As usual, we start by introducing the new members of the LDWA living in Wiltshire, who are assigned our Group by HQ. Welcome, then, to Laura Glynne-Jones, Eileen Darroch-Davies, Kane Wiles, Sue Melvin (of whom more below), Jacky Macqueen, and Clive Stephens. Laura and Eileen have already joined us on Social walks. The last two names have been advised only this week, so they are really new. We hope to make the personal acquaintance of the others on some future walk.
The Group AGM will take place after the Christmas lunch on Sunday 7th December at the Green Dragon in Marlborough, following the 11 mile walk organised by Tim Gravina. One of the subjects will be election of the Group officers, and members need to give consideration to this subject before the meeting.
The current elected officers are:
Stuart and myself are willing to stand again for re-election. David wishes to stand down. David is proposing John Walker to stand for election as the new chairman, and I am seconding this proposal. All the positions are open to other nominations from the membership, and will be voted on at the AGM. If you wish to stand for any of the posts, or to nominate someone else (for which you must have their prior agreement), please advise the Secretary before the meeting. Also please advise me if you wish to table any other items for the agenda. If you plan to take lunch at the pub, please notify Tim Gravina in advance.
The walks program is included in the Weekday walks section of the website
Click this link to see Béa Thérin's account of the weekend.
We intend to improve the programme for the working (waged?) members of the Wilts. Group during next summer, by running two weekend social walks in each month between May and September. These additional walks may be on a Saturday or Sunday, other than the traditional first Sunday in the month as presently. We need volunteers to lead these events, and I hope this will also be an opportunity to expand our existing pool of walk leaders. It is important for the vitality of the Group that everyone takes their turn in leading, so that we can experience new routes and new ideas. Please make sure you offer to run a minimum of one event this summer. There are plenty of members willing to help anyone who feels they lack sufficient experience.
Click this link to see Steve Braitwaite's piece on life before dawn.
Those members joining this event will know that Miriam Mitchell was 'volunteered' by our illustrious chairman to write an account for the benefit of those less fortunate. Sadly, due to a misunderstanding, this was not published in the subsequent Newsletter, although it was an excellent piece. As time has moved on, and the span of concentration of readers is limited, I concluded is too late to publish it in this edition. However, I strongly recommend you peruse by clicking this link, as it is very amusing.
Peter Fletcher and his wife Barbara recently walked the Way, which was a considerable achievement for her, as she had not previously done any long distance walking. Peter wrote up their experiences, but as this is quite long, I have included it as an attachment rather than in full.
This note is, to some extent, a justification for the planned weekend on 9/10th May, 2009. I last walked the South Down's Way about 12/15 years ago, and had high expectations of magnificent views after living in Sussex a few years beforehand. Sadly, it was not to be. From my arrival in Eastbourne, to my final abandonment 4 days, it rained unremittingly. Whatever one's enthusiasm at the start, the finest scenery in the world does not thrill in the pouring rain.
Earlier this year, I decided to give it a second chance. Again, I chose to walk from East to West starting from Eastbourne, and this time I was well rewarded for the effort. Not only did I get fabulous views from the Downs over the sea, but the weather was dry and warm. My route went from Eastbourne to Lewes to Steyning, then on to Harting and Winchester, a total of 106 miles.
Some observations
Try it yourself in May, 2009
LDWA News
Swindon Sports Roundabout features Wilts LDWA Group on their website.
View on www.sportsroundabout.co.uk/pages/leisure/walking.php
New member Sue Melvin, living in Roundway, runs a walking and associated transport business. Her website is www.whitehorsewalking.co.uk or you can read www.suemelvin.net/ridgeway1.html for further information.
Enough for now. You're bored , I'm bored, and it's time I was down the pub.
Good Walking
Phil