walkerSOUTH EAST No. 103 September 2018 Ramblers pull out the stops for first National Park City week

Bedfordshire Walking Festival takes place from 8 -16 September and this is the programme cover. Turn to page 7 for more.

One of the London National Park City walks take a break on Streatham Common. Photo: Des Garrahan amblers in London October, and by and of National Park City week, #LoveLondonWalkLondon put on a brilliant West groups, which form along with Travelcard wallets campaign and about his love of R programme of 30 part of and Essex Areas containing information about walking in the capital. walks in the inaugural respectively. The walks focused Ramblers in London. A Whilst it's too early to judge National Park City week on London's lesser-known parks SurveyMonkey has also been the event's success, it has been in July. The event, which and green spaces in a wide variety sent to leaders to complete a fantastic opportunity for us ran for nine days including of locations and landscapes so that we can analyse our to showcase to the public and two weekends, was run - including Brockley's Three outcomes and consider what we the Authority by the Greater London Peaks Walk, , the might do differently if the event the variety and scale of what Authority in conjunction Peckham Coal Line, Wanstead runs again next year. Ramblers does in London both with the National Park City Flats and a National Gallery art National Park City week through the walks themselves Foundation. It included 300- walk. We ran weekend walks started on Saturday 21 July with and the social media around plus events in total, run by and both weekday daytime and a community fair at Conway them and the week. Thanks 130 different voluntary and evening walks every day of the Hall in central London. Inner to everyone who supported community organisations, event, ranging in length from London Area Secretary, Helen the Ramblers' engagement and we were pleased to be able three to 11 miles. Abbott, organised a stall there in National Park City week, to make such a significant Prior to the week we ran a to promote Ramblers and our whether by leading a walk, contribution to it. briefing meeting and social at programme of walks for the week. staffing the stall at Conway Walks were provided by over which we distributed special Former national Chair, Des Hall, or by accommodating 20 different leaders from most membership forms to walk Garrahan, was one of the event's the week in your group's walks of the Inner London groups, leaders with a code enabling 26 guest speakers, each of whom programme. Confused: South Bank Ramblers came across this signpost in the village of Blackheath, Surrey. by West London Group, which us to track the number of new was allotted seven minutes. Clare Wadd Photo: Robert Witter joins Inner London Area in members joining as a result Des spoke about the Ramblers' Chair, Inner London Area 2 South East Walker September 2018 South East Walker September 2018 3 walkerSOUTH EAST New guide from Kent Ramblers relaunched Distributed quarterly to members ollowing the success of the Area's guide to anyone quoting code SEW1809 when ordering of the Ramblers in , ack in the 1990s, a much- But one of them, the Pymmes a new and colourfully-illustrated of historical and cultural interest, all South East Walker readers can the first part of the Coast Path in before the end of October can buy for just £5.00 The Kent Ramblers Guide to Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Milton 1 missed organisation called Brook Trail, is to be relaunched in 112-page guide to the route by described in the book. buy a copy for the special price of Kent, from Camber to Ramsgate, the Area is Keynes and West Middlesex, Essex, F including postage. Copies of the Coast Path guide the London Walking October. Created as a combined Colin Saunders, whose guides to the Links with stations at High £7.00 plus £2.00 p&p, from Colin planning another walking guide. Three River Valley B Inner London, Kent, Oxfordshire and are still available, currently £6.50 including postage Forum encouraged boroughs initiative of the London Boroughs , London Loop, North Barnet, New Barnet, Cockfosters, Saunders at 35 Gerrards Close, Surrey Areas. The new guide, 'Three River Valley Walks in West if bought from Kent Ramblers (it is also available Walks in West Kent around London to come up with of Barnet and Enfield, it originally Downs Way and are , , Silver London N14 4RH, or from his Kent', will cover three of Kent's many named paths, from bookshops and on-line retailers including ideas for new walking routes. ran for 10 miles across north-east familiar to many ramblers. The book Street, Northumberland Park and website www.colinsaunders.org. THE RAMBLERS the Darent Valley Path, the Eden Valley Walk and the Amazon at other prices). However, readers of Darent Valley Path Sadly, the Forum no longer exists, London from Cockfosters station to describes a more logical 13-mile route Hale, together with uk. Copies will be available on the Address: 2nd Floor, Camelford Medway Valley Walk. These walks are within easy reach South East Walker quoting the above code can Eden Valley Walk leaving a cavernous hole in the Picketts Lock on the , that starts at , where excellent bus connections, allow walks. All profits will go to The House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, of large numbers of people, including the millions living buy both books for £9.00 including postage. Medway Valley Walk promotion of walking in the and naturally followed as closely as the headwaters of Pymmes Brook walkers to split the route into as many Enfield Society. London SE1 7TW. in south , but are not well used despite Publication date is not yet finalised but should Tel: 020 7339 8500 Robert Peel capital, and many of the routes possible Pymmes Brook, a tributary rise, near the site of the Battle of sections as they want, and there are the attractive scenery and interesting places they pass. be late August or early September. Please check Email: [email protected] Previous guides to the walks produced by Kent County that were developed then have of the . Barnet, one of the Wars of the Roses, many opportunities for refreshment. our website www.kentramblers.org.uk/books for sunk into obscurity. The relaunch is accompanied by and descends gently through East The relaunch will take place over Web: www.ramblers.org.uk Council have long been out of print so we are hoping Company registration no: the latest information and ordering instructions. Barnet, , Palmers Green and the weekend of 27 - 28 October, that our new publication will stimulate renewed interest 4458492 in the routes. All profits support the work of Kent Ramblers. Edmonton to finish at Tottenham with a walk of about 6.5 miles each Registered charity no: 1093577 The Coast Path guide has already contributed Hale, where the brook flows into the day. The Saturday walk, led by Dave The book includes newly prepared full-colour 1:25,000 maps which at the time of printing will be a surplus of £2,500 and, more importantly, River Lea. Cockle of The Enfield Society, will EDITORIAL more up to date than the Ordnance Survey Explorer helped to promote the new Coast Path and The route is surprisingly green in start from High Barnet station at Editor: Les Douglas maps, detailed route descriptions, notes on all the encourage people to take advantage of this great such an urban area, passing through 10am and finish at Arnos Grove Email: [email protected] points of interest along the way, background historical opportunity for walkers. , Oak station. The Sunday walk, led Tel: 020 8809 2338 A guide for walkers and cyclists and geographical information and scores of colour Those looking forward to the second part of Hill Park, , Arnos by Colin Saunders, author of the (please leave message) Newly-drawn mapping based on Ordnance photographs and diagrams. the Coast Path guide will have to wait for some Survey data at 1:25,000 scale Park, Broomfield Park, Bowes guidebook, will start from Arnos DESIGN AND PRINT As with the Coast Path guide, we would like readers time yet as completion of the path in Kent is Information about points of interest, geology, Meadow, Millfield, Grove station at 10.30am and finish geography and history of the area Mortons Print Ltd - 01507 529255 of South East Walker to be amongst the first to get not expected before 2020. Why not tackle the and , taking at station. There their hands on the new book and at a very special price. three river valley walks while waiting? advantage of several new brookside will be opportunities for refreshment Opinions expressed by contributors The list price of the 80-page book will be £7.50 but Robert Peel stretches that have been made at a cafe during the walks, but you are not specifically endorsed by accessible in recent years. One of can bring a picnic if you prefer, and The Ramblers. London's least well-known beauty there are pubs near the finish for ISSN 1747-4140 with neurological problems, which she continued. "It would be a dream spots, Jack's Lake, features early in the further refreshment if required. C 2018 The Ramblers. are believed to be linked to her (to get this treatment). I would feel Fountain Pond on Hadley Green Photo: Colin Saunders route, which also passes many places The book's RRP is £8.99, but The new guide. All rights reserved. Nicky's plight cancer. Her symptoms affect her like I was doing everything I can for muscles and nerves, which can make my family, and I could go over there Copy Date: For issue No. 104 member of East Kent is 12 October 2018. it difficult to walk. Having worked without debt hanging over my head, Walkers, who survived Nicky sought to overcome the for years as a legal secretary, and I just want it to go away. A the 7/7 terror attacks in trauma of what she had been more recently in marketing, Nicky Story reproduced by permission New route Illuminating the Thames London, is now battling cancer through by joining East Kent has also had to give up work. of KM Media Group. To donate, and has launched a fundraising Walkers, a Ramblers group aimed at However, after spending six weeks go to www.gofundme.com/help- tarting next year, international competition, campaign for medical treatment people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. It at a private clinic in Germany, where nicky-save-her-life. a new Illuminated a team led by American which could save her life. was through the group that she met she underwent a mixture of low dose River project will light artist Leo Villareal and into Woolwich S Nicky Ratcliff was a passenger on her husband, Mike. The couple, chemotherapy and heat therapy, as transform and enliven London-based architects the Piccadilly Line train which was who live in Faversham, married in well as treatment to build up her central London's bridges Lifschutz Davidson bombed in the string of attacks in 2014, but last January, just a year immune system, her tumours have with a kinetic light Sandilands was selected opened 2005 which resulted in the deaths of after the birth of their daughter shrunk by a third. Nicky is now installation. because they combined 52 people. Ivy, Nicky was diagnosed with hoping to raise £17,500 so she can The installation, an exciting kinetic breast cancer. Despite undergoing continue her treatment, and ideally, incorporating 15 bridges artwork with respect for a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, go to an alternative cancer clinic in from in the the natural environment, after being admitted to hospital with Mexico. east to Albert Bridge in the local inhabitants and the appendicitis six months later she "It was working. They have got a west (taking the Golden character and history of discovered that the aggressive cancer totally different approach to building Jubilee footbridges and the bridges. Leo Villareal is On the trail of had spread to her liver. up your body and immune system. Hungerford Bridge as one), the artist who created The Because Nicky has two tumours on It's a mix of alternative treatments is intended to connect, Bay Lights, a monumental the Kent miner either side of her liver, doctors have with the more conventional kind, celebrate and capture the public art installation on told her that they cannot operate. and because (the chemo) is low dose spirit of the Thames and its San Francisco's Bay Bridge. he Miner's Way Trail in Mike, Nicky and Ivy. Illumiated River's vision She has now also been diagnosed it's not so harmful to your body," Photo: KM Media Group diverse communities. Once His lighting concept is East Kent is a relatively completed, at 2.5 miles a subtle kinetic artwork, Like many walk leaders, from London Bridge to Tlittle-known route which long, it will be the longest integrating light and I sometimes choose to Millennium Bridge, is lit uses public footpaths and public art commission colour, and programmed turn my walks into a bit next spring. bridleways to link the former in the world, taking in using computer software to of a guided tour, so I'm Visit https://illuminated mining sites in the countryside 4.5 nautical miles of the be very site-specific to each looking forward to reading river.london/ to read more to the north of Dover. Coal Line is feasible! . Based on a bridge and to interplay up on Leo Villareal, and to about the project, and to A guidebook to the 28-mile he Peckham Coal Line launched their park linking Queens Road Peckham and Rye Lane. It single lighting concept, the with the river. leading some Illuminated read my blog post about the route (or two 14-mile circuits) feasibility study at a packed two-venue event will transform walking and cycling connections around Heading towards the on the new section of path. artwork on each bridge will Wildlife, sustainability River evening strolls when . with notes on the history of coal in June. The evening combined an exhibition Peckham. bridging busy roads and creating a direct link capture its unique history and energy efficiencythe first phase of the project, Clare Wadd mining and the social history of the T new section of path beside the new route is closed overnight and identity and will have been at the heart of about the area in the Old Waiting Rooms at Peckham between two high streets. It plans to turn disused and area was produced in 2007 by the Rye station - only the second time the venue has been the Thames between from 9pm to 6am, respond to its distinct area decision-making in the White Cliffs Countryside Project forgotten spaces into a source of civic pride, bringing the Thames Barrier at Council hopes to eventually arrange of the Thames. project, which will address used since access was regained with the building of benefits to health, culture and business for local people, A Parkland walks with Dover Museum as part of the a new staircase - with talks across the road in the Charlton and Woolwich was for 24-hour opening. For Ramblers in London, both light pollution and County providing much-needed green space for the area, and Coalfield Heritage Initiative Kent. Bussey Building. officially opened on 20 June by Graham Butler, who sits on the the Thames Path is energy efficiency. Working Council's beautifully celebrating Peckham's industrial past. The Coal Line will Oral histories collected from former Due to the level of interest in the project, the talks were London's Walking and Cycling Thames Path Partnership for the fundamental - we walk it in closely with environmental illustrated publications of the time also form a strategic transport link for south London - miners and their families and some repeated in two separate time slots so that everyone who Commissioner, Will Norman, and Ramblers, adds: "The title 'Thames so many different ways and organisations, Illuminated adding the missing piece in a network of greenways that of their recollections of living and - has many illustrations by artist wanted to hear them could be accommodated. the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Path Extension', used between the circumstances, we simply River is aiming to improve runs from Brixton all the way to the Thames and the working are included too. John Cann. Copies of the original The study, which was paid for by a crowdfunding cabinet member for Air Quality, Thames Barrier at Charlton and can't imagine London natural habitats for Interest in mining coal in Kent, proposed new bridge to Canary Wharf. guidebook have been difficult to campaign supported by 928 organisations and individuals Public Realm and Transport, Crayford Ness (the London/Kent without it. Everything flora and wildlife and to far removed from the areas more obtain for a while but we hear that including Inner London Ramblers, confirms that the Clare Wadd Denise Scott-McDonald. The border) is expected to disappear starts with the river, so ensure the project leaves often associated with mining, they can now be obtained from project is feasible, and work is expected to start on it later Chair, Inner London Ramblers £1.5 million link provides an soon. The Thames Path national everything stems from the a positive environment began when coal was discovered the Elvinton & Eythorne Heritage this year. The project has been divided into eight smaller improved route for the Thames trail will be extended from the Thames Path. The river is legacy for London. at Shakespeare Cliff near Dover, Group ([email protected]) projects, with the first to open expected to be the Old Path Extension, Capital Ring and Thames Barrier to the Woolwich a significant London public Reducing excessive light in 1890. A syndicate to buy the who research and archive the Stable Yard redevelopment and Queens Road to Bidwell routes and cuts foot tunnel on the south bank of the space, and Illuminated levels and using more mineral rights was formed in history of the local area. The group Street in 2019. The high-level parts of the route are the out the need to divert along busy river. From Woolwich Foot Tunnel River is a way to enhance subtle LEDs, will provide 1896 and, over the years several welcomes visitors at Elvington most complex and require the most funding, so will be Woolwich Road. It also forms to Crayford Ness will become part the experience of walking it a better environment for mines were developed. All faced Community Centre, St Johns Road, completed last. part of cycle route Quietway 14. of the England Coast Path in 2020 at night, when its currently wildlife and reduce both difficulties posed by the extreme Inner London Ramblers have led a series of walks From the Thames Barrier (where (Woolwich being the first foot- under-used. It will give us energy consumption and depth of the coal under the chalk, Elvington CT15 4DZ on Tuesdays taking in the route of the Coal Line and Peckham's parks the Thames Path national trail crossing point upriver from the a new twist on the Thames maintenance costs. As the and the risks of sudden flooding. only from 10am to 2pm. Visitors As part of the programme of events in 2016 to mark the 300th and cemeteries, and we were pleased to be mentioned currently ends/begins), a ramp now sea) to form part of the Woolwich Path for winter evening artwork will be digitally Kentish miners, working far below who turn up can buy the guidebook anniversary of the birth of 'Capability' Brown, as supporters of the project in project instigator, Nick links into the Industrial to Isle of Grain section, and will be strolls - which can be hard controlled, it will be possible Gardens Trust produced this series of leaflets describing circular ground and in very hot conditions, for £5 (a bargain as the original Woodford's talk at the launch event. We were also filmed Estate, part of the old Siemens cable re-signed accordingly. Discussions to devise as they're entirely to dim it - for spawning, walks of around 2.5 - 4.5 miles which feature 10 landscaped became known as among the cover price was much more). for a video, talking about why the project is important to factory which closed in 1968. A have been going on with Natural in the dark - and the sheer shoaling and migration for parks in the county. The walks, which can be downloaded toughest and most militant in the Alternatively, if you can't manage to from the trust's website at www.hertsgardenstrust.org.uk, Ramblers. Last year we welcomed one of the project team second at the far end of Warspite England and Sustrans about the scale of the project is a huge example - and these times country. Never very profitable, the visit the centre, send them a cheque explore Park, Beechwood, Brocket Park, Digswell Park, to our Area meeting to show us the model of the route Road then takes walkers and cyclists issue of getting across the Darent opportunity for different can be publicised, making last mines closed in 1989. (payable to Elvington & Eythorne above the riverside before rejoining on Crayford Marshes as about £2 short walks taking in the the invisible wildlife of Kimpton Hoo, Newsells, , , and update us on plans. and . Each walk starts at a car park (public transport The guidebook to the route - Heritage Group) for £7 to include the Thames Path Extension at King million is needed to provide a bridge The Peckham Coal Line is a community-led project to Visitors at the exhibition in the Old Waiting Rooms at Peckham artwork. the Thames visible to is not mentioned but can be used to reach many of the walks). produced in a style similar to Kent return post and packing. Henry's Wharf. Although currently of sufficient height." Following an Londoners. reconnect Peckham's neighbourhoods with a new linear Rye station. Photo: Clare Wadd 4 South East Walker September 2018 South East Walker September 2018 5 learning about the initiative to create Please stay in touch an Oxford Swift City. he did need to fix it. By chance, I We walked to Wellington Square to Footpath matters had to check the next stage, which Swift involved retracing my steps on the f you have already ticked You can change your choice at any see the nest boxes that the university OXFORDSHIRE 'Ramblers may contact me by time. had put up under the eaves and County council: The reorganisation applications; orders have been Roman Road, and I discovered that email' in your account on the Your contact preferences apply delayed the redecorating to save the of the county council is still made for the resulting diversions at the fence had been replaced using I new material and was no longer a Ramblers website then - thank equally to communications from walk swifts. proceeding. The Field Officers are Adderbury, Blackthorn and Banbury problem. you, you don't have to do anything Ramblers Central Office, from n a beautiful May We also visited Worcester College no longer looking at potholes, and (all for housing), and there are new else. Oxfordshire Ramblers and from your morning, a group of which has a swift (or marten) as are trying to recruit more staff. applications at Clifton Hampden On 11 July I tried to do a recce on-line If you haven't but do wish to receive local group. For example, you cannot Oxfordshire Ramblers one of its heraldic emblems. The (gravel extraction by the Thames Diversions, claims etc: The for a walk through Blenheim Park. O marten, which travels long distances, Path) and Sandford St Martin our newsletters that we send by email continue to receive communications gathered outside the University Oxfordshire Golf Course diversion The whole of the park, including symbolises the long journey to (Bentley car museum, millionaires' (to save your money) then you must from your group by email unless you Museum of Natural History in orders have been confirmed. The the rights of way, was closed for the education in the university. houses and racetrack, next to Soho Ramblers charitable objectives, opt in to receiving emails. Neither we have opted-in to email contact in your Oxford. order has now been made for coming visit of Donald Trump and interspersed with humour to keep We looked up to the swift nests in We finished by walking through Farms, with 260 objections). nor Ramblers Central Office sends account at Ramblers Central Office. the diversions at Watlington and all the other personages involved things moving. It's rather like a the tower vents and gazed at the sky University Parks where the swifts many emails; you won't be inundated Ramblers recently decided that Sibford Gower. The Hook Norton Other matters: The Oxford (under what powers goodness Chair's notes Sunday roast; hours to produce but where swifts were screaming Our search for insects to feed on. To with them. We believe that we owe it in addition to Walk magazine and knows; certainly not under Traffic only minutes to consume. You can get volunteer for the Swift City Project, diversion proposal to divert a Expressway debate rumbles on, and xfordshire hosts trustees of officers: Oxfordshire Area's to you to tell you what we volunteers South East Walker, local Ramblers walk was led by Emily Seccombe, Regulation Act; Defence Act 1842 the latest copy and back issues from RSPB Swift Officer, with help from contact [email protected]. bridleway into a field used for horse seems to get more confused; the and executives: Vale Annual General Meeting will be do to put Ramblers objectives into newsletters and walks programmes perhaps?). During my enforced of White Horse Group on Saturday 2 February at Wytham our website at www.ramblers-oxon. Chris Mason of the Cherwell Swifts Elaine Steane jumps has been refused because numerous protest groups seem to be O practice in Oxfordshire. that are sent to members by post count of local opposition, which I have attempting to unite against it. While perambulation I found that hosted a visit by the Ramblers Area Village Hall, Halls Close, Wytham, org.uk. Click on the 'newsletters' tab. You can opt in to emailed as 'legitimate interest'; you do not Conservation Project. We were Oxford City Ramblers Working Group. Oxford OX2 8QA, starting at 15.00 supported. The minor diversion inspecting the Oxford Green Belt anybody could have got in by at This comprises Chief Executive (time to be confirmed). It will be Less is more: Space, that is, to newsletters by going into your account have to give your consent for this. round the new community centre Way I found that the dilapidated least two of the back entrances; in Vanessa Griffiths, Chair of the Board preceded by a short walk, followed publish all the articles submitted to on the national Ramblers website. However, your consent is required for at Charlbury has been confirmed, fence on the Roman Road bridleway the words of the old song, "Shut of Trustees Kate Ashbrook, and by lunch (in the hall or at the White the Oxfordshire pages of South East At the time of writing the text on us to send you newsletters and updates and a diversion away from a new in Beckley, which I have complained the door, they're coming through several other trustees and members Hart pub) and an invited speaker. Walker if each article has no more the 'contact preferences' page reads: eg when a walk has to be changed, by barn conversion at Sibford Gower. about for years, had collapsed the window". No doubt the area than 300 words or so. Fewer will of staff, including Area Support After the AGM there will be more 'Your support is important to us and email. This stricter requirement for A 2014 diversion order round completely, allowing me to spot the was sealed off by the time they all often suffice. Such restraint would Officers. They joined us for a very time to socialise, with cakes provided we would like to contact you to tell emails arises due to the combination warehouses at Banbury has also owner inside; I pointed out that a arrived. attractive walk, followed by lunch by Oxford City Group who are also enable more photographs to you more about our work (including of new General Data Protection David Godfrey accompany articles. Keep in mind been confirmed. horse could put a hoof through the in the Six Bells in Warborough, all hosting the meeting. For more local walks, local footpath protection, Rules on consent combined with the Area Footpath Secretary that articles on our SEW pages There has been a rash of planning decayed woodwork. He replied that of which gave plenty of opportunity details see our walks programme. access campaigns, fundraising and existing requirements of the Privacy should be of interest to members to swap experiences and aspirations. Any member wishing to stand for volunteering). To do this we would of Electronic Communications I was kindly invited to join in election to an Area officer post across the county. like you to tell us how we may contact Regulations. their subsequent meeting, a great or as a Members' Representative you.' To receive emails, click on Dave Cavanagh opportunity to hear first-hand on our Area Council is advised to In this case bigger is bigger: If Looking for swifts. Photo: Elaine Steane about progress on defining what contact me (davecavanagh1000@ you take photos that might be 'Ramblers may contact me by email'. Chair, Oxfordshire Ramblers Key to the door celebration Areas should be doing to deliver gmail.com) in the first instance. printed eg in South East Walker or in our charitable objectives. A few Notwithstanding, a candidate should your group's printed newsletter, be How to tell Ramblers your contact preferences: sure to submit images of sufficient days later Oxfordshire Ramblers inform the Area General Secretary • Go to the Ramblers national website www.ramblers.org.uk Volunteer fair assisted Central Office staff and (rosemarywilliams.62@gmail. quality for printing, otherwise they s part of the 'Growing clearing group. might be rejected. If you use a • Login to your account via the 'Login' link at the top of the screen trustees to stage a Roadshow in com) of their intention to stand Healthy Bicester Project', smartphone, the image is likely to • After logging-in, click on the 'My account' link at the top of the screen Students from the secondary Oxford. Some 85 members from for election, and be proposed and Cherwell District several Areas attended, with 12 seconded by two other members, all be good for this purpose (providing • Click on 'Update profile' (which is underneath a photograph) A schools in Bicester visited our stand Council, Healthy New Towns workshops to choose from. This at least seven days before the AGM. images in excess of 1 mb). If you • Scroll down to 'contact preferences' and click on the '+' symbol and we compiled a list of interested further demonstrated the energy and use a camera, set it to give images of • Click on the first mention of 'Ramblers may contact me by email' and Volunteer Connect organised volunteers. Beth Rutherford, a Volunteer Fair in April. enthusiasm of Central Office staff in talking walking: This is the name about 12 megapixels (giving a file That's it, you've finished. Countryside Officer from size of about 2.5 mb) or greater. The aim was to look for talented taking our organisation forward. of Oxfordshire Ramblers quarterly Oxfordshire County Council, was newsletter, in which we describe Dave Cavanagh (Below that it reads 'Ramblers may number. Or phone the membership young people to help volunteer also on hand to offer advice. We Notice of Area AGM and election what we have been doing to deliver Chair, Oxfordshire Ramblers contact me about special offers from services team on 020 7339 8595 organisations. We had a stand look forward to the students joining their carefully selected partners.' and have your membership number where we were promoting the aims Only click on the choices below to hand. of the Ramblers. In particular we us on footpath clearing. if you wish to receive marketing You will find an illustrated were looking for young people to Mary Gough material.) guide to accessing your Ramblers help our Blitz and Klean footpath Bicester & Kidlington Ramblers If you have forgotten your account and choosing your contact Mike Smith tells the anniversary walkers about Dinton Hall. Photo: Ken King password, click on the link provided preferences in the May 2018 issue of to tell Ramblers Central Office. If our Oxfordshire Ramblers quarterly ur group is blessed with to return from Stone after starting us about one-time local resident you need further help then you e-newsletter talking walking. You a bus service going our linear walk in Thame. The John Bigg, known as the Dinton can email [email protected]. will find it and previous issues at Othrough several parishes 28 walkers enjoyed a coffee stop Hermit as he lived in a cave in the uk. Include your name, address, www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk. Click in the area and last year we in Haddenham and a lunch stop village, who is reputed to have been telephone number and membership on the 'newsletters' tab. celebrated our 20th anniversary at the Seven Stars pub in Dinton the executioner of King Charles 1 in Oxfordshire members with Ramblers staff and trustees of the Area Working Group alongside the Thames. with a linear walk from Thame before finishing with tea and cakes 1649.. But where will the bus take to Wheatley returning by bus. at Stone Village Hall. On the way us next year? On 26 May this year, for our we stopped to admire Dinton Hall Ruth Cornish Parish Path Warden workshop Shakespeare's Way Looking for volunteers. Photo: Mary Gough 21st anniversary, we used the bus where walk leader Mike Smith told Thame & Wheatley Ramblers he 10th Parish Path Warden footpaths in the nearby parish of Stanton St ollowing last workshop was held at Beckley John, looking for opportunities to observe year's success TVillage Hall on 18 April. and comment on aspects of the quality of Fwith clearing It was organised by Oxfordshire Area the path infrastructure - stiles, bridges and and waymarking the Ramblers in partnership with the county gates. Secateurs were much to the fore as the Oxfordshire Way, council's Countryside Access Team and wardens cut back the vegetation particularly BERKSHIRE Thame & Wheatley Oxford Fieldpaths Society. Twenty-two around waymarks and fingerposts, as well as Group thought they wardens attended, drawn from the various cleaning the footpath direction signs. would tackle the section Ramblers groups in the county. Dave After lunch there was a discussion on the of Shakespeare's Way Cavanagh and Liz Adams, Chairs of Parish Path Warden guidelines and the use that passes through bites Oxfordshire Area and Oxford Fieldpaths of the county council's CAMSweb online Society respectively, welcomed everyone. reporting system for path problems. The our area. There followed an illustrated talk by me, on workshop concluded with a practical exercise Tony Clark puts up a waymark near Chalgrove. Photo: Ken King Ruth Cornish the role of the Countryside Access Team. in which the wardens were presented with a After outlining the role of the Rights of list of 18 typical path problems and asked to Way Field Officer I explained how the large put themselves in the place of a Field Officer Thame & Wheatley on air Summer in West Berks The Green Man spotted on a walk. Photo: Richard Trimmer caseload of reports are analysed and put into and estimate the priority order in which they ow, what about that for a We started in the spring in what little-known bluebell facts: Spanish some stalwarts struggling knee deep deep in mud and water. a priority order. For example, typically over would be dealt with. ed Kite Radio hosts Thame summer! Temperatures one leader described as 'atmospheric bluebells have little or no scent unlike in it on the first of the evening walks. Our coach walks continued to gain 1,600 path problems are reported each year Currently almost 80% of the county's 320 & Wheatley Ramblers every consistently higher conditions' - thick fog! Apparently their English cousins; their sap can However, the ground gradually began in popularity with trips as far afield to the Team. These can range from a simple parishes have a Parish Path Warden in place. W R month, talking about their than 28 degrees. Sunshine from this had nothing to do with the be used as glue; and certain extracts to dry and areas that a few weeks earlier as Swanage, Chichester and Cheddar. waymarking issue to a dangerous bridge, This percentage includes those parishes walks and social activities. dawn to dusk. reservoirs drying Green Man spotted later on the walk. can be used for countering HIV had been flooded were soon baked Incredibly the Swanage trip was so or an obstruction blocking a path. Field where path representatives of the Chiltern Normally Peter Bozier is interviewed up. The threat of hosepipe bans. Coped with a considerable amount and cancers although some can be solid and cracking. But undaunted well attended that a 60-seat coach Officers deal with the impact of planning Society and the Cotswold Wardens are acting but this time group Chair Bob Ward had And still West Berkshire Ramblers of rain. And then went into the long poisonous to humans. So next year by this change in nature the evening had to be ordered making it the most applications, whether minor ones, large-scale in that capacity. the microphone. Red Kite Radio operates managed to keep to their published hot summer. The annual bluebell just remember to think twice about walkers continued their search for the popular trip yet. Thank goodness for residential developments, or infrastructure Jim Parke from Haddenham Garden Centre and walking schedule, including some walks abounded at the start of the that bluebell stew! last remaining impassable footpath of air conditioned coaches! projects such as HS2, on public rights of way. Coordinator, broadcasts to the local area on 107.2fm. much-needed pub stops! season with perhaps the best display As the spring progressed the the summer, being suitably rewarded Richard Trimmer After a coffee break came the practical Oxfordshire Ramblers Parish Path Warden And what a change in the seasons. for many years coupled with a few footpaths quickly turned to mud with in mid-July with a footpath still ankle West Berks Ramblers Ruth Cornish session. I led the group along some of the network Bob Ward (left) is interviewed by Howard Bond. Thame & Wheatley Ramblers Photo: Ken King Berkshire Bites continues on page 6 6 South East Walker September 2018 South East Walker September 2018 7 Berkshire Bites continued from page 5 Walks too from Shuttleworth, us to get involved in helping to protect our around Willington, Northill, The second weekend sees the National Young Ramblers 2018 countryside. We shared the feedback from Bedfordshire Walking Festival and Houghton Hall Park annual Path the discussion themes from the walks, which Mixed news ow in its ninth year, the another opportunity for using the delightful undulating circular from in Houghton Regis. Challenge, 40 miles in two days. On ome of you may remember Hike- our part of the world; there was a choice led to an interesting debate and insight into Bedfordshire Walking Thameslink line to Harlington for Freeman's Common in on Walks for Health, a joint venture the Sunday afternoon there will be Fest. 'Whatever happened to Hike- of 12 different walks, some being led by some of the plans that Ramblers is looking from East Berks Festival takes place from a 10-mile circular walk entitled Friday 14 or from the Musgrave between the Ramblers and the the launch of the Sandy Green Wheel Fest?' I hear you say. As a relatively neighbouring groups (Oxon 20s&30s N S to implement to better support its volunteers, irst some good news. The 8 - 16 September. Starting at Delightful, Delectable and Damned Arms at Shillington on Sunday 16th. People's Postcode Lottery are at the Pinnacle recreation ground at new Rambler, I'm afraid I don't have an Walkers, Chiltern Young Walkers, Berkshire such as training to encourage more walk Royal Borough of Windsor and 8am on the first day with an near Perfect. Informative walks of about two included too. However, we won't 2pm. After the launch there will be answer, but I do know that it has been Weekend Walkers). There was a certain leaders. reinvented as National Young Ramblers amount of friendly rivalry between the Maidenhead will be holding a informative walk for bird lovers The festival is not just about hours are taken at a slower pace, come knocking at your door, we two walks, one of six-miles and one The Berkshire Walkers then handed F at Marston Moretaine, the day 'walks for walkers' although there some by knowledgeable Rambler won't come ringing your bell so do of just over two miles. (NYR) and our group hosted the third various walk leaders, but the Windsor walks ceremony on Friday 14 September to over the NYR baton to Stag Walkers, continues at 10am with an easy- are plenty to choose from every day members and others by experts in yourself a favour and join in. The festival is organised by the NYR in Reading on 15 - 17 June. had the greatest level of interest (I can't Hertfordshire's Young Ramblers group, who officially open a bridge over The Cut on a The inaugural NYR event, held in Cardiff imagine why!). new footpath linking Bray Road to Green paced linear informative walk across the county whether it is a six- their subject. Spread across the The festival also encourages Ramblers Bedfordshire Area and will host the 2019 event. As someone who from Leagrave Common to Luton mile morning walk or a 10-mile plus county, there are three in Bedford families with an evening of Trails we rely on funding from the three in 2016, was borne out of a desire for the We were keen to share some of the has only been a Rambler for two and a half Lane in Braywick Park, Maidenhead. (easily accessed by Thameslink day walk. The energetic will seek (Stories behind the headstones, The and Tales starting from Clophill Eco councils and support from all the Young Ramblers groups across the country Berkshire Walkers ethos and during the years, I have had an amazing time working The bridge, to be known as 'Margaret's train from London). out a 19-mile circular on Sunday 9 jewel in the crown, Three Rs one Aah Lodges on Saturday 8 followed on advertisers for which we are very to come together to share experiences, go planning stages, we agreed that we would with the rest of the organising committee on Bridge', will be dedicated to the work of my walking and to build links across the different take advantage of the excellent transport On the same day, train users starting at 9am from Keysoe or a 13- and some Oohs). On Monday 10, Sunday 9 with a version for younger appreciative. this fun and rewarding venture. We have met illustrious predecessor, Margaret Bowdery groups. My attendance at NYR 2017 in links that we are blessed with in Reading. All could also access A Walk on the mile circular on Tuesday 11, starting starting from Jordan's Mill at Broom children. Two walks using the For more information go to so many interesting people and I believe that MBE, who served as Footpath Secretary for Edinburgh first opened my eyes to the wider of the walks were accessed by train and we the links that have been made will continue Wild Side starting 11.30am 10am at Roxton. Those preferring we have Hiding in plain sight, a Leighton Buzzard Light Railway on www.bedswalkfest.co.uk or email scope of Ramblers and was one of the reasons were able to benefit from GroupSave tickets. East Berks Ramblers for an incredible 43 years from Ridgmont station (on the a five to seven mile morning walk six-mile walk exploring education, Sunday 16th start at 10.30 and 12.30 [email protected]. to grow in the future. before retiring in 2014. Sadly, Margaret died why I decided to stand as Secretary for the A number of attendees commented on how Arlene Rebello Marston Vale line from Bedford may fancy the attractive village religion, entertainment, buildings with special single fares available to Barry Ingram in 2016. Berkshire Walkers. It was inevitable then, practical and efficient this was. Secretary, Berkshire Walkers to Bletchley). Saturday 15 offers of Poddington on Sunday 9 or a and the people of Biggleswade. walkers. that once we had volunteered to host NYR The walks also provided the opportunity There's less good news about the planned 2018, that I would be part of the organising to discuss some themes, such as sharing https://www.berkshirewalkers.co.uk/, reprint of our 'Rambling for Pleasure: Along committee. experiences and best practice of the groups, https://www.facebook.com/NYR2018 the Thames' book, which we often refer to as After nearly a year of planning, we were understanding how people connect with the the 'blue book'. Because our publisher has now eager to welcome members of Young Ramblers campaigning side of Ramblers and how we effectively ceased trading and we can't afford groups from as far away as Edinburgh and can keep Ramblers relevant for the future. Litter cleared to self-publish (and we don't want to throw Cornwall who had travelled to Reading on The day was rounded off by an exuberant away all the effort group members have put the 15 June. After a short, early evening walk barn dance at the town hall. into the re-write), we are planning to publish BUCKS through Reading and along the Thames Path, On the Sunday the focus shifted to the over 70 Young Ramblers joined us in the campaigning aspects of Ramblers as we all the walks from the book on our website. I evening to take part in a Ramblers-themed reconvened at the Museum of English Rural need to do some more work on the maps and pub quiz and photo competition, with prizes Life where the Loddon Valley and East Berks photos to achieve this but we will get there! donated by Cotswold Outdoor, as well as groups were able to share some of their Steve Gillions briefs goodie bags for all participants. activities, such as gate installation and path Footpath Secretary, Saturday was the opportunity for us clearing. Kate Ashbrook, Vice-President and Members of the Berkshire Walkers at Sunday's East Berks Ramblers to showcase the beautiful countryside in Chair of the Ramblers, spoke and encouraged venue in Reading. Photo: Arlene Rebello News from Bucks, Milton Keynes and West Middlesex

Chiltern Weekend Walkers removed more than 40 kgs of rubbish from the paths. Celebrating their Photo: Mark Percy Beds Area AGM hen 25 volunteers medium and longer distance his year's annual general meeting will take place on from our group walkers - and all three walks ended BEDFORDSHIRE Sunday 25 November at Woburn Village Hall. Details will Top 100 Favourite Walk W checked paths in at the same time and at the same Tbe available at www.bedswalkfest.co.uk nearer the date. Lacey Green on 21 April, they pub where we were able to chat." Barry Ingram found litter was the number one The groups found the paths e were delighted Missenden. walk with delicious tea and cakes in problem. themselves to be in a reasonable that a much-loved bulletin There are many ways to spend Matilda's cafe in Great Missenden "We split into three groups to condition although a few small walk in our area was W a Saturday afternoon, but doing a was, well, the icing on the cake! cover virtually all the paths in the issues were reported using the included in ITV's 'Britain's Top lovely walk in perfect weather with Kate Ellis-Jones parish and between us collected Pathwatch app. Peter added "Given RIPPLE returns 100 Favourite Walks', shown on a great group of people has to be Secretary, Amersham & District 14 sacks of rubbish," said group that it was spring, we did find a 30 January . To celebrate this, one of the very best and ending the Ramblers ollowing a seven month lay- Chairman Steve Dowling. "We few paths that had been recently a group of 24 of us did a version came across lager cans and crisp ploughed, so we have kept an eye on John Bunyan Trail guide online off, RIPPLE (Restoring and of the walk on Saturday 23 June Improving Public Paths for packets on verges and in woodlands, these to ensure they were reinstated edfordshire's longest and passing Bunyan's birthplace. links. When searching for a long F between Wendover and Great but there were also gin bottles and, within a few weeks. Litter was Leisure and Enjoyment) resumed walking trail, the John Recently, Leighton Buzzard distance trail to walk put the John Missenden stations. bizarrely, an electronic carving definitely the main issue." in July with the clearance of a Bunyan Trail, is a Ramblers put a superb John Bunyan Bunyan Trail at the top of your list I led the 6.5 mile walk which knife. It's sad that people think "It's the first time we've B section of the Greensand Ridge celebration of a local hero. Trail guide on their website. The and you will not be disappointed. took us up the to the it's acceptable to drop all this stuff, completed an exercise like this and Born 28 November 1628 in walk is divided into sections. Each Mike Shephard Path at Millbrook which had monument on Coombe Hill with especially in such a beautiful area." I was delighted with the enthusiasm Elstow, Bunyan was a tinker who section not only gives directions but Leighton Buzzard Ramblers become overgrown. Although magnificent views across Aylesbury The path check was the idea among our walkers with what we could swear like a trooper before he excellent historical notes as well and still usable it had not had any Vale. We continued to follow the of our Footpath Secretary, Peter achieved. As a group we are going became a non conformist Christian the notes are accompanied with the attention for three years and had Ridgeway around the contours of Dobson. He said "I wanted to to look at other ways to encourage after his marriage. He would travel trail marked on Ordnance Survey not been listed for the contractors the hill to a view over Chequers, support the annual Great British all our walkers to use Pathwatch to the county preaching, which in maps. There is also a foreword by to clear. Our Ramblers volunteers the Prime Minister's country Spring Clean project. We focused report footpath issues, and also to Charles II's time was illegal. He was author and humanitarian Terry happily stepped in and over two retreat. We then walked through on Lacey Green as our group acts as look for ways to clear litter as we go arrested and jailed in Bedford for Waite CBE. The trail guide is free sessions were able to do a great job Low Scrubs and High Scrubs woods path warden for the parish. We put on our walks." One of our earlier RIPPLE path clearing and widening the path. to Dunsmore where we joined The group at the monument on Coombe Hill with Chequers in the background. on three walks covering 25 miles in Mark Percy 12 years where he wrote his most and can be downloaded from www. clearances. Photo: Barry Ingram famous work, 'Pilgrim's Progress'. lb-ramblers.org.uk. Council reorganisations and the South Bucks Way to Great Photo: Kate Ellis-Jones total. This catered for the shorter, Chiltern Weekend Walkers You can explore where he preached The trail is generally well- personnel changes meant there which may only require two or three was no-one to organise anything on this 80-mile circular trail around maintained and with waymarks people we can liaise and mutually through the Ramblers' Donate-a- Gates have mostly replaced stiles on the and although it appears Central agree a day and time for the work to Bedfordshire. This is a magnificent featuring Bunyan's silhouette. The John Bunyan Trail in Bedfordshire. North Bucks rRIPPLE finds Gate scheme. route showing the best of the county trail guide also lists public transport Photo: Mike Shephard Bedfordshire is getting its act be done. The gates replace broken and together the same cannot be said Circumstances can change and installing gates rewarding overgrown stiles, and the landowners of Bedford Borough as it is now locations can change and as the have improved access by cutting back he English countryside on good terms with landowners and looking to reduce its number of information is sent out via email overgrown hedges, fencing off game Photos: Bill Piers is typified by landscape users - from graziers and gamekeepers Another first for Ivel Valley highways officers. However that cover and mowing crops sown over please check on a regular basis and where people live, work to arable farmers and estate managers. said there are still organisations who if in doubt please make contact. T the footpaths. Where footpaths are vel Valley Walkers had a half hour walk which encompassed the main attraction was the Foster and pursue leisure activities side Installing gates, securing fencing obstructed or obliterated, this type another first with the start of William Barron's Victorian master- Hill Road Cemetery. Sue, one of value the work Ramblers volunteers Whatever work we do we still need One of three new kissing gates by side, nowhere more so than in and keeping routes open can be of local negotiation and action is The other side of the new kissing gate their 'Interest Walks' which piece, Bedford Park, We were for- the cemetery volunteers, guided us and other groups like P3s and the our volunteers to come on a regular funded by a consortium of five local I north Buckinghamshire, where most rewarding when a circular route less confrontational and more likely residents. Note the gamekeeper has where the farmer has cleared a path means they now have walks on tunate to see the fruit trees in full around and told us about some of Chiltern Society do on public paths. basis along with new faces. Ramblers residents, farmers and walkers is re-established to the benefit of to succeed than enforcement by cleared a path through his cover crop. through his broad bean crop. five days for most weeks. blossom in the community orchard the souls buried there, including In response to our volunteers we members or non members are all live and run rural businesses amid locals, dog walkers and visitors, while overstretched councils. Our group Jan organised and I led a two and on our way to Clapham Park but Napoleonic war veterans, Scottish have set aside a Tuesday every other welcome. It would be really beneficial rolling fields and woodland. encouraging considerate behaviour always promotes local involvement, highlanders, local brewers, academ- week so that it does not coincide to have volunteers from all four North Bucks rRIPPLE footpath in a working landscape. A particular and almost invariably it benefits all ics, relatives of codebreaker Alan with the Ivel Valley Tuesday walk Bedfordshire groups as path problems work team encounters all these every example is the kissing gate in the concerned. week when surveying and installing Turing, and even a dog which had and we will endeavour to put out a do occur across the county and small photos, the first of three between two Bill Piers pedestrian gates on the extensive local villages near the busy A41, where Co-ordinator, lived in the cemetery after its owner programme in advance in a similar problems can be more easily sorted footpath network. A particularly locals have worked hard to establish North Bucks rRIPPLE died. We rounded off the walk with way to the walks programme. The by local volunteers. Tuesday is our satisfying aspect is helping local good relationships with landowners [email protected] an enjoyable lunch at the Pavilion Tuesday sessions will be for the footpaths work day, please make it residents and walkers keep paths and subsequently contributed more www.bucks-wmiddx-ramblers.org. The newly-cleared path through the cover crop leading directly to a cropped-over Cafe in Bedford Park. bigger jobs which need at least five yours too. open and accessible while remaining than £1,000 for the installations uk/donate-a-gate path of wheat that the farmer has agreed to reinstate. Marcus Kilby people and take a morning. In Barry Ingram The cemetery had many tales to tell. Photo: Barry Ingram Ivel Valley Walkers addition, where we receive a request [email protected] Bucks Briefs continues on page 10 8 South East Walker September 2018 South East Walker September 2018 9 member of this elite group, offered time! to buy me a pint. I'm beginning to Now I know that a lot of rambling think that 'pub walks' may be quite groups visit pubs often whilst out enjoyable after all! walking but for Croydon Ramblers City walks I had a vision So at about 8.30pm, we set off it can be difficult because of the large Opinion ow don't get too excited, it vicious at that time of year, especially where we are, see you in the pub for the return journey, all 10 of us! number of walkers. Can you imagine Gordon then said to me that he may 40 or 50 walkers all standing at the wasn't anything religious when you're wearing shorts, and soon", or words to that effect! peel off from the group and catch bar dithering about what drink to Camden Highline or seeing the light so to walked up an overgrown footpath We got to the pub about 7.30pm, N the train from Kingswood station as have or what flavour crisps to eat? speak, it's just that I had a vision to come out to a road - I counted which is the time I had in mind for National I am very concerned about the proposed of say 15 to 20 ramblers sitting heads -eight? Every leaders' worst he could probably catch the earlier So for me and our group this venture and would allow an hour's drinking one. OK, no problem. Whilst we was a bit of a novelty. Camden Highline project (SEW June 2018). in a pub garden, laughing and nightmare - we've lost one! So we (or two pints in my case). I was joking whilst having a pleasant started shouting his name - Gordon, were walking through the woods, I attach a photo - an 'ussy' (as relieved to see Gordon alive and irst of all, the route is not surplus to capacity. The North London drink in the dwindling evening where are you? Have all groups got quite dark and dingy, I realised that opposed to a selfie). You never Line through Camden Road is a bottleneck carrying frequent well, enjoying a pint of Surrey's best Gordon had in fact left the group. know, I may have another vision - Walking Month summer sun. a Gordon? He does this quite often, Overground trains and frequent freight trains to the ports, and we ale, furthermore he wanted to buy We seemed to stream along without next year perhaps! F In reality it wasn't quite like that keeps wandering off by himself and need more of the latter to take lorries off the M25. Also, some of us would - but things never are! I had my we were worried in case he had been me a drink - what a nice guy - all delay or incident and got back to the John Tickner n May, National Walking Month, Inner London City walking routes map and Ramblers' Travelcard like to see more Overground trains using the route via Primrose Hill (eg a walk put in the Croydon Ramblers' run over or a tree had fallen on him is forgiven! Also, Brian, another car park 10 minutes before my target Croydon Ramblers Ramblers ran eight short (circa one mile) walks wallets which contain information about Ramblers in to East London service). programme fir us to meet in the car as it did in south America, which Iin the City of London aimed at City workers. London and how to join. We estimate that we gave It would be irresponsible to forgo the option of providing a continuous park at Banstead Woods at 6pm, not would explain why we were not Walks were run in conjunction with City of London Ramblers information to 120 different non-members four track route between Camden Road and Canonbury. It would also be far from Chipstead railway station, getting any response to our shouting! and Living Streets, with Living Streets leading one over the eight walks in May. Most attendees worked irresponsible to lose the opportunity to divert West Coast main line trains to to allow for the 'train' people. At As a leader I had to make an of the walks. locally in or around the City with some attending several St Pancras. Network Rail may not see a future for the line, but then neither 6pm sharp, nine of us set off in the executive decision - the light was Walks were on Friday lunchtimes and Tuesdays after of the walks. The final walk ended with a sociable drink did British Rail see a future for the Thameslink route till Ken Livingstone direction of the Well House Inn at dwindling, the troops ere getting work and each walk route was different. They promoted in the Black Friar pub. pushed it through while he was leading the Greater London Council. Mugswell, we heard from 'Cricket restless and I was getting thirsty - the City of London's new Hidden City walking routes Both the number of repeat attendees and the Secondly, the route is hardly a high priority in terms of providing a Chris' that whilst playing with his so I decided to carry on without map and were published through the City's Active attendance numbers on the walks are clear indication traffic-free route for walkers, as the Regent's Canal towpath already links Travel Network (for employers), by Ramblers through that there is demand for this type of walk - which is not phone he had missed Chipstead Gordon. Two minutes later whilst Camden Road with St Pancras. And this stretch isn't teeming with walkers websites and social media, and by Living Streets. being met by existing Ramblers groups - Inner London station and would get off at the walking through a field, a lone - the stretch that does teem, or did before it closed for a year to facilitate The City of London is a fascinating place to explore already has a very popular short walks group, London next station, Kingswood, and would rambler approaches from afar - no, redevelopment, is that between and Oval Road, which goes and has a large network of alleyways connecting Strollers, but its walks are generally in the region of five come and find us. We call him it's not Gordon but 'Cricket Chris'. past Camden Locks. churchyards, gardens and historical curiosities. The miles and start and end points are not focused around 'Cricket Chris' because Chris is "Hello mate, how are you? I'm glad Thirdly, the article didn't mention the estimated cost but the Camden walk routes included the Thames Path, the Barbican workplaces. his name and he is fanatical about you could make it. You haven't seen New Journal on 8 February this year gave a figure of £50 million, which to high-walks and many of the pedestrianised quiet-streets We will therefore be considering over the coming cricket - well someone has to be! Gordon have you?" Now, you all my mind puts it in the Garden Bridge category for extravagance. I believe and alleyways. months how we can progress this project and are keen After crossing a field we popped know the answer don't you? A few that the Garden Bridge would be nice to have but not worth that much - Running such very short walks, outside of Health to hear from Ramblers members working in or around out onto a country lane, not far minutes later one of our group gets a but for the reasons given above I wouldn't want the Camden Highline even Walks schemes, was a departure for Inner London, the City who would be interested in getting involved in from the pub. I counted heads - text message from Gordon: "I know if it cost nothing. but proved very successful. Attendance on the walks some form of continuation, particularly walk leading. still got nine - good. We pushed where I am but I don't know where Simon Norton averaged 20, including a few Ramblers members - Please contact [email protected]. through some nettles, particularly you are." So we replied: "We know A toast to the leader? Photo: John Tickner London NW3 both people who work nearby and some who travelled The City of London Hidden City walking map can specially - but the vast majority of walkers had no be obtained from https://www.businesshealthy.org/ Clare Wadd, Chair of Inner London Area, replies: Inner London previous connection with Ramblers. resource/hidden-city-walking-map/ Area is supporting the Camden High Line because we believe that Walkers were given goodie bags including the Hidden Clare Wadd it will promote walking, which is in line with Ramblers' charitable objects. The Area opposed the Garden Bridge because of the Mid Berks Ramblers' capital detrimental effect it would have had on the Thames Path national trail on the South Bank.

have a fairly comprehensive basic the train in Venice to be confronted to the Olympic Park and Wimbledon awaydays overview of London but at that time by a vibrant waterway. Everyone was Park to Richmond via Putney Heath I never did much serious walking delighted by the stop for an early and Wimbledon Common taking in ou may ask why Mid- you a day's off-peak travel in London so it has been interesting to join up coffee on the floating 'Waterside Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park Woods in Tapestry Berks Ramblers, who have by tube, bus, London Overground, all those places by discovering the Cafe' at . On the route to (thanks to Marian) which had an Ysome of the best walking Docklands Light Railway or tram 'wormhole' links via footpaths and Camden Town we passed all sorts of absolutely stunning floral display of You taste the burning of sienna oaks, countryside on their doorsteps and also gives discounted fares on walkways and have been impressed by moored narrowboats and barges with azaleas, rhododendrons and heathers. The searing smoke of red-hot sumac leaves, and neighbouring counties, want Thames Clippers and the Emirates the sheer quality of linked parkland elaborate and improvised 'gardens' at Some of the walks have used parts of The sweet-and-sour, sharp-tongued chestnuts; to walk in London. Airline cable car across the Thames. and nature reserves which exist in the the moorings, went under the rebuilt the Capital Ring for inspiration. Saffron sycamores, Well. it is with a spirit of adventure The world, or at least the Greater heart of London and suburbs. bridge which had been blown up by One of our members, Terry, Turmeric trees that we set off on a voyage of discovery London area is your oyster for the Being a relative newcomer to the a gunpowder barge in 1874 and of is a keen photographer who All spiced and smudging into autumn. hoping to find something different day with one of these cards. This off- Ramblers in 2015 I didn't know how course passed by London Zoo looked enjoys photographing points of Today you taste the full earth dwindling down. and that London is not just full of peak Travelcard also opens a realm it would go down but after we had led on by hyenas, and the giant aviary to interest on our London walks, has traffic fumes and tourists but has a of possibilities for walking linear a few local walks I decided to float the Camden Lock. produced outstanding slide shows You hear the ringing of a million coins, diversity of places and inter-linking routes as it is fairly easy in London idea of a walk in London. It seemed We had lunch from the of professional quality with the Shaking and spendthrift on a silver tree, routes that are hard to imagine once to intercept a bus or train at no extra to be met with some enthusiasm so international street food vendors there photographs and appropriate music And the low weep of yellow-livered willows; you walk off the beaten trails. cost to complete your route back as a first walk I decided to follow and a short break to see the unusual soundtrack and distributed these The march of mosses, This coupled with the fact that home. the route of the Regent's Canal shops and stalls at the market. We on DVDs to the participants of the The slow seep of water through the stones if you have a Railcard or travel in a I lived and worked in London and modestly the first leg was from later continued but unfortunately walks. Terry has a good eye for the All soft and sifting into autumn. group of three or more you can buy during the 1960s and 1970s in Paddington to Islington. Walking the weather had taken a turn for the unusual and quite often you see Today you hear the rich earth dropping down. an off peak Travelcard at Reading various locations both north and out of the side exit of Paddington worse and by the time we reached things in the DVDs that you missed covering zones 1-6 and this will allow south of the Thames and therefore station was just like disembarking Islington we were all soaked through during the walks. One of the City walks groups. Photo: Clare Wadd You see the mass of layering cloud wads, from the heavy rain so we hopped on I now try to put two or three The turreting flock and fleece of them, a bus and steamed up the windows London walks each year into our And the banked up brass of fearsome marigolds; on our way back to Paddington. group's programme and hope to At the back-hand slap, This was the group's first foray into continue whilst there is some interest. All aboard for The black-edged snap of frost London that I led and we have since I have compiled the walks using my All cruel and cutting into autumn, been on many other walks. Firstly, we own knowledge of London but have the Surrey Hills Today you see the bright earth darkening down. finished off the Regent's Canal to the referred to many published walks for series of vintage-style posters of iconic sites in the Surrey Thames via Victoria Park and then inspiration and help in highlighting Hills was launched during the summer to encourage C Lizzie Ballagher onwards to the Thames at Limehouse points of interest. Whether it is a more visitors by public transport. Basin and Tower Hill, stopping walk along green corridors through A Local artist Louise Dunckley, who created the posters comments for refreshments at the Prospect of London, peaceful waterways or an "A little while ago I began to revisit the old railway posters from the Whitby pub at Wapping on the way. historic sightseeing amble through 1930s, and felt it was a style I'd love to try and recreate. I grew up Other walks have included London the heart of the city there is something in the Surrey Hills and it's been wonderful to create these posters in Bridge to Greenwich, crossing the for everybody. honour of 60 years of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural river tunnel to have an interesting Finally, I would like to thank all journey back on the DLR through the members of our group and others Beauty". Docklands, Kensington to who have joined these London walks The posters, which feature across railway and bus stations Westminster via the royal parks and offered me encouragement. I throughout the south east, are also available in postcard form and and palaces, Alexandra Palace to hope to see you on the next one! as limited edition prints where a £5 donation from the sale of each Parliament Hill Fields. Highgate to Mike Ryall print goes to the Surrey Hills Trust Fund to help safeguard the Mid-Berks Ramblers on their way from London Bridge to Greenwich. Photo: Mike Ryall Stoke Newington, Stoke Newington Mid-Berks Ramblers future of the Surrey Hills landscape. Visit www.surreyhillsdaysout.org to find out more. 10 South East Walker September 2018 South East Walker September 2018 11 Bucks Briefs continued from page 7 collation of photographs taken over for their help in making this move share for the finger buffet. Tell the years shown on the big screen. Roger Young possible. We appreciate, too, the others you are coming to save on Havering Ramblers The leader of the inaugural walk A move for West London friendly overtures we have received your Christmas card postage as we in 1988 had been Marjorie Ellis, a oger Young, who was from Inner London Area, and look exchange cards. During the evening member of BrentwoodGroup, but passionate about walking n 1 October, West London public transport rather than cars. into eight Areas, including Bucks celebrate 30 years forward to sharing the future with you will hear reports covering the past attempts by Ken to find her had and a leading light in Group will, with the West London Group is actually and London. However, at that time, n March 1988, a special event said that they had enjoyed their R you. year, - holidays, walks, footpath work, been unsuccessful. Ken said, "When Redbridge Ramblers, tragically blessing of the Trustees, a lot older than both Areas, having there were no geographical groups occurred, Havering and East morning. O Margaret Lydamore and our move to Inner London Area. I was seated a lady entered and sat died on 7 July from cancer, move from Buckinghamshire, been formed on 10 January 1955, actually within the London area, so London Ramblers group was Ken Richards, Group Secretary, aged 71. Over time he was our West London Group Come and tell us what you think I next to me. I turned to her and said Milton Keynes and West and organising its first walk on Good Blackheath and Hampstead groups formed, and in June of that year reflecting on the walk, said "I was Chairman, Newsletter Editor and of the programme and our website 'Marjorie!' She had been informed Middlesex Area to join other Friday, 8 April 1955. It was then part were formed then, to be followed their first ramble took place. told that the route was one used in Walks Secretary. Recently, as * The group's annual meeting and (www.westlondonramblers.org.uk). London groups in Inner London of the very large and rather unwieldy in due course by seven others. So, Thirty years on, two events the past, and it was just right for the and came armed with photos of Rambles Secretary, Roger found Christmas social evening will be held If you would like to get involved Area. Southern Area, which dates back to although West London will be the were organised to celebrate the day. It was enjoyable to be on the the group from her present home in leaders for 15 walks each month. on Tuesday 11 December from 7pm and want to know more then please The group says goodbye to Bucks 1948. The 1950s, 60s and 70s saw 'new' group on this particular block, anniversary. walk on this special occasion, and Kent. It was also good to meet other Roger was an ace navigator. He friends with regret, but its members some restructuring of the Ramblers, it is very nearly 30 years older than at Northfields Community Centre, contact us at westlondongroup@ First, the years rolled back on 2 met members that had been with former members who have moved encouraged others to lead walks, feel that they have more in common with various Areas being hived the oldest of its new friends. 71a Northcroft Road, London W13 yahoo.co.uk. June when the 30th anniversary was the group in the beginning, and talk away over the years." especially women and passed on key with Inner London groups as they off, until on 1 October 1984 the We are very grateful to the officials 9SS (near Northfields tube station). Martin Harris Roger on a Redbridge Group holiday celebrated as part of the Walk About about the old days." Whilst talking to our current tips. Roger led for West Essex and in the Peak District in 2016. often share walks and always use remaining Southern Area was divided in both Areas, and to the Trustees, Please bring some festive food to Secretary, West London Group Festival of Walks. Members who The second celebration was on Chair, Ellen Owen, Marjorie said numerous walks in our programme. Photo: John Chapman "It was wonderful to be remembered He also organised and led many had moved away from the area came 16 June when a special meeting was Way, Martin, Roger and helpers back and talked of the days gone held with former members invited and invited back to celebrate the long distance trails reached by a series of day coach trips. walked and waymarked the route; by and how things had changed, to attend. After much planning, 30th celebration. I have met again Roger masterminded and led our the guide's publication is expected. and those important things like the big day arrived. About 50 some old friends and brought my You can't trust the annual backpacking and hostelling, Roger and his friend Steve devised people turned out and memories photo album. A great fun event." friendship, had stayed the same. coach assisted walking holidays. questions for our annual quiz - filled the Old Chapel, Upminster. Peter Owen Many of the group's walk in And he led these without walking Roger being the question master. British weather Further memories were aroused by a Havering & East London Group ESSEX the early days had been in the out the routes beforehand! Roger Roger galvanised support from his summer may have away from the pub by then with Chipping Ongar area, and it seemed was a superb organiser, possibly group members for Essex Area's been one of the sunniest the walk coming to the open field appropriate to have a circular walk linked to having been a teacher. campaign against level crossing on record, but you section. Choices of a safer way T starting there. The selected route Completing the Hadrian's Wall closures by Network Rail. This extras can't trust the British weather. back were nil, so across the fields was to Toot Hill for refreshments, Path, Roger's followers presented campaign continues. Roger Two walks abandoned, the we went. Being the tallest person and then back via Greensted Church him with a centurion's helmet, intended to attend the public rest completed in near-perfect on the walk I thought 'if lightning to Ongar for more refreshments at garnished with feathers - it really inquiry in Chelmsford, 40 miles conditions was Essex's record strikes it will get me first' but luck the Two Brewers. suited him! away, daily. for this year's Walk About stayed with me, although I felt my The weather, as one would hope Redbridge Ramblers adopted I am quite sure that Roger was the Helping Natural England festival of walks, held between hair stand on end once or twice. in June, was kind to us. Some of the Saffron Trail and Harcamlow helpful person that came to mind 26 May and 3 June. Fortunately we all made it back to our members, who had not walked Way at Roger's suggestion. With when people thought or spoke Bad news is always more the pub safely, including crossing for a while, took up and met the the 70-mile Saffron Trail, Roger about Redbridge Ramblers. He will with the Coast Path interesting than good, so let's a flooded road. When we got five-mile challenge. It was great to and Martin Howell updated and be sorely missed by our group and start with that. Martin Howells back the pub car park was flooded see. The publicity surrounding the got the trail onto Ordnance Survey much of the walking community. ork to establish the Essex section of Tools, training, insurance and travel expenses are being of Redbridge reported that his in places to about three inches festival attracted two new walkers maps and the booklet republished. Ron Whiting the England Coast Path is starting in provided. Please email me at the address below if you 11-mile circular walk around deep. Obviously we were all With the 140-mile Harcamlow Chairman, Redbridge Ramblers to experience the walk and both Havering Ramblers at Greensted church. Photo: Peter Owen W September and will continue until 2020. would be willing to volunteer some time. Little Wakering saw 10 people soaked and several people decided The first section, from Maldon to Salcott, will open Those nine sections are: arrive at the start for 10.30, but to miss their food and go home next Easter. We plan a walk to celebrate, possibly • Tilbury - Southend-on-Sea (44 miles/70km) with torrential rain, thunder and early to dry out, but those who in conjunction with next year's Festival of Walks. • Southend-on-Sea - Wallasea Island (36 miles/58km) lightning the walk was abandoned stayed and enjoyed their meal and Completion of the Coast Path will be of enormous • Wallasea Island - Burnham-on-Crouch (36 miles/ by 11,00. strangely enough the excitement Butterfly walk benefit to walkers in Essex and for the Ramblers 58km) Brentwood's walk at least of the morning itself. After lunch e held a butterfly walk butterflies. By the close we had in particular. It gives Essex Ramblers an historic • Burnham-on-Crouch - Maldon (39 miles/62km) started, which was a mixed I decided for safety reasons to call on 5 July on Great identified 17 out of 52 species which opportunity to assist with the installation and • Maldon - Salcott (24 miles/39km) blessing. Walk leader Brian off the afternoon walk as it was SURREY Bookham Common, occur in the British Isles in July. maintenance of the longest section in England. • Mersea Island (15.5 miles/20km) Scroggswrites, "After about a still pouring down with occasional W a mix of woodlands and more The stars of the show amongst Our involvement with the exercise will be to assist • Salcott - Jaywick (51 miles/81km) mile a few spots of rain fell and lightning." open areas carefully managed to a plethora of meadow browns, the local authority at a time of austerity and provide an • Jaywick - Harwich (37 miles/60km) we just mumbled our displeasure. Other walks enjoyed much promote wildlife. The intention skippers, ringlets and speckled opportunity for our members to contribute to an historic • Harwich - Shotley Gate (24 miles/39km) After two miles it started to rain better conditions. Ice creams snippets was to take a shorter walk than woods were the white admiral, the enterprise. In doing so, we should increase the profile of Len Banister properly. At two and a half miles it at Southend Pier were reported usual over a mix of habitats, to purple hairstreak and the beautiful the Ramblers and hopefully gain new members. Public Rights of Way Liaison Officer started to pour down with thunder by Simon Swanson of South give plenty of time to identify silver washed fritillary. We are setting up nine new working parties to [email protected] and lightning from one direction. East Essex Ramblers, while John and observe a range of butterfly Altogether a wonderful walk and correspond with the nine Natural England designated We sheltered under some trees for Champ's 11-mile circular walk Embracing social media species assisted by our expert, one which the group is likely to sections of the path - given that we are looking for a drink stop, but with lightning from Kelvedon to Coggeshall and Paul. repeat on a future occasion when we between four and six volunteers per section, this is above us concerns were arising. back for Chelmer & Blackwater few months ago, our heard of let alone met! My friend of down the middle. In the event, not only was the walk hope to see the spectacular purple a considerable target. It may be that, in some cases, We prayed it would pass quickly, Group took place in 'brilliant committee decided it Steve, who has nothing to do with Since the recent introduction very enjoyable in its own right, but emperor which can occasionally be existing working groups can undertake the task. In but it just kept circling around sunshine'. Next year, who knows would be a good idea to Ramblers (yet!) was actually waving of the General Data Protection A the combination of bright sunlight seen at Bookham. the first instance we will seek assistance from groups and I knew we had to push on what the weather will bring? embrace social media and start up to me. He doesn't usually do that! Regulations, I have managed to and a balmy day encouraged the Richard Sharp with catchments abutting the coast, but given the size as quickly as possible. Trouble Mike Cannell a Facebook account. Anyway, our group's account or unsubscribe to many emails I never presence of large numbers of Reigate Ramblers of the operation, members throughout Essex are being was we were at the farthest point Essex Area Media Officer Some people don't like Facebook page is for us only and you have to knew I didn't need but now find my encouraged to take part. because some nasty people use be invited to make use of it - how computer inundated with Facebook Initially, the work will involve the fixing of waymarks it as a platform to espouse their privileged I feel. I have posted a 'notifications' and more friends I to existing posts, the installation of new posts and rather unpleasant or radical views, couple of photos on it and I have never knew. Ah well, swings and information boards, the replacement of stiles with gates, I personally will not be seeking out seen one of me wearing a wonderful roundabouts! There are of course plus some vegetation clearance. Eventually it is hoped nor reading these - if seen, there is a hat and playing a rams horn musical other social media platforms, Twitter, delete button to push. instrument, in Siberia, more about Twitface etc, which I am sure most that pairs of volunteers will develop a maintenance Glorious sunrises and sunsets are a feature at Mersea. relationship with relatively short sections of the path. Photo: Len Banister If I took a photo whilst out on a that later. I do feel that the thumbs of you with fairly modern mobile ramble I used to email it to Andrew up 'like' icon or the thumbs down phones know about but my mobile is and he very kindly posted it on 'dislike' icon rather irritating because of the older - for emergency use only Facebook, but as he said to me - it's I feel that it is rather polarising - like - type, so for the time being I shall very easy to join, anybody can do the Brexit vote - in or out. Perhaps have to struggle on with Facebook Crouch Valley Trail it! So as I am anybody, I decided to Facebook could organise a horizontal and a steep learning curve! join, open an account. Wow! I have thumb, meaning neither like or John Tickner ssex has a few well known The trail starts at the old market it heads through Rettendon, then so many friends, people I've never dislike, as is the way of the Brits - sort Croydon Ramblers long/medium trails such town of Rayleigh and passes through turns east through the lovely villages Rain, what rain? Chelmer & Blackwater Group's festival walk from Kelvedon as the Essex Way, St Peter's the many distinctive towns and of Woodham Ferrers, Stow Maries E to Coggeshall and back on Sunday 26 May enjoyed good weather. Here the The out-going committee will a guest speaker from HF Holidays Way and Saffron Trail, but the villages both north and south of and North Fambridge with rolling group prepare for the afternoon return walk to Kelvedon at the lych-gate of Crouch Valley Trail, in contrast, the River Crouch, before ending at countryside and splendid views. The St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall. Photo: John V Champ Woking AGM present a report of last year's and be preceded by a light lunch activities, including the annual at 12.30 and an optional morning is really unknown. the fine sailing town of Burnham- final section is all riverside until its embers of Woking accounts, for approval and a walk. Further information is The walk, of nearly 30 miles on-Crouch. On leaving Rayleigh, conclusion at the red brick octagonal refreshment stops and thought stages can be undertaken to suit Group are invited to new committee will be elected. available at www.wokingramblers. which I devised in 2013 runs from the trail soon loses its urban feel, clock tower in Burnham-on-Crouch, has been given to facilitate public users' preferences. The four stages Mattend this year's AGM Members who wish to submit org or by sending an email to Rayleigh to Burnham-on-Crouch, winding through Hockley Woods a town with attractive architecture transport links as best as possible. in themselves can be considered a which will take place at 1pm on motions for discussion should [email protected]. and I am currently working on a and Hullbridge before reaching and many pubs, restaurants and tea The trail has been broken down complete walk; each varies and is Sunday 25 November at Sutton submit them to our Secretary by 1 Malcolm Brickwood step-by-step guide which will appear Battlesbridge with its interesting rooms to be enjoyed. into four stages in order to individual in terrain and length. Green Village Hall. November. The AGM will include Woking Ramblers on the Essex Area website in due antiques centre. With the trail now The route has been devised to provide flexibility and options, Mark Cerson A silver-washed fritillary: one of the stars of the show. Photo: Malcolm Evans course. on the north side of the Crouch, provide regular opportunities for and combinations or parts of the Hike Essex Surrey Snippets continues on page 15 12 South East Walker September 2018 South East Walker September 2018 13 Alkham visit Coordinators wanted Bishopsbourne clearance ome of the It's not a daunting use. Do please contact alkers can now Wood between Lower Hadres has now been cleared and is back KENT vegetation role and I hope there are me if you could fill one use a path near and Kingston, is enchanting and to its original width. I told all Sclearance groups members in Kent who of these coordinator WBishopsbourne ticks every box for those seeking the neighbours in advance about in West Kent are in need will step forward to help. vacancies. after it was cleared by peace, tranquility and glorious our visit and arranged parking of new coordinators It is so rewarding to go Averil Brice members of Canterbury views. with one of them who invited because some have out with a group and clear Kent Area Footpath Ramblers helped by myself The path, which was us to see his priceless garden. It calling moved away or had to overgrown vegetation and Maintenance Officer and my husband. reported to us by the clerk to was the icing on the cake! step down. bring a footpath back into [email protected] The path, below Gorsley Bishopsbourne Parish Council, Averil Brice

group, and they took us on a very The gates are about two miles from enjoyable walk which included the Great Missenden railway station. All change at Kent Ramblers two kissing gates. All the kissing gates that we ell, not quite. But we to take the reins in Kent Ramblers. posting group walks on the national The two Buckinghamshire have helped fund have been made are losing two of our She has certainly done her share for website. INNER LONDON kissing gates we part-funded too, of galvanised steel. The decision Wlong-serving officers us. Alison said 'I have thoroughly It is a shame that both Alison the remainder being funded by whether to use wood or steel is at our AGM in February and enjoyed my time as Chairman and and Ray are leaving the team at Members of South Bank Ramblers, with John Polden and Steve Brice, by one of the Buckinghamshire County Council. usually reached after discussions the sooner we identify potential the support I have received from the the same time. But we have had gates in the Alkham Valley. Photo: Averil Brice We liaised here with the Chiltern between the landowner and the replacements the smoother we Area committee and the groups has remarkable stability over the last Society which has developed a web- county council. Some may feel that can make the handover. been fantastic. I urge anyone who seven years and change had to come arly in 2017 I asked in South regular use. insights based facility within their website wood is more aesthetically pleasing, Alison Hargreaves has been Area is passionate about the work that eventually. This represents a great East Walker for donations The South Bank committee wanted called Donate-A-Gate. This makes but galvanised steel is more durable, Chairman since February 2012 and Ramblers does to consider taking opportunity for two new people to towards replacing out of to come and see the new gates, so I E it easy for individuals or groups easier to install and requires less has proved a strong leader in the on the role, it is hugely rewarding.' join a harmonious and focused team repair stiles with metal gates. devised a short circular walk and on to donate money and have a gate maintenance. Sometimes ordinary face of some difficult challenges. In Ray Lawrence has been Area leading a successful Area delivering I was delighted in June 2017 when Thursday 7 June Steve and I met nine 2016 she took to the national stage Treasurer for over 10 years but will huge benefits to walkers. South Bank Ramblers based in Inner committee members at Kearsney installed, either in their own name gates are used instead of kissing at Ramblers' General Council to not be able to continue after our Please don't assume that someone London, offered to fund two gates. station. They had lunch at Kearsney or to commemorate a friend or gates but these can be used only The group, which has more than 700 Abbey tea room before setting out South Bank gates loved one. Under the stewardship where there is no likelihood of propose the motion that finally killed next AGM. As a retired engineer else will step forward. And don't off the Board's so-called governance Ray has proved that you don't need underestimate your ability to fill one members, walk outside London and on a seven mile circular walk via St of Stuart Gulliman, the scheme's livestock being kept nearby. ince 2015 South Bank In the three areas we dealt with to allow dogs through without the proposals that had provoked a huge to be a trained accountant to do a of these roles - you will get plenty of travel to the walks by train. There Radigunds. We returned via Alkham founder, Donate-A-Gate has Our group committee hopes Group has provided some fantastic local volunteer need to be carried across by their wave of opposition. In Kent she first-rate job, just someone with support to allow you to grow into is no footpath work in the group's church, Ewell Minnis and Scotland installed over 400 gates. Our group that, funds permitting, we can has supported many initiatives of a good head for figures who can the role. You have nothing to lose home area, so members like to Common. We just had enough time Sfunding to help purchase groups who coordinated the owner. On a rainy day in 2015, had two walks to visit these gates continue to support the efforts of which the most visible has been knock a spreadsheet together and by finding out more. Just email us support such work in the areas where to return to the tea room at Kearsney and install five stiles and installations, liasied with the members of our committee went during May this year. The first was voluntary groups in installing more the creation of path maintenance chivvy along all the people they at [email protected]. they walk. They often walk in Kent Abbey for a delicious locally-made ice four kissing gates in three landowners and county councils to Sussex to meet Harold Rowling for committee members and the gates and stiles in the areas where teams working across the county need figures from. Ray has made Meanwhile we thank Alison and were interested in my article and cream. areas covered by their walks and then carried out the actual MBE, the founder of the Monday second, from Great Missenden to we walk. in partnership with Kent County an enormous contribution not just and Ray for their enormous wanted to make a contribution to the Following my article in South programmes. installations. Group, who showed us a few of Amersham, was included in our Dave Hetherington Council. But Alison has a full-time to Kent Area but also to his own contribution and wish them well campaign. East Walker, we received a healthy The first area was near Plumpton In Sussex we liaised with the their stiles. In April 2016, a walk March to June walks programme. South Bank Group job, a horse and two alpaca and also Tonbridge and Malling Group for the future. Two suitable candidates were flow of donations and further in , where five stiles were Monday Group who have been was included in our programme looks after her elderly father. She and has assisted other groups, Robert Peel located in the Alkham Valley which offers. Our working party meets on installed during 2015, followed in helping to maintain rights of way taking in all five stiles. feels that it is time for someone else particularly with IT tasks such as Area Secretary ticked all the boxes. My husband Steve Tuesday mornings when the weather late 2017 by two kissing gates near for well over 50 years. They even The two Kent kissing gates were and I liaised with the landowners, the allows and has been kept very busy. Alkham in Kent and earlier this design and construct their own part-funded by our group, the county council approved the work The team also repair stiles with the year, two kissing gates near Great sturdy step-over stiles made of remainder being funded by Kent Vanessa Griffiths, Chief and gave a generous subsidy towards permission of the owner and fit steps Missenden in Buckinghamshire. solid oak. Because members of County Council. We liaised with Executive of the Ramblers, the cost. Steve and work party and waymarker posts in east Kent. Some of the money for this came the Monday Group are walkers the Work Parties Group, a part of It's festival time in a ceremony by the Bleriot leader John Polden used a county Several footpaths have been brought from our associate membership themselves, these stiles are designed the White Cliffs Ramblers group. Memorial (marking the council truck to deliver the gates and back into good health and regular use scheme and some we received with a sensible height between They work closely with Kent he fifth annual spot where the first person John's volunteer team installed them, has increased as a result. from the Walking Partnership steps, a top bar that lifts for easier County Council to help maintain White Cliffs to fly across the Channel repairing a nearby stile at the same Averil Brice whereby our group receives up to access and also a post on one side and improve rights of way. Recently, TWalking Festival landed) just outside time. The new gates have enhanced Kent Area Footpath Ј30 whenever someone books a to provide hand support whilst members of our committee went the local path network and brought was taking place as Dover, on Thursday 23 Maintenance Officer holiday through Ramblers Walking crossing. Some of the stiles even to Alkham (see also Alkham visit, an unusable footpath back into [email protected] this issue of South August. This was due to Holidays and nominates us as their include a gate for dogs, these have a page 12) to meet Averil and Steve East Walker was being be followed by a 13.5 mile group. portcullis-like structure on one side Brice and John Polden from the distributed. walk from the memorial, A Chiltern kissing gate and the stile it replaced. Photos: Dave Hetherington Organised by White one of a choice of three hours, with 16 checkpoints. Cliffs Ramblers, the festival walks immediately after A total of 447 walkers started There was no bowling that day, but these days except there are no pigs Help for John Archer, a we were able to sit down and enjoy now. offers a total of 44 long the opening ceremony. All the event, with 309 finishing and long-time stalwart and short walks - ranging the walks appear on the 138 after suffering various physical of Inner London Hidden tea and biscuits courtesy of the club. We finished the walk going from heritage/history walks festival's website, www. 100-mile problems, mainly blisters. The Ramblers, died on One of the club members then through Holland Park and the site of one or two miles to whitecliffswalkingfestival. extremely hot bank holiday weather 11 July at the age joined us for the walk and luckily of one of the largest private houses the 52-mile White Cliffs org.uk, with instructions also contributed to the number of of 76. John, seen gems for us he was very knowledgeable in London until it was bombed in here in 2014 after Members of the walking festival's organising group, wearing Challenge - is between 23 on how to book to go on walk retirements. receiving a certificate about local history. On our route to the Second World War, but I think - 29 August. The festival them. idden gems was the hi-vis hats which are being supplied to walk leaders, are pictured everal members of Kent White Cliffs Ramblers organised recognising his Kensington High Street we passed most people were very surprised to with copies of the festival booklet. Photo: Nigel Cussans was due to be opened by Graham Smith contribution to the theme for the Ramblers Ramblers helped out on a checkpoint, at Northbourne, the former Rillington Place, scene have learnt about the hidden gem coordinated by John Grace, Ramblers, was a Walk About Festival at of the John Christie murders, and that is the West London Bowling the Cinque Ports 100, member of the Area H S Les Preston organised parking the end of May. he retired in 2002, and was the co-author of two books. organised by the Long Distance the piggeries in the Holland Park Club. committee (later By coincidence, the West London Alan leaves a daughter, Claire, a grown-up grandson and Walkers Association. arrangements at HQ and several council) from its area where some of the poorest Heather Wheeller Bowling Club promotes itself as a Alan Clewer granddaughter, and a son, David. Alan's funeral, held on The Cinque Ports 100 took place members of the group helped with inception in 1984 people lived next to some of the very Kensington, Chelsea 6 July at Barham Crematorium, was attended by members over the bank holiday weekend of catering at HQ. through to 2014, hidden gem. I must come clean, I richest. It's not changed that much & Westminster Ramblers opular Kent Rambler, Alan Clewer, has died was for several years 26 - 28 May, with walkers having The route is planned to go on the wear two hats - I am the Publicity/ after a long illness. of Canterbury and White Cliffs groups. Treasurer and later to compete a 100-mile route White Cliffs Ramblers' programme Social Media Officer for Kensington, Alan, who was 78 and lived in Dover, had been The Alan Clewer Canterbury Bridges Memorial Walk served as Chair for P will be staged in Alan's memory on 9 November, starting linking the original Cinque Ports next year, in a series of linear walks seven years from Chelsea and Westminster Ramblers a member of the Ramblers for more than 21 years, being of Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, of 10- 11 miles. 1996. He was a key and the Membership Secretary of active in the Canterbury and White Cliffs groups. Until 10.30am in Dane John Gardens, near the city bandstand. Graham Smith Dover and Sandwich within 48 Graham Smith player in establishing the bowling club. When I heard his health began to fail, Alan could always be relied on the Metropolitan of the Ramblers theme my next to provide two or three walks for each walks programme. Walkers group which thought was didn't one of our His walks were unfailingly enjoyable, with the odd stop to has since gone on leaders take a walk right by the club enable him to impart some of his local knowledge. to produce many members of the a while ago? Yes she did but didn't He had helped organise the White Cliffs Walking Ramblers Board of course know about this hidden Festival and planned and led walks for it after the annual of Trustees. Even event started in 2014. Utilising the skills he had developed before the Area was gem. Unfortunately she was going as a walk leader for HF Holidays, Alan organised and ran set up, he sat on the to be away at the time of the festival, group holidays both at home and abroad. His meticulous old Southern Area another local leader couldn't help council. Additionally, and yet another was too involved in planning was a major factor in the success of the trips. John was an active He had moved to Dover from the Canterbury area in member of his local local elections. So, it fell to me. 2008. One of his favourite walks was his five-mile 36 group, Hammersmith With help from the original leader Bridges Walk in Canterbury and which he had led for both Fulham and Wandsworth Ramblers, and led many walks for them. He was an I shortened the walk from eight walking groups and was also included on the Canterbury affable man and proud that from the window of his Roehampton flat not only miles over a day to about five miles Nigel Cussans (centre) at the Northbourne checkpoint, with Kent LDWA could he look over Richmond Park but, on a clear day, see as far as in an afternoon which coincided Festival programme. members Brian Buffifant (left) and Nick Dockree. Photo: Eric Rolfe and all the wonderful walking country in between. Alan had taught statistics at Wye College from 1973 until Alan on his 36 Bridges Walk in Canterbury. Photo: Rob Riddle better with our arrival at the club. Kensington Chelsea & Westminster Ramblers at the club. Photo: Heather Wheeller 14 South East Walker September 2018 South East Walker September 2018 15

Kents Bank, Cumbria (1) Brockenhurst so pleasant, the take-up for the Lincolnshire Wolds afternoon walk was greater than ifty two of our members set rescue team. He unloaded his large dozen members enjoyed a The New Forest beckoned on hirty one of our members the rest to eat their packed lunches expected. Later the coach picked off on 18 June for five days back pack to explain the wide range group weekend based at Sunday and we took the first bus Wish you were here? Brockenhurst in the New to Lyndhurst, the forest's 'capital'. embarked on a coach in the garden. After lunch there us all up and whisked us up to the stay at the Abbot Hall Hotel of equipment he takes on searches for A trip to the Lincoln area Lincoln's cathedral quarter where F Forest in May. The walk was taken from a book but was a choice of walking a further at Kents Bank in Cumbria. The those lost or injured on the fells, often T in glorious spring sunshine we had an hour to sample some hotel was run by the Christian in bad weather. our appreciation of We met Friday mid-afternoon landmarks were less obvious in the five miles through Harmston on Sunday 20 May, almost 25 Guild and the holiday was the voluntary work of the members for a short walk, during which Forest, which led to deviations! A and Waddington to Bracebridge well-earned refreshment. to low cloud and a beautiful, sunny (A longer version of this report can be organised for us by Ramblers of the organisation was shown in the we were pleasantly surprised to picnic was taken on a 12-seater log years to the day since I last led Heath or picking up the coach Tony Sheward Isle of Wight day midweek, ideal for those of us found at www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk/ Walking Holidays. collection of over Ј300 towards their meet television presenter and followed by a drink in Ashurst. The a trip to the area. into Lincoln. As the day was Ivel Valley Walkers (Bedfordshire) enjoying the views over Freshwater henley-goring/reports.html). Our three leaders, Rosemary, expenses. writer Andrew Marr out walking. afternoon was more open and the This time I was ably assisted hirty six of our members Later we had a meal together in a spire of Lyndhurst church acted as a by Pauline Seddon, who has a enjoyed a break on the Bay. Phil and Jack, gave us a choice of On our final day we enjoyed a Brockenhurst pub. guiding star. Ice creams were eaten holiday cottage in Lincolnshire, Isle of Wight in April. Norton Grange proved to be two walks for each of our three full lunch at The Pheasant Inn, organised T a very good choice as a base with days, plus a short walk on our arrival by leader Phil, a very pleasant end to On Saturday we went by train before the bus back to Brockenhurst. for our walk to the south of Based at Norton Grange, a comfortable accommodation, an and departure days. Some easier five days of walking. We were blessed and bus to walk along the Solent A final meal had been arranged in Lincoln. The five-mile morning Warner Leisure hotel overlooking Way from Keyhaven to Lymington, the Forest Park Hotel, Brockenhurst, the Solent near Yarmouth, we excellent menu and the opportunity alternatives were worked out for with very good weather for most of walk took us through the villages for the young at heart to show off those with temporary (hopefully) the time. The hotel was great but, if enjoying the views of Hurst Castle, where farewells were said and pleas of Wellingore, Navenby and could choose from two or three the Isle of Wight and the Keyhaven for 'when and where is the next one?'. walks each day and, depending on their dancing skills during the walking difficulties. On the last you are tempted go soon, as it is up Boothby Graffoe to Coleby where and Pennington Marshes. An Brenda Horwill the walk chosen, were able to visit evening entertainment! A sincere full day the long and short distance for sale. There were some problems the Tempest pub provided a evening meal was again enjoyed in Secretary and Publicity Officer, Carisbrooke Castle, the Tennyson thank you to Peter, Susan, Brian walkers met up at Brantwood, the with the coaches on our journeys to most welcome stop. Tracey, the the same Brockenhurst pub. Kingston Ramblers Trail, Tennyson Down, Alum Bay and Graham for leading the walks home of Victorian writer and critic and from the Lakes, but this did not landlady, had sandwiches and and the Needles amongst other and planning a perfect break - apart John Ruskin, to catch the steam yacht spoil the enjoyment of the walks, the chips ready for those who had 'Gondola' along Coniston Water - fine views, tasty hotel food and good The happy group in Lincolnshire. Photo: Barry Ingram places of interest. The weather was from the mud that is! Mud, glorious mud, on the Isle of pre-ordered, as well as allowing reasonably kind to us, the heavy Shirley Corti and Inge Mikkelsen Wight in April. some even took a turn at steering! company. drizzle on our first day giving way Henley & Goring Ramblers Photo: Inge Mikkelsen/Shirley Corti After dinner on one evening a talk Pat Juchau was given by a member of a mountain West Essex Ramblers to Birmingham. A by-product closed in 1974 as the population Elan Valley of their efforts was to create a dwindled; it was restored in 1984 the weather was glorious. Most of Arsenal football team bus but the wonderful area of natural beauty as an activity centre. Cyprus us even swam in the sea on several Arsenal badge was still proudly in n 1890 Birmingham and ecology with plants, birds Each day had a choice of occasions. place. It must have been some time acquired 70 square miles of and wildlife which has remained walks visiting all the dams over he end of April saw a group We started with three nights in the ago. mid-Wales to supply water largely unspoilt for over a century. the five days. The sun shone of 18 embark on our first I picturesque port of Kyrenia in the old Our second hotel, in Karpaz, was Our base for the stay from for four of the five and wild overseas trip of 2018, ably to their rapidly expanding city. T town in what Trip Adviser describes a complete contrast - set in a lovely Enjoying a picnic lunch. Photo: Brenda Horwill 6 - 10 June was the Elan Valley flowers were in abundance. We led by Bruce and Marilyn. They built dams and 70 miles as a 'quirky' hotel. Our guide was garden in peaceful countryside. We Lodge, near Rhayader. Originally saw a peregrine falcon, curlew, We met in Kyrenia in the Turkish of pipeline, tunnels and culverts wonderfully knowledgeable treating walked along beaches, crossed the built in 1904 as the school for the osprey, buzzards, red kites and republic of Northern Cyprus as us to mini lectures on the ecology, Cyprus 'Panhandle' from coast to interesting buildings. The return to transfer the water by gravity dam workers' village, the school many others. Dippers abounded some of our group had travelled out Greenwich history, archeology, politics and coast, examined ancient monasteries journey took them through on the rivers. We climbed the early to visit the southern Greek part everyday life as we travelled on our and churches and swam from icester & Kidlington , which was steep embankments of the dams of the divided island. Although we bus to the start of the walks. We quiet sandy beaches overlooked by Ramblers went to historic designed by Andre Le Notre, who for magnificent views of other missed the best of the spring flowers thought he was teasing us when he beachside restaurants for the non- BGreenwich for their designed the gardens at the Palace reservoirs and valleys. Returning there were still lots around and told us that our bus had been the swimmers! Our last night was a annual London Theme Walk. of Versailles. There was much to across Craig Fawr tired walkers It started from Island Gardens see in the park including stunning musical evening with Bruce on his were energised by the sight of a The group assembled at the hotel. Photo: David Brewster DLR station where they enjoyed a flowers, the Royal Observatory guitar and our talented driver on a lonely ice-cream van only to be fabulous view of Greenwich from and a wonderful view of the City deflated when it drove away two saz, a traditional Cypriot stringed the opposite bank of the River of London and Canary Wharf. It instrument. minutes before our arrival! Kents Bank, Cumbria (2) Thames. From there, they walked was a great day out and enjoyed by Peter Lloyd Thanks very much to Bruce and through the pedestrian tunnel all. One person even found time umbria is well-known for Howes and Hawkshead, but most Henley & Goring Ramblers Marilyn for organising such an under the Thames to emerge to do some beach combing by the its wet weather, but the of us could not manage any great enjoyable trip. by the Cutty Sark. The walk river. last week in June saw 18 of distances. 'Off' days found us in (A longer version of this report can Joan Clark C continued through Greenwich Mary Gough our members and our two leaders the shaded gardens of various stately be found at www.ramblers-oxon. Henley & Goring Ramblers Market and uphill past many Bicester & Kidlington Ramblers walking in unrelenting heat and homes, or on the Ravenglass and A sunny day walk by one of the Elan Valley reservoirs. Photo: Wim Klauke org.uk/henley-goring/reports.html). (A longer version of this report can be under clear blue skies. Eskdale railway. The southern Lakes At the north west tip of the island, the start of the route along the north coast of found at www.ramblers-oxon.org.uk/ Our base was the friendly area, although lacking in high fells, is Cyprus. Photo: Joan Clark henley-goring/reports.html). Christian Guild hotel near Grange- beautiful, and we were lucky to see it Surrey Snippets continues from page 11 over-Sands which has a wonderful in such good weather. Next time, we or our annual long weekend away (11 - 14 position on Morecambe Bay. Short may walk further, but this time we Hope Valley May), we returned to the Hope Valley in the and longer walks were offered, taking mainly enjoyed a holiday in the sun. Man of a thousand walks takes a rest Peak District where a varied programme of in Rydal, Grasmere and Elterwater, Margaret Lydamore Footpaths and access F Arnside, Cartmel and then Tarn West London Ramblers s he takes a well-earned with a photographic memory of all Ramblers around the same time, says: walks took us through the plague village of Eyam, retirement from walk his walks, over the past decade in "Malcolm will be irreplaceable as a New Countryside Access with the suggestions made, mainly around the Dam Buster reservoirs on their 75th leadership at the age of particular Malcolm has led more walk leader. I have never seen him Management System (CAMS): about the need for prior consultation anniversary, as well as along Stanage Edge, and A I'm told that the new version is with the county council. 79, Farnham & District Rambler than 40 walks annually for us, with use an Ordnance Survey map when through Castleton, Hathersage and Bramford. Malcolm Morse can look back with Nimbus, his 11-year old border collie leading a walk, as his understanding now working and a simple guide From our Friday arrival to Monday departure we Legal orders: The Surrey County justifiable pride on a spectacular a constant companion. of the area is unrivalled." is being produced which I will covered 53 brisk miles. Most of which went up! Well, it Council's Legal Event Order 2018 record of encouraging others So how much has changed in "His detailed knowledge of local distribute widely. Some volunteer was the Peak District. Even if we were told sometimes, and Map Modification/Combined to explore and enjoy the varied the time between his very first walk army land in particular was strongly path wardens (including me) have no more hills everyone, only to discover just one last one! Orders 2017-18 have been countryside around south west around Frensham Great Pond as brought home to me in a walk across offered to trial the job allocations Everybody certainly earned their pints of beer or glasses of received in hard copy and I will be Surrey and north east Hampshire. a leader, and his last, in Kingsley, the firing ranges near Pirbright just function. Tony Pearson of East wine with the evening meals. An excellent time was had distributing this to Local Footpath Born in Aldershot, Tongham just before Easter? "In many ways before Christmas 2016, as listening Surrey Walkers has had discussions by all, made even more enjoyable by four days of warm Secretaries whose areas are affected. resident and electronics specialist very little," he confirms. "Farnham to Malcolm explaining all the old both with a local councillor and sunny weather. Many thanks go to our two walk leaders Malcolm has spent almost all his life Ramblers has always had a justifiable military infrastructure brought the the county council's Reigate office Notice of Public inquiry: I and organisers Alan Tume and Alastair Fulton who did an in the local area with the exception of reputation as a very friendly group past thrillingly to life for us all. I about further volunteer involvement have received a notice from the excellent job. Brilliant guys! a 12-year spell in Northumberland as and one which regularly welcomes for one shall miss Malcolm's walks in helping to 'cleanse' the database Planning Inspectorate that a local Keith Sargent The view towards Bamford below Win Hill. an RAF Radar Master Technician. visitors, as it is one of the few groups but am delighted that through the of rights of way problems. public inquiry is to be held in Photo: Keith Sargent Blackheath Ramblers West London members at Tarn Howes. Photo: Margaret Lydamore December about the Order made "I first took up walking as I enjoy that puts on walks almost every day Ramblers we have become good May 2018 Best Value Performance by Surrey County Council in 2016 the outdoors and my dogs have of the year. friends." Indicators (BVPI): The May weather. Which showed the beautiful Paddington.From all the emails it was establishing the new Restricted always needed plenty of exercise," "We are fortunate in being spoilt Graham Noakes exercise went well and with the countryside of Wiltshire at its best obvious a fantastic weekend was had Byway 41 (Walton and Weybridge). Chidham, West Sussex Wiltshire he says. Since his first involvement for choice in the range of walks open Farnham & District Ramblers involvement of several newly- with the White Horse of Pewsey by all 12 of the group. Many thanks The application has been made by ifty South East Berks walks in Berkshire! Despite the or the first time in many glowing on the hillside. We finished must go to organisers and leaders with organised walking groups some to us locally, from army training and qualified path checkers. 30 years ago, Malcolm has planned Forestry Commission land, heath and a local resident after a private road Ramblers took a unscheduled scramble we all years we also tried out a with a quick drink at Pewsey, before Alan Tume and Mark Brownlow. coach to the Chidham and led more than one thousand open farmland to attractive riverside Local Footpath Secretaries had been temporarily blocked and F enjoyed a lovely walk followed by weekend overnight stay having to suffer a replacement bus Keith Sargent Guidelines: Debbie Presmail, was supported by myself at the peninsula in June. F walks, an extraordinary achievement and canal walks." And his favourite? lunch at the Bosham Inn. Thanks walk (9-10 June). to Swindon for our return train to Blackheath Ramblers Senior Countryside Access Officer county council's Elmbridge Local The pre-walk had gone well to Doug Buchanan and Shirley On the Saturday we walked from and one which is unlikely to be "Without doubt, leading walks over beaten in the foreseeable future. This the six square miles of the Ash ranges. at the county council, has made Committee. The main opposition but on the day of the walk the Poulton for organising this trip. Pewsey to Marlborough via Avebury tide was rising as we reached the includes leading well over 600 walks It is a beautiful area of heathland and several comments on the 'Procedure came from the nearby Burhill Golf We are now looking forward and its well-known stone circle. beach. It was either wet feet or for Farnham Ramblers alone, with forest, yet with public access restricted for Obtaining a Map Modification Club which may have intended A short 21-mile walk! We then hill climbing! We opted for the to our outing to Hengistbury others for the sister Godalming & to just a few times a year, it remains a Order' which our webmaster, David to use part of the claimed route stayed overnight in Marlborough to climb and scrambled up the bank Head near Bournemouth in Haslemere Ramblers group. little-known real gem." Leedham, had added as an appendix as an exit from its car park. I will recharge our batteries, having a meal to find an alternative route. This September where we shouldn't "When I joined Farnham Ramblers Though Malcolm will continue to in the Local Footpath Secretaries contact the county council, which and drinks together to replenish our was a new hazard for our group have a problem with the tide! on my retirement in the late 1990s, walk as long as his health allows, his guidelines on our website. I am supported the application, and the as we are not used to getting Brian Poulton energy for Sunday's 18-mile walk I already had previous experience and experience, expertise and enthusiasm awaiting feedback from the authors claimant. caught out by the tide on our South East Berks Ramblers back to Pewsey. so was happy to lead walks almost will make him a hard act to follow. As of the document but it is likely we Rodney Whittaker We were blessed with good sunny The group and view on the White Horse Trail, near Tan Hill, Wiltshire. Photo: Keith Sargent straightaway," he recalls. Blessed John Plympton, who joined Farnham will make some alterations in line Area Footpath & Access Secretary Graham Noakes 16 South East Walker September 2018 Take a Eden to empire atch empires Trustees of the Ramblers rise and fall, earlier this year, will be walk on the Wand lose leading two walks focusing yourself in the vast on these painters and the American wilderness, in countryside they loved to art side Writ in Water, an 'architectural artwork' by Mark Wallinger to mark the first UK exhibition paint. The first walk, titled the anniversary of the signing nearby of the Magna Carta in 1215, has been unveiled at Runnymede Surrey. The round structure, at the foot of dedicated to Thomas 'Turner and Margate', Cooper's Hill, was commissioned by the National Trust and is free to enter. Cole (1801 1848) will be on Saturday 15 Inside the central chamber, the reversed lettering of Clause 39 of Magna which continues at the September (Meet 11am Carta is reflected on the sides of a pool of water. The name comes from words on poet John Keats' gravestone, 'Here lies one whose name was National Gallery in Margate station for an writ in water'. London until 7 October. eight mile circular around Cole, a self-taught Margate and the Isle of artist from Bolton in Thanet, finishing at the England, was the greatest Turner Contemporary American landscape artist Gallery in Margate). of his generation, known The second walk, on for epic vistas, dramatic Saturday 29 September, natural settings, and is titled 'Constable imaginative landscapes. Country' (Meet 11.15am His paintings glory in Manningtree station for an the unique terrain of the eight mile circular visiting The London Mastaba, a temporary installation made up of 7,500 American north east - many of the locations colourful barrels, is floating on the Serpentine in London's Hyde Park largely still unspoiled in used by Constable until 23 September. A free exhibition on the work and the artists behind his time - while serving as in Dedham Vale and it, Christo and his late wife Jeanne-Claude, can be seen in the nearby Serpentine Gallery (020 7402 6075) in the park until 9 September (closed a cautionary tale about the Flatford, finishing back at Mondays). Enormous though the work is, it is just a fraction of the artists' use of natural resources in Manningtree station). No original dream of creating the work using 410,000 barrels! A 'mastaba', an increasingly industrial need to book, just turn up the exhibition informs, is an ancient Egyptian tomb, a stone edifice for the burial of kings. age. on the day. This exhibition is a rare chance to see Cole's epic Member offer: To Twelve artworks created works - mostly travelling celebrate 'Thomas by local emerging artists from America - including Cole: Eden to Empire', studying at the University for the Creative Arts in his masterpiece the the National Gallery is Farnham, Surrey, are on display 'Oxbow', and his awe- offering 2 for 1 tickets at Farnham Heath national inspiring portrayal of for Ramblers members. nature reserve until 28 October. All the works are inspired by Eden showing the force of To redeem the offer the heath and its wildlife and nature. Cole's paintings simply show your valid can be found amongst the are shown alongside the Ramblers membership trees and at the viewpoints. Mike Coates, RSPB Ranger This is Large Nijinsky Hare on Anvil sublime masterpieces by card at the National at Farnham Heath said Point by Barry Flanagan, one of 25 Turner and Constable that Gallery ticket desk. "Our reserve at is great for works on show at this year's Frieze inspired him. The exhibition is open wildlife, but it's also a place Sculpture Park in the English Gardens for people to visit. This at Regent's Park (close to Regent's Park Des Garrahan, who daily10am - 6pm and until temporary exhibition will add tube station), London NW1, until Sunday Perceval, a five-ton painted bronze sculpture of a Shire horse by Sarah completed his term as 9pm on Fridays. Terms and a new element to the site, 7 October. An audio tour and family Lucas, can be found in Cullum Street, London EC3. This is one of the works Chair of the Board of conditions apply. and hopefully attract a new guide to the free show are at frieze.com/ on show in this year's City Sculpture Trail around the insurance district of audience to enjoy the reserve." sculpture. the Square Mile. The works can be seen free of charge at any time.

Diary Dates Until Friday 21 September: Earth Photo Saturday 8 -Sunday 16 September: Bedfordshire Walking Monday 24 - Sunday 30 September: Way 50 exceptional photos and films documenting the earth in all Festival Pilgrims Festival its diversity will be on show in this inaugural project developed Half and full-day walks, short interest tours, health walks and A week-long festival of events at Wye, Kent, to celebrate the by the Royal Geographical Society and Forestry Commission family events go into this festival organised by Bedfordshire 40th anniversary of the launch of the in a England. Free, Mondays to Fridays 1am - 5pm, Saturdays Ramblers. series of free and family events to celebrate this milestone and 10am - 4pm (but closed 25 and 27 August). www.bedswalkfest.co.uk all things relating to the trails pilgrim heritage. The festival Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 finale sees a parade up to the Wye Crown with speakers and 2AR Saturday 8 - Sunday 23 September: Wandle Fortnight community joining together. With birthday cake and ribbons, https://www.rgs.org/events/earth-photo-(1)/, 020 7591 3000. An annual celebration of all things related to the river which writer and rambler, Des de Moor will toast the trail with Keith A selection of the shortlisted works will also be on show at flows through the London boroughs of Wandsworth, Merton, Chesterton, who walked the route in 1977 before its official Bedgebury Pinetum in Kent until 1 October. Sutton and Croydon. opening. The parade will be followed by the launch of the www.wandlevalleyforum.org.uk/wandle-fortnight.html Ales of the Trail beer festival at the Tickled Trout pub. Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 September: The Forest that was www.kentdowns.org.uk saved. Sunday 9 September: Epping Forest Centenary Walk Free exhibition looking at what Epping Forest was like before Annual walk through the forest from south to north. Starts Saturday 6 October: Summerhouse opening at the crucial legal judgment of 1874 which led to legal protection 9am at junction of Capel Road and Forest Drive, Manor Park, House Estate under the 1878 Epping Forest Act. Open 10am - 5pm. finishes by about 5pm at Bell Common, near Epping. The The last open day of the year (timed to coincide with Apple Queen Elizabeth's Hunting Lodge and The View, Chingford. full distance is about 13 miles/21kms but walkers can join Day) for the exhibition space on this 170-acre estate, accessible cityoflondon.gov.uk/eppingforestevents, 020 7332 1911. or leave at any point This year's walk will be in memory of to the public all year round. 11am - 4pm, free. Harry Bitten, who led the walk from 1978 to 2005. Sadly, Off A404 at Chorleywood, Herts WD3 5SL. Tuesday 4 September: Birdwatching London Harry died in September 2017. www.chorleywoodhouse.org.uk Author David Darrell-Lambert talks about the best places to Organised by Epping Forest Heritage Trust and West Essex see birds in the capital and his guide published in association Ramblers, 020 7332 1911. Monday 8 October: Jewish London with the London Wildlife Trust. Stanfords travel bookshop, Author and guide Rachel Kolsky describes the geography of 12-14 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP. Starts 6.30pm, tickets Thursday 20 September: The Tree Climber's Guide the Jewish journey in London. Stanfords travel bookshop, £4, redeemable against the cost of David's book. Book via Author Jack Cooke explores London through its canopy, from 12-14 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LP. Starts 6.30pm, tickets www.stanfords.co.uk/events parks and canals to cemeteries and gardens, as he takes a tree- £4 (redeemable against the cost of the book). Book via www. top journey around the capital. stanfords.co.uk/events. Thursday 6 - Sunday 9 /Thursday 13 - Sunday 16 Burgh House, London NW3 1LT, 7pm, tickets £8. September: Heritage Open Days www.burghhouse.org.uk, 020 7431 0144. Until December 2018: Greenham - War and Peace This year the annual heritage and architecture festival An exhibition celebrating the history of Greenham Common will be held over two weekends and coordinated by the Saturday 22 September - Sunday 23 September: London to coincide with GreenhamCommon Trust's 20th anniversary National Trust. Many of the buildings to view will feature Open House Weekend since the former airbase was returned to nature. 'Extraordinary Women' in recognition of the centenary of the More than 750 events are lined up for this year's festival West Berkshire Museum, Newbury RG14 5AS. Wednesday - Universal Suffrage Act. featuring open buildings, walks and tours. Sunday, 10am - 4pm. www.heritageopendays.org.uk https://openhouselondon.org.uk www.westberkshireheritage.org, 01635 519562