October 2012 Newsletter of the Glamorgan Area

A CHANCE TO HIGHLIGHT

The big story of the past year has to be the Coast Path. Its importance is reflected in the Group reports which reveal so many of the Areas Groups participating in events over the open- ing weekend with significant numbers attending. The numbers visiting the opening celebrations in , as seen in the accompanying picture, show the depth of public support.

The hope is, of course, that the public- ity will have a knock-on effect on mem- bership. It is perhaps too early to tell whether the slow decline in member- ship has been staunched. However, a number of Groups, including mine, are seeing an upward trend which at least augers well. Gwyn Lewis, with his Membership Officer hat on, offers a Crowds at the opening celebrations in Cardiff of the Wales Coast Path number of ideas that might attract new members in his report. drilling in the Glamorgam Area. In Alex also reports the sad news of the death of Stephen Luke of the Maesteg In the reports you will note the absence addition Alex Marshall in his report Group. His contribution to the Group of a Countryside Officer’s report. This mentions a Working Party reviewing was immense and it is clear he is going is because no-one was elected at Cymru policy on renewa- to be sadly missed. I would offer my AGM in Maesteg to fill Tom Allen’s bles. It would be good if a volunteer condolences and can add those of the shoes. It is a vital job particularly with would step forward to fill this post to Wales Office and WCEC. high profile issues such as more pro- co-ordinate Glamorgan Area’s re- posed wind farms and ‘fracking’ test sponse to all these issues. Diane Davies

GLAMORGAN AREA AGM

SATURDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2011 at 2:00pm Meeting at Ararat Centre, Plas Treoda, Whitchurch Common, Cardiff CF14 1PT

Guest speaker: Anne Marie Beresford-Webb, ‘Arry’, talking about the Wales Coast Path

Morning Walk at 10:00am from the Ararat Centre CHAIRMAN be referred to as a ‘Sounding-Board’, group along the Heritage Coast on apparently. They have had an initial Sunday 6th. A huge thank you to I must say I was impressed with the meeting at which four members of everyone involved in the planning, or- Vale Group’s organisation, for our Na- Glamorgan Area were in attendance. ganising and participating in making tional Eisteddfod presence in Lland- The meeting went quite well I under- the event a resounding success. ow: firstly, the manning of the stand stand, and no doubt we will be updated for the whole week and then their of- about this and other important innova- Our AGM was hosted by the Maesteg fering of a local walk each day from tions at our AGM in November. Group and held at St Michael’s Monday to Thursday. This coincided, Church in the town, with the local MP perhaps deliberately, with the opening News of the Area Annual General Huw Irannca Davies being our guest of the Iolo Morganwg Trail. Many Meeting will be given in detail else- speaker. He gave an enlightening talk thanks are due to Graham Woosnam where in this newsletter. Suffice it to on a whole host of environmental is- for the walk directions and to the per- say that Cardiff Group are hosting this sues facing the UK over the coming son who did the excellent translation as well as the Area walks this year. years. A presentation was made on of those directions into Welsh. Our speaker at this event will be the behalf of WCEC to Richard Lloyd young woman who was the first to Jones by Alex Marshall (in the absence The Area walks were organised for us walk the whole of the new Wales of the Chair of Ramblers Cymru) in this year by Cardiff Group. I went on Coastal Path, Anne Marie Beresford- recognition of his efforts as President the eleven miler with Diane Davies, Webb. I say walk, but I believe a little of Ramblers Cymru over many years. which included walking around the running took place as well. But we can Our Chair ensured the business of the Bay, something I have not done before. forgive the lifting of both feet from the AGM ran smoothly and we succeeded I understand that each walk was well path every so often as she gave our in filling most of the officer posts, al- attended, and we would like to send Coastal Path some useful publicity and though we are still in the market for a our thanks to those who planned, rec- great plugs for local activities during Publicity Officer and Countryside Of- ced and led those walks. the opening of the route around Wales’ ficer. Thanks to all concerned for their coast. efforts on the day. I have just heard the very sad news that Stephen Luke, the Maesteg Group Congratulations to Gwyn Lewis on The Area Walk on 13th May was Treasurer, has died quite suddenly of becoming Chairman of Welsh Coun- hosted by the Cardiff Group who pro- cancer. Stephen was only a young cil, since the resignation of Denis vided three well-supported walks all man by our standards, since he was in McAteer. Family issues have had to starting from the Scout Hut at Pont- his early thirties. With Roger, his fa- take priority for Denis since his elec- canna Fields. A big thank you to Di- ther, Stephen was doing a lot for Maes- tion at Welsh Council 2012. At a ane and Gwyn and everyone in the teg group and often attended our Area recent meeting of WCEC Gwyn was Cardiff Group for ensuring that the Council meetings in Cowbridge. He elected to take over the role with im- day was successful. will be difficult to replace and much mediate effect. He will be a strong missed by his family and the ramblers chairman and I look forward to work- Welsh Council was held in Wrexham in Maesteg. ing with him on behalf of Ramblers this year and I (and my wife Chris) Cymru. I am sure we all wish him well represented the Area. We had an in- Following on from the difficulties at in that role. teresting talk from Benedict South- Welsh Council 2012, a Renewable En- worth, the new CE of Ramblers; we ergy Working Party will carry out a Alex Marshall wish him well. Our President Jane review of policy in this area of interest. Davidson during her address talked I am unsure at this stage if anyone about her hopes and aspirations for the from Glamorgan Area is on the work- Wales Coast Path. There was a lot of ing party. I imagine there was tough AREA SECRETARY ‘business’ and ‘motions’ to get through competition from for on the day, and unfortunately as we places on the panel, since they have According to the Ramblers, walking is were running over schedule the Chair on-going problems in their area and the closest thing to perfect exercise, the called a halt to proceedings before very strong feelings as well. Let us most sustainable and social able mode some of the Agenda items could be hope they can present a plan to Welsh of transport and can help deliver eco- discussed, much to the chagrin of a Council 2013 that we can all commit nomic benefits. Who can argue that number of delegates, which resulted in to. The group is made up of ten mem- 2012, as far as Ramblers in Wales were the meeting ending in an air of disarray. bers from across Wales who expressed concerned, has been a good one an interest in joining. The review itself (weather apart!). After years of plan- Our Area meetings at the Duke of is being managed by expert independ- ning, we saw the official opening of the Wellington in Cowbridge continue to ent consultant Ruth Chambers 870 miles of the Wales Coast Path in be well supported by most groups in (previously with the Campaign for Na- May, a cause for celebration indeed. I the Area. However, it is disappointing tional Parks). She will do this in con- was fortunate to join Group to report that we have not had any sultation with Director Wales, Angela on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th for two representatives from either Merthyr Charlton, who will attend and support of their walks planned over four days Valley or Tawe Trekkers attending for the meetings. along the coastline of the whole of the a number of years. City & County of Swansea as part of As part of the Business Plan, a Rights the ‘Big Welsh Coastal Walk’ organ- Lastly I would like to acknowledge the of Way and Access Group has been ised by Ramblers Cymru. I also man- support of all volunteers within the established in Wales. It will probably aged to fit in another one with my own Glamorgan Area, those officers who run our groups, and all those walk leaders producing such interesting and regular walks, without whom, we could not function. Pob hwyl Allan Harrison

TREASURER

Group funding continues to be re- stricted by Central Office’s use of a Basic Allocation. For 2011/12 this was £85 per group plus £0.75 per group member. This is not intended to be sufficient funding for most groups. They have the choice of either submit- ting a budget for additional funding or reducing their reserves. However, most or our twelve groups have just claimed the Basic Allocation. The numbers requiring additional funding were three in 2010/11 and four in 2011/12. Four have submitted budg- ets for 2012/13.

The financing of areas and groups has now been devolved to The Welsh Council, so budgets will be approved by the Welsh Council Executive Com- mittee. The budgets for 2012/13 have been submitted and are awaiting ap- proval. We are able to reduce our funding request to £7,000, from £8,000 in 2011/12. Group Financing is down by over £200, and the only area of increase is postage for the Glamorgan Rambler. We have retained the £1,000 budget for Grants to Projects. This has often not been used, but in the current year a contribution of £390 was made to the stand at The National Eistedd- fod at Llandow.

The objective over the last few years 2010/11 9 mths to 2011/12 2012/13 has been to budget for deficits in order Jun 12 to reduce our reserves to less than 40% Actual Actual Budget Budget of expenditure. My forecast for 2011/ 12 is that the deficit will be less than Reserves b/f £6,300 £7,022 £7,022 £6,050 budget, with reserves carried forward of £6,050. However, by reducing our Total Income 8,000 6,123 8,140 7,060 funding in 2012/13 our reserves Group Financing 4,439 5,047 5,047 4,835 should reduce to 33% of expenditure. Area Administration 2,439 2,562 3,050 3,320 F’path Officers' Expenses 243 34 500 500 Finally, I would like to thank the Area Publicity Expenses 164 95 200 200 Officers, and Group Treasurers and Grants to Projects 390 1,000 1,000 their committees, for their continuing New Group Formation 200 close financial management of Area Funds. We will have to wait and see Total Expenditure £7,650 £8,128 £8,809 £9,855 what changes devolution brings, but I am confident that we will have suffi- Surplus/(Deficit) 722 (2,005) (1,857) (2,795) cient funds to further the objectives of Reserves carried forward £7,022 £5,017 £5,165 £3,255 The Ramblers in our area.

Ian Fraser FOOTPATH OFFICER

Footpath Officers in the Glamorgan Area contribute to the development of opportunities and facilities for walking in your area by working to protect and enhance the local Rights of Way net- work. The Ramblers provides the fol- lowing resources to Area and Group Footpath Officers as well as those who undertake Practical Path Work. · Ramblers Rights of Way Volunteers' Handbook which outlines the basics of Rights of Way Law, Rights of Way management and key policies. · Factsheet Library which covers a number of different areas including guidance on how the law affects path work, how to respond to consultation exercises and how to encouraging vol- unteering. · The BTCV Guide, Footpaths: A Prac- tical Handbook: a guide for those who undertake or coordinate practical path Children from Dylan Thomas School working on the Coastal Path between Port Eynon and work at group or area level. Horton · Insurance Information on how Ram- blers provides insurance for those un- Ramblers Routes Wales Coast Path dertaking practical path works. The best way to protect our footpath The outstanding Footpath/Access · Paths for People which is a guide to network is for it to have regular usage achievement in Wales this year has public paths for members of parish, by our members and others. The Ram- been the opening of the Wales Coast town and community councils. blers Routes initiative (launched in Path and Ramblers Cymru can rightly March 2012) aims to develop Britain’s claim much credit in its delivery. · Knowledge Portal: a one-stop shop for biggest and best collection of walking Maps of the Wales Coast Path (109 of all queries about Rights of Way. routes on the internet and thereby en- them!) are on-line at: · Walking Environment Update: a courage more people to walk our foot- www.walescoastpath.gov.uk/ monthly update on Rights of Way, paths. You can get involved either as plan_your_trip/static_maps.aspx access and practical path work. a Route Developer or a Route Check- er, or both. For further information, Gwyn Lewis Though the above have been devel- see: oped to assist Footpath Officers, they www.ramblersroutes.org are AVAILABLE TO ALL (and of interest to all who use Rights of Way). Bridges Galore MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY “Well Done” to Terry Griffiths, Neath See also the Ramblers website: Port Talbot Footpath Officer, for initi- Whilst the membership statistics for www.ramblers.org.uk/Volunteer/ ating and supporting the local council Glamorgan Area for July 2011 to July RightsWay.htm in its construction of three footpath 2012 (the latest figures available at Members without internet access who bridges in Kenfig, Clyne and Bryncock. time of writing) show our overall num- want hard copies of the above should bers to have been static at around contact their group’s Footpath Officer. Open Access Review 2170, there is a concern that the % The Countryside Council of Wales has growth of Groups experiencing an in- Reporting Footpath Problems commenced its 10 year Review of the crease in membership (Cardiff, The above resources guide Area and CRoW Act which gave us Open Ac- Bridgend, Merthyr, Penarth, Taff Ely, Group Footpath Officers’ actions on a cess and the Ramblers is involving it- Tiger Bay and Tawe Trekkers) has blocked footpath, a broken stile, etc self in the consultation process. been in single figures, whereas the % but they rely on walkers to tell them Though not a ‘root & branch’ review, decline of Groups experiencing a re- about footpath problems and I would there will still be much work to be done duction in membership (Neath Port urge all of us to get into the habit of within tight deadlines to protect walk- Talbot, , Swansea, reporting such problems to either the ers’ interests. Anyone interested in Cynon Valley and Maesteg) has Local Authority or the Ramblers, or to assisting in this Review should inform largely been in double figures. Central both. Ramblers Path Problem Report their Group Footpath Officer. And initiatives help in addressing member- Forms are available at: where it all began: on 24th April 2012 ship numbers but it has consistently www.ramblers.org.uk/ Ramblers celebrated the 80th Anniver- been shown that personal recommen- or you can obtain hard copies from sary of the Kinder Scout Trespass with dation is the Ramblers best recruiter. Area/Group Footpath Officers. a re-enactment of the historic event. Next year I would urge Groups to offer walks suitable for new starters and Walks Finder has been produced and leisure in bustling . However, members to bring a friend to a taster is now available to order from Ram- for the second, over forty of us alighted walk. blers Central Office. The leaflet is a at The Three Magpies for a coffee useful resource to hand out at local break before starting a walk in light Our Area has the following new shows and events and can be distrib- drizzle along the refurbished Avon and groups: Cardiff YMCA HA (SW70) uted to Tourist Information Centres, Kennet canal towpath to Devizes, and Dylan Thomas School (SW71). libraries and other venues together passing the 29 locks in the Caen Hill These groups have been created within with our membership forms. flight on route. The walk ended at the the Ramblers Flexigroup Initiative. For more information on Flexigroups Canal Wharf in Devizes and a pleasant Flexigroups are an easier way to set up or the Walk Finder go to either: afternoon in sunshine was enjoyed by and run a Ramblers group. They can all. be used to run specialist walks pro- http://www.ramblers.org.uk/Volunteer/ grammes and/or practical activities AreaGroup/Basics/flexigroups or On Remembrance Sunday we paid our (route development or footpath main- respects in a very different way by trek- tenance). Flexigroups are run without http://www.ramblers.org.uk/Volunteer/ king to one of Wales’ remotest ceno- a committee, bank account, a Consti- groupwalksfinder.htm taphs. We set off soon after first light tution or the need for an AGM. on to ensure we made it to the monu- Though the creation of Flexigroups Gwyn Lewis ment, situated high in the Brecon Bea- was originally identified as a member- cons, in time for the 11am ship initiative, they can be used to pro- Remembrance Service. The site was mote Ramblers wider charitable aims. GROUP REPORTS located where a Wellington bomber crashed into the mountain, killing the Our Flexigroups are examples of fur- six young Canadian crew in WW11. thering the Ramblers Mission, with the It had taken off from near Stratford on hope of membership gains in the long BRIDGEND a night training flight across South term. So Cardiff YMCA HA’s main Wales to Pembroke in 1944 and was activity is the provision of short, easy Despite the weather over recent returning across the Brecon Beacons walks to encourage its service users to months we completed a full when their instruments failed and they be aware of the enjoyment of walking. programme throughout the year with crashed into the south-west slope of Dylan Thomas School’s main activi- good attendances for all our walks. Carreg Goch. We paid our respects ties are supporting students who wish This year was also good for the alongside a record turnout of about to meet the voluntary requirements of number of trips we packed into our 150 from all sides of the Beacons. A the Welsh Baccalaureate, involving programme. radio was tuned into the BBC broad- the students in footpath clearance and cast from the Whitehall Cenotaph in the maintenance (see the photograph We enjoyed two very different day London and the two minutes silence on page 4) and development of Rights trips this summer. The first on a very was observed at the lofty crash site. of Way on Gower as well as encourag- sunny day over thirty-five members ing other students to go out walking. I walked along the beautiful Also in November we enjoyed a trip to am sure we all wish our flexigroups coastal path from Penzance Cornwall. Walks included a every success in the future. Lydstep to Tenby with clear views of linear walk from Zennor on the South Caldy Island along the way and West Coast Path; a circular from The Last October Ramblers rightly cele- enjoyed the remainder of the day at Lizard and a circular from Porthcurno, brated the 200,000th walk on its Group Walks Finder. The Walks Finder is a great way for groups to promote their led walks programmes and encourage new walkers, new members and new volunteers. It also helps everyone, including existing members, to find a full range of walks across Britain: use- ful when travelling or when the group covering your postcode offers no suita- ble walks for you but other nearby groups do. Around three-quarters of Glamorgan Area Groups now use the system, and I would urge the remain- der to join them for it is a major source of new members, and there is evidence to suggest groups that use it enjoy higher membership figures than Groups that do not. The Ramblers Group Walks Finder is easy to use as long as you have a few very basic IT skills, a computer with internet con- nection and readily available software. An A5 leaflet promoting the Group Bridgend Group at Nash Point Lighthouse on a walk in December 2011 where the telegraph signal cables come September, Troupelade is hosting a Gwyn Lewis, our Rambles Officer, is ashore. We returned to Llangollen for party from the Cardiff Group who will supported in this by Dave and Jane the second time within a year. Whilst be spending a week in Le Vigan. Willock, who organise the Sunday previously we were fortunate to have walks, and John Henn, who looks after good weather this occasion was during The biggest May event was the open- the Wednesday walks. Thanks must the wettest April for many years. ing of the Wales Coast Path. Cardiff go to all of them for ensuring that we However on the Friday we were was one of the three centres for the have an abundant and varied choice of treated to the spectacle of Llangollen’s official launch and the Group helped walks. The biggest thanks, though, steam train and beer festival. Our out on the Ramblers Cymru stall dur- must go to the many members who walks included the Berwyn Moun- ing the day as well as organising two volunteer to lead these walks - without tains; although windy in the main it walks. Then on the Sunday nearly them there would be no programme. was dry. We were less fortunate on forty people took advantage of a free Sunday when it rained continuously coach to do a linear walk of the Cardiff The attendence for Thursday evening when walking in the Ruabon moun- section of the path from the Newport walks has been noticeably down on tains including a section of the Offa’s boundary back to Atlantic Wharf with previous years. The feeling is that the Dyke path above a scree slope where some continuing over the Barrage be- atrocious summer weather is primarily we were in danger of being blown off. fore returning back to Atlantic Wharf responsible but we will be looking anx- along the Trail. iously at what happens next summer to Our most ambitious trip of the year see whether there is still a demand for was a week in Ireland, with fourteen of Of course, the main aspect of our work this sort of walk. Gwyn’s Friday lei- us staying in a large house outside continues to be providing a pro- surely walks, though, have proved to Killarney. A variety of walks included gramme of walks for our members. be extremely popular. Richard Gar- the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks stretching from the picturesque Gap of Dunloe to Glencor with Carrantuohill, the high- est peak at 1,039m; the Bearea penin- sula; the Dingle peninsula and the Eagles’ Nest.

On Saturday 5th May some 85 people from the Bridgend area, plus scouts and cubs joined over 4,000 people who took part in the opening of the Wales Coast Path.

Thank you to all our walkers and lead- ers for making the year such a success.

John Sanders

CARDIFF

This year the Cardiff Group hosted the Area walk. Over seventy walkers turned up to support the event, and even the sun chose to attend. Thanks go to the walk leaders and to those who organised and supplied the re- freshments.

Also in May we hosted thirteen mem- bers from Troupelade, a French walk- ing group from the Cevennes area of south-east France. They spent five days here and we led four walks for them, including one on the Sunday when the Troupelade contingent were joined by over twenty from the Cardiff Group on a walk in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. Huge thanks must go to Roma Whiteley for organising the visit which involved finding leaders, cars to take everyone to the walks and restaurants for the evening meals. In Cardiff Group on a tour of the Blaenrhondda waterfalls in July 2012 man continues to organise walks for the visually impaired.

Linda Hall and Diane McNeil organ- ised a very successful fortnight away again, this year to Sorrento; thanks has to be given to both for all the hard work that is involved in organising these trips and ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable time. Roma Whiteley again organised a very suc- cessful back-packing walk, this time of the Dales High Way; a slideshow of images from the walk will be a featured highlight of our AGM.

We continue to add walks to our Car- diff Walks series of leaflets and now have eleven. Mike Kohnstamm has started to upload these walks onto the Ramblers new walking website. Cynon Valley Group on the bridge over the River Bradford at Youlgrave during their weekend away in May 2012 Finally, a reminder that we are part of RamblersHolidays Walking Partner- ship and are eligible to receive a dona- up all those years ago by Hippocrates other first for the group on this walk tion when a member books with who said, “Walking is the best medicine”. was when one young lady got so wet Ramblers Holidays. However you that she bought herself a complete must remember to nominate us when We enjoyed a full programme of walks change of clothes in a Malvern charity you book. throughout the year to suit all tastes. shop! As we say in the Cynon Valley We have ‘Marched through the group, “Anyone can take the road or path Diane Davies Marches’, tasted a ‘Pudding Buster’, that’s trodden every day, but come with us visited ‘Fairyland & Beyond’ and and we will show you a more interesting walked ‘In the Footsteps of Derek’ all way.” in all a total of over 120 walks through- CYNON VALLEY out the year. Many thanks to all our Finally, to everyone who has contrib- walk leaders for your efforts and to our uted to the group in any way through- Another year’s walking has flown by mid-week Mount Marvel for still com- out the year, thank you. and it’s time for another report, still, ing up trumps. the sheer joy of walking has its advan- Diolch yn fawr tages. As a recently published study The AGM was held in Elliot’s in Aber- Allan Harrison said, “A Miracle Cure Found”. What if dare and we changed the format to an there was a pill that if you took it each evening social instead of on a Saturday day would give you a 20% less chance afternoon. It proved very successful of getting breast cancer, a 30% less with a large turn-out. Thanks to every- MERTHYR VALLEY chance of getting heart disease, a 50% one who turned up, and contributed to less chance of diabetes and would help the buffet. Thanks also to ‘Gill Ponty’ It is that time of the rambling year you live longer. The Miracle Cure in for arranging the disco. We held our when I can no longer avoid putting pen action, quite simple really, is put on full compliment of four committee to paper to report on last year’s pro- your walking boots for an hour a day meetings at the Glancynon Inn in Hir- ceedings in our Group. It certainly and you will reap all these health ben- waun. Again thanks to ‘Alan the does not seem like twelve months since efits and more. Not convinced? What Glan’ for putting us up. I last undertook this task. The year about, “Walk & Live Longer”, that is seems to have flown by and during that according to the findings of a Hono- On the social front we enjoyed an ex- period our group has experienced an- lulu Heart Study of 8000 men over a 12 cellent Christmas meal at Aberdare other successful mix of walking and year period which found that walking Golf Club, which was well attended. socialising. just two miles a day cut the risk of early Once again we arranged two weekends death almost in half. Not to leave the away, the first, in May, saw 28 of us go Our programmes have included a good ladies out, a study in the USA on walk- to the Peak District where we based variety of walks, providing something ing and cognitive function found that, ourselves in Bakewell. Unfortunately, for all tastes and abilities. Being situ- “Walking is good for your brain”, re- we had a memorable walk to Chats- ated close to the Brecon Beacons, obvi- searchers found that women who worth House in driving rain! Our sec- ously many of the walks are based in walked the equivalent of an easy pace ond weekend is scheduled for that beautiful region. However, we at least one and a half hours a week Llangollen in early September. had walks as well around Cardiff Bay, had significantly better cognitive func- along the coast between Rhoose and tion and less cognitive decline than We also enjoyed a coach trip to Mal- Barry, in the Rhondda, Taff and Ebbw women who walked less than forty vern where we walked the length of the Valleys and in the Cwmyoy and Llan- minutes a week. All nicely summed ridgeway, once again in the rain. An- thony areas of the Black Mountains. MAESTEG

No report received.

NEATH PORT TALBOT

The Group has continued to provide a good variety of week-end walks with lots of new names appearing in the list of leaders. This has been most encour- aging and has been such a support to the few stalwarts who have borne the brunt of leadership for so many years. Perhaps the attendance on some week- ends has been a bit disappointing but there is a limit I know to how many times one can enjoy wading through ankle deep mud while the rain contin- ues to fall. Stoics we may be, but masochists, no.

Merthyr Valley Ramblers on a walk on the Wenallt between Cardiff and Caerphilly, July Fortunately May 5th, the day for the 2012 opening of the Coast Path, was dry and over forty turned out for a choice of As in previous reports, many thanks to twenty or so people on the trip could three walks in the area. It was a suc- all our loyal and dedicated walk lead- partake in the celebrations by follow- cessful launch and it was good to see ers who are the very backbone of the ing two coastal walks ably led by Dave John Richards being interviewed ‘yn y group. Lewis. Gymraeg’ for S4C.

Last year we decided to change the To finish, our group has enjoyed yet Arthur’s Wednesday walks have been format of our AGM by moving it from another satisfying and successful very well attended this year and he has a midweek evening to a Saturday after- twelve months. We have attracted much appreciated the support of Alan noon, following a short work in the new members (and also lost a few on Grey, one of our founder members, morning. This year we will be doing the way), numbers attending our walks who is back walking again after a spell the same again in Morlais Golf Club. have increased considerably and all in of ill-health. Arthur hopes to include The same venue was also where our all there is a feeling that we are heading more Wednesday walks in the next Christmas Dinner was held very suc- in the right direction. Many thanks to programme as he has had promises of cessfully last December and which was all who have contributed to this over more leadership help. He always says thoroughly enjoyed by all who attend- the past year. how pleasing it is to see old friends ed. It has replaced the now-closed Ab- returning and to know that the interest erglais Inn in Pontsarn as an ideal Andrew Richards is still there. venue for such occasions.

After many years, Ken Mason has fi- nally relinquished his twice-yearly task of producing our walks’ programmes. This onerous task has now passed to Jayne Evans who came up trumps with a Summer Programme which in- cluded quite a few new leaders. Thank you Jayne and also many thanks to Ken for all his work over the years. It has been much appreciated by all in the group.

Having been to Evesham the previous four years for our annual May Day Holiday weekend away, it was decided that we had exhausted the walking in that area. This year we stayed in Gw- bert in Ceredigion on the same week- end that the Wales Coastal Path was officially opened. It was great that the Group at Ogmore in July 2012 Once again this year Liz arranged an Geraint, our Footpaths Officer, reports excellent Christmas lunch for us at the that the opening of the Wales Coastal Crown & Sceptre in Cadoxton. Her Path saw the Vale of Glamorgan organisational ability is much appreci- Council secure agreements to open up ated. one of the longest previously-closed sections in the country, with some last Little did we know then that we were minute negotiations to temporarily to lose so soon one amongst us who so create a diversion around a section of loved those special occasions. It was ploughed field that was too wet to roll. with total disbelief that we heard, in The Vale has also put its footpath map March, that Sarah Urmston had died on-line so you can check a path for suddenly. She was only 49 and had diversions, or look up the path seemed the fittest of the fit. Her delight number. The Group supported the in open-air activities, her first-class application to make a once well-used leadership and, above all, her chatty path in Barry, from Romilly Park to friendliness will never be forgotten. Porth y Castell and now blocked, into She was one who managed to make us Medal awarded to those who did the a Right of Way. We are also working all feel special. Raven Walk from Cwmcarn on the Jubilee with Dinas and Michaelston-le- Bank Holiday weekend. Engraved on the Pit Community Councils to get a grant back: Penarth Ramblers 2012 Fortunately, within two months, we for the installation of kissing gates on found something to lift our spirits. Our the path through Cwm George and Secretary, David, married Yvonne on replace and put up new footpath signs one of their favourite Greek islands. and sends in reports, with photo- through the Golf Course. • They met as fellow group members of graphs, to the local newspapers which NPT and we all congratulate them and give us much appreciated free publici- Footpath maintenance has been a wish them every happiness walking to- ty. Joy is about to lead her 250th walk problem this year, especially with a gether. for the Group since it started. Amaz- mis-understanding over the matter of ing, and thank you! Valeways funding. It seems that the Once again I express my thanks to all Public Rights of Way Improvement those officers and leaders and to the Following up a suggestion, Nick, who Grant from the people who have supported our Group is our IT man, updates the group's can only be spent on improvements to throughout the year in so many ways. website with walk reports containing a path, not maintenance. Keep walking. Keep fit. photographs where possible to try and encourage people not just to read John, our Countryside Officer, reports Diolch yn fawr about the Group's exploits but to come that land at White Farm, Barry, has Rita Evans along and join in. Whether or not been ‘lost’ to residential development. anyone accesses the site He objected to this proposed develop- (www.penarthramblers.wordpress.com/ ment many years ago as it is an impor- walks) is difficult to assess, tant 'green lung' for the area and the but•including photographs does make battle has raged on but now it looks PENARTH it more attractive and interesting. certain that development will go The Group has produced two six- monthly programmes containing a va- riety of walks but there is• a worrying drop in numbers going on some of the walks although membership remains fairly static.• Like other groups the membership is getting older but we have several very good leaders who continue to put in walks of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. The shorter walks on a Sunday are very much appreciated but it is difficult to please everyone.

Sixteen members started to walk the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path over seven weekends with two wardens. Six completed it over that time and the others have done so since. It is now planned to walk the Ceredigion Coastal Path in the Autumn.

We are extremely fortunate to have a superb Publicity Officer in Joy who produces monthly posters for the walks Penarth Ramblers with the Chief Executive, Benedict Southworth celebrating the open- ing of the Wales Coast Path on the causeway to Sully Island ahead. •There is still some uncertainty clothes” as most of our time together is footpath surveys and maintenance as about the proposed Airport Access spent in walking gear. part of their Welsh Baccalaureate. The road development but with the distinct school staff and Ramblers Cymru were underuse of the airport there is little On the footpath front, most of the very pleased with the project and hope chance of road improvements going work this year has been on the Wales to repeat the exercise again next year. ahead for the foreseeable future. The Coast Path to ensure it was ready for proposed extension of the quarry near 5th May. Our footpath maintenance Finally, through the medium of this Wenvoe seems to have been aban- programme still continues unabated Newsletter, I would like to say a very doned. and our thanks go to all the volunteers big thank you to everyone in my own and especially to a new Committee Group and also in Glamorgan Area for Val Hartrey member, Bob Denley, who has taken all the help and guidance I have re- on the mantle of Work Party Organiser. ceived over the years I have been secre- tary of Swansea Ramblers. In April Karen guided us “In the Steps Happy Rambling Everyone SWANSEA of the Saints” walking around and across Gower visiting fifeteen of the Zetta Flew churches over a period of three days. Swansea Group has enjoyed another The month of May saw the opening of successful year with a varied selection the Wales Coast Path and we arranged of walks thanks to our regular band of eight walks over the Bank Holiday excellent leaders. Without them the weekend. We were joined by fifty TAFF ELY Group would not be able to provide a scouts on the opening day, who full programme of walks. walked with us for a couple of miles and enjoyed flying the Ramblers At our AGM last October, three new Cymru kites on the beach at Langland. members agreed to serve on Commit- tee and their help is very much appre- The Group weekend this year was ciated. Without the time and effort of spent on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset all of our volunteers it would be impos- when twenty-nine of us travelled to sible to keep the Group functioning. In Weymouth for a long weekend. We common with many groups we have had fantastic weather for the first two suffered a fall in membership numbers days and even the rain on the final day over the last few years. We still attract did not dampen our spirits. The trip new members but need to do better to was enjoyed by everyone and the walk- ensure the continued success of the ing was excellent. Many thanks once Group. We have been fortunate that a again to Karen, Tim, Ian and Mark for number of our new members have be- organising the weekend and leading come walk leaders and involved them- the walks. selves with the running of the Group. Towards the end of May some of our Our Christmas lunch was well at- Members spent an interesting four tended and very much enjoyed. We days with children from Dylan Tho- hardly recognised each other in “posh mas School who were undertaking Article on Taff Ely Group in Buggy in August 2012

We have experienced so much rain this year that most of us have devel- oped webbed feet, but the walks have gone ahead most weeks, with very few cancellations. We have seen many new faces, which is encouraging and have needed to schedule two walks frequently on Sundays. If our main walk is over nine miles moderate plus, we normally schedule an easier walk as an option. Our normal turnout for the two walks would be about twenty or thirty on the easier walk and be- tween a dozen and two dozen on the more difficult or longer walk. We have a Summer walking programme with short walks on Thursday evenings and about a dozen to twenty walkers cover about five miles in the immediate local Members of the Swansea Group enjoying the opening of the Wales Coast Path on Gower area. beautiful coastline and mountain tops of South-west Wales. Social events have included meals, cinema nights, pantomime and theatre, which starred a few of our very own thespians.

At the time of writing an intrepid band of Trekkers are just about to set off for a 50 mile circular walk around the mountains of Bulgaria (stopping on the way, of course!). We have had a good influx of new people coming along to walks this year, and are proud of our status as a ‘small but friendly’ group that offers a wide range of walks and events. Our next AGM is planned for October, when we are hoping to find some new blood for the committee. Doug Morgan

TIGER BAY

It feels as if we have followed our tenth Taff Ely Ramblers on a walk in the Wye Valley in August 2012 anniversary celebrations in 2011 by having an even busier year in 2012! We have had several bus trips and tumn trip which is to Newbridge on social events this year plus a trip Wye, and which offers two walks. January saw the launch of guidance, abroad, all very well attended. templates and tips for those wishing to At the time of writing we have not yet organise Walking Weekends away for Our first social event of our rambling had our trip abroad which is scheduled the group.• The group also enjoyed a year (November 2011 to October 2012) for late September to Catalonia in weekend away at Broadhaven in West was our mince pie walk the week be- Spain. Twenty three of us are planning Wales. fore Christmas, when we stopped part to enjoy this and hopefully to experi- way round our walk at a member’s ence some sunshine, which has been a In February we reintroduced our garage for mulled wine, and later stop- rare commodity in Wales this summer. Walks Planning Meetings which help ping again on the way back for mince to provide opportunities for existing pies and light refreshments. We had a Our Social Secretary has been busy and new Walk Leaders to come to- spring bus trip in March to Gloucester again not only with trips as we also gether and discuss and plan interesting where we enjoyed a daffodil walk and enjoyed a skittles evening in March and varied programmes.• Our walks finished up in the local church hall for and a quiz night in June, both with a have continued to attract 35 to 45 plus a splendid buffet before returning fantastic buffet. We had a high tea in people on a regular basis, so we try to home. There were several options for a member’s garden during a walk in offer a choice of two walks each Sun- the walk here ranging from 4 miles to July and we have an annual dinner day wherever possible, providing just over 10 miles or a short bus trip for planned for November. greater choice and reducing numbers partners who were not walking. on each walk. We have also been fortunate with our In May we celebrated with other publicity, in that two local freebee May proved a particularly busy month Welsh walkers and enjoyed a coastal magazines print a report (with pic- as we launched our very own TBR walk when the Wales Coast Path was tures) each month, and our walking T-shirt to coincide with the opening of opened. We walked from Col Bay, programme for two months. A third the Wales Coastal Path. We offered a Llantwit Major on a circular walk. magazine is also happy to print our walk during the opening day and were Also in May many of us joined with programme. This means that we cover accompanied by a TV crew covering Cardiff Group for the Area Walk. most of our area. the event. In May we also launched a new Facebook Page open to anyone interested in TBR, which allowed us to In June we had our Summer bus trip Maralyn Molyneux and walked along the Kennet and convert our existing Facebook Group Avon canal from Bradford-on-Avon to to a members-only area.• A group of us Bath. We were very lucky with the headed off to Morocco for a ten day weather. June was horrendously wet, TAWE TREKKERS walking holiday as well! but we had a window of sunshine for The Tawe Trekkers continue to host a In June we organised a certificated first our walk, although our bus driver had range of interesting walks and events, aid training course and supported the to drive through heavy showers on which have, this year, included trips to attendance of ten members. It aimed both the outward and return journeys. Dartmoor and Mid-Wales, as well as to inspire greater confidence and en- We are looking forward to our Au- exploring the local routes along the courage new walk leaders to volunteer within the Group. In July we held our first New/Prospective members sum- mer BBQ at Cosmeston Country Park and Lakes.• We offered a choice of three walks of different lengths which all ended at the BBQ; despite horrible weather and some torrential rain the BBQ went ahead and was considered a success by the nearly 50 people who attended.

In August Cotswold Outdoor Stores hosted an exclusive evening store opening for the Group with 20% dis- count available to members through- out the day. September saw the launch of new TBR business cards, designed to provide all of our contact details in one place (email, phone, website, Fa- cebook and Twitter).

In October we will be heading up to for a long weekend of walking, socialising, and having fun! Finally, Vale of Glamorgan Group on the summit of the Sugar Loaf, November 2011 preparations are already well under way for our TBR Christmas party in December, where we are hoping to Path. Negotiation with landowners is made of email and our website in exceed last year’s record of 78 people has succeeded in establishing a path circulating information. This work attending! along much of the area’s beautiful must and will continue. Under the coastline, even where there was not auspices of the Creative Rural Com- After three or so years on the Commit- one before. There are still one or two munities programme, Vale Ramblers tee as Membership Secretary and the gaps, but discussion continues to try are hoping to reopen and extend the past year as Chair I step down from the and resolve these. Major remedial footpath links between Llangan and Committee at the AGM in September.• work was undertaken at Cwm Mawr, Colwinston. I would like to take this opportunity to a very steep sided valley south of Dun- publicly recognise the significant com- raven. Here the footpath was success- A special event during the year was the mitment of all those who contribute fully upgraded. Inland, the footpath National Eisteddfod at Llandow. We towards making TBR the fun, welcom- from Cowbridge Comprehensive were responsible for organising the ing, and enjoyable walking group that School into town and that from Corn- manning of the Ramblers’ stand, and it is.• The Group is considered by many town into the Bridgend area have had many thanks to those that helped dur- of its members to be very special and their surfaces greatly improved. ing the week. It is important that The unique, and it is very much valued by Ramblers are well represented at this its members. Elsewhere inland, the picture is not as major cultural event. We put on four rosy. Far too many footpaths contain walks during the week, including the Richard Trueman deteriorating furniture, ranging from launch of The Iolo Morganwg Trail. completely broken down stiles, to missing direction discs. This is a con- The Vale Walking Festival organised sequence of the changing role of Vale- by Valeways was held again in May. VALE OF GLAMORGAN ways, an organisation that has done so Many thanks to David James who led much during the past fifteen years to two walks. Although total numbers continue to maintain and improve the state of the decline, our varied programme of Vale’s footpaths, for it is no longer able Our social programme continues to be walks attracts new members. It was a to work on footpath furniture. It is successful, with a well attended annual year of firsts: our first weekend away hoped that the completion of coast dinner in January, and summer meal by coach to the Isle of Wight Walking path work and the recruitment of a in August. New this year was a Spring Festival; our first Sunday lunch, after a new member of staff will enable the Quiz Night which was very enjoyable. walk at Oldbury; and our first series of Council’s Rights of Way department walks between Vale churches. Many to engage fully in such work in the We continue to encourage new walk thanks to the organisers of these future. To try and offset the deteriora- leaders. This year, Leigh Forman & events, as such innovations are impor- tion of footpaths described above Vale Jane Questle were successful with their tant for retaining and attracting mem- Ramblers have stepped up their main- energetic first walk at Blaengarw. Al- bers. tenance work. Several work parties so, John Moore led his first walk at the have spent evenings clearing heavily age of 89, with his mentor Bill Fawcett. Since our area has a long stretch of blocked stiles, gates and wayposts of We hope that this will attract younger coastline, most footpath work during dense vegetative growth. A more thor- members! the past year has been concentrated ough, formalised reporting system has here, helping to create the Wales Coast been established and considerable use Ian Fraser & Graham Woosnam