Welcome to our newsletter (dated 30th November, 2023). Key issues in this edition include Ramblers Strategy, Member's Day Details, Book Workshop On Member's Day, Enhancing Walk Programmes, Footpath news and Group Activities
Contents (click to jump to section)
1. Member's Day Details
2. Book Workshop On Member's Day
3. Enhancing Walk Programmes
4. Footpath news
5. Group Activities
1. Member's Day
We will be holding the Member's Day on Sunday 28th January 2024.
Location: Broughton & District Club Hall Whittingham Lane, Broughton, Preston. PR3 5DA
Workshop: 9am for 9.30 to 12.30pm Please Book see below for details and booking.
Walk: 10am start from the hall. c. 5.5 mile return 12.30pm.
Buffet Lunch: 1pm-1.45pm
AGM: 1.45pm to 2.30?
Trustee: c.2.30pm Mark Chung
Speaker: c.2.45pm Jim Morton (see below)
Finish: c.4pm
Jim Morton.
Jim swapped his house for a motorhome, walked around the coastline of Mainland Britain raising money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
This trek covered 8895 miles in 537 days. Having raised £38,900 for the trust, Jim now travels around giving group talks and appearances on TV.
His book “ I May Be Gone a While” will be available at the meeting. Back to Start
2. Workshop OutdoorActive AND OS Maps mapping systems.
Following the survey re which workshop topic was favoured, OutdoorActive and OS Maps were equal top.
As they are now very similar to each other and much of the workshop is independent of the specific App, we will handle both at the same time.
It is necessary to book as it is expected to be number limited.
The contents will cover:-
- user interface for both systems
- finding walks (public, plotting, import)
- following walks
- recording tracks
- Practical and security issues
- Managing records
Please Book HERE [Link removed]
3. Walk Programme Enhancement
The walk programmes of our groups are reducing due to a lack of walk leaders.
We need to encourage new leaders if our programmes are to be sustained and enhanced.
So we will be holding a zoom meeting that will be an informal discussion on what is involved in becoming a walk leader.
Attending does not imply your are ready to offer to lead walks.
Walking was probably a key reason why you joined the ramblers but you may have noticed that our walk programmes are not as full as they used to be.
You will understand that we need a flow of new leaders to replace leaders who leave for various reasons.
It is actually very easy to become a walk leader.
We can provide support from day one and either
- focus on practical approaches,
- or if you like self study we have online courses.
The zoom meeting will explain how we can help new leaders get going and/or set up access ot online material.
A number of established leaders will be available to answer any questions.
The majority of members could lead a walk, why not come along and see what's involved.
Or if you know members who you think could be leaders, urge them to get involved.
PLEASE, it you are at all interested, without any commitment, note your interest HERE or reply to this email.
. Footpaths Back to Start
David Kelly has provided a report on various footpath issues that have arisen/are active.
To read this click HERE
. Groups Back to Start
Chorley
Chorley has had an eventful year. The group was originally formed in 1973 and this year has been filled with a series of anniversary walks and events, including library displays and the installation of some public benches in Astley Park. These have been funded by a legacy from one of our late member's and Sir Lindsay Hoyle is being invited to formally 'open' one of them. Our monthly 'coach walk' is now well past the halfway stage on our Coast to Coast trail and thoughts are already turning as to what we do next.
Martin Smalley
Fylde group.
The current walking programme is now only offering Wednesday walks, our long-standing Sunday group walk has been effected by heath issues and lack of walk leaders. (see 3 above)
As the year end approaches the group faces further challenges as our treasurer resigns and uncertainty of our web manager continuing her role.
We have a Christmas dinner walk provisionally booked and this will be open to all Mid Lancs members who wish to attend . Check programme for details .
best regards Robb
Garstang
Inactive
Preston
The Preston Group continues to do walks on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month with shorter walks 5-7 miles on the first and longer ones, 8 - 12 miles on the second Wednesday, although these may be switched round depending on the leaders availability. Sunday walks are still on going with an element of history included on some of these, known as a Walk with a Talk.
We have just done 2 walks in the Rivington area in support of Children in Need and have raised £ 60 which will be sent to the charity in the next few days and this amount doubled through matched funding arranged through my work place. Thanks to all who joined the wakls and their donations.
The group is still in need of a Chair and currently this position is being rotated between the committee until the post is filled.
Thanks, Barry
Ribble
Continues as normal with regular Thursday Programme though more leaders are needed.
West Lancashire Group
In late September the Group walked from Appley Bridge (WN6 9ET) to Crook, near Wigan. The walk followed the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath. The towpath has recently been hard-surfaced making for easy walking. Our return route was through Shevington, crossing the M6 and Gathurst golf course then back into Appley Bridge. Almost the entire return route was also on paths which are good to use. There are no stiles on the walk and there is the chance to have drinks at the Boathouse Pub at the end.
Members may like to follow this 5 mile walk with extensive views of the Douglas Valley and enjoy the long stretches of surfaced paths. Even in winter conditions the route is likely to be clean and easy to walk.
HOL
No report
LWW
No Report
End Back to Start
===========================================================================================