South Cotswold Ramblers’ Group Newsletter - June 2011 Published each year in February, June and October. We look forward to hearing from you with stories, opinions, photos, poetry, art, funny tales, cartoons, appeals, you name it. Please contact the Editor, Mike Garner, 01453 873625, email: [email protected] by 5 September 2011 Discounts shown in this newsletter are wholly at the discretion of the retailer and are not an entitlement to members of the Ramblers. 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 office: 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW CHAIRMAN’S THOUGHTS WWW If you have received a copy of this newsletter you are a member of Ramblers and I hope that you share my interest in Welcome to Walking Weekend the work of the Association and how it acts to protect our rights Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July 2011 of way and other interests, so necessary for us to pursue our rambling pastime. There have been a lot of changes and initiatives emanating from Central Office over the last few months, many as a result of decisions taken at General Council, others following on from consultations and discussions with members and Trustees. In fact there is so much going on that it would be impossible to cover every item in this newsletter. If you are on line take time out occasionally to look at the Ramblers Volunteer Website. It will give you all the information available including details of the General Council discussions. http://www.ramblers.org.uk/Volunteer/News/ I am sure you are all well aware of the South Cotswold Group’s activities over the last few months and in any case most have been recorded on our website. We have just come back from Alnmouth where we had a most enjoyable holiday. Thanks again to Mike for organising, and to Patrick for his contribution to stand up comedy. I would like to thank Mike and his walk coordinators John and For the third year Stroud Rambling Club and South Cotswold Jacqui for putting together the latest walks programme. I believe Ramblers are holding a joint Welcome to Walking Weekend that the summer months make this job even more difficult with (WWW) where members of both club and group will get together holidays etc. and it is an indication of their perseverance that we to walk and at the same time encourage newcomers to “give us are able to put on a full programme. Thank you also to the a try” free of charge. Do come along and meet members of both leaders who have come forward but if you want to be really club and group and find out more about us without obligation. helpful for the next programme why not contact them with your Details will be advertised in local papers, are available on walks before they have to start phoning round. websites at www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk and Don’t forget that there are still vacancies on the Committee. We www.stroudramblingclub.org.uk, or can be obtained by ringing will need a treasurer by the end of the year when Di hands over. Richard on 01453 762373. (Details are also on our Led Walks Harold Wood has recently retired and we are very grateful for all Programme). As part of the Ramblers recruiting drive, a discount the work he has done, including the sale of many walks books. of £10 is available for new members who sign a Direct Debit We do require additional committee members who can attend form, so do encourage your friends along. Persuade them to give four meetings a year. Why not join us and have a say in the us a try. You know it makes sense! running of your group? We both run regular walking programmes in the Stroud and On a slightly disappointing note I am afraid that we are going to Dursley area to suit all levels of ability (writes Richard Davis). Our have to shelve our plans for Nepal for the time being. As many of two organisations arrange mid-week and weekend walks on you are aware Di has not been too well recently and until we both Saturdays and Sundays. The walks are of varying lengths have got her medication and grades to suit everyone. In addition there are also a number sorted out and know of social activities. exactly how the illness is going to affect her we do not feel that we can take South Cotswold Ramblers Group are part of the national on this commitment. We Ramblers charity, and members have free access to thousands hope to find another of walks all over the country via the RA Walks Finder. The local holiday to put on, unless, group does voluntary footpath work and sells walking guides. that is, there is anybody Stroud Rambling Club, whilst affiliated to the Ramblers, is else who thinks they independent and members also involve themselves in a number would like to have a go. of other activities including caving, cycling and horse riding. Richard Davis Walking with a group of people not only provides sociable Chairman company but also lets you get to know your beautiful Cotswold countryside. Page 1 - www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Footpath Chairman: Ron Dowdeswell 01453 759838 Chairman: [email protected] Richard Davis 01453 762373 [email protected] Footpath Secretary and Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Christopher Gent 07917 473146 Ron Dowdeswell 01453 759838 [email protected] [email protected] Footpath Committee Minutes Secretary: Group Secretary: John Corry 01453 845574 [email protected] Bernard Smith 01453 884013 [email protected] Footpath Clearance Group Treasurer: Bob Frewin Diana Davis 01453 762373 [email protected] Footpath Committee Members: Membership Secretary, Newsletter, Website, Book Sales: Penny Fernando Bernard Smith Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] Led Walks Programme Co-ordinator: Press Secretary: Mike Garner 01453 873625 [email protected] Kathy Bullen 01453 860004 [email protected] Led Walks Collectors this time: Group Committee Members: Enid Sutcliffe 01242 863283 Midweek Nov - Feb John Corry Brian Kirkman John McArdell John Geoghegan 01453 834141 Weekend Nov - Feb Our Alnmouth Holiday in May A party of 20 of us had some very good weather in Northumberland which enabled us to see some lovely Welcome to New Members countryside and beaches. These were not at all crowded, except for the wildlife with many, many birds being seen. Since February we have seen many more new faces on our walks, and 18 people have decided to join the group. We hope you enjoy belonging. We have already met some on Group walks and look forward to meeting more of you. If you have friends who are keen on walking and are not yet members of Ramblers, why not invite them along to try out two or three of our walks. We have a wide choice from 4 to 14 miles to suit most tastes. Perhaps invite them to WWW Welcome to Walking Weekend (23rd and 24th July) and the Stroud Walking Festival in September. There’s a £10 off deal for new members if they sign a Direct Debit form. Mike Garner - membership secretary We were there for a whole week, many having travelled up by train direct from Cheltenham to Alnmouth. The house was very comfortable, and situated overlooking sea and golf course. Stroud Symphony Orchestra are putting on a French music programme on Saturday 25th June 2011 at 7:30 at Holy The scenery was stunning, with castles, caves, hills. It was a Trinity Church, Stroud (next to the hospital with parking real eye opener for many of us. See for yourself on our holiday opposite) and we invite you once again to join members there photos on our website. and take part in the interval chat, which is always very sociable. Saint-Saens Dance Macabre Françaix L’Horloge de Flore (oboe soloist: Graeme Adams) Bizet From L’Arlesienne Suites Fauré Ballade for piano and orchestra Cesar Franck Symphony in D minor Tickets £10 & £8 concessions (£1 off before the night) from Stroud Tourist Information 01453 760960 or from Mike on a walk or just come along on the night. NEW - listen to extracts at www.stroudsymphony.org.uk Mike Garner 01453 873625 Page 2 - www.southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Stroud Walking Festival 2011 Friday 2nd to Sunday 18th September For more information visit www.stroudwalkingfest.com South Cotswold Ramblers are fully involved On Saturday 3rd September Group Secretary Bernard Smith, and other volunteers will be manning a stall in the Shambles, Stroud, telling the world about Ramblers’ activities, selling our walks books, and recruiting new members. Then no fewer than seven of our group walks will be on the programme of the Stroud Walking Festival (see our Led Walks Programme). The Gloucestershire Way Mike and Richard are setting off to lead a long distance linear walk for the group in 9 instalments of about 10 - 12 miles on this 100 mile route at the end of October. Gerry Stewart devised it inspired by Minsterworth poet F W Harvey’s poem “Forest, Vale and High Blue Hill”.You may know the Johnny Coppin song setting the words to music.The route does indeed go through the Forest of Dean after setting off from the old Wye Bridge near Chepstow Castle. Up May Hill (next Spring) and down to the river Severn at Minsterworth. Round Thank you for going paperfree Gloucester and up Crickley Hill I know I keep banging on about it, but it is very pleasing to (one of the High Blue Hills) on report that another 10 people have signed up for the online the way to Stow, then taking a newsletter since last time.