RICHMOND RAMBLERS SUMMER 2024 NEWSLETTER
The year to date – Richmond Ramblers has had a busy few months since our last newsletter, notwithstanding the lack of walk leaders coming forward to put on walks, to the eternal frustration of the programme managers. If you would like more walks, please consider becoming a walk leader!
Our Annual General Meeting was held on 25 November 2023 at The Inspired Hub in Hampton, attended by 22 members. Alan Matthews agreed to stay on for another year as Chair, and Elaine Clarke was elected as Secretary. Longstanding member David Ferguson stood down from the Committee as he is unable to attend the Zoom meetings, and Anne Childs was elected to replace him. Other members of the Committee remained the same: John Beer, Liz Darby, Gwyneth Hill, David Low, Johann Martin, Irene Owen.
A walk leaders’ course was held by West London Ramblers, and was attended by Alan Matthews, Elaine Clarke, Anne Childs and Penelope Bidgood, and courses are offered by the Ramblers Association, as can be seen on their website.
In January, Alan, Gwyneth and Elaine met up with Annabel Croft in Richmond Park. Her walk and conversation with Gwyneth was aired on ITV as part of her wellness programme. It was a very cold day, but we had fun walking up and down paths whilst being filmed. She told us that walking in the park had helped her enormously following the untimely death of her husband and that she walked there as often as possible.
New Year Lunch – At the end of January, we had a very well attended walk from Hampton Wick through Bushy Park to Pizzeria Firenze in Hampton Hill, where we enjoyed good meals and congenial company.
Walk Leader Training by Gwyneth H – I was along with 14 other Ramblers, 2 of whom were from Kingston Ramblers. The majority were from Farnham and District Ramblers.
One of the Farnham and District leaders ‘fired’ basic walk- related questions at us e.g. the definition of a dual-carriageway, countryside signposts’ colours and meaning, ‘what3 words’ and bridleways. Risk Assessments and their importance was stressed, but once done for a walk can be kept and updated as necessary.
Emphasis was placed on safety in leading walks; carrying a fully charged mobile phone, downloading the ‘what3words’ app, a basic medical kit and what to do in an emergency. His presentation was firm but friendly with a reminder that all the information was available on the Pdf Ramblers Approach to Leading Walks and a very useful A4 printable Walk Leaders’ Checklist was available.
A guide on how to use compasses followed, checking that we all had the correct type; (I had no idea that there were different types!). Even holding the compass correctly at waist level is important.
John talked to us about maps showing us an array covering most of the UK. He showed us how to measure distances on an OS map using string or a measuring wheel. His final useful tip was to buy maps from dash4it.
I found the course very useful, learning a lot about map-reading, picking up handy tips for leading walks and can thoroughly recommend it to existing leaders and potential ones.
Earlier this year our Chair, Alan Matthews, issued a survey to members to try to establish what they wanted from the group: “The Walkers’ Survey provided valuable insights into our members' preferences. Most prefer walks within an hour's travel, and Wednesday was the most popular walking day, followed closely by Saturday then Sunday. Walk distance preferences were evenly split between 6 miles and under, and 7-10 miles. However, a quarter dislike groups of fewer than 10 walkers, and a concerning 24% find our walks uninteresting. Walks that need booking were disapproved of by 20% of walkers. I hope these walk preferences are helpful.
If you are a walk leader and you want to see more people joining your walks, here are some other tips:
Walk Description: Highlight a walk's best features
Social Media: Do pre-walk promotion & post-walk highlights
Enjoyment: Share a few interesting facts as you walk.”
North to South London Trail – John K plans to lead a number of walks during the summer months with the aim of completing the new route designed by Walking Post, which winds from Cockfosters to Carshalton, with 75% off-road paths. Expect scenic views and historic buildings. Each walk (max 5, mostly 6-8 miles) starts and ends at an underground station. We're planning monthly walks starting in August, with a July recce walk. This is a great chance to join if you're interested in leading walks or being a back–marker contact John K
Social Events – Your committee has arranged another summer picnic, following last year’s successful one, to be held on Sunday, 23rd June 2024, Join us for a relaxing summer stroll through beautiful Bushy Park. Our easy-paced morning walk will take us through the woodland gardens, past tranquil ponds and along the historic Longford River built by order of Charles l. We continue to one of Bushy Park’s hidden gems, the Water Gardens. We’ll end our walk at approximately 1pm, near The Pheasantry café where you can enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch of your own or bought from the café, surrounded by nature and friends, old and new. For those who do not wish to do the walk, you would be very welcome to join the group there.
MEET: Teddington Station (Richmond 10:40, Twickenham 10:45)
LEADER: Alan M
if you would like more social events, please contact any of the committee members with your suggestions and perhaps think about joining the committee. We meet once a quarter by zoom, and there is nothing very onerous about the duties, as they are spread among the various members. On that note, Alan Matthews will be standing down as Chair at the next AGM, and nominations would be gratefully received.