PENRITH GROUP NEWSLETTER
Issue 55 - November 2014
NEW LOOK NEWSLETTER
Welcome to a revised layout for your Newsletter. In view of the Website alterations, where information space will not be so limited, experimentation with various layouts will take place and your comments would be appreciated. Bearing in mind the current double-sided printing restrictions two more sides are included in this issue to be used as a Members interactive area for submitted comments, articles, stories, photographs, social, quiz and humour. The spare space this time has been filled, as an example by myself but please contact me if you wish to contribute. In particular brief descriptions of walks undertaken with a relevant photograph would be of
CONTACT US
Telephone numbers of our Secretary, Membership Secretary and Publicity officer are shown in the list of Committee members included in this Newsletter. Alternatively please refer to the website for general information.
WALKS PROGRAMME
The January to April 2015 programme of walks is imminent and there should be a copy with this Newsletter, either posted or e-mailed.
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
Group website developer Colin Gibb, who has agreedto become the Group’s new Webmaster, reports that during website testing by the walks co-ordinators hereceived, and has shared, feedback queries which he hopesare useful. His comments include “I have been working on the Home page and New page, which will be editable by an elected member. This means that news items will be able to be added without the help of thewebmaster, once the elected member has had basic training.The website is now nearly completed. The only major thing that remains is the security. As contributors will need to sign in to the website to get access, I will need to seek advice on ensuring that the login procedure will be secure.” Committee has agreed to fund a new web host with additional security features. A new sub-committee will be set up to manage training and development of contributors to the website.
RAMBLERS HEAD OFFICE
On the Ramblers HO website -there is a new “contact us” page.Members can use a form to enter their question and a list of possible answers will appear. Queries, and the questions members ask, will be used to increase the knowledge base over time to create a record of frequently asked questions - and answers.
Members are also reminded of theMembers area. Once registered they will be able to update/amend their personal details as well as gain access to the library of Ramblers Routes.
WALK LEADERS NEEDED
In order to supplement the number of existing volunteer walk leaders, willing to operate across all grades of walk (up to their own capability), and to improve navigational skills, it is proposed to provide a bespoke training day comprising two half day sessions in Spring or early Summer 2015. Please register your interest with David Dixon or Harry Upton in either or both half days as soon as possible to allow course viability to be assessed.
FOOTPATHS
a) Orders
Snappergill, Garrigill, Alston Moor. Order made as previously agreed
b) Previous consultations
Bretherdale Hall, Orton parish.
c) New consultations
Ashfield Farm, Ravenstonedale. Diversion agreed.
Castrigg, Long Marton parish
d) Lake District National Park
Alan Duval and David Dixon are in the process of surveying 13 paths for the national park’s ease-of-use surveys.
e) Sharpe legacy
The new footbridge on the permissive path leading to and from the bottom of the Forces Falls in Swindale is now in place, partly funded by the Ramblers Sharpe legacy.
f) Report from Area Council
i) There is a public consultation (open to 28 November) on the route of grid connections to the new Moorside power station near Sellafield, both north to Carlisle and south to Lancaster. Area will be making a response.
ii) Formal proposals for the section of the English Coastal Path from Whitehaven to Silecroft have been published, and Area will be making a response to the consultation.
iii) The Area AGM is on 10 January 2015 when the longstanding Area secretary, Peter Jones, will retire. As a result several members of Penrith Group will be taking up new roles. Charlie Shepherd will be the new Area secretary; David Dixon will edit Area news, and Harry Upton will take responsibility for Area printing.
REPORTING FOOTPATH PROBLEMS
Concern is growing within the Local Authority services relating to Public Rights of Way that further service reductions will impact on their ability to act. The following was included in an e-mail circulated by the Lake District Area:
“There is serious concern yet again about the further potential cutbacks at CCC (no doubt LDNPA too) All are very grateful that they still have their jobs but aware that there may be further cuts coming.So far the staff loss has been minimal on account of some protection given to the R0W budget, and this is in part because the County Councillors have restricted them. In order to help we should make an effort to report ANY footpath problems however trivial, and to make representations to our County Councillors (health, tourism, economy etcetc) during the latter part of this year.It is still very evident that PRoW problems are ignored by Ramblers. Ramblers simply do not report what they see, whether because they do not "see" them, do not know how to report, or are simply too lazy to do so. A specific enquiry was made of one of Kendal members who, although aware of the problem because someone was injured on the walk he led, and he warned another leader of the same but did not report the hazard! The proposals for Kendal, therefore, were
a) urge ALL members to go and look for problems however trivial and to report them,
b) ask ALL walks leaders to ensure that any problem, however trivial, is reported and
c) that some survey walks are included in or in addition to the Walks Programme.
If we want to see our PRoW network maintained, we have to be significantly more proactive.”
Walkers with Penrith Ramblers Group are also advised at all times to be aware of, and ensure that they report, any footpath problems that they encounter e.g. surface, access or signage repairs or access restrictions, either accidental or deliberate. The (official) report form will be re-issued but even without the form problems should be photographed, grid referenced and referred to the Footpath Secretary Alan Duval with any comments. Alan’s Group e-mail is
COUNTRYSIDE
Penrith Ramblers representative on the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Group (Charlie Shepherd) continues to use his position to support the pressure to maintain the principles of Open Accessdespite the threats from changes due to planting onthese areas.
With regard to the previously reported item about the cycling lobby action there is little likelihood of legislation to allow cyclists to use footpaths in the near future
WALKING GROUPS
B/C - The development of a series of regular walks that bridge between the B (generally moderate grading) and C (generally leisurely grading) Group levels of walks on offer. Committee agreed at its July meeting that Charlie Shepherd and Philip Holland would investigate some B/C walks that could be included in the January to April 2015 programme and which would be set at the lower end of the Moderate grading and the upper end of the Leisurely grading.C & D - There have been further suggestions that maybe a D level group could be established to provide shorter (could be half day) and less ambitious walks, generally on the flat and possibly including interest visits.
Special Climbs - There has been talk from time to time amongst some members that they wish they could do such and such a ‘climb’ or ‘rake’ or ‘edge’ when the planned walk is so near. This is generally not advisable because of the need to keep the walk properly within its bounds and not place walkers in the position of having to attempt something that is too ambitious or even frightening for them. The wish lists included Sharp Edge, Jack’s Rake, Fisher Wife’s Rake, even Striding Edge.This begs the question whether there may be an interest in some of our leaders being willing and able to organise specific small ‘one off’ groups within a future programme which are centred on these special features - on a pre-booked basis.
FOUNDERS DAY EVENT
This is the marking of the founding of the group with a special day when we can do something which is walk related and which can be enjoyed by all group members. This could be once a year or once every few years, or just on special anniversaries. It was proposed to organise aFounders Day event for 2016, being a third of a century anniversary. During summer this year a special walk was organised across the Pennine divide from Lunedale near Middleton-in-Teesdale to Brough. A highlight of the day was the travel out by classic coach in addition to the walk itself. A similar proposal is being mooted for the Founders Day.
THE EDEN WHEEL
During Sundays in June and July 2014 the West Section (or Western Rim) walks of the Eden Wheel were completed and plans are afoot for the second year’s (2015) walks around what might be termed the Northern Rim, between Mosedale and Alston.
Walks 5 to 8 are proposed as follows:
Walk 5 - Bowscale to Bustabeck, near SeberghamWalk 7 - Armathwaite to Renwick
Walk 6 - Bustabeck to ArmathwaiteWalk 8 - Renwick to Alston
GROUP MEMBERSHIP
Membership of the Penrith group fluctuates but remains high at about 350 members. The Group has decided to communicate with members by e-mail where applicable. This will not only save hundreds of pounds annually but will enable notifications to the membership to be on a more regular basis. Members would be made aware more quickly of group plans, programme changes, special walks and proposed social events. Approximately 180 members are already on the e-mail contact list but nearer a hundred percent is needed to maximise saving in cost and effort. If you agree to this form of communication then please provide your e-mail address to Membership Secretary David Dixon.
The most successful method of recruiting new members is by ‘one to one’ personal contact. To this end all members should carry a membership application form and walk leaders should carry a stock of them.
30 “WALKS IN THE PENRITH AREA”
The Group’s book can be purchased by Ramblers members at the discount price of £8 by contacting Graham Allan (tel. 01768 890390). Otherwise the book is retailed at £9.99.
SOCIAL & EVENTS
a) Christmas lunch 2014
This years Christmas Lunch is arranged for 12.30pm on Friday 12thDecember, 2014 in North Lakes Hotel.
b) Weekend at HF Monk Coniston 2015
The HF Walking Weekend 2015 will be at Monk Coniston from 27th to 30th March. Despite a good number attending places may still be available at £193.00 per person. In addition if anyone wishes to join just the walks a full programme will be available in the New Year. Contact Peter and Sally Hinchliffe for further details. Leaders and organisers met recently to agree the Coniston walks programme offering options of strenuous, moderate and leisurely walks.
GROUP ACTIVITY CLUB MEMBERSHIP of HF
Penrith Ramblers now has an HF HolidaysActivity Club Membership. Details of the benefits of the membership are minuted. There may be a small logo / heading / advert appear on Group stationery in order to claim a payment per issue. The Group will not be supplying HF Holidays with a list of names and addresses of members.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2014 ……… MP Rory Stewart addressed Group members in the hour leading up to the AGM 2014 with an interesting and stimulating presentation. The event was successful and it is hoped to arrange for another keynote speaker to address the 2015 AGM.
QUIZ TASTER
Each of the following phrases is an anagram of a Lakeland Fell. The answers are below but, in order to deter casual cribbing, will still need a little effort to work out – each answer is listed in a continuous string and not in the same order as the questions.
1. FIFE LAIRD. 2. NT BOOK STING. 3. RAG ROOMS. 4. GIVE TO H.H. 5. STALKABLE.
6. CALLS RANGE. 7. ALBERT CHAN. 8. REAL DISC. 9. HOLD C. HAGUE.13. GIRL TAG
10. GRAPE TUCK Co. 11. FIERY GARY. 12. NO KIP HERE..18. INDYANA GRASS CUT.
14. I HALT DOLLOP. 15. I’M MAROONED. 16. I BOIL SPECK. 17. IS BORN ON.
19. TOASTS HER URN. 20. HEW MALTER.
QUOTATIONS
The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk. - Jacqueline Schiff
I have two doctors, my left leg and my right. - G.M. Trevelyan
A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world. - Paul Dudley White
Walking would teach people the quality that youngsters find so hard to learn - patience. - Edward P. Weston.
Don't think you're on the right road just because it's a well-beaten path. - Author unknown
My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was sixty. She’s ninety-seven now and we don’t know where the heck she is. – Ellen DeGeneres
AND IN SCOTLAND
What comes after two straight days of rain in Fort William? Monday morning.
How do the locals predict the weather in Fort William? If you can see Ben Nevis it's going to rain. If you can't see Ben Nevis, it's raining.
It only rains twice a year in Fort William - October to May and June to September.
A clever caption thought up by Graham Allan for his photograph above is
“Walking in Reflected Mood on ThrelkeldKnotts”
FUTURE ISSUES
The above puzzles, humour and photograph show a sample of space usage which in this issue has a self imposed restriction of four sides for printing economy. The website edition will not have size restrictions and future issues will use space required to cover submissions from members and larger images to see the detail readily. So put on your thinking caps and start submitting
DIARY DATES 2014 / 2015
12th December 2014: Christmas Lunch.12th March 2015: 7.30 pm - Committee Meeting
27th to 30th March 2015: HF Weekend at MonkConiston7th June 2015: Eden Wheel Northern Rim Walk 5
21st June 2015: Eden Wheel Northern Rim Walk 65th July 2015: Eden Wheel Northern Rim Walk 7
10th July 2015: 7.30 pm - Committee Meeting19th July 2015: Eden Wheel Northern Rim Walk 8
30th October 2015: 7.00 pm – 33rd AGM12th November 2015: 7.30 pm - Committee Meeting
GROUP OFFICERS and COMMITTEE 2014/15
OfficersCommittee
Chairman Graham AllanJean Bradshaw
Treasurer Philip HollandMartin Hodgson
Secretary Sue Marshall (01768 897159)John Upson
Membership Secretary David Dixon (01768 863155)Mary Patmore
Webmaster Colin GibbFrances Bell
Programme Secretary Janet Arnison
Footpath Secretary Alan Duval
Countryside Secretary Charlie Shepherd
Social Secretaries Sally & Peter Hinchliffe(01768 897079)
Press & Publicity Officer Harry Upton (017684 80191)
ANSWERS TO QUIZ;
CLOUGHHEADGRASMOORLATRIGGFAIRFIELDHERONPIKEALLENCRAGSGIBSONKNOTTGREATCOCKUPCARLSIDEGREYFRIARHIGHTOVELOADPOTHILLWETHERLAMSAINTSUNDAYCRAGPIKEOBLISCOBAKESTALLSTONEARTHURMAIDENMOORROBINSON
Newsletter Editor: Harry Upton
Penrith Ramblers is an Activity Club Member of HF Holidays
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