury Ramblers along the Outer Aylesbury Ring. Aylesbury Ramblers along the Lea Navigation toward a forest trail in Rio’ ... And so. Photo: Aylesbury Ramblers the Olympic site. we are commencing the Thames He saw the old and the new Path, walking from the Barrier London and was amazed at how to the source, visiting many they blend together. Sometimes places of interest along the way a stranger’s comments remind and sampling a wide variety of us how fortunate we are. coffee shops and eateries within Hillingdon Ramblers completed the Greater London boundaries. the Capital Ring in 2013, and Walks will be around five to eight were often joined by members miles but will increase in length of surrounding Ramblers groups when we get out into rural areas who wanted to do a specific walk later in the year. Come and join advertised on the web. us every third Tuesday. Attendance on walks varied Elise Harvey between 11 and 22. The Hillingdon Ramblers

Some of the group ascending the Long Mynd ridge. Photo: Bill Collins HS2 Phase One t the time of writing, by the Chiltern Ridges Action public consultation on the Group to extend bored tunnelling AEnvironment Statement throughout the AONB. Shropshire visit on the proposed London to The plans published by HS2 Ltd Birmingham high speed rail show adequate provision for most of party of 21 members of Heavy, continual rain left many All were up to the usual high standard link was about to close, with the the footpaths crossing the route, but Amersham group spent a with more water in their boots and the food was excellent with the hybrid Bill to enable construction there are a number of proposals we very enjoyable three days than outside them. After lunch the staff working as a team. Thursday due to start its parliamentary are unhappy about. Last summer A process in a few months time. walking in the Shropshire hills sun came out and the walks were evening’s entertainment was one of we submitted comments on a last October. Having arrived at completed in some warm weather. the best I have been to. One of the Buckinghamshire is the county draft version of the Environment most seriously affected, with not the HF Longmynd country house Thursday was a repeat of guides led us in some rather energetic Statement. Discouragingly, none only around a third of the overall at Church Stretton on the Monday Tuesday insofar as the weather was dancing which possibly owed its of these appear to have been taken origins to the unique way in which length, but with the line passing afternoon 14 October, we were concerned. I undertook one of the up in the final version of the it was demonstrated. Many of our through our best walking country in looking forward to three days of medium walks and whilst beginning statement, now under consultation. autumn walks. the descent from the Long Mynd group and the audience were crying the Chilterns Area of Outstanding We shall resubmit them but suspect Tuesday’s walks went well with ridge heard a horn. Coming over the with laughter at the antics going on. Natural Beauty (AONB). that, if there is to be any chance of no concerns and the weather was set horizon were two riders and a pack Thanks go to Jean Bamford for Many. perhaps most, of our improvement, we shall also have fair. of hounds who we were told were just arranging yet another holiday for us. members would prefer to see the Wet weather was forecast for the out for exercise. We look forward to autumn 2014 for scheme scrapped but, if it goes to ask Ramblers Central Office Wednesday and some took a bus There were many more walkers long walks on the Jurassic coast from ahead, we must do what we can to petition the parliamentary into Shrewsbury whilst the hardy than usual at our centre and this the HF country house at Lulworth to minimise the impact on our committees which have the job of (or should that be foolhardy?) ones led to us having five leaders, not Cove. walking environment. The Area scrutinising the Bill. enjoyed the wet Shropshire hills. something I have experienced before. Bill Collins Executive Committee has agreed in John Esslemont Amersham Group principle to support the campaign Acting Area Secretary 8 South East Walker

Getting London walking…a major project Above: The Epping Forest Centenary Walk was created by local ramblers in 1978 to celebrate the centenary of the Act that gave the forest to the Corporation of London – saved for all time. It sets out over Wanstead Flats, the open heathland soon giving way to woodland as in this view near Wood Street.

The secret world of canals The cross- Walking by our his distant view of Willow Tree Bridge on borough trail the Grand Union Paddington Branch well London streams Tillustrates how walking the towpaths beside he Hillingdon Trail was planned to cross the here is a special pleasure in strolling by the London’s canals can take you into a peaceful world, borough for nearly 20 miles, from Cranford banks of a gentle stream, and a surprising hidden away behind the city’s urban face. TPark through west London to end at Springwell Tnumber of our routes follow the green corridors Both the Grand Union and its offshoot The Regent’s Lock on the Grand Union Canal. provided by Thames tributaries. Canal provide miles of quiet walking and waterside The further north it goes, the more amazingly rural Shuttle, Ingrebourne, Wandle, Dollis Brook and interest, disturbed only perhaps by the passing cyclist, and through Ruislip and Bayhurst Woods until, beyond Beverley Brook, along with the little Pinn and others, all indeed the Grand Union takes us out into true countyrside Harefield, following the path illustrated, the views open have walks to be explored, often to their source. Illustrated beyond Rickmansworth. up gloriously over the Colne Valley. is a view along the Pymmes Brook Trail. South East Walker 9 It’s Spring…get out with the family and sample London’s secret green walks…there’s one near you. Imagine for a moment, a message like this going out Londonwide, and how it could change ideas about walking, That’s the aim of a Ramblers project just launched – read more about it!

e all recognise the need of work involved, but well worth paths followed are often typically to encourage urban- while when you consider how we modest country ways but we Wdwelling Londoners can benefit the health and quality wouldn’t want to meet broken gates to a more active lifestyle, and in of life of so many urban-dwellers. or muddy patches, or least of all, particular to walk more about After all, that’s a major aim of the hear that chorus of ‘daddy, we’re their everyday affairs. Ramblers. lost!’ somewhere deep in the woods. These are the opening words of The walks So plenty of work is needed to a new brochure, launched last year Now take a look at the map. Six ensure that our urban family has an by the Ramblers Greater London of the routes, including the mighty enjoyable day out, whichever walk Forum. It presents the case for London LOOP and the Thames they choose. their number one project – to build Path National Trail, are already How much will it cost? up a truly Londonwide network recognised as London’s Strategic Several of our London-based 1. Thames Path 17. Regents Canal Towpath of attractive green walks and then Walks. So some 343 miles of the groups are already surveying their 2. London LOOP 18. Grand Union Canal promote them to Londoners, telling proposed network are already local routes to see how much needs 3. Capital Ring Towpath them how much family enjoyment fully prepared and only lacking to be done. So within months we 4. SE London Green Chain 19. Dollis Valley Greenwalk awaits them when they explore this promotion. The further routes we should have a clear idea of how 5. Lea Valley Walk 20. Pymmes Brook Trail unique but little-known resource, aim to add are needed to give a much it will cost to create and 6. Jubilee Walkway 21. New River Path all around them. truly Londonwide coverage, so that bring our network up to standard. 7. Thames Path North Ext. 22. Epping Forest Cent. Walk First we are talking to Transport every Londoner has a walk within Add on the cost of a project officer 8. Waterlink Way 23. Roding Valley Walk for London (TfL) to see how far easy reach. That’s the point where and finally the leaflets, website and 9. Vanguard Way 24. Beam and Rom Rivers 10. Wandle Trail 25. Nun’s Head to they are prepared to go in backing we can really start persuading your whatever publicity media we will 11. Wandle-Oaks Park Link Screaming Alice our project. When we have their typical urban family to get out and need to reach that Londonwide 12. Beverley Brook Walk 26. Princess Diana Mem. Walk response, a far wider list of bodies enjoy a walk. A few of the routes audience – and we will be able to 13. Dollis Brook-Hamp. 27. Redbridge Strategic Walk needs to be approached, including (the broken lines) still have to be say what budget will bring the Heath Ext. 28. Stanmore Way the local authorities who created created, but most, around 170 miles project into reality. At that point 14. Hillingdon Trail 29. Wandle-Beverley Bk. Link many of the walks that form the of the network, already exist. They we may need to go forth and seek a 15. Celendine Route 30. Shuttle Riverway network. The essential aim is to set exist but, in these days of drastic funding source. 16. Willow Tree Wander up a central management structure, budget cutbacks, most are suffering Returning to that original point able to handle the project, and from neglect and few local people – it seems to baffle most authorities especially its promotion, on a even know they exist. when they seek to encourage a bus or into the car. We believe big benefits in health and quality Londonwide basis. It may be that The aim then, is to attract the walking. The fact is, they’re up the answer is to present walking as of urban life. Health and obesity we will need to take this initiative complete novice walker and his against a mindset that rejects an activity the family will enjoy. issues loom large today, and we ourselves, and then seek funding family, so signing and waymarking walking in favour of lazier ways Happily, this embryo green nework believe this Ramblers project can to make it all happen. There’s a lot must be to a high standard. The of getting around – hopping on enables us to do just that, with play a major part in meeting them.. Getting London walking…a major project Like the project?…

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arrying this project forward is going to involve a lot of work, Cand at present the Ramblers Croydon Wonders of the Greater London Forum depends entirely on its small band of delegates, most with heavy involvements to the sea Royal Parks elsewhere. nusually, the Vanguard Way was created by members So we would like to make contact of the Vanguards Rambling Club. It takes you ne walk takes you exploring the parks of central with other members who can see the Ufrom East Croydon Station through some of the London – the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial importance of an urban project like this, best countryside in the south, down to the Sussex coast at OWalk. With its roundels set into paths, it takes and are prepared to give some time to help Newhaven. you through Green Park, St James’s Park, Hyde Park and us bring it to reality. The five mile stretch from Croydon to the London boundary Kensington Gardens with spectacular views, best perhaps Interested? Then contact the Steer provides an excellent escape from suburbia out to the North when the trees are showing their Autumn colours, as our Group Chairman David Sharp, email: Downs, passing over Lloyd Park (as illustrated) and through a view in Hyde Park. [email protected] series of woodlands – Coombe Wood, Littleheath and Selsdon Lose the distant roar of traffic and you can be amazed at this Woods. escape from city scenes, deep in the heart of London. Text, map and photos: David Sharp 10 South East Walker OXFORDSHIRE Diversions, claims etc on-line he order for the crossing at Chippinghurst Stepping Stones has been made; two landowners have objected. T The diversion order at Haywards Close, Henley, which had several errors as originally made, has been confirmed, as have the orders for Kingston Lisle Footpath 1 (the railway) and Swalcliffe Bridleway 7. We are trying to get Network Rail to reopen another crossing on Uffington Footpath 4. The Didcot diversions rumble on, appearing one or two at a time as development proceeds. One of the diversions of Footpath 21 is mainly along estate roads because of the county council’s insistence on not taking over tarmac paths (a consequence of budget cuts). There have also been two new proposals to avoid riding stables at Hobbshole Farm, Sandford St Martin (Bridleway 11) and Chilling Place, Piddington (Footpath 6). Other matters o sooner than the the rogue’s gallery is the sort of saga at Hampton Gay Gordian knottage shown in my NFootpath 1 south-west report in the last issue. from Bletchingdon had been Fortunately the Masterpiece resolved than another set of of British Technology, found paddocks was built over the frequently in the 70s and 80s and path, probably needing yet consisting of random pieces of more gates. metal, wood, string and barbed

A workshop for Parish Path Wardens was held at Horspath on 5 October 2013. Photo: Oxfordshire County Council Parish Path Wardens xfordshire Area without a warden would be listed officers will be assisting with two Ramblers, working in on the Ramblers website so that further training days for Parish Opartnership with the members could see where there was Path Wardens on 22 March and 20 county council’s Countryside still a vacancy. September. To book a place on the Access Team, were active during Just under half of parishes now 22 March course which will be held 2013 in setting up a network of have a Parish Path Warden in place. at Tiddington Village Hall, contact volunteer Parish Path Wardens. This figure includes parishes in Jim Parke on 01865 730664 or jmh. This gate is on Fringford Footpath 6 Photo: David Godfrey The first step was to establish the south of the county that have [email protected] or check the Speaking of gates, my wire chucked into the air and tied Contact Officers from each of the wardens working under the aegis of Area website at www.ramblers- particular bete noire is the type together somehow as they came Ramblers groups. This was followed the Chiltern Society and parishes oxfordshire.org.uk. which consists of two heavy metal down, has almost become extinct. by an email, jointly signed by the in the north west of the county There will also be a meeting halves, opened with a heavy metal And finally, a plea: will those Area Chairman and the Chairman situated in the Cotswolds Area of on 11 April with Hugh Potter of Thing which pivots on the top of who put on walks in the summer of Oxfordshire Fieldpaths Society, Outstanding Natural Beauty and Oxfordshire County Council, for one half of the gate and comes (especially late summer) please, as and sent to every clerk of the 320 served by the Cotswolds wardens. all Contacts and Coordinators to down over the other in order far as possible, recce their walks parishes in the county. The email In January this year, where there discuss problems and successes. to close the assemblage, and is and clear overgrowth on stiles? I asked if the parish already had a was a vacancy in the parish for a There are still many vacancies intended to crush your fingers in realise that leaders may run out person undertaking the role of a path warden, parish clerks were for wardens and, importantly, the process. of time (I have myself) but I find Parish Path Warden. contacted again. Posters and items Coordinators who will help as There is a particularly nasty it odd that on many occasions I Jim Parke agreed to compile a for village/parish newsletters were advisers to wardens and become one on Fringford Footpath 6 near am the only person present with county-wide register of wardens sent. In some cases this involved the main contact with the county Cotmore House which is already secateurs. which would be circulated to using the post as email was council. shoulder high before you try to David Godfrey Group Contact Officers as wardens unavailable. Jim Parke (Publicity Officer) lift the finger-crusher. Next in Area Footpath Secretary volunteered their services. Parishes The county council’s field Susan Maguire (Chairman) Thame & Wheatley’s Christmas treats n 10 December, for the second year coloured stone, the group filed inside to admire the running, Thame & Wheatley Group chapel’s stunning interior, with seating designed Oheld their Christmas luncheon at the in white ash and beechwood and soaring columns Bridge Inn (Harvester) in Wheatley. rising to an elaborate lattice vaulted ceiling. But before tucking into the festive fare, our Niall McLaughlin Architects, with their image Chairman, Mike Smith, took a party of 30 of a buoyant tethered boat, were chosen after an walkers on a 4.5 mile circular walk starting from open competition to design the building. It has the hotel car park. The group set off alongside already achieved national recognition, winning the River Thame before ascending to the village a number of awards, including being one of the of Cuddesdon, where at Ripon Theological six buildings on the 2013 shortlist for the Stirling College, permission had been obtained to visit Prize for British Architecture. the recently-built Bishop Edward King Chapel, As one of our group commented, it was a fitting set in the extensive grounds of the college. Christmas experience and one that was well After taking in the unconventional, striking appreciated. exterior view of the elliptical drum of sandy- Ruth Cornish Building an appetite before the Christmas lunch. Photo: Tony Clark South East Walker 11 Mince pie walks in the Vale alking with Vale noticeboards and websites of White Horse serving the area. They showed WGroup during off the diverse countryside in December was rewarded with the Vale, the historic market a mince pie or, if really lucky, towns of Abingdon, Faringdon a glass of mulled wine. and Wantage and included a To support the Ramblers guided history walk around Festival of Winter Walks, we Cumnor. offered themed walks, ‘The The walks attracted 145 Twelve Vale Mince Pie Walks walkers, including at least 20 for Christmas’, with the chance non-members who we hope will to enjoy a mince pie en-route. join in the future. Over 200 mince pies were Peter Skuse eaten! Walks were advertised Walks Organiser, Vale of in the local press and on White Horse Group Enjoying a chat before the lecture. Photo: Joan Clark Seasonal tonics few years ago Henley and pub leads us to lunch for which most events. We start our evenings with Goring Group came up of us are more than ready! Numbers wine and nibbles downstairs then Awith a couple of ideas to are restricted to the capacity of the move upstairs for the lecture. the provide something to look forward pub and we often have a waiting speakers and subjects are chosen to to either side of Christmas. list for places. This year we were be of interest to people who enjoy These events have become firm very lucky with the weather with walking in the area. Topics have favourites and are now included in glorious sunshine all day, but on two included Red Kites in the Chilterns, our winter programme every year. occasions snow has been a problem. the geology of the area, stories of They are the Christmas walk, carol A couple of years ago the event had the Thames, local buildings of service and lunch in mid December to be cancelled as the vicar could not interest, curiosities of the Chilterns and the Chantry House lecture at get to the church and the pub was the history of Wallingford Castle the end of January. cut off with no deliveries of beer or and the story of the Ridgeway. he The Christmas walk, carols and food possible! event is a good opportunity to meet lunch is a particular favourite as it At the end of January, often old friends and get to know new brings out some members we don’t a quiet time socially after the people as well as being able to hear A mince pie break on a newly rebuilt railway bridge south of Faringdon. often see. We meet at the chosen festivities of Christmas and New someone talk about things that will Photo:Peter Skuse lunch venue, a country pub, then set Year, for a number of years now add interest to our walks. We often off on the walks - about three to five we have held a social event called follow up the talk with a walk in the miles with one slower and shorter the Chantry House Lecture. The summer to the area featured in the option. The walk leads us to the Chantry House is Henley’s Grade lecture. chosen church - we are lucky in our I listed building which dates from We are always on the look-out for area to have a choice of lovely small about 1400. Originally a merchant’s good ideas for our programme, so if Bicester & rural churches - where a special carol house and store, it later became you have something that works well service for our group is conducted by a school. Now St Mary’s church for your group, why not share it? the local vicar. A short walk to the hall, it is used for a wide range of Joan Clark Kidlington events

Walking to the AGM. Photo: Mary Gough any members enjoyed a very pleasant walk on 16 November followed by our annual general meeting. MPrior to the meeting Peter Chivers of Bicester Local History Society gave a very interesting talk on the history of the Tucking in at the Banbury & North Oxon dinner. Photo: Daphne Lever town over the centuries. Various members were re-elected but in some cases to different offices embers of Banbury and It was ably organised at short with Mary Gough elected our new Chairperson. We also enjoyed our North Oxon Group notice by the group’s Social annual mulled wine and mince pie walk in mid-December despite all Dinner Menjoyed their Christmas Secretary, Anne Loakes, and the mud and rain. Dinner and Social at the George everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable Hazel Thatcher and Dragon pub in Chacombe on evening. Joint Publicity Officer, Bicester & Kidlington Group date Friday 29 November. Roy Clements 12 South East Walker SURREY snippets Achievements and concerns at the Surrey AGM here was plenty of good like it or not, we are in a competitive Footpaths work news in the annual report market for walkers, which did not More positive news came from Tpresented to last month’s exist twenty years ago,’ The only Area Footpath Secretary Brian Surrey AGM, but we also noted Surrey groups to show an increase Reader. We have continued to two continuing areas of concern. over the year were East Surrey, undertake inspections of a random Very aware of county council Farnham and SABRE. 5% of Surrey rights of way for the cutbacks, we noted with relief that One way to tackle a falling Council’s Best Value Performance footpath maintenance budgets were membership is to see how our walks Indicator scheme. This involved little changed from previous years, programmes can be improved, 178 path inspections, with the but with worrying rumours of cuts to and in 2013 three leaders training verdict that in November 87% of come. Some cuts to the Countryside courses and one ‘Train the Trainers’ paths met the ‘easy to use’ standard Jack about to cut one of his cakes. Photo: John Tickner Service legal team a couple of years course were held. We have now – a big improvement. Much credit ago seem to have been overdone and trained almost 100 new leaders and for this high standard must go to an extra team member has been hopefully this will lead to bigger and our volunteer working parties – 11 reinstated, bringing numbers up to more varied programmes. of our 17 groups now have them. 100 not out! four. A major source of recruitment Farnham Group estimates that their ell that would be a great score for a cricketer but This is still far short of the these days is our Area website. In members contributed 500 hours seven staff they used to have. As 2013 a new webmaster, David of volunteer labour on the seven an even better one for a Rambler! More than eighty Brian Reader comments, ‘we must Leedham, took over from Julian tasks they completed over the year. Wfriends from Croydon Group gathered to wish Jack continue to monitor the whole Yorke, setting about a refurbishment With work ranging from clearing Crisp a very happy 100th birthday at a special tea in Whyteleafe budget and staffing situation of the site. The opportunity was vegitation, repairing stiles, installing in late November. carefully.’ taken to move to Ramblers Webs gates and signs, to building sleeper Jack had been a stalwart member of the group for many years and he The other concern is a still falling hosting, which is free to Areas and bridges and broadwalks – including was the original organiser of our regular Thursday walks, and he then membership. Area Membership groups. in the other groups, it’s clear we went on to do the same for Tuesdays. These days remain our two most Secretary Connie Norris reported The aim is to make the site more are making a big contribution to popular walking days. Still looking spry and active, Jack was treated that although we had recruited appealing and easy to access, not only maintaining Surrey paths. to a slap up cream tea and presented with a certificate to thank him for 708 new members over the year, to members but to those searching As a constitutional requirement, his hard work for the group over so many years. we ended with 262 fewer members online for a walk or a walking group. the AGM saw saw several Area officer Happy birthday was sung, though it is probably true that our – less than the national average but This calls for links to group websites posts changing hands, and we will walking is better than our singing! still worrying. and constantly refreshed news and report in the next issue. But we must At the end of September our summaries of forthcoming walks note that Brian Reader stood down Area membership totalled 6738, and events. Currently our website is as Area Footpath Secretary after 25 down from 7000 a year ago. As our receiving about 600 visits a month, years in post. Hearty thanks, Brian, Sabre’s puzzling Chairman commented, ‘whether we but David wants to increase this. for a vital job, handled expertly. American link ABRE ( Surrey and Beyond Ramblers ) Membership Secretary, Julie Holes, had been puzzling for some time why one of their Smembers had an address in California. Janet Alexanian had joined the group a couple of years ago and SABRE were very pleased to finally meet her at the recent Christmas walk and lunch where she explained that she had been brought up in Surrey, but had been living in California for more than 20 years. She is now planning to return to live in the UK and had joined the group in preparation for life in Surrey. She is looking forward to many more walks with SABRE.

Enjoying a windy blow on the top of Rhossili Down on the Gower Farnham’s holiday hat-trick arnham Ramblers enjoyed a trio of terrific holidays last year. Starting in May, a bumper group of 46 members travelled to Oxwich Bay on the Gower to enjoy a fine week of walks that explored all parts Fof this famous Welsh peninsula. From the Worm’s Head to Three Cliffs Bay, they explored woods carpeted in bluebells and ramsoms, windy hilltops, and sunny, sandy coves. Then in early September, 23 members basked in sunny Sheringham on the Norfolk coast. A packed 5 day programme saw them travelling on steam trains, visiting local National Trust estates, playing croquet on their hotel lawn, and even swimming in the sea! And finally, as September waned, a further 33 members enjoyed unexpectedly fine weather in the Lake District. Based in Keswick, outings included Helvellyn, Blencathra, Red Pike, and some walks combined boat trips on Derwentwater and Ullswater. All Farnham Ramblers’ holidays are self-organised, so many thanks go to Mike Desborough, Gaynor Ross, Jean Mortlock, and Chris Hodge for laying on such a successful series of holidays in 2013. This year promises more exciting walking with a Spring trip to the Isle of Man walking festival and Autumn rambling in the Yorkshire Dales. Janet (left) and Julie South East Walker 13 Falling membership - Surrey Survey suggests solutions embership in Surrey An interesting and informative is gradually falling web site is vital, with better walk Mthrough lower descriptions that encourage new recruitment levels and many people to come along. members do not renew after • We must aim at a wider age the first year. In September range than we do now and 2010 there were 7448 members; get the average age of the in the year to August 2013 membership down by especially, membership dropped by 3.5% but not exclusively recruiting from 7000 to 6755. more people of working ages. The reasons behind this change The Ramblers is not just for are much debated and almost retired people. We appreciate certainly are complex but the that many younger people have trend is there to see in our regular a long working day giving them monitoring of membership data. fewer opportunities to walk, so With the agreement of Surrey we need to offer walks at more The sun did shine, albeit briefly Area Council, Nigel Woodhead varied times. and Derek Bunn, two members • Trying new ideas including of SABRE Group (Surrey and more varied start times, more Beyond Ramblers), carried out afternoon walks especially at No washout for Farnham a fact finding study into the the weekend, walks to new and recruitment and retention of interesting destinations outside members in the Surrey Area. the usual boundaries and more Ramblers’ Winter Festival They visited most of the Surrey social events. Avoid repeating Ramblers Groups on their walks the same walks too often. he weather gods tried 200 people joined walks organised windy day, was called the ‘Bah/Bar and also other walking groups and • Walks are what most people to throw cold water on by local volunteers as part of Humbug Walk’. clubs considered to be our main join us for and newcomers TFarnham Ramblers’ Farnham Ramblers’ annual Festival With stops at some of the competitors. They informally will judge us by the quality of Festival of Winter Walks this of Winter Walks. fine hostelries along the Bourne discussed with walkers including our walks. Remember that we year – but failed to dampen their Seventeen walks over the stream in south Farnham and free committee members how their should not be simply offering enthusiasm for country walking Christmas / New Year break humbugs for every walker, this groups operated. a walk, but a whole experience and good camaraderie. explored some of the finest was an excellent way to avoid the All the group web sites were that has a friendly greeting at The south-east of England countryside in the Farnham area. last minute Christmas shopping looked at plus those of the main the beginning, has interesting suffered some of the wettest and Walk leaders were sometimes forced frenzy. Farnham Ramblers – who competitors. features, a chance to chat and stormiest weather on record this to improvise when they found their won the “Best Walks Programme in The study took place in the take in the countryside, does Christmas that saw trees blown planned routes impassable, but they Britain” award in 2013 – are now summer of 2013. It looked into not go on a route march and how groups operated, the attitudes ends up with a time to socialise down, roads and paths flooded, always managed to find a safe path looking forward to a (hopefully!) of existing members, walks hopefully at a tea-room or pub and fields turned into lakes or around the obstacles. A popular drier 2014 with many more varied programmes, how the public see at the end. If people have a quagmires. Despite all this, over ramble, despite a very wet and and enjoyable outings. us and the use of web sites as our good experience they will come shop window. The report was again…and again. detailed and comprehensive but • Be proud and vocal to promote there were five main conclusions, the virtues of the Ramblers. We • Because of the internet, are unique in that we are part of Cotswold information can be quickly a national charity that promotes gained or discarded. People are walking and protects footpaths now accustomed to be able to and rights of way. There is no consider many choices and move other organisation that can membership drive on quickly if a choice does not claim that. meet with their expectations. Copies of the full report are n January, Cotswold Outdoor encouraged their customers to get active in the outdoors for the New Year There is far more competition available from: recruitment@ and improve their health. As part of this campaign, they had a membership drive for The Ramblers. than a few years ago and the sabre-walkers.org.uj IVolunteers from Kingston and Richmond groups took turns meeting customers at the Cotswold store internet allows people to search Denis Holmes in Kingston. This photo shows two Kingston members helping out at the event. easily for other walking groups. Area Publicity Officer Briefly • Reigate & Redhill HF Rambling Club will mark its Diamond Jubilee on 28 June with a celebration lunch in Guildford. Any lapsed members who would like to attend are invited to contact their secretary, Doris Brown, on 020 8643 7330. The club was formed in March 1954 under the banner of the Holiday Fellowship (now HF Holidays Ltd), to which it remains affiliated.

• Oxford University Museum of Natural History reopened on 15 February following a year’s closure while the roof was restored. The museum, a spectacular Grade I listed neo-Gothic building, houses the university’s collection of zoological, entomological and geological specimens including the Oxfordshire dinosaurs.

• Lesnes Abbey Woods in south east London are to benefit from an enhancement programme after Bexley council secured almost £3.5 million funding in January from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Work will take place between late 2014 and early 2016 to restore historical features, improve paths and gateways and construct a new community and education building. The site, which includes the ruins of a 12th century abbey, ancient woodland and a fossil bed, is on the route of the Green Chain Walk, close to Abbey Wood railway station. From the left: Caroline Cunliffe and Linda Fitch. Photo: Brenda Horwill 14 South East Walker

BEDFORDSHIRE bulletin RIPPLE carries on On the pre-AGM morning walk at Sharpenhoe Clappers. Photo: Barry Ingram Area AGM n a damp and windy then delivered a short address which Saturday morning in was followed by a lively question and ONovember, members set answer session. out from Streatley village hall led Following a short break the Area by Jeff Petts, Chairman of Lea & AGM took place. I was re-elected Icknield Group (who were hosting Chairman and Bob Tarron re-elected the event this year), on a short Chairman/Secretary of the Footpath scenic walk around Sharpenhoe Committee. Sue Giordano had said Clappers. that she wanted to hand over her role The rain clouds were soon blown of Membership Secretary primarily away and everyone enjoyed both because she was unable to attend the sunshine and the walk before Monday meetings. After some returning for lunch which consisted discussion following the AGM Sue of three choices of soup followed agreed to carry on for another year by a choice of ploughman’s lunch. During the meal, slides of RIPPLE but was unlikely to attend meetings. activities were shown. Afterwards Kevin Barrett, a qualified an excellent presentation was made accountant with many years by Bob Tarron of slides which took experience (yet young enough to be us along the Lea Valley Walk from still working) has taken over the role the river’s source at Leagrave, near of Treasurer from Tony Sheward. Ramblers with Central Bedfordshire Council rights of way officer Gemma Harrison after clearing a completely blocked path Again we were unable to fill the posts between Houghton Conquest and Wilstead. Photo: Barry Ingram Luton, to the Olympic Park in east London. of Secretary or Publicity Officer. ollowing a short period memorial. Thompson (0300 3006113). The Rambers marketing manager Barry Ingram of concern about the Central Bedfordshire Details to be confirmed. Ffuture of our RIPPLE Work has been taking place during Saturday 21 June: West Area, activities within Bedford February subject to weather Milton Bryan clearance and Borough when the countryside conditions. waymarking. Contact Rick A group AGM access department was being Thursday 10 April: East Area, Thompson (0300 3006113). transferred to Highways and Sutton Bridleway 8 clearance. Details to be confirmed. redundancies looked a distinct Contact: Andrew Gwillam (0300 Thursday 10 July: West Area, with a difference possibility, I am happy to say 3006544). Meet at High Street Cranfield stiles to kissing gates. raditionally, our group Everyone enjoyed the presentation that our initial concerns were near John O’Gaunt pub. Contact: Rick Thompson (0300 AGM has tended to be a bit of so much that it was run through a unfounded and normal service Saturday 26 April: East Area, 3006113). Details to be confirmed. an anti-climax; committee second time, just to let people mop has resumed. This means we Sutton Bridleway 9 clearance. T Thursday 24 July: Mid Area. members arrive hopefully, put up the last crumbs of cheese. The have an ongoing programme for Contact: Andrew Gwillam (0300 Contact Gemma Harrison (0300 out three rows of chairs, sit at the challenge now is - how do we follow both Central Bedfordshire and 3006544). Meet at High Street 3006574). Details to be confirmed. front table (periodically checking it up next year? Bedford Borough. near John O’Gaunt pub. Thursday 14 August: Mid Area. watches - ‘We’ll give it a couple A record number of members Bedford Borough Thursday 15 May: East Area, Contact Gemma Harrison (0300 more minutes - someone might - approaching 30 - attended the Tuesday 18 March: 10am, Sandy Bridleway 28 clearance. 3006574). Details to be confirmed. come’) and eventually start the Eastbourne weekend in early October. Harrowden. Clearing the new Contact Andrew Gwillam (0300 meeting with an audience of five or Leader Mark West, who is known for permissive path and vegetation 3006544). Meet at Sandy High Saturday 23 August: South Area, Toddington bridge or kissing gates. six faithful members. his ability to attract extreme weather, around Bunyan’s birthplace. Meet Street car park then transfer to So what was different about this did not disappoint - so much so that Contact Michelle Flynn (0300 at grid ref TL 067471, Bumpy Lane, RSPB car park. year’s meeting? For some time now the Sunday walk had to be cancelled 3006072). Details to be confirmed. Harrowden. Thursday 29 May: South Area, an idea to hold an evening to enable because of torrential rain! Despite Towards the end of 2013 we Tuesday 15 April: 10am, Stagsden. Sundon steps and waymarking. members to share photos taken on this, a good time was had by all. started to receive reports from Walk, survey and fix circular walk. Contact: Michelle Flynn (0300 walks had been floating around the Our regular walks have seen Meet at grid ref SP 981489 near 3006072). Park in village near members requesting clearance work committee, but had no firm place in generally reasonable weather for Royal George pub. Common Lane. and marker posts. This is just what the social calendar. So it was agreed the time of year and we particularly Tuesday 20 May: 10am Pavenham. Thursday 12 June: West Area, we wanted and when the work gets to combine it with the AGM, throw enjoyed the late autumn colours in Walk, survey and fix circular walk. Milton Bryan clearance and scheduled those members will often in some cheese and wine for good locations such as Ashridge, Rowney Meet at grid ref SP 991555 near war waymarking. Contact: Rick come along and help. measure and, hey presto, a recipe for Warren and Wendover Woods. But a successful social evening! it was a different story on New Year’s The formal business of the evening Day when five hardy members (all took place first, with the officers and female - where were the men?) met at Map reading courses committee re-elected en bloc as there Dunstable Downs for the traditional ver the last year Bedfordshire Area has run a number of successful map reading were no other nominations. Then walk in howling winds and teaming courses, articles on which have been included in South East Walker. We are now Peter Miller, a member of the group rain! planning two further courses. On Sunday 6 April at Lilley village hall there will since its inception 20 years ago, gave As always, we are in urgent need O a short talk on the founding of the of additional walk leaders with be a Map Awareness Course providing all you need to know to read a map. This will be followed on Sunday 27 April at Sundon village hall with a Walking with a Compass Course group. And then on to the cheese more pressure being put on existing which will offer a guide on how to use a compass to navigate your way around. The cost and wine (with a liberal dose of tea leaders to fill the programme. We of each course is £7.50. and coffee thrown in), followed by are hopeful that the regular map To help promote these skills further afield we would welcome not only non-members but members a presentation of members’ digital awareness courses being held in of Ramblers groups from outside Bedfordshire. If this would be of interest to you or would like photographs put together by Eric Bedfordshire will give other members further details please feel free to email me at [email protected]. There are still places Peppiatt. ‘Did we really go out in the confidence to have a go. We look available. those conditions?’ What was that forward to a successful 2014. Nick Markham person’s name?’ ‘Did we really look Rosemary Hasker like that?’ Lea & Icknield Group South East Walker 15 John Foran Bedfordshire embers of Lea & or a bribe to make them stop! John Icknield Group have could also be relied on to step in at Mbeen saddened by the the last minute to help out if a leader death of John Foran. John had was unable to lead for any reason, Walking been a member of the group for and he was often undertaking the nearly 10 years and during that role of backmarker on walks. time had regularly attended John was always good company walks, served on the committee as and possessed a playful sense of Festival 2014 Footpaths Secretary (continuing humour. Many will remember he sixth Bedfordshire and to do this please book by post-committee as a Local him arriving for a picnic walk Walking Festival will take emailing [email protected]. Footpaths Officer) and, until the with a large koala strapped to his place from Saturday 6 to There will be a transport charge for onset of his illness in early 2012, rucksack, also sporting a ‘bad hair T was a walk leader. day’ wig when filling a vacant spot Sunday 14 September. This will both events. As well as these long John was a popular and respected in an all-ladies team at a quiz night. include the RU4 The Challenge distance walks there will be lots of member of the group. He led John remained cheerful and event covering the 40-mile shorter walks and interest walks walks throughout Bedfordshire continued to walk with the group Greensand Ridge Path over the which by the time this is read will and Hertfordshire, often taking us as often as he was able throughout weekend of 13 - 14 September. have been added to the programme to locations we didn’t often visit. his treatment. He became involved This event is proving more and which we anticipate will be more popular with the number of available towards the end of May. He would always look for ways to in RIPPLE over the summer and John in 2010. Photo: Eric Peppiatt make his walks a bit different - for as recently as September took participants increasing year on year. The website www.bedswalkfest. example, organising carol singing part in several of the walks in the deteriorate and in December he It is a really good and enjoyable co.uk should also be updated by the on a pre-Christmas walk two years Bedfordshire Walking Festival was admitted to the Keech Hospice walk and some participants also end of May. ago which resulted in a member including the 18-mile stretch of the where he died peacefully on 31 raise money for their favourite The festival offers a warm of the public giving a donation Greensand Ridge from Leighton December. He will be greatly charity so please sign up early by welcome to individuals and groups missed. - nobody was sure if it was in Buzzard to Ampthill. However emailing walking@madasafish. from outside Bedfordshire and we Rosemary Hasker appreciation of the group’s efforts, in November his health began to com. The Long Distance Walkers would be pleased to hear from any will be doing the circular 70-mile group wanting to come and join us North Bedfordshire Heritage Trail for a day, weekend or a few days. over the weekend of 30 - 31 August More details in the next issue. Reflecting and correcting and the first weekend of the festival Barry Ingram he winter sun on one of and in just a few hours a path council provided the tools and its fleeting appearances which had not been accessible the training plus refreshments Tbrought a sparkle to for years was now not only during work time. Volunteers Briefly the surrounding countryside usable but a joy to walk. And, are covered by council insurance already dusted with snow as I like the people putting in the and Ramblers insurance • Meadow Farm, described as ‘a remarkable suite of medieval climbed the hill leading to the marker posts, there had been provided the work is published meadows untouched by modern farming and full of wildlife’ ridge. lively banter and a similar look by a Ramblers organisation. has been bought by the Berks, Bucks and Oxfordshire Wildlife I knew that the warmth of pleasure and satisfaction Ramblers members and non- Trust after winning a £758,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery currently experienced would when the job was completed. members may participate safely. Fund. The trust is planning a series of activities and events on the soon be replaced with an icy At this point my thoughts were What would not be covered is 28-hectare site on the Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire border near blast on reaching the top and interrupted by the arrival of a an individual or group deciding Blackthorn, so that residents of nearby Bicester, Aylesbury and the there would be a head wind dog followed by a couple who to clear a path without council villages of the Upper Ray can discover the beauty of this wildlife for the next mile or so before looked in their late fifties or and landowner authorisation.’ I haven. descending into a wooded area early sixties. We exchanged the added ‘Ramblers are not letting and some shelter. On reaching usual pleasantries and comments councils avoid their statutory • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London will see the south the top my pace quickened on the weather before the man duties but are providing an park open to the public from 5 April for the first time since the and stride lengthened. as I was said ‘We’ve been walking round additional resource which must London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The newly- looking forward to going back to here for many years and only be to everyone’s benefit and landscaped parkland will feature 25 art installations. The north an area which Ramblers RIPPLE recently discovered this path. members wishing to get involved park opened in July 2013 and eventually the park will equal Hyde volunteers had restored by Somebody has put in a lot of with footpath restoration work Park in size. clearing and putting in marker work to get it like this.’ I replied should be actively encouraged by posts earlier in the year. Along by saying ‘What would you their group.’ • Adelstrop, the Cotswold village immortalised in Edward Thomas’ the ridge my thoughts returned say if I told you it was done by ‘I’ve enjoyed meeting and poem of that name, will be marking the centenary of the celebrated to that cloudy day when so much Ramblers volunteers working talking with you this morning work on Tuesday 24 June, 100 years to the day when Thomas was achieved by those people with the local council and with and our conversation has given made the journey from London to Ledbury when his train stopped voluntarily helping to improve the consent of the landowner?’ ‘I me a lot of food for thought,’ said - ‘unwontedly’ - at Adelstrop. The station closed in 1966 and the the rights of way network. thought Ramblers only walked’ the man. ‘Oh, and can you pass only remaining station sign hangs in the village bus shelter. To On reaching the shelter of the said the man. ‘Our local group on our thanks to the Ramblers mark the anniversary, a special train from Oxford to Moreton in wooded area I stopped at the once discussed getting involved volunteers for making such an Marsh is expected to stop at the station site for a celebrity reading marker post recalling the lively in footpath work but several excellent job of this path.’ I to take place There will also be events in the village and, possibly, and amusing banter between members including the member wished them and the dog a a special bus link to the village from Moreton in Marsh. the people, first digging, then who looked after the footpaths happy and healthy new year, ensuring the post was not only said ‘We shouldn’t as we handed them a leaflet showing • Oxford to Bicester Town trains are currently replaced by buses put in deep enough but straight, wouldn’t be insured, would be the volunteers footpath activities whilst the line through Islip is upgraded and a new curve installed not leaning nor tilting, but liable if things went wrong, we in 2014 and said they would be at Bicester to allow for a new Chiltern Railways service from Oxford perpendicular, before filling the could easily upset landowners very welcome at any time. to London Marylebone via Princes Risborough and High Wycombe hole and packing the ground and we haven’t any tools.’ I heard them talking about to start in the summer of 2015. A new station at Water Eaton, around so no man nor beast ‘Hmm’, I said, ‘it sounds to our conversation as they walked expected to be called Oxford Parkway, will be on the route. was going to move it and, me that your footpath member off and as I ambled along the shortly afterwards, adding the was not only putting forward path and reached the second • A useful new path in Enfield’s countryside, linking Stagg Hill at TQ directional discs. I recalled how incorrect information but marker post put in on that 273986 with a path junction at 272988 has been won by Dave they stood for a short time to perhaps did not want to get cloudy day I wondered how Cockle of the Enfield Society. At the southern end the path joins admire their handiwork before involved and didn’t want others many more people had used, another path running east towards The Ridgeway, making possible picking up their tools and to either.’ I explained that all not only this path but all the new walking routes which avoid major road crossings. heading for the next location and work done was in conjunction paths Bedfordshire Ramblers next marker post. Their faces with the local council who had volunteers had improved over • Four heritage trail leaflets for Bexhill on Sea have been devised by reflected pride and achievement the responsibility for obtaining the last six months and how local museum volunteer Paul Wright and can be obtained from of a job well done. permission from the landowner many had observed and perhaps Bexhill Museum (01424 787950) or downloaded from www. Leaving the marker post and for supervising the work said, either to themselves or out bexhillmuseum.co.uk. I ambled along the path whether it was clearing, putting loud, ‘Whoever has done this, remembering how overgrown it in marker posts, repairing what a big improvement, thank • A woodland at South Ascot was bought at auction in December by was when they arrived that day or replacing stiles, putting you. Because if they didn’t they the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The four acre site and with a few tools had cut and in kissing gates, replacing or should have done. off Woodlands Rise is popular with dog walkers and joggers who pruned, trimmed and strimmed putting in sleeper bridges. The Ronnie Rambler feared a new owner might fence off the area. 16 South East Walker BERKSHIRE Diary Dates Until 23 March: Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winning images from the annual wildlife photography competition. Admission charge. Natural History Museum, London SW7. bites www.nhm.ac.uk, 020 7942 5000. Until 29 March: George Kenner An exhibition of pictures by German artist Kenner who, as a registered enemy alien at the outbreak of the First World War, was sent to Frith Hill prisoner of war camp near Frimley (now part of the Pine Ridge golf centre) where he painted scenes of camp life. West Berks update Surrey Heath Museum, Camberley 01276 707284

embers provided Before the festivities began One point of note from the Saturday 5 April: Map and compass course their own cabaret at however, there was the more serious AGM of concern to all Ramblers Following on from the success of previous years, North West Kent Mthe group’s annual business of the group AGM in was the local strategy which plans Group is holding another course for those wishing to improve their Christmas party on 13 December November. Our Chair, Graham an increase of 10,500 dwellings in skills. It will be held at the Grasshopper on the Green, Westerham, with seven members providing Smith, reported another excellent West Berkshire by 2026. Although starting 10am. Cost £3 (lunch extra). To register, please contact Chris Baker on 01322 341722 or [email protected] by 31 12 items of entertainment, plus year, with increases in numbers of the emphasis is stated to be on urban a quiz. walks and walk leaders. He thanked March. expansion and protection of the A great time was had by the all involved in making the group countryside it is up to us to focus on Also Saturday 5 April: Explore with map and compass course 53 people who attended. They so successful. Not only members ensuring it is so protected and that Another one-day (10am - 4pm) course at Battle, East Sussex, arranged were provided with the usual making a visible contribution but the existing rights of way network is by local member John Harmer for those with little experience to excellent buffet and pitched in with also those who worked so hard gain confidence and experience in map reading and land navigation. improved so that residents of these preparation, washing and tidying behind the scenes to ensure all £10 with reduced rates available. Additional courses including a up afterwards. activities run smoothly. A full new urban areas can also access the more advanced one will be held later in the year if there is sufficient Thirty members of the group’s report is available on the group’s shrinking countryside. demand. John Harmer 01424 773998, [email protected]. working party enjoyed their festive website at www.wberksramblers. Denise Buchan lunch on 16 December. org.uk. West Berks Ramblers Until 27 April: Discoveries - Art, Science and Exploration A free exhibition presented by the University of Cambridge Museums which ‘challenges and responds to the very notion of ‘discovery’, displaying objects that span millennia from artworks to scientific artefacts, historic instruments to rare zoological specimens. Two Temple Place, London WC2 www.twotempleplace.org, 020 7836 3715.

Until 27 April: A Dialogue with Nature - Romantic Landscapes from Britain and Germany Exhibition exploring aspects of Romantic landscape drawing from the 1780s to the 1840s. Admission charge, cheaper on Mondays. The Courtauld Gallery, The Strand, London WC2. www.courtauld.ac.uk, 020 7872 0220.

Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 May: National Mills Weekend Annual festival of milling heritage offering an opportunity to visit many wind and water mills not normally open to the public. www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk

Until 2 November: Extremes A family-friendly exhibition offering budding explorers the chance to discover how animals and plants survive in extreme heat, cold or dryness, in constant darkness or with little oxygen. Admission charge. Horniman Museum, London SE23 www.horniman.ac.uk/extremes, 020 8699 1872. Following a lavada. Photo: David Turner Walking on Madeira Briefly group of Loddon Valley skywalk with a 580-metre drop to were banana passion fruit, tomato Ramblers enjoyed a short the sea, which was visible through passion fruit and lots more. • Rebuilding work at Whitchurch Bridge, which links the Abreak last November on the glass floor of the viewing area. During our stay we were able to Berkshire and Oxfordshire banks of the Thames near the island of Madeira which At the end of our walk on the enjoy a free day and many of us Pangbourne, has been delayed by recent flooding and will included three full-day walks on west side of the island we had the visited Funchal and experienced the probably not now be completed until July. In the meantime different parts of the island along opportunity to swim from the small market, cable car, tropical garden a temporary bridge provides a crossing for Thames Path the levadas or irrigation channels artificial beach at Calheta. and watched the wicker basket walkers. (which meant level walking!). On our last day of walking in sledges with their ‘boatmen’ driving Two of the walks were around the north west of the island, there them down the hill in their boaters 350 metres above sea level and were two long dark tunnels in the like gondolieri. In the evenings • Trans Wilts trains began in December linking Swindon, the final one in excess of 1,000 cliff to walk through. Fortunately some of us visited restaurants in Chippenham, Melksham, Trowbridge and Westbury as metres. This small volcanic island we were well equipped with nearby Camara de Lobos and part of a three year trial subsidised by Wiltshire council’s in the Atlantic is warm, full of hills, torches to ensure we emerged from Funchal and on our final night sustainable transport fund. tunnels, flowers, trees, with every these tunnels unscathed. The we all went to a folk evening with available piece of fertile land used to surrounding cliffs were covered singing and dancing and plenty of • Brixton windmill in south London will open to the public grow sugar cane, grapes, vegetables with all kinds of ferns, which made food and wine. The main course again at Easter (see www.brixtonwindmill.org/visit for and millions of small but very tasty it seem tropical, especially with was espetata, delicious chunks of details). An appeal has been launched to get the mill bananas. the odd cascade of water coming beef on giant suspended skewers. back in working order and grinding in time for its 200th The first day of walking was at down. Unfortunately, the sea was Most meals it seems begin and end anniversary in 2016. the east of the island and for our too rough for us to swim in the rock with Madeira wine. lunch break we took a footpath pools at Porto Moniz at the end of Madeira is certainly worth a away from the lavada to a high this third day of walking. As well as return visit, perhaps when all • A new series of one-day tours organised by the Churches point with a magnificent view over telling us all about the levadas, our the agapanthus which border the Conservation Trust might appeal to readers who enjoy the Atlantic. There were many guide was extremely knowledgeable levadas are in full flower. visiting country churches. Tours by coach from a railhead spectacular views, especially on the about the various flowers and trees. David Turner include Surrey on 18 June and West Sussex on 24 September. way to the second day of walking Tree-sized lily of the valley and Chairman, Details from www.visitchurches.org.uk/historicchurchtours when we stopped at the Cabo Girao heather were new to a lot of us, as Loddon Valley Ramblers or call 0800 206 1463.