RITA’S RAMBLINGS
June 2008
Welcome to all our new members – it is lovely to see so many new faces on our walks as well as our old friends. Again thank you to all the leaders who have led us on interesting and varied walks, both locally and further afield A special thank you to Ronnie and Mavis for organising such a good weekend in Sidmouth in April; everyone said how much they had enjoyed the weekend.
There has been some concern over car pool mileage rates. The committee voted earlier in the year to increase the rate for local journeys to 24p per mile per car, which took effect with the current programme. However, with the rapid rise in the cost of fuel, it was discussed again during this month’s committee meeting when it was decided 32p per mile would be a more realistic rate. This will take effect from the November programme. There seems to have been some confusion how drivers can claim the shortfall if they do not have the full quota of 4 people in the car (including the driver). The leader should pay any such driver the shortfall in cash and claim back the money from Richard with a completed form which is available from him. This, of course, applies only to drivers offering 3 seats, those who choose to travel on their own are not eligible for the money.
As reported in my last newsletter, Ruth Vidal has recovered well from her chemotherapy treatment of last year and has returned to work. She is taking part in the Cheltenham Circular Challenge run by the Rotary Club on 22nd June. There are 4 stages of 6 – 7 miles to complete a marathon. She is walking in aid of Leukaemia Research & The Dove Unit at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. She would be very glad to have company if any members would like to join her; alternatively if you would like to support her, but not participate you could sponsor her. Her telephone number is 07779 019 664 or e-mail address: ruthvidal@hotmail.com.
Looking ahead, some of us are looking forward to Sue Price’s weekend at Boscastle which is fully booked. There is still time to book Ray Woodruff’s weekend in the Elan Valley which is taking place at the end of August. George has organised a day out for us on the 16th July to the Black Country Museum, which includes a coal mining pit as well as the craft workshops and cottages, so it is well worth a visit. The booking form for the Car Pool was in the last mailing. In September Heather & Philip Andrew are leading a cycling weekend in the Brecon Beacons; the closing date for this is 7th July. I know its early to be thinking about Christmas when we haven’t had Summer yet, but do think about the Christmas Dinner, details of which are enclosed with this programme. Some people were disappointed last year as we were fully booked. There are, however more places available this year.
We have 20 members booked for the holiday next June in the beautiful Chartreuse Mountains in France, so if you would like to join us Tessa has kindly extended the date for booking until the end of this month. Jim White has organised a holiday in the Isle of Wight for September of next year, booking for this is still open.
Midummer’s Day will be here soon – let us hope we see plenty of sunshine before then (and afterwards)!
Wishing you all good walking, cycling, caving and horse riding. Those of you going away this summer I hope you all have an enjoyable time, with plenty to tell us on your return.
Rita Apperly
Chairman