The seed was sown in the Autumn of 1973 when Ken Smithem was asked to arrange walks for a few interested colleagues in the Lucas electronics factory at Mere Green. Having thought he had discouraged them with the scramble up Tryfan they came back for more, so the idea of a club was formed. At an inaugural meeting, which was so well attended that it filled the whole canteen area, the Lucas Fellwalking and Rambling Club was born. Representatives from the nine main midlands factory areas were elected to produce a programme of walks.
The cold, 20 - seater coach for the first club walk, left the Great King Street factory on 17th February 1974, bound for Lathkill Dale. In this first year. members' subs were deducted from their monthly wages. Finding this arrangement less than satisfactory, the club was dissolved at its first AGM in February 1975, and reopened to all-comers as the Hill Walking Club - a double entendre reflecting the Hill Village area of its origin as well as our intention of being much more than a rambling club.
Ray Siddell was the first chairman, and Stan Patchett designed the first club badge which is still seen on a few rucksacks, and now on the website. Little remains in the club archive from that very early period, but an entry from May 1975 details two walks interestingly described as a 'Ramble' and a 'Fell Walk'. The Ramble led by Joy and Ken Madeley took walkers from Patterdale, along Grisedale to finish at Grasmere. The Fell Walk led by Stan Bellaby and (of course!) Ken Smithem, was over St Sunday Crag, offering walkers a chance to watch fell runners on the Fairfield Horseshoe.
Many friendships, marriages, subgroups for weekly walks and backpacking have been generated from the contacts through the Club – we all have that common interest at heart.
May it long continue.
Ken
Click
on highlighted dates for details |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 18 May 2014 6. 00am Wetherlam
Wetherlam in the English Lake District is the most northerly of the Coniston Fells; its north-east slopes descend to Little Langdale.
Starting from the Grasmere area the A & B walks will ascend Wetherlam via its north eastern ridges, while the C walk will be circular starting from Coniston in the Yewdale Fells area.
Map……………………………….Explorer OL6 & OL7 English Lakes SE & SW
Walk details………………………………………………...………..…Wendy Price
Sunday 16 June 2013 6.00am Wharfedale
I
All walks centre on the Anglo Saxon village of Kettlewell in the Yorkshire Dales National Park taking in one or both of the high points in the area; Buckden Pike and Great Whernside. All walks are circular starting and ending in Kettlewell
A Walk Distance 23.4km Ascent 1085m
Starting in Kettlewell the A party proceed to Starbottom via New Bridge and Moor End and then to Buckden Pike via the disused lead mine. The A’s then head for Great Whernside via Hard Rake Quarries, Tor Mere Top, Little Hunters Sleets and Hern Gill Shaw. Great Whernside is followed until the Cairn at 704 m where the route descends back to Kettlewell via Had Dike.
Walk Leaders - Gavin Palmer, Bob Price, Jo Hayward
B Walk Distance 20.5km Ascent 850m
The B party proceed to Starbottom via Cross Wood then ascend via the Walden Road to the shake holes below Memorial Cross. From here the B’s follow the A route for the rest of the day.
Walk Leaders - Sylvia and Paul Burns
C Walk Distance 14km Ascent 586m
The C party follow Top Mere track to Top Mere where they follow the A route for the rest of the day.
Walk Leaders - Wendy Price and Howard Hill
Map ……………………………Explorer OL 30 Yorkshire Dales North and Central
Walk details …………………...………….……………….………...…….Sylvia Burns
ALL WALKS CROSS BOGGY AREAS, GAITERS AND A POLE ADVISABLE
Sunday 21 July 2013 6.00am Moel Hebog & Mynydd Mawr
Walk Organiser – Wendy Price
The A walk, starting on the A498 at (SH593484) crosses the river Glaslyn and follows the track into Beddgelert. Turning south along the picturesque riverside path to Nantmor from where the path climbs up through the Aberglaslyn woods to Oerddwr-uchaf. Descending in a northerly direction past Bron Hebog then turning south west join the B route for the ascent of Moel Hebog, the B route is then followed to the finish at Rhyd-Ddu (SH571526).
Leaders: Richard and Carol Gosling
Distance: 17Km Height Gain: 1290m
The B walk, starting on the A498 at (SH611493) crosses the river Glaslyn to follow the track into Beddgelert. Then heading south west begins the climb to the summit of Moel Hebog, at 782m the highest point of the day. (Part of this route involves some easy scrambling). A steep descent to Bwlch Meillionen then follows before the ascents of Moel yr Ogof and Moel Lefn. Continuing north steep, slippery and loose descent goes down into the abandoned Prince of Wales slate quarries, after which the path climbs to the Beddgelert Forest and then descends to the finish at Rhyd-Ddu (SH571526).
Leaders: Sylvia and Paul Burns
Distance: 15Km Height Gain: 1090m
The C walk, starts at Betws Garmon (SH538574) and climbs south west towards the disused quarries of Moel Tryfan then turns south east to climb to the summit of Mynydd Mawr, at 698m the highest point of the day. The walk continues by descending south then east on the lovely curved ridge of Craig y Bera until the top of Foel Rudd is reached. The descent continues on a steep narrow ridge down to the edge of the forest then turns south west down towards Drws-y-coed, a quiet lane and paths are then followed to the finish at Rhyd-Ddu. (SH571526).
On a fine day there are good views of, Snowdon, the Nantle Ridge and the Moel Hebog group.
Leaders: Wendy Price & Howard Hill
Distance: 12Km Height Gain: 700m
Map: 1:25000 Exlplorer OL17 Snowdon and Conwy Valley
Toilets and boot stop @ Pentrefoelas on the A5.
Sunday 18 August 2013 6.00am Pumlumon / Devil’s Bridge
Three great rivers, the Severn, Wye and Rheidol begin their journeys on the slopes of Pumlumon, while Devil’s Bridge (Pontarfynach), beautifully situated at the confluence of the Rheidol and Mynach, is justifiably renowned for the splendid Mynach Falls and the terminus of the Vale of Rheidol steam railway. The ‘A’ and ‘B’ parties will start with an ascent of Pumlumon, then make their way to Devil’s Bridge by different routes, while the ‘C’s will enjoy a circular walk from Devil’s Bridge taking in Pen y Garn and exploring the attractive valleys of the Mynach and its tributaries.
Map …………………………….. Explorer 213 Aberystwyth & Cwm Rheidol
Walk details………………………………….………………………...…Colin Little
Sunday 15 September 2013 6.00am Aran Mountains
These Welsh walks give superb views of the Dovey Hills and Cadair Idris whilst crossing slender ridges, rugged crags and deep valleys. Oh, and of course some boggy bits. Aran Fawddy, Aran Benlyn and Drysgol will all be ascended with the A party also visiting the highest man made lake in Wales. All walks finish in Dinas Mawddwy.
Map………………………………………….Explorer OL23 Cadair Idris & Llyn Tegid
Walk details……………………………………………………………….. Gavin Palmer
Friday 11– Mon 14 October 2013 Club Weekend Paignton
The South-west Peninsula Coastal Path is England’s longest National Trail, many stretches of which we have walked on previous Club weekends. We will enjoy sections of this path on both the Saturday and Sunday walks. The Saturday walk will take us to Kingswear and Dartmouth from where we return to Paignton hauled by a steam locomotive of the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, while the Sunday walk will give us the opportunity to explore the area around Brixham.
Map………………………………………………....Explorer 110 Torquay and Dawlish
Walk details …….………………………………………...………………..….Colin Little
Sunday 20 October 2013 6.00am Fairfield Horseshoe
All walks will start with an ascent of Red Screes and on to Middle Dodd immediately after alighting from the coach at the Kirkstone Inn. From here, the C party will descend to Rydal via the Scandale Pass while the B party will continue to Dove Crag and descend to Rydal over High and Low Pike. Both parties will continue to Grasmere. The A route will follow the B route but divert to High Hartsop Dodd, continuing to Fairfield via Hart Crag before descending into Grasmere via Great Rigg and Heron Pike, or Stone Arthur depending on the situation on the day.
Maps ………………………Explorer OL5 & OL7 English Lakes NE and SE areas
Walk details………………………………...……………………….Arthur Drinkwater
Sunday 6 October 2013 Car Walk Cromford
Our Sunday car walk takes us to Derbyshire where we will explore the area around Cromford just south of Matlock. Both walks are circular starting at the Cromford Wharf carpark at 10.00am
Map………………………………Explorer OL24 The Peak District - White Peak area
Walk details………..……………………………………… Sylvia Burns/Ken Smithem
Sunday 17 November 2013 6.00am Saddleworth Moor
The A & B parties head North from Tintwistle and after visiting Chew Reservoir and Laddow Rocks walk to Ravenstones before descending to Dovestones Reservoir. The C walk will be circular from Dovestones Reservoir. A day of wild peat moors, majestic gritstone edges and, subject to the weather, panoramic views of the Western Pennines.
Map……………………………….Explorer OL1 The Peak District - Dark Peak area
Walk details ………………………………………………………………..John Collins
Sunday 15 December 2013 7.00am Derbyshire
The A & B parties follow the gritstone edges South from Foxhouses to the mysteries of the Chatsworth Estate. We then cross Calton Pastures and the River Wye to reach Bakewell. The C party will walk from Bakewell cattle market to the Rutland Arms by a circuitous route which will take all day.
Map…………………………….Explorer OL24 The Peak District - White Peak area
Walk details …………...…………..……….…….………………………...John Collins
Sunday 19 January 2014 6.30am Offa’s Dyke/Clun area
Offa’s Dyke path is a 285km National Trail that roughly follows the English/Welsh border from the Severn Estuary to the Irish Sea. Our walks will follow some of this trail, alongside part of the 8th century earthwork of Offa’s Dyke itself, so expect undulating paths and good views over the Middle Welsh Marches. All walks will finish in the small town of Clun, described as “a rural gem in the South Shropshire Hills”
Map …………………....Explorer 216 Welshpool and Montgomery and surroundings
Walk details ……….……………………………………………….……….Carol Gosling
.
Sunday 16 February 2014 7.00am The Cotswolds
Our walks will explore the limestone escarpment above Cheltenham, using the northern parts of the Cotswold Way. Expect undulating terrain, Neolithic sites, the Devil’s Chimney and on a clear day, superb views west, to The Malvern Hills and over the Severn Vale, into Wales.
Map …………...Explorer 179 Gloucester Cheltenham and Stroud and surroundings
Walk details ……….………………………………………………………..Carol Gosling
Fri 28 Feb - Mon 3 Mar 2014 Club Weekend Borrowdale
We return again to the Royal Oak which proved such a popular venue in 2012. We will be sampling the delights of sections of the Cumbria Way and Allerdale Ramble as well as the Rosthwaite and Seathwaite Fells which are accessible from the hotel door. Conditions permitting we can also ascend summits in the Scafell group.
Map…………………………….…………..…….Explorer OL4 English Lakes NW area
Details from…………………………,…….….…….………………….……Gavin Palmer
Sunday 16 March 2014 6.00am Berwyns
Here’s an opportunity to see Pistyll Rhaeader, one of the highest waterfalls in the UK. These are by far the best walks in the Berwyns and will include the main Berwyn ridge. The A & B walks start from the Llandrillo area, while the C walk will be starting from the top of the Cwm Rhiwarth pass; all walks descend to the falls and finish at Llangynog.
Map……………………………………..………...Explorer 255 Llangollen & Berwyn
Walk details………………………………………………………………...Howard Hill
Sunday 13 April 2014 6.00am The Rhinogs
The northern Rhinogs present some of the roughest and toughest walking to be found anywhere in Wales. The hills form a barrier stretching for 13 miles from the Vale of Ffestiniog in the north to the Mawddach estuary in the south. Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach have a beauty all of their own and are the jewels of this area.
Our walks will start from the southern and eastern approaches and will include all of the main summits.
The walks revisit the infamous Rhinogs walks of 2012. This time we hope the weather is kinder and all walks will go to plan with glorious views!.
Map……………………………………Explorer OL18 Harlech, Porthmadog & Bala
Walk details………………….……..………… ………………………….. Wendy Price
Sunday 19 May 2013 6.00am Great Langdale
Cost of this months walk is £15 members £17 non members
Walk Organiser – Wendy Price
All walks are circular and start from the National Trust car park near the New Dungeon Gill Hotel. (NY294064)
The A walk starts in a westerly direction passing Stool End Farm and then climbs The Band on the way to the summit of Bow Fell, the summit route will be by way of the climbers traverse. Turning south the walk continues over Crinkle Crags to Little Stand then turns east to climb Cold Pike. The descent is via Oxendale back to the finish at the NDGH. (NY294064)
Leaders: Richard and Carol Gosling
Distance: 16.5Km Height Gain: 1150m
The B walk climbs north west to the summit of Loft Crag then continues on to Pike O Stickle where there will be an optional scramble. The walk turns east to climb Harrison Stickle, the highest of the Langdale Pikes, then north to Pavey Ark and then west to Thunacar Knott. The walk continues north to High Raise and then turns south east to Sergeant Man. The descent is via Stickle Tarn and Stickle Gill to the finish at the NDGH. (NY294064).
Leaders: Sylvia and Paul Burns
Distance: 11Km Height Gain: 880m
The C walk starts in a westerly direction passing Stool End Farm and climbs up through Oxendale to Red Tarn then descends to Three Shires Stone and down the Wrynose Pass. Continuing north through Blea Moss and up to the picturesque Blea Tarn the walk then descends past Side House to the finish at the NDGH. (NY294064).
Leaders: Wendy Price & Arthur Drinkwater
Distance: 12Km Height Gain: 570m
Map: 1:25000 Exlplorer OL6 English Lakes SW Area
Toilets and boot stop @ Burton in Kendal services on the M6.
Tuesday 20 May 2014 7.30pm Sutton Park
The first evening walk of 2014 takes us to our local treasure, Sutton Park. Covering 2,000 acres, the park, with its mix of open heathland, woodlands, wetlands, marshes and lakes, provides varied walking right on our doorstep. Meet at what was ‘La Reserve’ (SP105953).
Map…………………………………… …………………..…..Explorer 220 Birmingham
Walk details…………………………………………..Sue & David Howles/Sylvia Burns
Tuesday 25 June 2013 7.30pm Holly Bush, Little Hay
The walk starts from the Holly Bush pub, Little Hay Lane, Shenstone WS14 0QA at Little Hay taking a circular route round the lanes and woods returning to the pub for evening refreshments.
Map………………………………………………………….....Explorer 220 Birmingham
Walk details ………………..………...…………...……….Roger Needle/Gavin Palmer
Tuesday 23 July 2013 7.30pm Lichfield
Meet at the Bowling Green Pub (SK 112 090) for a five to six mile country walk taking in the Heart of England Way, 2 Saints Way and the Darwin Walk!
Map………………………………..….………Explorer 232 Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk details ……...……………….…………………….Pauline Rooker/John Collins
Tuesday 30 October 2012 8.00pm Plough & Harrow
Do you have some good photos and interesting memories? Please share them with the rest of the club.
Details from ……………………………………………………………….John
Collins
Tuesday 26 February 2014 7.45pm AGM Plough & Harrow
This year the Spring Club Night and the AGM will take place on the same night at the Plough and Harrow. It is an opportunity for members to discuss any matters with the Committee in a convivial atmosphere. The year’s accounts will be distributed in advance, and our Treasurer will explain them and answer any questions.
Details from Colin Little/Carol Gosling
Tuesday 19 March 2013 Spring Club Night
Join us for an evening of fun at the Plough & Harrow at 7.45pm.
There will be 3 quizzes, one on general knowledge, one on local area knowledge and one on, well wait and see. Teams of 3 persons to be arranged on the evening.
Added bonuses:
Prize for each member of the winning team based on the cumulative total score for the 3 quizzes.
Snack to be provided, probably sausage & chips.
Plough & Harrow
Slade Road
Sutton Coldfield
B75 5BF
Contact: Howard Hill
e-mail : howhill@tiscali.co.uk
Tuesday 21 May 2013 7.30pm Canwell
Just on our doorstep and easy to get to we have a fine walk for a fine May evening, with some surprising ups and downs. We start the walk at SK139005 where there is parking outside Canwell Caravans on London Road between the B4151 (off Tamworth Road) and the A38.
Map…………………………………………
Explorer 232 Nuneaton and Tamworth
Walk details from ……………………...………….……………...…….Colin
Lowrey
Tuesday 30th October 2013 8.00pm Plough & Harrow
Do you have some good photos and interesting memories? Please share them with the rest of the club.
Details from ------------------------------John Colins
Walking once a month on a Sunday, our programme takes us to the best of the high places in England and Wales.Starting from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, we travel there and back by coach, replacing the stress of driving with a comfortable journey, and maybe even a nap and a drink.
We usually offer three walks of varying length and difficulty, and because we take the safety of our members seriously, all routes are thoroughly researched and led by experienced walkers.We also have local evening walks in summer, occasional club nights in winter and weekends away at least twice a year.
We are a convivial group and look forward to welcoming new enthusiasts to our club
The following list of clothing and equipment is agreed by the Club Committee, and links directly with the club rules.If committee members are unhappy about your clothing you may be restricted in the walks you can do, or even excluded from the days walk.
Considered to be essential;
- Walking Boots with a good ankle support and well cleated soles.(Trainers or Approach Shoes are not acceptable)
- Good quality waterproofs, jacket and over trousers.
- Hat
- Gloves
- Rucksack(do not share)
- Hot Flasks are needed in winter.
- Plenty of water in the summer will stop you getting dehydrated.
- Enough food for the day
Advisory;
- Extra warm top.
- Gaiters
- Spare Socks
- A change of dry clothing left on the coach is useful.
- Sun protection cream (all seasons)
- Map, compass and torch
- Survival bag
- Personal First Aid Kit (comprehensive kit carried by walk leaders)
General;
- Clothes must be able to adapt to changeable mountain weather. Tops and trousers will be more comfortable made from lightweight fabrics designed to keep you warm in winter or cool in summer. These fabrics often draw moisture away from your body keeping you more comfortable. Thick cotton garments should be avoided as they are likely to get very wet, taking a long time to dry. Jeans are not allowed.
- You will be out for a whole day, with no scheduled visits to food shops.You need sufficient calories to get you up the hills!
- Please let the walk leaders know if you have a medical condition which could affect you on the walk
WINTER NEWSLETTER 2013
A very Happy New Year to you all. 2012 was the second wettest year since records began, but despite what appeared to be continual rain throughout the year, we actually only had one seriously wet Sunday walk. However, the ground is saturated so conditions underfoot remain decidedly squelchy-hard to believe that it is less than a year since we had drought conditions across the UK!
ANNUAL DINNER –
DECEMBER 2012
We rounded off our walking programme of 2012 in winter sunshine,with three
enjoyable walks in the Peak District, followed by our annual dinner at the
Rutland Arms in Bakewell. The A and C parties started at Wyedale and then
used various bridleways and the Monsal Trail to wend their ways back to
the hotel. The B party completed a circular walk from Bakewell, taking in
Monsal Dale and Monsal Head.
The facilities and service at the hotel were excellent and the meal was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Bernard Smith, who, on behalf of the members, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the committee and also entertained us with his ditties. Thanks to John Collins, who was organiser of both the walks and the meal arrangements, which ensured that the evening went smoothly.
Unfortunately, on this occasion, the A walk did not go to plan and Chris Jennings slipped on a grassy path, turned his ankle and fell heavily. He was unable to walk so Mountain rescue services were called out. Three members stayed with Chris until they arrived; the rest of the A party did a reduced walk back to Bakewell. Chris was stretchered over the tops to a waiting ambulance and taken to Chesterfield hospital for Xray. We are pleased to report that there was no fracture, but a very bad sprain and he was taken home by a family member. As of beginning of January, Chris has more movement in the ankle but was still not driving. We hope you continue to improve Chris.
CLUB WEEKEND MARCH 1st- MARCH 4th 2013
This year we are staying at the Coledale Inn, at Braithwaite. (Directions are on the website). Set in some of the best walking country in the Northern Lakes, the possibilities are endless, either direct from the door or with minimal use of cars. Walks are still being finalised but a varied selection will be available, subject to the weather conditions. Gavin Palmer will be producing a weekend programme for distribution nearer the time. However, balances of money are now due, so please bring your cheque book on the January coach.
AGM- TUESDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2013 (HOPEFULLY)
This is the yearly opportunity for members to
discuss any matters regarding the running of the club with the committee.
Come along and air your views and any suggestions you may have. The AGM
will hopefully be held at 8.00pm on Tuesday 26th February at The Plough
and Harrow on Slade Road.
PLEASE NOTE: WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE PLOUGH AND HARROW IS DUE FOR REFURBISHMENT
IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE WHICH MAY EFFECT DATE OR LOCATION OF AGM. WE WILL
KEEP YOU POSTED AS SOON AS WE HAVE ANY FIRM NEWS.
COVER PHOTOGRAPH
The competition for the cover photograph closes on January 16th. Please send any entries to Bob Price. The winner will be chosen at the January committee meeting and will receive a free coach place as a prize. Details of the winner will be posted on the website (in the newsletter) and will be announced on the coach.
SPRING CLUB NIGHT TUESDAY 19th MARCH 2013 8.00PM
We hope to hold our spring social event of a quiz at The Plough and Harrow on Slade Road., refurbishment permitting! Teams of four to be decided on the night - its designed to be a social event and not to be taken too seriously, so come along for an evening of fun and entertainment-partners are very welcome too. Bob Price and Howard Hill will be the quiz masters.
AUTUMN CLUB WEEKEND FRIDAY 20th-MONDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER 2013
Colin Little will again be organising the autumn coastal walking weekend. Destination will be either Whitby or Torbay, subject to finding suitable hotel accommodation. More details to follow when they become available.
NEW PROGRAMME DATES
The committee have been discussing the suggestions put forward by the members for the Sunday walks, evening walks and club nights for the 2012/2013 programme. Although destinations have not yet been finalised, the following dates are confirmed for your diaries.
2013
Sunday walk
16th June
Evening walk 25th
June
Sunday walk
21th July
Evening walk
23rd July
Sunday walk
18th August
Sunday walk
15th September
Sunday Car Walk
6th October
Coastal weekend 11th-14th October
Sunday walk
20th October
Club Night
29th October
Sunday walk
17th November
Sunday walk
15th December
2014
Sunday walk
19th January
Sunday walk
16th February
A.G.M
25th February
Club weekend
28th February-3rd March
Sunday walk
16th March
Club night
25th March
Sunday walk
13th April
Sunday walk
18th May
Evening walk
20th May
NAVIGATION-A CAUTIONARY TALE
For those members who still use a compass to navigate by, please be aware
that the accuracy can be permanently affected by
electronic devices such as mobile phones, GPS and also magnets. Wendy
and myself had serious navigational problems on a recent holiday in the
Lakes when thick mist descended we discovered that both our compasses had
become very inaccurate. In fact, after checking, they were both nearly 180
deg. out of true. We feel that in our case the problem was caused by the
magnets in our recently purchased Osprey hydration systems.Please check
the accuracy of your compass before you find yourself in a position when
you really need to use it.
(If you have a Sylva compass with an accuracy problem you can send it back
to them and they will recalibrate it free of charge).
Bob Price.
TOUR DU MONT BLANC
Most of you are aware that Pauline and John Rooker successfully completed the Tour du Mont Blanc this autumn. They wish to extend their thanks to all those who kindly sponsored them, enabling them to reach their target of £500 as a donation to DSUK a charity for disabled skiers.
HEALTH UPDATES
Those of you who were at the December dinner
will know that Jon Abrahams has made an excellent recovery from his heart
attack and was able to join us both for the dinner and the walk.
Colin Lowrey continues to progress following his hip surgery. He is hoping
to start walking again with the Ramblers and hopes to return to the Hill
Walking Club some time in the future.
QUOTE OF THE QUARTER
There's nothing like the freedom of walking
to clear the mind and rejuvenate the spirit-the exhilaration of becoming
lost in your own thoughts.
Julia Bradbury
BBC Countryfile.
Contact us email ----
| How do I contact the club for more information? | Use the contact email link at the top of this page, and we will get back to you. It would be useful if you leave a phone number. |
Can I come on the next walk?
|
Use the email link at the top of this page and we will get back to you about coach availability, please leave a phone number |
| Where do you meet? | The coach picks us up from the car park in Mere Green. |
| How do I become a member? | The Club Rules require that a perspective member would normally have to complete 2 "B" walks succesfully to be eligible for club membership. |
| What fitness level is required?
|
A good level of fitness is required as all walks are in mountainous and sometimes remote areas.An average "B" walk is 18 kilometres in length and 900 metres of ascent, depending on the terrain,to be completed in about 6 hrs
|
What equipment is needed?
|
Please refer to the "Safety & Kit" link |
What do I wear?
|
Please refer to the "Safety & Kit" link |
| How much does it cost? | The annual membership at present is £20. The coach costs vary, depending on the distance travelled, but is generally between £12 and £17.
|
| Is there an age limit? | We don't have an upper age limit, -as long as you are fit enough to do the walks, thats fine. We do have a lower age limit of 18. |
| Can I take my dog on the walks? | No, we don't have dogs on our Sunday walks. |
| Latest
News |
||
| June's walk |
October Weekend |
|
 |
|
|
| Discount O/S maps and more | |
| http://www.stanfords.co.uk/ | Maps and books for far away places |
| http://www.blacks.co.uk/ | Outdoor stuff (dont forget its a 10% discount in store for club members) |
| http://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/ | Mountain Rescue council |
| http://www.walkingenglishman.com/lakes.htm | Walking ideas in the Lakes |
| http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/ | Walks in the Highlands |
| http://www.munromagic.com/ | A site if you are doing the Munros |
| http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/ | Discuss anything to do with walking |
| http://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/ | Mountain Bothie association |
| http://www.wasdaleweb.co.uk/wasdalewebcam.html | Wasdale webcam |
| http://www.elh.co.uk/watersports/web_cam.aspx | A set of wecams at the watersports center Windermere |
| http://visit-fortwilliam.co.uk/webcam/ | Ben Nevis webcam |
| http://www.brecon-beacons.com/mountain-safety-advice.htm | Good safety advice for all mountain areas |
| http://www.sgurramblers.org.uk/ | A walking club specialising on walks in Scotland |
| http://www.bada-uk.org | Advice on ticks, & tick removal tool |
| http://www.lockwoods.com/ | Outdoor shop in Leamington Spa ( 10% discount for club members) |
| www.walkinginengland.co.uk | Walking ideas |
| http://www.sefitness.com | Fitness group based in Sutton Park |
| http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.php | This is the link for the Spkes some of us were using on the Long Mynd ( they are on the Amazon site) |
| http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPZv_8dA ... r_embedded | Using a mobile phone in an emergency /accident |
|
Weather Forecasts |
|
Yorkshire
Dales |
 |
Brecon Beacon |
|
Peak District |
|
Lakes |
|
Snowdonia |
|
All Areas |
|
Hill Walking Club
Constitution
1 Title: The Club shall be called the Hill Walking Club, hereafter to be referred to as ‘the Club’ and shall be affiliated to the Ramblers’ Association.
2 Objects:
To foster and promote challenging walks in hill country, providing opportunities
for recreation and leisure.
3 Membership: The following are eligible
for membership:
3.1 Membership of the Club shall be open to any person of 18yrs or above, completing a membership application form and paying the relevant subscription as determined by the Annual General Meeting, and who has completed two walks with the Club, to the satisfaction of the Committee.
3.2 There shall be
2 classes of membership available. These are:
3.2.1 Full Member
3.2.2 Honorary Member
4. Expulsion of Members: Members of the
Club whose conduct is inappropriate or who decline to abide by any of the
Club Rules may be expelled or suspended by a resolution passed at a meeting
of the Committee where their subscription may be forfeited. Members shall
have a right to appeal in person to the Committee with regard to any decision
affecting them, provided that notice of such appeal is submitted to the
Secretary, in writing, within seven days of the notification of the decision.
5. Officers and Committee Members: There will be nine members of the Club committee, three of which shall hold the offices of Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer.
6. Election of Officers and Committee:
6.1 All Committee
members shall be elected for a period of three years. The elections shall
be staggered in order to maintain continuity within the Committee.
6.2 Each year, any member of the Club may
offer him/herself for election to the Committee, provided that a proposed
and seconded application form is received by the Committee 60 days prior
to the AGM.
Elections shall take place at the Annual General Meeting.
6.3 The officers shall be decided by the Committee.
7. Duties of the Committee:
7.1 The affairs of the Club shall be controlled by the Committee. The Committee shall meet at agreed intervals, and not less than twelve times per year.
7.2 The duties of
the Committee shall be:
7.2.1 To control the affairs of the Club
on behalf of the members.
7.2.2 To keep accurate records of the finances
of the Club through the Treasurer. These shall be available for reasonable
inspection by members, and should be externally reviewed before every Annual
General Meeting. The Club shall maintain a bank account and the following
officers shall be authorised to sign Club cheques: two from the Chairperson,
Treasurer, and Secretary.
7.2.3 To co-opt additional members to the
Committee if the Committee feels this is necessary. Co-opted members shall
not be entitled to a vote on the Committee.
7.2.4 To make decisions on the basis of
a simple majority vote.
8. General Meetings:
8.1 The Annual
General Meeting (AGM) of the Club shall be held not later than the end of
February each year. At least 60 days written notice of the AGM shall be
given to members. Members must advise the Secretary in
writing of any business to be moved at the AGM at least 30 days before the
meeting. A copy of the Agenda shall be sent to members not less than 7 days
before the meeting.
8.2 The business
of the AGM shall be to:
8.2.1 Receive and confirm the minutes of
the previous AGM and any Special General Meetings held since the last AGM
from the Secretary.
8.2.2 Receive the externally reviewed accounts
for the year from the Treasurer.
8.2.3 Receive the annual report of the
Club’s activities from theChairperson.
8.2.4 Elect Committee members as necessary.
8.2.5 Transact such business received in
writing by the Secretary from members 30 days prior to the meeting and included
on the agenda.
8.2.6 Accept, from members, items of Any
Other Business which do not require a vote.
8.3 Special General Meetings may be convened
by the Committee or on receipt by the Secretary of a request in writing,
from not less than 5 Full Members of the Club. At least 30 days notice of
the meeting shall be given.
8.4 At all General Meetings, the chair will be taken by the Chairperson or, in their absence, by a deputy appointed by the Committee.
8.5 Decisions
taken at a General Meeting shall be by a single majority vote.
8.6 A quorum for a General Meeting shall
be 16 members.
8.7 Each Full
Member of the Club shall be entitled to one vote at
General Meetings.
9. Alterations to the Constitution: Any proposed alterations to the Club Constitution may only be considered at the Annual or a Special General Meeting, convened with the required notice of the proposal. Any alteration or amendment must be proposed by a Full Member of the Club, and seconded by another Full Member. Such alterations may be passed subject to conditions 8.5 and 8.6.
10. Dissolution:
10.1 If at
any General Meeting of the Club, a resolution be passed calling for dissolution
of the Club, the Secretary shall immediately convene a Special General Meeting
to be held not less than 30 days
thereafter to discuss and vote on the resolution.
10.2 If at that Special General Meeting,
the resolution is carried by a simple majority, the General Committee shall
thereupon, or at such date as shall have been specified in the resolution,
proceed to realize the assets of the Club and discharge all debts and liabilities
of the Club.
10.3 After discharging all debts and liabilities
of the Club, the remaining
assets shall not be paid or distributed amongst the members of the Club,
but shall be given or transferred to some other organisation or organizations
having objectives similar to those of the Club.
Hill Walking Club
Rules
1 The annual subscription is set by the Committee and will run from 1st January to 31st December.
2 The Club requires that all members participating in full day walks are equipped according to the requirements outlined in the document which they receive when accepted for membership. Failure to do this could result in being excluded from the walk, and possible expulsion from the Club.
3 Members will have priority booking up to 1 week before the day of the walk. After that any remaining seats will be made available to non-members. The fare for the day becomes due in full at the time of booking, and will be collected on the day of the walk. If the seat is cancelled later than 7pm on the Thursday prior to the walk, the fare will still be payable unless the seat is sold.
4 The coach will leave Mere Green at the time stated in the programme. Refunds will not be available for those who miss it.
5 In the event of the coach being oversubscribed, members who sign on waiting lists for a walk must accept the Committee’s decisions re priority. It is the member’s responsibility to contact the Secretary before the walk to confirm or reject their place on the coach.
6 Visitors and guests are welcome on full day walks at the discretion of the Committee, having given prior notice. They will be charged a visitor’s fare and be expected to adopt the rules regarding walking and equipment.
7 During the walk, it is the responsibility of all walkers to accept the guidance of the leaders, respect the countryside codes and maintain a corporate responsibility which ensures a safe and successful day for all participants.
8 Members on
walks must inform the leaders if they are aware of any medical condition
or other reasons which might affect the successful completion of the walk.
Carol the "Chair" (Likes to be addressed as Sir) |
 |
||
 |
Colin the club secretary |
||
Bob our membership secretary |
 |
||
 |
John our treasurer (and the owner of the fattest wallet you're ever likely to see) |
||
Wendy, keeps everybody in order |
 |
||
 |
Gavin, what's not in his rucksack isn't worth having |
||
Arthur, our man in the Lakes |
 |
||
 |
Sylvia, a Great organiser | ||
 |
|||
Howard, Our newest committee member(certainly not our youngest)
|
|||
Click on photo to expand, click again to shrink
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
ebruary's
