Issue 119 Ramblers Spring 2013

News and information from the Isle of ALKWight walk walkTALK is sponsored by Area and Groups

THE WEST WIGHT Landscape Partnership will come to the end of its term in July this year – but before operations cease, it has agreed to grant-aid all four of the IW Ramblers’ path improvement projects across the West Wight. >PROJECT 1 Rambler This project has already been completed. A new double set of steps has been built at Shippards Chine to connect the footpath to Compton Beach (pictured). This is a well-used path, power! especially in the summer months. More grant success for the Isle of >PROJECT 2 Wight Ramblers has enabled the Four gates are replacing stiles between improvement of four very different Newbridge and Shalfleet – the remaining stiles will be replaced when donations are received paths in the West Wight from our Donate a Gate scheme connecting the two villages. Access to the National Nature Reserve at Newtown and the coast path will be easier for Newbridge residents. Tourists at the Orchards Park will certainly find the route to the New Inn more appealing. >PROJECT 3 The Tapnell Trail will be officially opened in May as part of the Walking Festival. Two information boards will show the route and give information about heritage and wildlife. >PROJECT 4 The footpath from Yarmouth and the River Road car park to Mill Copse is to be resurfaced and disabled access provided to the bird hide in the nature reserve. An updated leaflet of the Yar Estuary Trail is being produced.

Main picture Late evening light at Mill Copse Inset Dimbola’s Jimi Hendrix statue, close to the Tapnell Trail Below New flight of steps at Compton Bay

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE A yen for Yarmouth Walk this way Rio’s Boxing Day paddle ’Snow good! Who could forget Henry? Ramblers HQ visit the Island News round-up Summer walks programme WightSole summer programme

www.iowramblers.com walkTALK Welcome... Social events, holidays, shows, festivals and reports Winter wildness and a large chocolate cake! Miles without TWENTY-SIX HARDY walkers joined exist. Joel Bateman from the stiles ... to walkTALK, the newsletter from the Summer walk and Derbyshire’s Chairman David Howarth in February Island’s AONB unit joined the Isle of Wight Ramblers. If you’re new to for the first of a series of 11 walks to walk and explained some of walking, or if you’ve not seen walkTALK cream tea delightful celebrate the 50th anniversary these features. before, why not join us? Benefits include: WHY NOT JOIN The IW Ramblers’ next social event? Dovedale of the Area of Outstanding •260 led walks on the Island each year; Natural Beauty. Over The first walk explored the •talks and discussions about Island This will be a leisurely, five- northern coast, a remote area mile walk on Tuesday 4th half the Island is features and heritage; that is prone to erosion of the June, taking in St George’s designated as AONB, •walking holidays; gravel and clay. Down and the farms of the same status as a •national Walk magazine and walkTALK; THE IW RAMBLERS Group 2012 holiday to National Park. the Arreton Valley, led by It was a wild and wintry •discounts from leading outdoor suppliers Newquay in Cornwall was a great success – experienced walks leader The attraction experience with everyone (eg Cotswold; Blacks) and HF Holidays; and in October 2013 we’ll be visiting Dovedale Carol Hamilton. Bring a of the Island is •support for an organisation campaigning in the Peak District. This holiday, based at spurred on by the thought of picnic lunch. the variety of for greater access to the countryside. Thorpe, has proved to be very popular and cake to follow the walk. landscapes that We will finish with a cream as WalkTALK went to press, was fully booked. Joining us couldn’t be easier. And if you pay can be found David had provided a giant by direct debit, there’s £10 off the price! tea at Arreton Community Another outing, this time to Swanage in Dorset, chocolate cake to celebrate Hall. Park in lay-by or – England in a Just go to www.iowramblers.com and in June, is also now fully booked not only the AONB’s birthday, ANOTHER MILESTONE nearby. The village hall is nutshell. Each walk click on the membership link. Arranging holidays is not the only task but also his own special day HAS been reached not available for parking in the series features undertaken by the Group, of course. The main as he was 65 years old on the with our Donate a Gate A WARM WELCOME to new members: until1pm. Booking will be at least one of the responsibility of the Group committee remains scheme. Main Group essential for this walk, so landscape types that day of the walk. to organise and conduct walks, as well as the Mrs C Simmons please call Ann on 884263 or The 50th gate, near St programme of social events. The committee has Ms S Holdstock Cowes Linda on 864401 to reserve Shortlisted for award Helen’s Church, was informal meetings every other month, and in AS WALKTALK WENT to press we received news Mr D Spindler Ningwood a place and make payment. donated by St Helen’s 2012 was involved in the Isle of Wight Walking that IW Ramblers has been short listed from 70 Mr R Mainstone Cost is £3.50. resident Janie Feakes national nominations for the national President’s Mrs E Harrison Cowes Festival – and this will remain the case in 2013. (pictured above, left) and Award. We entered eight categories and were Mrs DM Davies Gatcombe Quiz walk and In 2012 we held 226 walks. Our walks compiler Not the Grand was opened by Deputy short listed in five: Countryside, Footpaths, Mrs J Trevatt Alverstone afternoon tea Carol Hamilton has retired from her post after Canyon, but Lieutenant Patricia Bucks Farm, Campaigning, Media, and Recruitment Initiative. Partridge (above, right) Mrs H Bradshaw Newbridge STARTING FROM THE several very successful years. Huge thanks to Shorwell at the on 19th March. A plaque Mr M Lyons Rowing Club on the beach at Carol for her very hard and diligent work. We There are three finalists in each of these height of the commemorates the lives Mr G Rowley Torquay , this will be a short are grateful to Steve Gibson who will be taking categories, and delegates at General Council floods. of Janie’s father Bruce Mr I Tait Cowes quiz walk around Shanklin, over Carol’s role. in April will vote to decide the winners. Fingers Mr & Mrs T Bancroft (Vernon Gibbs) crossed! who died in 2012 and her followed by an afternoon tea Social evenings in 2012 were not well Mr & Mrs R Keats Shorwell mother Elizabeth who died back at the Club. Sunday supported and we have decided to discontinue Dr C Armstrong Freshwater in 2004. 18th August, 3pm. Booking them in 2013. However, a walk, followed by a Mr & Mrs M A Sayers Seaview is essential so please call cream tea will be organised in the early summer The scheme has now Wightsole Ann on 884263 or Linda on and a quiz walk will be held in August (see left). raised more than £24,000 Mrs S Noon Bowcombe 864401 to reserve a place. The successful Christmas dinner will be held in donations, and IW Mr S Hendra Ryde Cost is £5. again in early December. Ramblers is now able to Mr & Mrs B Quaintmere Newport claim charitable gift aid, Eastbourne break Derek Corke, Isle of Wight Group making these donations JACKIE AND TIM HOUGH even more valuable. are arranging a four-day Summer shows Chale Show 3rd and 4th August The innovative memorials Total membership spring holiday to Eastbourne Garlic Festival 17th and 18th August are sweeping across the for the IW Ramblers from 19th April, staying at 549 the Imperial Hotel for three Wolverton Garden Fair 31st August and 1st Island, creating better Main Group 513; Wightsole 36 nights’ bed, breakfast and September footpath access for all evening meal. Please help to man our stall – contact Pam Dana Join us on users with many routes on 863189. now stile-free. There are The hotel is situated at the several areas in West seaward end of a tree-lined Get Walking Week Sundays at Three Wight where walking is boulevard five minutes GET WALKING WEEK, and possible for many miles SUNDAYS AT THREE Howard Duffus led a three- raising a further £190. The from the town and other from 4th-11th May, is part friendly without stiles. mile walk which was followed next event is on 19th May amenities. The price, £169, of 2013’s Britain on Foot walks, is a series of monthly by two hours of musical at Fort Redoubt – a rare The scheme is being will include coach travel campaign, a call to action to help entertainment events entertainment with Catherine opportunity to visit this publicised during the from the Island and a day’s to get the British public them get organised by West Wight and Her Friends (pictured). private fort. Entrance fee to Walking Festival: we hope excursion. There will be a fitter, healthier and happier walking and stay active. Marketing Group, with profits Sundays at Three is just £3. further donations will be walk on our free day over in the great outdoors. from the entry fee being There have been two events All of the walks will be received. Beachy Head. given to The Ramblers’ to date and well over £150 • Each event also features Walking for Health, led by trained leaders Donate a Gate scheme. have been raised for IW a raffle, so if you have any Several mainland If you are interested in joining which is hosted by The providing the perfect Ramblers’ countryside unwanted gifts you think Ramblers’ areas have Jackie and Tim, please Ramblers in partnership opportunity to discover The February event was held improvements. would be suitable for raffle contacted us for details, contact them on 868517 for with Macmillan Cancer the freedom and fitness at the HF Holiday Centre, prizes, please call David and we hope they will further details and to reserve Support, will be inviting that come with exploring a lovely venue overlooking The Scottish Fiddlers Howarth on 759823 introduce similar schemes. your place. people to join short, free the great outdoors. Freshwater Bay. featured in the March event, 2 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 3 Main picture Yarmouth Castle is maintained by English Heritage Inset from far left Eremue is the town’s ancient A yen for name; overlooking the harbour; the Town Hall; Yarmouth’s lifeboat Eric and Susan Hiscock Yarmouth is a town steeped in history, right down to its salty maritime roots. David Howarth shows us round

YarmouthThe tour consists of a two-mile, level walk. Yarmouth is the oldest town on the Island and has had a town charter since 1135. Not only that, it’s the second smallest town in England both in terms of area and population. Small it may be but it boasts several pubs, cafés, a hotel, post office, pier, harbour – and a Henrician castle. Yarmouth is a thriving place which hosts many events and festivals, organised by an enthusiastic population

START AT THE HARBOUR by the to Freshwater and closed in 1953. to pass several independent shops and to the end of the pier (9). The pier has lifeboat station (1), near the bus terminus. Continue to reach the old Yarmouth galleries to reach the Square with its been restored and was reopened in From here, go left towards the harbour station and turn left into Station Road. Town Hall and St James Church (8). 2008. Return, passing Gossips café and then turn right into Quay Street. Pass commissioner’s office. Pass the “Gribble Pass a fire station and at a green area (5) Go into Bridge Road and turn right by The George and then the entrance to Seat”– this is a concrete seat in the turn right to reach the recreation ground. the Wheatsheaf Pub into an alleyway Yarmouth Castle. The castle was built by shape of the gribble worm which can Go half left to reach the Yarmouth and called Wheatsheaf Lane. At the road, Henry VIII in 1547 following an attack on damage the wooden pier. Pass one of Calbourne FC changing rooms. Take turn right to pass the Post Office and the Yarmouth by the French in 1543. The many seats found in Yarmouth and cross the track on the left of the building and The George Hotel. This was the home stone was sourced from the destruction the main road to find a path on the right continue along Tennyson Close to the of the flamboyant Governor of the Isle of monasteries at Quarr and Beaulieu. of Yarmouth Sailing Club (2). main road (6). Turn right and in about of Wight Sir Robert Holmes, in 1668. 100 yards cross the road to pass the Follow the path along the edge of the Here, he entertained Charles II on Continue to the ferry port (10) and go left cemetery. Turn left into High Street (7) Yar estuary. Continue past a car park three occasions. There is a statue of following the harbour path and returning by The Common and seaside. Here there to the Mill House, once the home of Sir Robert Holmes in St James Church. to the lifeboat station. are splendid views of and the historian A.J.P. Taylor. It has been At The Square, turn left and continue heritage coast at Bouldnor. Continued/... a private residence since 1900 when the last grain barges were loaded. Go Follow the High Street left towards through a gate and turn left on footpath the town. This is the location of one of Y2 towards Thorley (3). Note the old the four original town wall gates. At a railway carriage and then go left onto junction continue ahead, passing large the old railway line, now a cycleway houses with sea views on the right. At a (4). The railway operated from Newport second junction, continue straight ahead

Walk details Two miles around the town and immediate area Accessibility Mainly paved walking Refreshments Various pubs and cafés en route Toilets Bridge Road, by the pier, and at the Common (closed in winter) GPS Waypoints for this walk can be found at www.iowramblers.com/page5.htm

4 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 5 Left to right Yarmouth Mill; the Gribble Seat; Yarmouth Pier Summer Island awayday for visitors Wight Sole 2013 For younger ramblers – friendly welcome guaranteed! from Ramblers’ national HQ

Sunday 26th May Tuesday 16th July Lifeboat Ahoy! Meet 10.30am Down Meet 6pm at Lifeboat Station at Brighstone Down for a five for a coastal walk – maybe mile walk. Allow two hours. A yen for a paddle? Eight miles. Allow Drink/food in pub afterwards. four hours. Packed lunch. GR GR 449846. Toby 249629 658879. Martin 867603 Sunday 21st July Tuesday 4th June Lymington Mainland Walk Yarmouth Meet Approx 9.45am ferry from The Whitwell Alternative 6pm at Whitwell Church for Yarmouth – check with leader the first evening walk of the nearer time. Eight to nine The Castle The Mill The Harbour year – to Bierley and Niton miles. Allow four and a half The castle is easily overlooked as it is In 1662, for security reasons, a cut Until 1840 the sea flowed freely across then back. Five miles. Allow hours plus travelling time. surrounded by other buildings. It was a through was made at the eastern end of the full width of the river mouth and two hours, drink/food in pub Packed lunch. GR 354898. necessity built by Henry VIII following Yarmouth, and so the town became an ships were unloaded at Thorley. But afterwards. GR 522778. Alison Chris 822013 two invasions by the French in 1377 and island with a drawbridge to the outer silting up of the river gradually occurred 810220 Tuesday 30th July then 1544. The square structure was MARIUSZ WILCZYNSKI and Gemma Petty (pictured, town gate. When this experiment ended, and a breakwater was built from the Shanklin Old Church Meet Sunday 9th June centre), marketing staff from the London headquarters positioned at the edge of the Solent and an embankment was built where the Norton side, thus creating Yarmouth Meet 6pm at Shanklin Old Church West Wight Wander of The Ramblers, visited IW Ramblers on a cold, raw River Yar with a moat on the other two mill is today. This sealed off the sea from Harbour. 10.30am at Golden Hill Fort for a walk on the downs with sides. Guns were placed in a protruding day in December to exchange ideas about promoting the Thorley area and created the mill Many changes have occurred since this for a wander round the West lovely coastal views. Five bastion on the land side but were never The Ramblers and to discuss how membership can be pond. The tidal mill was built in 1793 time: dredging, creating the ferry port, Wight. Thirteen miles. Allow miles. Allow two hours. Drink/ needed, the castle having the desired increased. and steam power introduced in the 19th two new bridges, new harbour walls and six hours. Packed lunch. GR food in the pub afterwards. deterrent effect. Maintained by English century when tidal flows diminished. the reclamation of land to create a bus 338879. Toby 249629 GR 578805. Martin 867603 Chairman David Howarth (far right), Access Officer Mike Heritage, it is open to the public. Since 1900 the mill has been a private station and large car park with a road Tuesday 18th June Sunday 4th August Slater and Publicity Officer Howard Duffus far( left) spent residence. Meet the day chatting about some of the Island’s local initiatives The Pier bypassing the town. Seaview Meet 6pm at Ningwood and the Coast Seaview free car park for an 10.30am at the car park next to encourage membership, such as our Walker Friendly Pub The pier was built in 1876 as a landing The lifeboat and its crew are an integral The George Hotel evening stroll. Four to five to the Horse and Groom, scheme – we now have more than 60 pubs where walkers stage for foot passengers brought by part of the town. Since 1924, there have This has been the main hotel in miles. Allow two hours. Drink/ Ningwood for a five mile walk are very welcome, and where Ramblers’ information leaflets ferries from the mainland. Built entirely been five lifeboats, the latest launched in Yarmouth for over 250 years and before food in pub afterwards. GR including coast and some are available. of wood, it is today the longest (609ft) 2001. There have been numerous rescues that was the home of two Governors 628915. Chris 822013 Cowes Week views, drink/ completely wooden pier in England. A and many disasters averted. It wasn’t all work and no play though. Afterwards, Marius of the Isle of Wight. It is thought to lunch in the pub afterwards. pier master’s office was added in 1927. Sunday 23rd June and Gemma were taken to see path improvements have been built by Sir Robert Holmes Ferries have operated to the mainland Allow two hours. GR 401891. Such was its importance then, that there Chillerton Challenge Meet undertaken by IW Ramblers near Tennyson Monument and in 1669. It became the George Inn in from about 1750. The Webster family Dave and Suzanne 282322 were several full time officials to move 10.30am at Chequers Inn The Needles. 1764, being named after George III. In was the first to transport mail and luggage and goods. Although the need Rookley for a walk on varied Tuesday 13th August 1897, it became The Pier Hotel, a name passengers. In 1837, there was a disaster for the pier has diminished since the terrain. Nine miles. Allow four The Buddle Meet 6pm at the that remained for thirty years during the when the ferry capsized with the loss 1950s when ferries docked at the quay, hours. Packed lunch. GR Buddle Inn, Niton for a four heyday of the pier. of eleven lives. In 1830, the steam- Christmas Day 2012 there have been two major restoration 511830. Gary 299511 mile walk, drink/food in pub powered, paddle-driven projects replacing the planks and piles. SS Glasgow afterwards. Allow two hours. The Town Hall started a connection to Lymington. Tuesday 2nd July These are made from a dense South Meet 6pm at GR 503757. Toby 249629 It was built in 1763 to replace a plain Tow boats were added in 1836 to carry St Lawrence American hardwood that is resistant to seafront car park for market house, during the reign of George carriages, horses and livestock. In 1938, Sunday 18th August attack by the marine gribble worm. a walk over the down to St Brook Meet 10.30am at the III. The upper chamber was where the the Lymington was introduced. This Lawrence and back along the National Trust car park on the town corporation and mayor met, and carried 17 cars and used the slipway by The Freshwater,Yarmouth & coast. Four to five miles. Allow coast at Brook for a ten mile where they could decide who would be the castle. Today, Wightlink carries some Newport Railway two and a half hours. Drink walk – hills, forest and coast. 350,000 cars and a similar number of This opened in 1889 and closed in 1953. the two MPs for the town. Today it is still in the pub after? GR 565773. Packed lunch. Allow five passengers each year. A proposal to link the existing station used by the town council. Gary 299511 hours. GR 386836. Tracey to a new railway pier was resisted by 867603 9 Sunday 7th July residents and the idea was quashed. Mind Your Manors Meet Tuesday 27th August The railway never ran at a profit, perhaps 10 10.30am at car park adjacent Ventnor Meet 6pm at the because the locations of the stations 8 7 to Arreton White Lion for a seafront car park in Ventnor at Yarmouth and Freshwater were 1 walk around the manors of for an evening walk with unpopular. 6 Arreton parish. Eight to nine coastal views. Allow two NOT MANY TAKERS Whilst we might regret the passing of 2 miles. Allow four and a half hours. Tapas and a drink in on this rather gloomy railway, at least it has left the legacy of hours. Packed lunch. GR the Met Bar after. GR 565773. Christmas Day a multi-user route from Freshwater to 5 535867. Alison 810220 Tracey 867603 Yarmouth. (But it is disappointing not to walk at Compton have created a sustainable walking and Want to be on our email list for walks? beach. Thanks to a Contact Gary 299511 or email [email protected] determined David cycling route all the way to Newport. 4 In the age of the car, this is not just an If you are lost or running late, Gary’s mobile number is 07804 856249 Howarth for the aspiration but a necessity). 3 Latest details: www.wightsole.org pictures. 6 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 7

Mainland walkers are just one of the target groups being persuaded to cross the to view videos, request brochures, online and through editorials to extend discoveries; enter competitions and sign up for the holiday season on the Island, Solent by the Island’s new tourism organisation, Visit Isle of Wight. Ramblers’ The Garden Isle The micro-climate regular newsletters as well as search through focusing on themed short and the distinctive landscape; for accommodation, activities, things to breaks such as for walking and cycling. Chairman David Howarth and Access Officer Mike Slater went to meet its Chief The best bits see and do and events. England in a Nutshell Executive David Thornton, who has been a regular visitor to the Island since 1967. DH/MS The Island has many festivals of England in a compact form; Over the coming months an online such as the Walking Festival – how All at Sea The home of world library – where visitors can browse a will this help? yachting, the fishing, the food, the selection of tourism guides, walking DT We are telling people about the boats and the beaches. maps, arts magazines and other wide range of different festivals and publications – will be added, along with events taking place this year. Around History, heritage, arts, culture, food an online cinema that will allow people 50 events have been identified to and drink can all be woven into these to browse films and videos. convince visitors to take an extra short themes, which help us to stand out. break to see something special on The huge changes in the way people the Island. These include the large discover content on the web is reflected DH/MS We would like to see less music festivals, Isle of Arts, Robin this by the growing dominance of social reliance on the car with more Hill’s Electric Woods, The Garlic media, which we are embracing. Visit walking and cycling. Can we Festival, Ventnor Fringe, the Yarmouth Isle of Wight’s Facebook site has now encourage more tourists to do this? grown to a reach of over 20,000 visits Old Gaffers Festival, the recently DT Visit Isle of Wight is working with a week. The new site plays a key part established October Literary Festival Isle of Wight Council and the Island’s in inspiring people about the Isle of and many others. A “Festival Island” transport providers to encourage less Wight through photos and other user- badge has been created to front the car travel to and on the Island. DH/MS What has happened since the groups will look at private investment, message which will feature in London generated content. Visitors are being asked to consider launch in November? integrated transport infrastructure and underground tube train panels, in radio whether they would have a more DT The board of directors has met customer care to deliver the joined up DH/MS How is the current campaign adverts and on posters. monthly and has had to move quickly thinking needed to succeed. relaxing holiday break on the Island if working? We will also pull together October half to ensure that the first £200,000 DT In early February small adverts they left their cars at home, or at least term events into a new “Isle of Fright” of marketing spend is deployed DH/MS How is it financed? appeared in The Sun, The Daily Mail, parked their cars up once on the Island The Isle of Wight Council will Hallowe’en campaign and develop strategically to attract visitors to the DT Mail on Sunday and Daily Express and walked, cycled or travelled by bus. pay £340,000 a year for nine years. a “Festival of the Sea” opportunity Island this year. newspapers, but were stepped up to Website information to help with This looks likely to be matched by full page glossy adverts later in the to combine fishing and food in The Visit Isle of Wight board consists planning trips is being created and the private sector in the first year of month in quality titles like the Guardian, September. of Wightlink, Red Funnel, Hovertravel, will feature the Island’s walking and operation, with further marketing funds The Sunday Telegraph, The Mail on Isle of Wight Council, English DH/MS What other Island attractions cycling events, cycle ways and themed coming from the council’s recently Sunday, and a series of London papers Heritage, Chamber of Commerce, are important? bus routes such as the Needles and successful bid to the Local Sustainable intended to capture the attention of We want to focus on four additional Vectis Ventures (Blackgang Chine DT Downs Breezer services. The new Tourism Fund. In 2013 we will spend commuters in the capital. unique features and themes over the and Robin Hill), Heritage Great Britain visitisleofwight.co.uk website will also will about £1.1million. next three years: PLC (The Needles Park) and Island These creative ads are running in feature a collection of walking and Most money will come from the ferry View Holidays. Other organisations tandem with journalists’ visits, editorial, Dinosaur Island The recently travel guides for visitors to download include the AONB, Natural Enterprise, companies and £100,000 from more exhibitions, digital marketing and social announced UK capital for dinosaur ahead of arriving on the Island. representatives from arts and culture than 900 smaller contributors across networking to generate an overall buzz organisations, Isle of Wight Ramblers the tourism industry – many of whom about the Island in target markets on and the Chamber’s tourism advisory are contributing less than £100 each. the mainland. In March and April, radio board. For the first time, Visit England, the adverts and Tube panels will be added national tourist board is also supporting to the activity as well as press adverts DH/MS What is the initial focus of the the Island, providing free space in and editorial in specialist markets such board? travel supplements published in the as cycling, and the groups and tours DT We want to put the Isle of Wight Guardian and other national papers. market. back onto the list of top holiday destinations in the UK, attracting DH/MS How will the web site help? Market research by Tourism South East another 300,000 visitors a year to the DT There is now just one site: and Visit England ensures that we can Island, largely during the less popular visitIsleofWight.co.uk identify potential new visitors. times. Marketing will help, but sub- The new home page invites visitors Pictured Chief executive As the year progresses, new autumn of Visit Isle of Wight, David and winter packages will be advertised Thornton

8 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 9 Who could forget Henry? A tribute to Henry Godber was Dear Ramblers, especially a popular member Henry’s “chicks”, Henry Godber, of The Ramblers I would like to thank who died in and had led walks you all for your support, for many years. He January, aged 91 kindness and caring; also and his wife Ruth for the many cards I have met through The received from you. Thank Ramblers and were you to all who were able to together for ten attend Henry’s funeral and very happy years. to celebrate his life. Many people will remember Henry He was a true gentleman with affection. Isle and a wonderful husband. of Wight Ramblers Always remembered. Always send condolences to my Henry. Ruth, who has asked us to print this letter: Ruth. Rio’s Island Ramblers are nothing if , Boxing not intrepid. Rio Bellgore-Gullit Snow good, we’ll donned her galoshes to bring us just have to plough Day this rather soggy story... paddle through it... FOURTEEN MAD would dry out in time for flood stretching from the The Boxing Day Walk had RAMBLERS gathered at May. cycletrack across the road begun as the Boxing Day for the annual Heading down to Kern and beyond. Eric Gilbert Trudge through Nunwell Boxing Day walk, led by Farm, the terrain was a and I had our wellies on fields and here it was the Vernon Gibbs. Vernon bit slippery but at least so we were OK to wade Boxing Day Paddle. explained that the walk it had stopped being a through, although fishing was about eight miles, Thankfully, leader Vernon ‘trudge’ and I started to waders may have been instead of the advertised turned left for Adgestone enjoy the walk. We turned more appropriate. The seven miles, due to the and we left the floodwater right towards lower other 12 walkers tried to original route being behind. Phew! That did Knighton and then left to negotiate their way from flooded. He went on to mean it was back to join the Newport-Sandown the flooded cycletrack describe the revised route trudging through mud cycletrack. Making our way around the white gate to as being the ‘driest’ option. though, between Lower towards Alverstone, we the flooded road. Some and Upper Adgestone We trudged through the noticed some rather large climbed over the gate. Road. wet and muddy fields puddles on the track as Looking up the road to the north of Nunwell well as the on Climbing up the east side towards the golf club, the Farm, making our way to our right being nearly up to of Brading Down we could road was very flooded Eaglehead and Bloodstone bursting its banks. view more floodwater to for some distance and Copse. Having not walked our right. This was lying to At Alverstone, we ironically, there was a for three weeks, due to the west of Yaverland and observed a property on our sign a few yards ahead, going down with the the camera was out again. right that had acquired an ‘Welcome to Lake’ ‘lurgy’, I was beginning The last section of the walk unplanned garden pond. (pictured). Well, Lake was to wonder if I had made was urban with no more a mistake going on this On approach to the Golf living up to its name alright mud or flood to contend eight-mile trudge. I even Links Road between and, of course, the ‘David with. Off piste – on the Isle of Wight! And in mid-March! started to wonder about Adgestone and Lake, Bailey’ of the IW Ramblers the Walk The Wight route we noticed a gi-normous couldn’t resist getting her Oh, what a relief to get Thanks to walks leaders Jenny Mitchell and Carol Hamilton and whether or not that puddle followed by a camera out. back to Brading! and to Rio Bellgore-Gullit and Mary Barnes for the pictures

10 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com www.iowramblers.com walkTALK 11 THE BACK PAGE... THE BACK PAGE... THE BACK PAGE...THE New funding from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund IW Ramblers is working Wootton, from Newport with the Isle of Wight to the Marina on East Council as a partner in Medina. The Sunshine Trail the Local Sustainable will also be resurfaced. Above They don’t make Transport Fund (LSTF). ‘em like this any more. In 2014 the Marina to Right The This fund was awarded Whippingham route, and council by the Government and Wootton to Newport route, published is supporting walking and will be similarly upgraded. Gagged? cycling on the Island. Seen from a recently a wallet Some funding will be improved path – the of long In 2013, new routes will be available to improve ancient drovers’ way BS66 distance created that are suitable existing routes and to – at Gaggerhill Lane, trails for all users. These routes reopen paths that have Brighstone, from where leaflets will be from Sandown been closed for some the views of the coast in the to Wroxall, from Ryde to time. and Brighstone Down are early ADVERTISEMENT spectacular. Well worth a 1970s, visit, then... just don’t stray now out off the path! of print. Learn outdoor skills ADVERTISEMENT The royal rambler

Your Local Independent Outdoor Retailer – Est 1995 Sandown Store We have a great value range of outdoor clothing, walking boots, trekking poles & socks from Regatta, Craghoppers, Target Dry, Hi-Tec, Vango, Leki, Bridgedale & HJ Socks 3-4 August. We offer Ramblers a 10% discount on their purchases upon £110 per person production of their Ramblers’ membership card (excludes gas refills, gift vouchers and sales items)

College Close Ind Est 59 High Street 6 July. £45 per (past Wight Motors) (next to BHS) person. Sandown Newport Isle of Wight Isle of Wight PO36 8EB PO30 1SB 01983 408181 01983 525525

Isle of Wight Ramblers Queen’s Award for Voluntary Contact information Service Area Council IOW Group Committee Wight Sole Group Items for the next edition of walkTalk Area Chair David Howarth 759823 Chair Vacant Chair Gary Clarke 299511 Thank you to those who submitted material Area Secretary David Howarth 759823 Vice Chair Vacant Deputy Chair Tracey Darch or 07804 for this edition. If you would like to contribute Treasurer Liz Brammall 741022 Secretary Rio Bellgore-Gullit 07800 Treasurer Dave Aitken 856249 to the next edition, published in August 2013 Footpath Secretary Mike Marchant 564909 528626 Membership Suzanne Aitken please send to: Membership Bobby Carlin 740332 Treasurer Ann Wellings 863402 Publicity Alison Cardy Access Officer Mike Slater 752997 Walks programme Steve Gibson 761927 Graphics/Web Toby Davies David Howarth, Red Oaks, 4 Woodlands, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0FE Countryside Officer David Howarth 759823 Social Secretaries Anne Parker 864401 Footpath Sub-Committee Publicity Officer Howard Duffus 755469 Linda Sheasby 884263 Secretary Mike Marchant 564909 Tel: 759823 Newsletter Editor Steve Williams 524007 Committee Pam Dana 863189 Planning Cttee Adrian Tavill 562565 Email: [email protected] Committee John Hague 862842 Members Carol Henley 537445 Members Charlie Davidson 756788 Members John Gurney- 522665 Ann Pearson Chris Edgeley 07960 By 6th July 2013 at the latest. Champion Anna Willshire 908839 Print: Isle of Wight NHS PCT Rod Senior 298706 The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number 4458492. Registered charity in England and Wales number 1093577, registered charity in Scotland, number SC039799. Registered Office: Second Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW 12 walkTALK www.iowramblers.com