Ramblers

walkNews and information from the IsleALK of Wight Ramblers Area and Groups Issue 114 September 2011 We lc ome to walkTALK, Absolutely soaked... the new-look newsletter for Isle of Wight Ramblers

The Queen’s Award... IT’S OURS! All the hard work has paid off – most handsomely – and Isle of Wight Ramblers has won Britain’s highest award for voluntary service... Isle of Wight Ramblers has been Service was introduced to celebrate replacing awarded the Queen’s Award for the golden anniversary of the stiles. Some Voluntary Service. This is the “MBE Queen’s Coronation and is the £60,000 has for the Voluntary Sector” and sets the highest award for voluntary service been raised so national benchmark for excellence in by groups. More than 980 groups far to imple- volunteering. around the UK, Channel Islands and ment these schemes. The citation reads “Campaigning for Isle of Man have now received this To celebrate this special occasion greater access to the countryside annual award since 2003. a social event will be held for all and encouraging community There are 130 winners of this award members, on Sunday 25 September from 2pm to 5pm, at and participation in walking activities” this year, selected from 413 groups Rugby Club when the Lord The Earl of Wessex presented an nominated by members of the public, Lieutenant of Isle of Wight will attend exclusive inscribed commemorative who have been helped personally or to present the award. crystal and a certificate signed by who have witnessed the benefits of a Her Majesty the Queen, at a special group’s work in their community. • For more information, please see ceremony held at Carisbrooke Castle the booking form in this newsletter. As part of our “Access for All” at the end of June (pictured, inset). campaign, Isle of Wight Ramblers Main picture Celebrating Receiving this prestigious honour has now undertaken projects at receiving the award are (L to R) is certainly a proud moment in the Freshwater and Nature John Gurney-Champion, Gary 43-year history of the Isle of Wight Reserves to improve footpath access Clarke, Rio Bellgore-Gullit, Derek Ramblers – and we are the first Corke, Brenda Benson, Pam for all users and to encourage Dana, David Howarth, Mike Ramblers group ever to receive this more people to take up walking as Marchant, Joan Deacon, Mike award. Slater and John Hague an active lifestyle. Our “Donate a Inset John Hague receives the The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Gate” scheme has created 30 gates award from the Earl of Wessex www.iowramblers.com walkTALK Please send to: Celebrate our award! David Howarth, 4 Woodlands,...CAMPAIGNS Totland Bay, Isle ROUND-UP... CAMPAIGNS ROUND-UP... CAMPAIGNS Celebrate our award! of Wight, PO39 0FE. Coastal access on the Island A special free members’ social will be held to celebrate our Forestry sell-off •Public access and amenities, We have received a disappointing success in winning the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. I require FREE members’ places Our campaign to highlight the such as recreational facilities, are response from Richard Benyon MP, The celebration will take place at Sandown and Shanklin concerns of many members maintained and enhanced, Minister for Natural Environment Rugby Club, Station Approach, Sandown. Afternoon tea will Members’ names regarding the Government proposals •Public rights of way, access land and Fisheries at Defra. Natural be served from 2-5pm – drinks may also be purchased from to sell off Forestry Commission land and other amenities are properly England have not decided on the bar – and an optional walk will leave Sandown Station resulted in good publicity in the managed, its priorities for further roll out at noon to visit the improved access at Alverstone Nature County Press for three weeks. The •No sale or transfer is completed beyond the Weymouth stretch and Reserves. Non-members are welcome at a price of £7.50 I also require non-members’ tickets @ Government has now set up a panel until the purchaser has committed the five initial areas. to cover the catering cost. To book your free place, please £7.50 each and enclose a cheque payable to to look into the implications and to preserving and maintaining Wales and Scotland now have email [email protected] or telephone 01983 IOW Ramblers for £ with an SAE please. our Chief Executive Tom Franklin access, Please reply by 18 September access to coastal walking. It seems 759823, or complete the booking form opposite. has been appointed to this task – he •Where access is currently not that England and specifically our has set up a working group of users secured in law, this is remedied Island is being overlooked. The (walkers, cyclists, horse riders) to through CROW Act dedication, Ramblers will feature in a national Welcome... General Council 2011, consider the issues. The Ramblers •The local community is consulted campaign which will highlight the IW RAMBLERS extends a very warm policy was agreed at General and given the opportunity to play welcome to the following new issues on our Island. If we have Keeble College Oxford Council. a full and active part in woodland members: your email address then you will This was held in April and was embedded in Ramblers future “This General Council welcomes the management, including first-refusal receive an invitation to lobby the Mrs Carole Kenwright Godshill attended by delegates David Howarth activity decision of the Government to halt on purchase. If all these tests are minister, Caroline Spelman, to Mr Tony Sutcliffe Newport and Mike Slater. 6 Regional structures – to be its consultation on ‘the future of the not met, the Ramblers should include the Isle of Wight as soon Mrs Catherine Sutcliffe Newport considered and report to general public forest estate in England’, and oppose the sale or lease of publicly- as possible. Mr John Evans Membership recruitment Council 2012 notes the Chief Executive has been owned land. Council urges the The Ramblers membership has fallen Mrs Lesley Evans Bembridge 7 Forestry sell off – Five key tests appointed to the independent panel Board of Trustees to highlight to from 142,000 to 116,000 over the last Mrs Pam Legge Alverstone should be considered when that will make recommendations on Government the additional public Cheverton Wind Farm five years. A number of interactive considering any future proposals Mr David Elliott Newport forestry policy for England. Council benefits that are delivered by the The lengthy public inquiry has Mr L. Mead workshops were held to share the for sale believes that the Ramblers five key Forestry Commission on its estate in concluded and we await the Mrs Karen Mead Cowes experiences of different Areas in 8 Concern about lack of progress tests for forestry land should be England, and to lobby for sufficient Inspector’s decision. We were able to Ms L. Fulleylove Shorwell gaining new members. A presentation towards gaining access to used when considering any future Mrs P. Hitt by Derek Twine of The Scouts woodland, river banks and canals funding for this best practice to give evidence at this inquiry and this Mr Shaun Parsons demonstrated a ten-year vision for the 9 Path Structures – Ensure that proposals for sale: continue.” was featured in County Press. organisation which had now resulted proper guidance is given to WightSole in a significant gain in membership. Footpath Secretaries and to Mrs Cynthia Ash encourage authorities to use this Improved access at Transfer from another group Election of trustees, agenda new document. Mr Stephen Gill Ryde committee, and officers 10 Problems with Equestrian Ms Lesley Campbell Gurnard Sessions were held to elect these key Establishments – Guidance to be positions. issued re law, strategy and tactics ALVERSTONE NATURE RESERVES Membership figures as of July 2011 relevant to footpath problems AS REPORTED IN the Summer The completion of the new path will Isle of Wight 1– 534 Resolutions and motions 11 Access Land – Improve publicity for Isle of Wight 2 – 25 newsletter, the first part of this project result in a 2.2 mile easy access trail A total of 17 motions were debated access points and to show this on at Alverstone Mead was completed in around the nature reserves. The site can Not in a group – 1 over the two days. The following OS maps March. easily be accessed from Sandown railway summary shows which motions were 12 ROW to be a key priority in the The second phase at Youngwoods station via a 4.4 mile circular walk. These carried: Business Plan Copse commenced in June. This involves routes are shown on a new leaflet that is 1 Campaign for the benefits of a well 13 Multi- user paths – Campaign with the creation of a new permissive being produced. maintained Rights of Way system OS to define more clearly cycleways footpath linking footpath NC51 The official opening of the trail will and the damaging effects of under- and other “traffic free routes” at Webster Way with the Newport be on Sunday 23 October, as part of the funding. 14 Summary of accounts to be to Sandown cycleway, crossing a Autumn walking festival. A walk, led 2 Ensure that The Ramblers has published in Walk magazine new bridge over the river. Initial by David Howarth will leave Sandown adequate expert ROW officers. investigations involved cutting through station at 2pm and the High Sheriff will 3 HS2 Railway Lines – This will scar General Council 2012 will be held an overgrown jungle. The wood is a cut the ribbon at Alverstone at 3pm. the countryside and damage ROW. at Leicester University. The Area site of special scientific interest and So support Charter for High Speed Council feel that members should be permission for the improvements was Rail published by CPRE. encouraged to attend. If you would agreed with Natural England and the 4 New initiatives and consultations like more information see the website Environment Agency. A large part of Total membership for the to be clearly stated on web site and IW Ramblers www.ramblers.org and talk to previous the new path will be boarded due to the Area Chairmen informed. delegates. Nominations for delegates marshy conditions in this wood. 560 5 Get Walking Keep Walking project will be considered at the next AGM. www.iowramblers.com walkTALK www.iowramblers.com walkTALK We may be in austere times, but the MIKE MARCHANT AND the working party have been Ramblers is determined to ensure that particularly busy during the last our footpath network does not suffer... few months. Budget cuts at the Isle of Wight Council and uncertainty about future staffing levels has resulted in extra work for our charity. The council has statutory duties which they are unable to fulfill at the moment. One such task is to install some 300 finger posts where footpaths meet the highway. Mike, and Neville Marshman, have been all over the Island installing these important directional signs. Other work has included the replacement of boardwalks at Bembridge.

Main picture Mike Marchant (right) working with Neville Marshman at Gurnard Inset, bottom right The boardwalk at Bembridge AndAnd wewe hadhad aa

of the CAROLcreamcream AND BILL HENLEY hosted teatea a cream tea in too...theirtoo... Ramblers and friends enjoyed a delicious tea. Carol and Sign garden following their walk on Sunday 19 June. The eight- Bill were delighted to receive £47 in donations for the Earl times mile walk left Wootton Bridge for Newport and several Mountbatten Hospice. MoreI HAVE JUST returned cream from a lovely Bay for coffee.tea! The weather was just and cream scones which were on the May Day walk led by Pam Leigh. We right for our climb up to Tennyson table within five mins of our arrival. started over at Freshwater Cliff car monument, then we ended up at the There were a couple of new walkers park and had a short break at Alum new Dandelion Cafe in the HF hotel; it with us and Patrick, Cliff and Doreen has just been refurbished. It was really joined us at the Café. We all said what a nice, and they made us a very welcome great way to finish a lovely walk sitting tray of smoked salmon sandwiches around a table chatting away. Thanks so much Pam and I look forward to the next walk (with food and scones of course!) Linda Sheasby

www.iowramblers.com walkTALK www.iowramblers.com walkTALK Wight Sole Walks for younger ramblers. Wight Sole Friendly welcome guaranteed! Programme Check the website for latest details Keep Mike company! AutumnAutumn 20112011www.wightsole.org.uk MIKE BEARDMORE HAS been leading walks for The Ramblers Tue 6th September Last evening walk. Meet at 6pm at Ventnor Radar station (the first car park), for a final Alison for the last 20 years. Like many Ramblers walk leaders, he also leads evening stroll of the year. Three to four miles. GR 564784 810220 short walks for other organisations such as U3A. Sun 11th Circumnavigating Yarmouth. Meet at the Bouldnor car park at 10.30am. Out to Hamstead September Toby Mike would be very happy if you would like to accompany him on then across the Island to Compton Down before heading back up the Yar. Fifteen miles, allow six hours, bring a packed lunch. GR 367899 249629 reccies for these short walks. The dates are: Sun 25th Members event to celebrate Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Walk at 12pm to David Howarth September Alverstone, four to five miles followed by social from 2-5pm at Sandown and Shanklin 759823 10am Sunday 4 September Rugby Club. GR 592844 10am Sunday 3 October Sun 9th October East Wight Exploration. Meet Yaverland Car Park 10.30am. To Yarbridge, Marshes, Harbour, Windmill and then back via the coastal path. Approx nine miles, allow four hours. Chris 10am Sunday 6 November Packed lunch. GR 612851 822013 rd 10am Sunday 4 December Sun 23 October Autumn Stroll. Meet at Newchurch school car park at 10.30am. Nine to ten miles, allow Alison four hours. Bring a packed lunch. GR 562854 810220 th Godshill (hills not included). Around the fields from Godshill trying to avoid any steep Tracey If you would like to accompany Mike on any of these walks, just ring Sun 6 November gradients! Meet in the free car park at 10.30am. Ten miles, allow five hours. Bring a packed 867603 him on 754327 a day or two before to get details. lunch. GR 530817

th Sun 20 November Smugglers Haven? Meet at Blackgang viewpoint car park at 10.30am for a stroll on the Dave and Suzanne hills and cliffs. Approx six miles, allow three hours. Bring a big snack or lunch! GR491767 282322 Sun 4th December Lake Common to Alverstone. Up over downs to Brading Marshes back along seafront. Kerrie Nine to ten miles, allow five hours. Bring packed lunch. GR 587839 Ramblers 07883 040120 Ramblers th Sun 18 December Pre-Xmas stroll. Meet 10.30am at St Olave’s Church, Gatcombe. This walk will undoubtedly Alison include hills! Ten miles, allow four hours. Bring a packed lunch including a mince pie or two 810220 returnreturn for energy!! Want to be on our email list for walks? Contact Gary on 299511 or email [email protected] Lost or running late? Gary’s mobile number is 07804 856249

Membership... can you help? SOME OF YOU will have noticed How you can help... that our membership totals have been falling for some time now. This Membership Secretary Sue will be is happening both nationally and stepping down at the end of the year, Walk here on the island. In fact, the total so a replacement is now needed. The Ramblers membership has fallen job is centred around looking after by about 30,000 from its peak a few new members in the years ago. In addition, some 19,000 Leaflet/newsletter distribution We members do not renew each year. are looking for a team of people to Membership recruitment is distribute leaflets to pubs, health important to ensure that our charity THIS IS THE third year running that St Woods centres and the like. Can you help in has sufficient funds to continue its Leonard’s Ramblers has visited the Island to your area? work, as well as retaining a large join their friend Linda Sheasby and stay at the All walk leaders enough voice in our campaigning Always carry leaflets Warner’s Holiday Centre in Yarmouth. John Week and committee members have effectiveness. Rolfe led walks for this group. They really AS PART OF the Ramblers initiative to highlight the threats leaflets. Word of mouth is always The Ramblers has conducted appreciated the carefully planned routes with to our woodlands, we have arranged a special walk on an effective way of recruiting new a thorough survey and now some humour thrown in! A wonderful time Tuesday 4 October at 10.30am, starting at Parkhurst Forest members. understands who our members are, was had by all. car park, GR SZ 479900. why they join and why they leave. If Contact Howard Duffus for In previous years these walks were led by This will be a four-mile walk, led by Howard Duffus, and you are interested in receiving more more information/leaflets/leaflet Philip Allen who sadly died recently. is open to everyone. information, please let us know. holders and guidance – tel 755469 www.iowramblers.com walkTALK www.iowramblers.com walkTALK Isle of Wight Steam Railway 40th anniversary walks

Summer solstice sunset walk

OUR EVENING SUNSET walk was again held on the longest day of the year – with 16.5 hours daylight. 11 members walked from Freshwater Bay on a circular walk approaching asked to “count ‘em out”. We stood on The Needles and returning via Tennyson Down. the level crossing to do this. There were Again, we managed to enjoy some sunshine on a chilly evening 105 walkers plus the two of us!! (We with a sunset on our return over the downs. later found out that 54 of the people David Howarth were from the mainland). I think this Area chairman number of walkers may be a record for the Isle of Wight Ramblers. The walk was most enjoyable and at Bembridge a collection was made. Roger emailed me that evening to say that donations had totalled £235. I am aware that the Isle of Wight Ramblers will be offered THIS YEAR THE Isle of Wight I assisted with the Brading Railway part of the donations at the end of the Steam has been celebrating with a Station to Bembridge walk on Tuesday walking period. series of railway walks which have been 17 May, together with Brian Ould. On I am looking for volunteers to assist organised with Isle of Wight Ramblers a lovely sunny morning, we were greeted with the Railway Walks on Saturday 10 Thank you to all that have assisted at the Station by Roger and Alan September (five miles from Shanklin) with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway Doe. Alan is the Operating Manager and Sunday 9 October (12 miles from 40th anniversary walks. Those of you from the Steam Railway and he has a Wootton). If you can help, could you that have done so, or participated marvellous knowledge of the Brading contact me? in the walks, have told me that you and Bembridge area. It was he who led I am sure that you will enjoy the have enjoyed the experience. Roger the walk with Roger as the back marker. experience. Silsbury from the Railway is a very Brian and I were middle markers. There knowledgeable guide and is a good were lots of people gathered outside Carol Hamilton walks leader. the Station and as we set off we were Walks Programme Coordinator

WE ARE NOW compiling a list of pubs that are really friendly towards walkers. These are listed on Walker-friendly pubs our web site www.iowramblers.com. What do we mean by walker friendly? Well, the landlord should be prepared to display Ramblers membership leaflets in a prominent position. There should be facilities for muddy boots. The car park should be made available for organised walks from the pub. Posters should be displayed showing Sunset, steam... details of such walks. We have already approached a few pubs and they have been very helpful. So a number of short walks have been arranged from pubs in the current programme. These walks should be attractive to members who can’t find the time for long walks or and sustenance! are new to walking in a group. We are also hoping If you ever need an excuse to go walking (as if...), walkTALK reports to attract new members to our Group. on themed walks on the Island to give you some ideas David Howarth Area Chairman www.iowramblers.com walkTALK www.iowramblers.com walkTALK OUR ‘DONATE A GATE’ scheme has been operating (pictured, inset) has been produced to help promote the half way round at a pub for 14 months now. We have received a total of 30 scheme. EARLIER THIS SUMMER two groups in Bembridge. During donations to replace stiles with footpath gates. Donors Arrangements have been made to improve access by this break there will be a progressively removing all stiles on suitable stretches of IOW Ramblers have asked for engraved oak plaques which mark short talk and discussion of path in Freshwater, Brighstone, Rookley, Shalfleet, enjoyed a walk around the life and passing of a loved one, commemorate an about progressing the 2009 Alverstone and St Helens. Other possible locations are the Wild Tracks nature anniversary, celebrate country walking, remember a Marine and Coastal Access also being explored. conservation site in loyal pet, or promote a charity. Shalfleet. This included Act on the Isle of Wight. The scheme is receiving welcome support from • Information about ‘Donate a Gate’ can be found at an interesting talk about We will meet in the council’s rights of way department, the National www.iowramblers.com or by ringing Mike Slater, tel traditional hay meadow Seaview car park at Trust, several parish councils and Wightlink. A leaflet 01983 752997. conservation by owner 11am in time to Val Gwynn, who also catch the number supplied tea and 8 bus to our walk to the any rights upon me Terms and Conditions for Ramblers bestow ‘Donate a Gate’ Scheme does not donation start in Yaverland. 1. My gate/structure. of the landowner. of the biscuits. ownership is the responsibility of of the gate for the maintenance if required, 2. Maintenance I am responsible plaques gate Donor will replace As the Ramblers the Donor) 3. (The borne by the plaque. being by current Our second “Walk and

of replacement be determined locations the cost gate will Specific Isle of Wight Ramblers of the to find a The location requirements. endeavour 4. and ROW we will Gate Scheme landowner however the Island. guaranteed, area on be preferred part of the Donate a Talk” event is scheduled cannot as in the Donor’s ASAP location completed nature, quantity will be by the limit installation a time 5. Gate as determined out. Hence programme to be carried ROW all work of contact in the walks programme and location installation. will on Organiser be imposed a Gate confirm the cannot Donate and to Ramblers artwork has been Initially the the plaque 6. to agree when installation th the Donor Finally of the gate. is for Tuesday 11 October. location will be informed. inscription the Donor if an completed sole arbitrator be the organiser. will scheme The Ramblers by the 7. unsuitable considered It includes an eight- mile linear walk along the coastal path from Yaverland, over Culver Donated gates improve access for families and less Down, round Bembridge agile walkers Isle of Wight Ramblers www.iowramblers.com Donate a Gate Organiser and through the Duver Mike Slater Tel 01983 752997 to Seaview. A free buffet lunch will be provided Access for all Donate a Gate scheme takes off Read walkTalk, and much more OUR REGULAR HAND-DELIVERED newsletter is the Destination ...online main means of communicating with members – but there’s more to communication than that. Now that increasingly more people are using Seaview computers and the internet, this gives us an opportunity to reinforce messages and provide timely updates between the four monthly newsletter issues. If you have access to the internet it is worth visiting Coastal access our new lOW Ramblers web site, www.iowramblers. com. This has regular news bulletins and provides updates to our walks programme. Walk and Talk Email addresses If you would like to receive regular updated event information by email, please inform Sue Oldham, our membership secretary, of your email address – contact Sue on [email protected]. October 2011 Please state your membership number if possible.

www.iowramblers.com walkTALK www.iowramblers.com walkTALK THE BACK PAGE... THE BACK PAGE... THE Events and talks Saturday 4 February, 11.15am Next year’s AGM will be held at Arreton Community Centre. Chairman of the Ramblers Rodney Whittaker will be attending. The Annual Report and Accounts will be posted at www. iowramblers.com, saving substantial costs and volunteer time, but a paper copy will be available in December. A summary financial statement and further details will also be in our next newsletter. Friday 14 October, 7pm A fascinating talk by Mark Earp entitled “Every pond counts” Friday 18 November, 7pm Adrian Searle will give an interesting talk entitled “Pluto” (not the planet!) Christmas is Both talks will be at the Newport Parish Hall, Town Lane, Newport and will cost £2 each, coming... which includes refreshments and lucky draw. Send cheque, payable to • Please note these events are not included in SO PUT ON your dancing IOW Ramblers, to the walks programme. shoes! This year’s Christmas Linda Sheasby, Ridgeway, Dinner will be held on Westhill Manor, Westhill Saturday 10 December at Road, Shanklin PO37 Email addresses the Shanklin Conservative 6QB, tel 864401, by 19th THANK YOU TO all members who Club at 7pm for 7.30. Along November. Hope to see have informed us of their latest email with a set Christmas dinner lots of you there (free address. You will now be receiving with all the trimmings and parking nearby). Please regular updated information by email. coffee, there will be a disco. let us know of any special Please inform Sue Oldham, our The venue and time have dietary requirements. membership secretary, of any update been changed to attract more – just email Sue on ramblers@ members to this annual get- bembridge.myzen.co.uk. Please state together. The cost of the event your membership number if possible. is £16. Details are also shown Our website is also regularly in the walks programme. updated with walk details and all other local issues and information: www. iowramblers.com walkTALK can also be downloaded in The next issue of walkTALK will be published in January 2011. PDF format from the website. Deadline for articles is November 3rd (see panel below right).

Isle of Wight Ramblers contact information

Area Council IOW Group Committee Wight Sole Group Items for the next edition of walkTalk Area Chair David Howarth 759823 Chair Derek Corke 523456 Chair Gary Clarke 299511 Thank you to those who submitted material for Area Secretary Vacant Vice Chair Pam Dana 863189 Deputy Chair Tracy Darch or 07804 this edition. If you would like to contribute to the Treasurer Liz Brammall 741022 Secretary Rio Bellgore-Gullit 822296 Treasurer Dave Aitken 856249 next edition, please send to: Footpath Secrteary Mike Marchant 564909 Treasurer Ann Wellings 863402 Membership Suzanne Aitken David Howarth, Red Oaks, 4 Woodlands, Totland Membership Sue Oldham 873393 Walks programme Carol Hamilton 566463 Publicity Alison Cardy Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0FE Access Officer Mike Slater 752997 Social Secretary Linda Sheasby 864401 Graphics/Web Toby Davies Countryside Officer David Howarth 759823 Committee Ann Parker 884263 Footpath Sub-Committee Tel: 759823 Media Officer Howard Duffus 755469 Members Bryan Chatting 761252 Secretary Mike Marchant 564909 Email: [email protected] Newsletter Editor Steve Williams 524007 Brenda Benson 562047 Planning Cttee Adrian Tavill 562565 Committee Joan Deacon 721286 Members Charlie Davidson 756788 By 3 November at the latest. Members John Hague 862842 Joan Deacon 721286 John Gurney- 522665 Chris Edgeley 07960 Print: Isle of Wight NHS PCT Champion 908839 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 www.iowramblers.com walkTALK