News April 2005 to July 2005
Somerset Area AGM:
Many thanks to Sedgemoor group for organising the AGM, and the preceding
4 mile walk. Owen Star has taken on the post of Membership Secretary,
but once again the Footpath Officer and Chairperson posts remains vacant.
All the other previous committee members are continuing in their positions.
Easy Walking with Bettina:
I recently received an interesting letter from Bettina, who walked regularly
with Mendip Ramblers until she felt our walks were getting a "bit
too much for her". Those of you who know her will not be surprised
to hear that she continues to walk, and that she is expanding what started
as short village walks from Bishop Sutton to other villages. I am delighted
to publicise her "EASY WALKING in Mendip and Chew Valley VILLAGES",
which takes place on the FIRST and THIRD THURSDAY of every month. It is
not a group as such and anyone is welcome to turn up for these slow 3
or 4 mile walks. Bettina comments that it is "not essential to be
over 80 but it might help" and implores "ex-Ramblers don't throw
away your boots" !! So whatever your age if you reckon you aren't
up to Mendip Ramblers' walks why not ring Bettina on 01275-332853 or write
to her at 4 Highmead Gardens, Bishop Sutton, Bristol. BS39 5XB.
Easter 2005: Paignton: March 11th to 14th
You should receive this programme just after the usual pre-Easter long
weekend. Everyone really appreciates Stormin Normin' efforts in meticulously
organising these extremely popular weekends. Hopefully we can persuade
him to do something for 2006 as well!
SWAG (Somerset Walking Activity Group)
For a programme of this group for walkers under 40, ring Eric M on 07834-378409.
Walking with Families:
Older walker looking for short walks (2 to 4 miles) are welcome to join
the Family Countryside Walkers. For full details of their programme ring
Mary Henry on 01823-333369.
3rd April:2pm. Cothelstone Beacon (Cothelstone Hill CP GR 204327). Mary
01823-333369
17th April:10.30am Orchardleigh (Wood Cottage GR 768512). Marian 01373-474369
24th April:10.30am Stert, Bridgwater (Stert Reserve CP GR 275459). Elizabeth
01984-632318
15th May:10.3am Ham Woods(Forum Lane,nr Shepton GR 6616448). Rose 01749-670697.
4th June:2pm Velvet Bottom (Charterhouse Centre CP GR 558497). Marion
01934-833605
26th June:10.30am Otterford Lakes (Lakes CP GR 225141). Kath 01460-234581
30th July:11am Dolebury Warren (Blagdon water gardens GR 465596). Olivia
01179-662235
Working Party:
The working party is now fixed permanently as the second TUESDAY of every
month. In addition it is worth mentioning that the "solid core"
of Bob, Colin M, Dave O, Owen and Rick are out almost EVERY Tuesday and
anyone who wants to help on ANY Tuesday would be welcome to join them.
Just ring Bob on 01749-346023 (or any committee member).
January Meal:
Thanks to Michael for organising this very successful evening at the
City Arms, which we hope to make an annual feature. Any ideas for central
venues for January 2006?
Mendip Group Web Site
The web site has been up and running
for over a year now. It is updated regularly and the starting page has
recently been revamped. It contains copies of everything in this programme
and a lot more besides! For example there are pictures ( please be patient
on the pages of photos if you don't have broadband!) from recent walks
and work parties and a list of where to write to report footpath problems.
Comments and contributions and/or information for inclusion would be most
welcome.It is hoped to register a much simpler domain name shortly but
the current address will remain active for an least another year. For
those who have forgotten, it is ( notice no www.): http://uk.geocities.com/ostar@btopenworld.com/HomepageMR.htm
Walks Programme Secretary:
Having completed 5 years as Walks Programme Secretary, Owen feels
he needs a break and that the group would benefit by bringing in someome
with new ideas Hence he will not be seeking re-election in October. So
if there is anyone would would be interested in taking on the post please
let any committee member know. Owen will continue to maintain the web
site and has offered to help the new Programme Secretary during the transition
period.
Paths Survey:
A considerable amount of work has been done over the last few years to
improve Mendip footpaths but many paths remain blocked or difficult to
negotiate. We don't have an overall view of the current situation and
at our last committee meeting we discussed the possibility of collecting
data about our footpaths. The best way forward would seem to be to recruit
one person per parish. So if you would be willing to survey the paths
in YOUR local parish please contact Derek Baker on 01373-303077
Princes Road Carpark pickup:
Although it is only on a few occasions this past year that non-drivers
arriving at this meeting place have waited in vain, it seems that we can
no longer guarantee that a lift will be available. Maybe it is
time for us to stop including PRCP times in the programme? Meanwhile could
I please urge those coming from Wells in cars to go via PRCP, and those
who might need a lift to get into the habit or ringing potential "lift-givers"
beforehand.
Future Events April
2005 to July 2005
Friday evening pub walks
This is the time of year some of you really look forward to! Yes that
heady mix of beer, food and perambulation is back -- and this year we
are starting the pub walks MUCH earlier and there will be MORE of them!
So put a big circle round 6th May when we'll be at Compton Dundon.
Channel to Channel:
Having completed the Parrett Way last year, we started looking around
for another local long distance walk that we could complete in 5 or 6
stages. The result is the Channel to Channel walk from Seaton to Watchet,
which Bob and Rosemary will organise and lead. The initial two stages
are in this programme on 15th May and 10th July. We will use a "car
shuttle system" so it is important to contact Bob beforehand if you
intend coming on any of the walks.
Use your Paths Week 18th-24th June
This replaces Footpath Week. As Mendip Group has not submitted any walks
for this nationally advertised event you might like to attend walks organised
by other groups.
Disabled Rambling
The diasbled ramblers will be out on Exmoor with their buggies on Wednesday
August 24th and Thursday August 25th. Further details on the next programme
or ring Janet on 01458-835238 for up to date information.
Social Events
In this programme you will find full details of the two events Michael
(who can contacted on 01749-870169) has organised. Firstly there is another
Tenpin Bowling evening in Yeovil Multiplex on 22nd April. Then on 1st
July there is a picnic at Deerleap CP near Ebbor Gorge. Unfortunately
the prohibitive cost put paid to the idea of a canal trip. If you have
any suggestions or ideas for future social events please contact Michael.
Mendip Group Summer Walking Festival: August Bank
Holiday 2005: Batcombe
The work party is now concentrating on Batcombe. Problems there have been
passed on to us by the Mendip Footpath Officers and identified during
preliminary walks. As in previous years' projects, we are opening up many
of the blocked paths, and replacing and repairing existing stiles, in
the area. Our efforts will then culminate with a 3 day walking festival
over the August 2004 Bank holiday weekend. Full details in the next programme.
The walk booklet produced for Westbury last year was a tremendous success
and we intend to do a similar one for Batcombe this year.
New Forest Weekend:
Owen and Paula will be organising another self-booking weekend in the
autumn. Provisional dates are Saturday 1st October to Monday 3rd October.
Planning is still in the early stages but the general area will be the
New Forest. The Saturday walk to likely to be "on the way" in
the Tollards Royal area. On Sunday expect a "classic New Forest experience"
around Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst, and on Monday the plan is for two shorter
consecutive walks in Linwood Bottom and a nearby area where the Avon Valley
Path passes lakes. Full details will appear in the next programme. Fordingbridge
is probably the most central accommodation locality.
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