September 2019 RAMBLERS NEWS & District Newsletter

Our New Website

Peter H not only took over as Membership Secretary at the last AGM, he also took it upon himself to update our Group website and he has done a brilliant job — take a look. As well as all our walks and a summary of our Group it has other information such as our Group Holiday and previous Newsletters. It wasn’t an easy task as the software is somewhat out of date but he persevered and result is great. Well done Peter and thank you.

Successful Path Checking Day

The path checking day on 3rd August was a great success and proved to be very worthwhile. An enthusiastic team of 15 people in 7 groups checked 44 out of 82 paths in the Parish with 68 problems reported including signposts, gates and stiles. Reporting the problems and getting them fixed helps to keep the network of footpaths safe and clear for walking in our area.

We are keen to build on this successful day, so if you have time to walk some of the paths in your area please volunteer for path checking by contacting Vince or John (details on back page of Programme).

Where are Path Checkers needed? Path Checkers are needed in , , , and and assistant Path Checkers are needed in Amersham, , , , , and Great Missenden.

What do they check for? They check for and report any problems with signposts, waymarkers, gates and stiles, overgrowth/ undergrowth, barriers, crops, trees etc. Problems found are recorded and reported, along with any photos, to John Elfes our Footpath Secretary who sends them onto the Council. No experience is necessary, it isn’t difficult and training will be given.

How many paths need checking? Our area is split into ‘parishes’ for footpath monitoring purposes so it depends on the size of the parish and the density of footpaths in that parish. Volunteers check as many paths as they can, which may be some or all of them, so the more volunteers we have the better. September 2019 RAMBLERS NEWS Amersham & District Newsletter

Out and about ...

Chorleywood Common Windmill; Climbing up to Dash- wood Mausoleum, West Wycombe; Kate’s ‘private’ Sound of Music moment on the path towards Maureen’s gate and a gorgeous pyramidal orchid field.

Updates

BBQ Thank you Vince for organising our summer BBQ at the Potter’s Arms which was enjoyed by 37 people, despite it being the first rainy day following a hot spell which meant we had to eat indoors.

Away Day This too was caught by a wet late July/August, the morning was OK but it rained all afternoon.

Mind the Gap A reminder to please not let large gaps form in the walking group, this is how groups become separated and people can get lost. Keep up with those in front of you and, if you turn a corner, check that those behind have seen where you have gone. Our programme offers a variety of walks to accommodate different levels of ability.

AGM Please see the front of the Programme and the appeal for more Committee members.

Whoops! Poor Dennis was mortified to find his chips swimming in candle oil which, being disguised amongst the salt and pepper, he unfortunately mistook for vinegar! The Hit or Miss kindly brought him some fresh chips and some proper vinegar! Good job he doesn’t smoke!!

Produced by Kate Lambourne, Group Secretary, Amersham & District Ramblers email: [email protected]