As is well known, Spring is the growing season. Unfortunately for walkers, growth is not restricted to those nice flowers in your garden, but also includes rampant growth of brambles and nettles across public rights of way. In Dereham, two paths are particularly prone to this – Restricted Byways 30 and 31. These carry the legal right for horse and carriage drivers to use them between Neatherd Moor and Northall Green, but at their best, they are currently suitable only for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. And even those users can find their way blocked by nettle and bramble growth, so to tackle this before the route became impossible, Dereham Walkers are Welcome and The Ramblers together cut the paths on 3 May.
Peter James, the Area Treasurer, laying new protective covers for the path, from a previous path clearance day.
Not in the pictures were Rambler Gerald and Ken Hawkins from Dereham WaW. Try these paths for yourself – and let us know of any potential blockages on these or any other paths. We like to keep Peter busy! 🙂
Ramblers’ General Council, which is the national organisation’s annual meeting, took place on 1st and 2 April 2017 in Southampton. Four of us went from Norfolk, with Richard May going as a trustee candidate, Julian White and Peter James going as delegates and Ian Mitchell going as a visitor.
Pre-GC walk around Southampton Common
There was a walk before the formal proceedings of General Council began and this went around Southampton Common. The local Hampshire group led this and ensured that we given some interesting historical facts and it was a great opportunity to meet other delegates from across the country.
The meeting was opened and chaired by Des Garrahan, the national chairman, who balanced a professional and informal approach. The new Chief Executive made her first speech to General Council and I hope she is able to move forwards on her central theme of improving and enhancing communications. Our new President, Stuart Maconie, was also announced.
Richard during the Saturday hustings
Richard May, our area chairman, was standing again for trustee after losing out last year. He was one of 15 candidates, although one didn’t turn up to General Council because of other commitments, and one, Hugh Dyer-Westacott (who has written a book), withdrew during the event.
With regards to the motions, Norfolk area had an amendment to motion 4 on ploughing and cropping.
Motion 4 was proposed by SYNED (South Yorkshire and North East Derbyshire) group. They opposed our amendment and we felt, after discussion with them, that General Council would likely not support our amendment based on these comments. We decided on that basis to withdraw our amendment.
We proposed a motion on funding lost ways, which is essentially about appointing a project officer and establish funding for the 2026 project, also ensuring that volunteers are co-ordinated and offered national assistance. The board of trustees proposed an amendment which we were content with and accepted. Cheshire East proposed a motion which essentially said that we should focus only on key routes, not trying to put in a claim for all footpaths. We opposed this, and it was a close vote, which fortunately went in our favour as the amendment wasn’t passed. Our original motion was though passed unanimously.
The results of the trustee elections was a little complex as there were three places for three years, two places for two years and two places for one year. That meant two elections throughout the day, but in short, the results were:
ELECTED IN FIRST ROUND
Rebecca Dawson – 87
Paul Rhodes – 80
Richard May – 78
ELECTED IN SECOND ROUND
Teri Moore – 80 (will serve two years as a trustee)
Sophie Clisold-Lesstor – 77
Peter Carr – 53 (will serve one year as a trustee)
Peter Rookes – 51
Richard’s official victory photo
Well done to Richard, our area chairman!
The organisation from the national office was excellent, and there were plenty of staff on hand who made an effort to engage with the delegates. The event ran smoothly in terms of timing, technically and in ensuring all members were able to get their voice heard.
The meeting ended with a contribution from the European Ramblers, and they have a very positive agenda and the Danish chairperson came to speak. She spoke about the importance of getting people out into the countryside, whether on foot, by bike or on horseback.
It was another really useful weekend for everyone who attended, great for meeting other delegates and putting forwards the view of Norfolk Ramblers to the national organisation. Next year’s event will be held in Bangor in April 2018 and anyone who is interested in attending can let us know at any time over the next few months!
It was our annual AGM this week and we were delighted that it was well-attended. It was held in Acle and Great Yarmouth group did an excellent job at leading an interesting walk and ensuring that an extensive range of cakes were provided!
The pre-AGM walk went around the Norfolk Broads and was only partly muddy!
Richard May, the Chairman of Norfolk Area Ramblers, opens up the meeting. Ken Hawkins, our secretary, is on the left and Peter James, our treasurer, is on the right.
Richard presented Ian Mitchell, our Vice-Chairman, with a certificate marking his extensive work to protect the footpaths of Norfolk. He has worked tirelessly, and has a knowledge which is unparalleled in the county, to help the Ramblers and his honour is very well deserved. He now goes on to a national award at General Council in Southampton in early April 2017, and our fingers are firmly crossed.
The wonderful range of cakes provided at the end of the AGM. Walking is important to the Ramblers, but so is food 🙂
Des Garrahan, the national chairman of the Ramblers, gave a talk about the future of the organisation and how volunteers were helping to achieve our aims. He also gave further information about the 2026 deadline of when paths have to be recorded on the Definitive Map to ensure that they are protected.
Lloyd, the beautiful Guide Dog!
Graham, with his guide dog Lloyd, is partially sighted but was able to complete our pre-AGM walk with assistance, showing that this no barrier to walking with the Ramblers! Helen Sismore came from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and gave a fascinating talk on how we could welcome those with sight difficulties and ensure they can take part in walks. There will be a future blog post about this!
Julian White, the External Communications Officer, said:
“This was a lively and interesting AGM where there were discussions covering several areas, particularly regarding the 2026 deadline. It was great to have Des present so that we could ask questions and so that our members could hear more about what is planned. Helen also gave encouragement and ideas on how we could welcome more blind and partially sighted people to our walks. And thanks to Great Yarmouth group for the cakes!”
This is the latest post in the series about the various groups within Norfolk Area Ramblers.
Seventh in the series is South Norfolk group.
Our group runs walks on some Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Thursday walks are for half a day and dog walkers are especially welcome on these. Most of our walks are circular but a few involve public transport enabling us to do linear walks. We are a friendly group and welcome walkers of all abilities – just ring the leader if you want to know more about what to expect, what to wear etc. Any walk over 7 miles will have a stop for refreshment – bring a packed lunch unless the walk says there is a pub stop.
We also try to keep an eye on the local paths and have financed some improvements such as a new footbridge at Topcroft and some new bridges as Bracon Ash.
In the future we hope to host the occasional weekend away in, for example, the Peak District or close to home in Suffolk
Our Annual General Meeting for Norfolk Ramblers will take place at 2pm on Saturday 25 February 2017 at Acle War Memorial Recreation Centre, Bridewell Lane, Acle, NR13 3RA; 01493 752043: OS Explorer OL40, grid reference 401107.
Come and hear what The Ramblers in Norfolk has been doing for the last year, and help to shape what we do in future. Help choose our new officers – all members have a vote. And to get you in the mood, there is a short walk leaving at 1100 from the Centre: walkers should bring a packed lunch. Teas/coffees will be available from 12 noon prior to the meeting and after the meeting.
Legstretchers, the long distance walking group within Norfolk Ramblers, has been restarted and the first walk will take place this weekend, on Sunday 5 February.
Everyone is very welcome at the walk which will take place near North Walsham, and which is 18 miles long. In future, the Legstretchers walks will take place on the first Sunday of every month and will be advertised in the area programme, on Meetup, Facebook, the area web-site and also on the group’s new web-site at http://www.legstretchers.org.uk/.
Julian White, the area publicity officer, is leading the walk and said:
“It’s great to have Legstretchers back in Norfolk, offering a longer distance option to those walkers who fancy the challenge! I’ve been delighted with the number of walk leaders who have come forwards, so I’m very optimistic that the group will have a successful future”.
Further information about the walk is available at:
Legstretchers : 5 February 2017 – 18 mile Inaugural Walk nr North Walsham
Sunday, Feb 5, 2017, 9:30 AM
Pigney’s Car Park Hall Lane North Walsham, GB
13 Walkers Attending
Lots of advance warning for this one!Legstretchers is a long distance walking group which has been re-established by Norfolk Area Ramblers after a gap of several years. There will be a walk, of around 18 miles, held on the first Sunday of every month from February 2017. The first few walks, by chance, are around North Norfolk, but future walks wil…
The national Ramblers team have been organising roadshow events for members over recent months, and these have been well received. They’re a great way to meet people and they’re entirely free of charge.
The nearest event to Norfolk will be held at Essex County Cricket Club in Chelmsford on 28 January 2017. There are a choice of workshops, which are entertaining and informal, including first aid, basic navigation, walk leading, retaining members and running walks.
There’s a possibility that we can arrange a free lift or arrange transportation expenses for members, please e-mail Richard May for further details about this, or with any other questions about the day.
This is the latest post in the series about the various groups within Norfolk Area Ramblers.
Sixth in the series is the Norwich group.
The Norwich group are one of the larger groups in Norfolk Area Ramblers. They walk on most Sundays and two Wednesdays each month. They typically walk 10 or 12 miles at a time and normally have between 20 and 30 people on a walk.
There are also numerous trips away planned, and members can take part in the trips to the Peak District, the Lake District, the Lincolnshire Wolds and Yorkshire which are all taking place in 2017.
This is the latest post in the series about the various groups within Norfolk Area Ramblers.
Fifth in the series is Mid Norfolk group.
The Mid Norfolk Ramblers are a friendly group of lovers of the outdoors who get together on Sundays to walk in our local area. This could mean walking along the coast or walking inland on pathways or tracks. Usually the walks range between 5 and 12 miles in length and our pace is fairly relaxed. Be prepared for uneven ground, mud and puddles.
Most of the group’s walks are circular although they may do the occasional linear walk with a local bus out or back. This will be advised in the programme.
The group are always looking for anyone prepared to lead a walk and our walks secretary, Sue Day, would love to hear from you!
Anyone is welcome to join the group’s walks and if you have any queries please do contact us. The list of walks are available at http://www.norfolkra.org.uk/ and, as with every group, also appear in the walking programme sent to members every four months.
This is the latest post in the series about the various groups within Norfolk Area Ramblers.
Fourth in the series is Wensum group.
Why not take up leisurely walking for social and/or health reasons by joining a group of friendly ramblers? It is an opportunity to meet new people and visit different places.
Every Thursday morning the Wensum Group meets somewhere in or around the eastern half of Norfolk for a circular walk of 5 – 6 miles setting out at 10.30am and returning by lunchtime. Rambles are extremely varied. They walk through interesting villages, down leafy lanes, call into churches, visit historic buildings or sites, follow a river or an old railway track, and enjoy the Norfolk countryside.
Once a month between March and October the Wensum Group travels further afield by coach with the opportunity to follow a linear walk of between 8 and 9 miles including a lunch stop. Also once a month there is a Sunday afternoon walk of 4 – 6 miles. And in the summer months there are walks of around 4 miles on Monday evenings (NB, these Monday walks aren’t running in 2018 or until further notice). There are occasional social events too.
Why not give the group a try? First, obtain a programme of walks (available at the link below), then just turn up in good time, suitably attired, and introduce yourself to the walk leader. Join the group three or four times then, if you are interested, join the Ramblers.
For further details about the Wensum Group, contact Tony on 01603 423085. The group’s walks can be seen at the Norfolk web-site at http://www.norfolkra.org.uk/.
