Click here for a summary of the Group for 2008.

GROUP NEWS 2009

As this year's summer months start to look like a distant memory, we have summarised the various events we have organised in addition to our regular walks programme during 2009.

April – Harwich Coach Ramble

Paul Gardiner led his first coach ramble along part of the Essex Way, starting at Bradfield & lunching at Ramsey before continuing to Dovercourt & Harwich

April Week – Church Stretton

Church Stretton is a delightful area of the country and a perfect place to walk, enjoying rolling hills and fantastic views across the Shropshire countryside. 30 members stayed at the very comfortable Longmynd Hotel and we were able to walk out from the hotel on some days while on other days we travelled short distances to places such as Much Wenlock, Craven Arms & Clun. We walked on hills Caer Caradoc and Longmynd & visited places with strange names such as Shooting Box, Bury Ditches, the Bog & Stiperstones. We enjoyed real ales in lovely village inns and delicious homemade teas and cakes at the end of walks. The walks were led by Roy Carpenter, Les Cox, Colin Jacob & Mike Robb.

June – Brighton Coach Ramble

Colin led a 12 mile walk from the village of Ditchling starting with a steady climb up to Ditchling Beacon where we enjoyed excellent views over the South Downs. We made our way though the University of Sussex to lunch in the village of Falmer. There were more hills in the afternoon as we crossed Brighton racecourse and into Brighton finishing amongst large crowds on Brighton seafront who were celebrating 50 years of the “Mini” car.

July – Midsomer Norton Weekend

A party of about 35 ramblers went by coach to the west country for a weekend of walking into Bath & Wells, through Cheddar Gorge & visiting Avebury Stone Circle. There was much to see & do for those members who did not wish to walks all day. Roy Carpenter, Les Cox & Dianne Ingram organised the weekend.

July – Thames & Chiltern Coach Ramble

Les Cox led a coach ramble along parts of the Thames Path in Oxfordshire, taking in places such as Goring & Pangbourne.

September – Woodbridge Coach Ramble

Miles Cooper led his first coach ramble to an area north of Ipswich. The walk started near Westerfield & picked up the route of the Flynn Valley walk, finishing in the delightful town of Woodbridge.

October – Buxton Weekend

Les Cox & Mick Dodge took a party of 40 people to the Portland Hotel for 3 days walking in the Peak District. The weather was excellent, particularly on the Monday when we enjoyed superb views towards Snowdonia, North west England & The Wrekin.

 

 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 28 NOVEMBER 2009

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT  

Welcome to Pilgrims Hatch Village Hall for the Brentwood Ramblers 2009 Annual General Meeting. This is our 41st year as a group, which has seen many changes over the years both in personnel and the advance of technology. Who would have thought 41 years ago we would be using postcodes to find the start of a walk?

Membership has risen slightly over the past 12 months. I am surprised by the increase as: We have an ageing membership and we seem to have fewer younger members joining. We do have a separate group of Ramblers from 18-35. There is always the possibility that people are getting the walking programme off the internet.

R A Head Office Membership Computer System which initially caused immense problems seems to be sorting itself out. Colin had advised me that the number of queries have dropped significantly. However, there are still some delays in dealing with new member applications but the processing time has come down. Essex Area also celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year.

Walking programmes

We are indebted to our Ramblers Secretaries, for without them we would not have a regular walking programme. I would like to thank, in no particular order, Brian Scroggs, Chris Lomas, Les Cox, Diane Ingram. We always need new leaders. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find new leaders, our Ramblers Secretaries are having to cajole, encourage and bribe people to lead. They are a vital part of this group – please support them. Thank you to all leaders, particularly those who have led for the first time.

Our walking numbers remain consistent with previous years:

Saturday average 35

Sunday average 20

Tuesday average 27

Wednesday average 27

Thursday average 25

I would like to remind you of “walking etiquette”: As with other Rambling Groups we operate a policy of “strictly no dogs”. I recently walked with a group where a dog was allowed to walk “off its lead”. I lost count as to the number of times it tripped people up. Always stay behind the leader. It is very disconcerting for leaders, both old and new, for people to “force the pace”, as the leader may be checking directions or waiting for people at the back to catch up. It is also important to have a back marker to ensure no one gets lost.

Past Events

5th April: Paul Gardiner lead Coach Ramble Bradfield to Harwich. 45 people

25th April - 2nd May: Week Away. Roy Carpenter arranged Church Stretton. Walks lead by Roy, Colin, Les 30 people

17th May: Colin lead a Brighton Coach Ramble. 38 people

4th July – 6th July: Weekend Away. Midsummer Norton. Walks lead by Roy, Les, Diane 35 people

19th July: Les Cox lead a Chilterns Coach Ramble. 44 people

27th Sept: Miles Cooper lead his first Coach Ramble around the Woodbridge area.38 people

10th Oct – 12th Oct: Buxton Weekend, Mick Dodge & Les Cox.42 people

Future Events

Roy is organising the April Week Away 24th April – 2nd May to Lynmouth in North Devon. The remaining programme for 2010 will be in the next newsletter.

Deaths

We are sorry to lose some well-known members of our Rambling Group: Bill Dove, 93, joined in 1980, walked on Tuesdays/Sundays. Led his last walk for the Friends Group on his 90th birthday. Freddie Matthews, 85, remembered for his Essex 100 Mile Walks and his many area activities. Charlie Bisson, 74, regular Saturday/Thursday walker, remembered for his shiny boots and wearing shorts even in the winter. Jack Gatenby, 85, contributed to many events, especially involved in Tuesday activities.

Changes to the Committee

We have sadly lost or are losing a number of committee members: Gordon Fairgrieve left us as Footpath Secretary in June. Paul Gardiner left as Website Editor on 30th April. Mick Dodge is leaving us as Secretary. He has done an excellent job and will be sadly missed. New Additions: John Devey and Barbara Lemmon, joined us as the “Deadly Duo” as joint Website Editors. Chris Green will be joining us as Sunday Walks Secretary.

Present Committee

I would like to thank the present Committee Members who have worked tirelessly to keep Brentwood Ramblers running smoothly. They are: Mick Dodge, Pat Woods, Margaret Norman, Diane Ingram, Les Cox, Chris Lomas, Colin Jacob, Roy Carpenter, Judy Stephenson, Brian Scroggs, and our newcomers John Devey and Barbara Lemmon.

Conclusion

I am standing down as Chairman. My personal circumstances have changed considerably since I agreed to become Chairman – I no longer live in Brentwood and I have a new partner. I am also away a great deal, working abroad. I feel the gauntlet should be taken on by someone who can devote more time to the role of Chairman.

Thank you for attending this afternoon’s meeting when many of you may have other priorities.

May I wish you and your families on behalf of the Brentwood Ramblers a “Happy Xmas”.

Happy rambling in 2010 Graham Christie

Chairman 28th November 2009

Future Events

2010

The committee have already planned the April week’s walking holiday to Lynmouth, Devon and will be taking the group to Great Malvern for a weekend’s walking in October. Watch this space for details of our coach rambles & other events.

Booking and Cancellations Conditions for Trips

• Coach Rambles
  • Payment is non-refundable.
• Weeks and weekends away
  • Deposit is non-refundable.
  • Final Balance must be paid 6 weeks before event.
  • No refund will be given once final balance had been paid, unless we are able to re-sell the place or obtain a partial or full refund for accomodation..
  • Any waiving of these rules can only be considered in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the committee..
• Final price of events may be subject to minor changes to reflect any unanticipated costs or currency fluctuations.
• Also please note that graturities are included in the bookings fee for coaches on all trips. Graturities are not included in the booking fee for hotel accomodation.
• If you have to drop out from any booked trip at the last moment, please let the organiser know.