Newsletter - December 10th, 2024
Welcome to our current newsletter. This issue contains information on our Members' Day, a round-up from around the groups and footpath report from our footpath secretary.
For latests updates on Members Day see: Members Day 2025 news page.
Members' Day Details | General News (Walk Leading & Membership) | Group News | Footpath News | Earlier Newletters
For pre-May 23 newsletter click HERE. See separate archive HERE for earlier style newsletters.
Member’s Day
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ALL members are welcome to enjoy all of the activities of Member’s Day.
A chance to enjoy speakers, meet members from other groups, attend a workshop or walk.
Date: This will take place on February 2nd 2025
Location: Lancaster Way Community Centre, Buckshaw Village, Chorley PR7 7LJ
- 10am Walk or Workshop
- Walk:. 5 miles, leisurely
- Workshop: (under review)
- 1pm Buffet Lunch
- 1.45pm Area AGM
- 2.30 Mark Chung (Trustee)
- 2.45 Speaker (to be clarified)
- 3.45 Finish.
PLEASE NOTE We had intended to run a First Aid course but this has had to be changed.
PLEASE let us know your preferences between various apps or navigation course by please completing the form HERE
General News
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Membership
The Ramblers overall has increased membership by about 1.1% from Sep 23 to Sep 24 while Mid Lancs Area has increased by about 2.7% in that time Groups have largely maintained their walk programmes but there is a genuine need to develop new walk leaders.
Anyone interested in exploring that should contact either their group officers or any of the contacts on the Area website (www.lancashire-ramblers.org.uk)
May we remind members that all Ramblers walks are open to all members, and in particular the Area website lists all the walks from all groups in the Mid Lancs Area.
In the near future it may also list walks in adjacent Areas.
The Area has a “Council” consisting of group representatives and general members. Anyone interested in contributing the operation of the Area should contact anyone on the Area website contact.
Walk Leading
As you will see mentioned elsewhere, all the groups are in need of new walk leaders.
For various personal reasons, age, health etc, leaders eventually stop leading , so it is essential for new leaders to come on board.
In recent times, it is necessary for a new leader to do an online training course of about 90 minutes.
You can do this yourself at home.
But we have an opportunity to offer to tackle the course in a computer suite in the morning of Member's Day.
We would have a number of experienced leaders at hand to help and an opportunity to discuss more about leading.
There would be no commitment to start leading, you would be welcome just to see what's involved.
If this is of interest, please complete the form HERE
Group News
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Chorley
Continues to provide walks on Saturday’s, Sunday’s and Tuesday’s. Saturday walks are usually around the 9 to 10 mile distance and further away from our “home” ground.
Sunday and Tuesday walks are usually afternoon local walks of about 3 hours duration covering up to 6 miles.
The Coach Walks continue to be on the first Saturday in each month and are very popular. The Coast to Coast Path has been completed this year and we have now moved on to The North Wales Pilgrim’s Way.
Due to the short winter days, we have suspended this walk until the spring but will continue with the Coach Walks by starting the Gritstone Trail in the Peak District.
Dave Millington (Chair)
Fylde
Continues to provide mainly a regular well attended Wednesday and anticipates adding further walks in the near future. The group also runs a number of social activities, often open to other members.
Rob Radford (Chair)
Garstang
This group became inactive during covid. It is hoped that it may restart walks in the future when new officers or leaders become available. In the meantime, Garstang members can enjoy any of the walks from other groups.
If anyone is interested in restarting this group, contact someone from the Area website.
Preston
The Preston group has a wide variety of types and lengths of walks, to cater for as many walkers as possible. Walks on 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month and recently started Friday afternoon walks, twice a month.
Sunday and early morning walks are run on an ad hoc basis. Lengths vary from 4 – 11 miles.
We are a friendly group and new walkers are very welcome. Come and try us out.
Barry Rutlidge (Chair)
Ribble
We have continued to provide a regular, leisurely or moderate, Thursday walk typically with 10-15 walkers. We are dependent upon a limited number of leaders and would welcome new leaders.
The membership has increased over the year by about 5.4% and we have an active Facebook page.
Eric Crichton (Acting Chair)
West Lancs
The group leads walks in West Lancashire and neighbouring districts on the first and last Sundays in the month and normally on a mid-month Wednesday. Walks are usually 5-6 miles, start at 1.00pm and are rated as leisurely or moderate. Every two months we offer a Tuesday 3 mile easy walk.
Our walks are listed on the Ramblers website and on our Facebook pages as well as on the Area website.
Geoff Wright (Group Secretary)
HOL (Hike on Lancashire)
The group has enjoyed another good year with varied walks being offered most Sundays and a few midweek walks during the summer months. There have been two weekends away - Glasgow and Llangollen.
The Group continues to aim its walks and social offer toward people of working age. The number of walkers we attract has been consistent over the year and membership of the group has seen an encouraging small increase in the year. During Jan/Feb 2025 we will again provide a series of short walks (branded "super six") aimed at attracting new members. We are also in the fortunate position of having quite a few members who are prepared to lead walks for the Group.
We hope to improve our offer of social events in the coming year having now co-opted a Social Secretary onto the Group Committee.
John Hutchinson (Chair).
LWW (Lancashire Weekend Walkers)
Outside pressures have limited the level of activity of this group.
Footpath News
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David Kelly has provided an update on the footpath issues around the Area mentioning:-
- Lea BW 52
- Burscough FP 134 & 135 - Boundary Lane (North
- FP claim Footpath From Banks Road To Station Road, North Meols
- Diversion of part of Barnacre FP 38 - at Clarkson’s farm, Barnacre
- Diversion of part of Barnacre FP 22
- Diversion of part of Aughton FP 18
- Diversion of part of Mawdesley FP 55
- Near Brinscall Hall – Wheelton FP 04
- Diversion of part of Little Hoole FP
For David's full report, click HERE
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Previous Newletters
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17 Aug 24
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2 May 2024
30 November 2023
Contents (click to jump to section)
1. Member's Day Details
2. Book Workshop On Member's Day
3. Enhancing Walk Programmes
4. Footpath news
5. Group Activities
1. Member's Day
We will be holding the Member's Day on Sunday 28th January 2024.
Location: Broughton & District Club Hall Whittingham Lane, Broughton, Preston. PR3 5DA
Workshop: 9am for 9.30 to 12.30pm Please Book see below for details and booking.
Walk: 10am start from the hall. c. 5.5 mile return 12.30pm.
Buffet Lunch: 1pm-1.45pm
AGM: 1.45pm to 2.30?
Trustee: c.2.30pm Mark Chung
Speaker: c.2.45pm Jim Morton (see below)
Finish: c.4pm
Jim Morton.
Jim swapped his house for a motorhome, walked around the coastline of Mainland Britain raising money for the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
This trek covered 8895 miles in 537 days. Having raised £38,900 for the trust, Jim now travels around giving group talks and appearances on TV.
His book “ I May Be Gone a While” will be available at the meeting. Back to Start
2. Workshop OutdoorActive AND OS Maps mapping systems.
Following the survey re which workshop topic was favoured, OutdoorActive and OS Maps were equal top.
As they are now very similar to each other and much of the workshop is independent of the specific App, we will handle both at the same time.
It is necessary to book as it is expected to be number limited.
The contents will cover:-
- user interface for both systems
- finding walks (public, plotting, import)
- following walks
- recording tracks
- Practical and security issues
- Managing records
Please Book HERE Back to Start
3. Walk Programme Enhancement
The walk programmes of our groups are reducing due to a lack of walk leaders.
We need to encourage new leaders if our programmes are to be sustained and enhanced.
So we will be holding a zoom meeting that will be an informal discussion on what is involved in becoming a walk leader.
Attending does not imply your are ready to offer to lead walks.
Walking was probably a key reason why you joined the ramblers but you may have noticed that our walk programmes are not as full as they used to be.
You will understand that we need a flow of new leaders to replace leaders who leave for various reasons.
It is actually very easy to become a walk leader.
We can provide support from day one and either
- focus on practical approaches,
- or if you like self study we have online courses.
The zoom meeting will explain how we can help new leaders get going and/or set up access ot online material.
A number of established leaders will be available to answer any questions.
The majority of members could lead a walk, why not come along and see what's involved.
Or if you know members who you think could be leaders, urge them to get involved.
PLEASE, it you are at all interested, without any commitment, note your interest HERE or reply to this email.
. Footpaths Back to Start
David Kelly has provided a report on various footpath issues that have arisen/are active.
To read this click HERE
. Groups Back to Start
Chorley
Chorley has had an eventful year. The group was originally formed in 1973 and this year has been filled with a series of anniversary walks and events, including library displays and the installation of some public benches in Astley Park. These have been funded by a legacy from one of our late member's and Sir Lindsay Hoyle is being invited to formally 'open' one of them. Our monthly 'coach walk' is now well past the halfway stage on our Coast to Coast trail and thoughts are already turning as to what we do next.
Martin Smalley
Fylde group.
The current walking programme is now only offering Wednesday walks, our long-standing Sunday group walk has been effected by heath issues and lack of walk leaders. (see 3 above)
As the year end approaches the group faces further challenges as our treasurer resigns and uncertainty of our web manager continuing her role.
We have a Christmas dinner walk provisionally booked and this will be open to all Mid Lancs members who wish to attend . Check programme for details .
best regards Robb
Garstang
Inactive
Preston
The Preston Group continues to do walks on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month with shorter walks 5-7 miles on the first and longer ones, 8 - 12 miles on the second Wednesday, although these may be switched round depending on the leaders availability. Sunday walks are still on going with an element of history included on some of these, known as a Walk with a Talk.
We have just done 2 walks in the Rivington area in support of Children in Need and have raised £ 60 which will be sent to the charity in the next few days and this amount doubled through matched funding arranged through my work place. Thanks to all who joined the wakls and their donations.
The group is still in need of a Chair and currently this position is being rotated between the committee until the post is filled.
Thanks, Barry
Ribble
Continues as normal with regular Thursday Programme though more leaders are needed.
West Lancashire Group
In late September the Group walked from Appley Bridge (WN6 9ET) to Crook, near Wigan. The walk followed the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath. The towpath has recently been hard-surfaced making for easy walking. Our return route was through Shevington, crossing the M6 and Gathurst golf course then back into Appley Bridge. Almost the entire return route was also on paths which are good to use. There are no stiles on the walk and there is the chance to have drinks at the Boathouse Pub at the end.
Members may like to follow this 5 mile walk with extensive views of the Douglas Valley and enjoy the long stretches of surfaced paths. Even in winter conditions the route is likely to be clean and easy to walk.
HOL
No report
LWW
No Report
End Back to Start
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Martin Smalley
On Sunday 25th June we invited walkers from all Mid Lancs group to attend our Midsummer Meetup day.
Jeanette Carr
If they then scroll down they will find our walks listed complete with dates, starting times and distance.
These include two walks using Merseyrail.
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6th May 23
Contents (clicking on any of these jumps to that topic on the website)
1.Micro-Volunteering
2. Longer/Different Walks
3. Walk Manager system
4. Footpath Report
5. Area News
6. Group News. Chorley Fylde Garstang Preston Ribble West Lancs HO LWW M96!
1. Micro-Volunteering
We are well aware that lots of members are not inclined, or don't have the time, to be in big active committees.
The reality in Mid Lancs Area and its Groups, is that we generally don't have committees consuming lots of effort.
What we do have, are individual members that take on tasks, often quite small, sometimes one-off, or infrequent tasks.
Yes most groups have some form of get together with key volunteers, typically 3 monthly, often in a pub and hardly formal.
Without those efforts you would not have walk programmes, footpath activities or social events.
Obviously the message here is two fold:-
a. Most of the tasks taken on in running a group, DO NOT require large amounts of time,
are often infrequent and not very formal.
b. Most of the groups are seriously in need of your help.
If you are willing to even consider helping, I have included some perspective and examples of most of the common tasks each group handles. For details Click HERE
2. Longer/Different Walks.
The average age of Mid Lancs members is around 67.
But the average walks we offer have slowly become shorter and easier over the last decade.
Newer and potential new members are typically at the younger end of age and capable of longer, more challenging walks.
Some groups still do significantly longer, harder walks, but not so many now.
a. Some groups have asked their leader to try and include some longer walks.
b. If YOU would like to lead longer, or more difficult, different walks or different days (than fits with your group)
You can do them under the Mid Lancs Area label. Interested? Get in touch with Eric.
3. Walk Manager (and essential leader action)
You may not be aware that we are changing, from the previous method of adding walks to the Ramblers system, to a new approach called Walk Manager.
Once it's stable, it will not affect general members, But at the changeover on the 16th May, there may be some hiccups. So patience may be needed.
As a contingency, I will try to email out all the walks on our systems about 15th May.
BUT WALK LEADERS:-
a. It is seriously important that you log onto Walk Manager and set your "contact permissions", preferably soon.
Without that, your contact details will not readily show. You can do that HERE and there's a guide HERE
b. Your group will decide exactly how walks are loaded, but the system is intended to let walk leaders load their walks, for subsequent approval by their group.
You can experiment loading a walk when you set your permissions. For help click HERE
4 Footpaths
As Jo Howard has stood down from Area Footpath Secretary, David Kelly has taken on that role.
David has provided two reports on footpath related issues.
The Mario system was updated last year. David has explained it's use HERE
David has also produce his quarterly report HERE
5. Group and Area News
Area (1119 members i.e. sum of groups)
The Member's Day was held in January and was well attended, nearly back to pre-covid state.
The First-Aid course had one of the highest feedback scores so it and the walk were both valued.
Some useful issues were discussed at the AGM and followed by a good talk from Aid Ambulance.
Area continues to arrange for monthly distribution of a paper programme to anyone without sufficient IT access, and maintains three of our local websites.
David Kelly has taken over the footpath secretary role and continues to be the interface for a number of footpath related committees and groups.
We continue to seek a new secretary, a chairperson and a member of the team producing paper programmes. See HERE for some information on volunteering and vacancies.
Mary Nolan has joined the Area Council and we are open to further members to join that as personal representatives.
Chorley (364 members)
Chorley Ramblers have successfully updated our website and transitioned all the previous information across plus lots of new photographs and links. This format now fits in with the other Rambler websites, the only difference being that the Chorley site has a .co.uk suffix rather than a .org suffix (anything to be different!).
The first half of our Cheshire Circuit walk has now been completed as we arrived in Whitchurch and the Coast to Coast coach walk has been resumed from Patterdale over to Burnbanks and will now run through to October this year. Places are still available on the coach at £18 for anyone that may be interested in joining us.
Our footpath checking is a bit hit and miss at the moment as we do not currently have a dedicated footpath co-ordinator but hopefully this will be resolved this year.
Walk leaders are also in short supply with our walk programme suffering as a result, we are probably only running about 80% of what we would normally run.
Martin Smalley
Fylde (180 members)
We at Fylde Ramblers are doing another mid summer meetup event on Sunday the 25th June 2023. The day will consist of 2 walks of around 4 and 7 miles and then a two course meal. The idea is for any members to come along for the walks and meal or just the meal. The event is pre order and non refundable payment prior to the day. It is held at Longridge Golf club. Anyone interested need to book with myself on
Jeanette
Garstang (37 members)
Continues to be inactive, members using other group walks.
Preston (140 members)
The group continues to provide a good range of walks but mainly from a very few leaders.
So new walk leaders would be very welcome.
A new chairman is still being sought with the committee rotation chairing.
South Ribble (112 members)
We continue to dependably provide Thursday walks though snow caused two cancellations.
As with all groups, additional leaders would be welcome.
We hope to include some longer walks this summer.
West Lancashire (140 members)
1. On the first Tuesday of the month, every two months, we offer a leisurely
3-3½ mile walk. These are proving to be popular. Members from other groups are most welcome to join these walks.
2. We are seeing more metal gates replacing stiles. Recently observed are gates in Mere Brow, Bretherton (4) and Longton.
3. We have three walks using Merseyrail on our summer programme. On Bank Holiday Monday, May 29th we travel to South Parkway Station for a walk through some Liverpool parks including Calderstones and Allerton. On Sunday July 30th we are following a Liverpool City Trail that includes walking along the Mersey Promenade. On the late August Bank Holiday, August 28th, we shall follow the Wirral Way between Hooton and Parkgate. All meet at Maghull Station and all use a Day Saver ticket. See our website for details.
4. On the weekend of July22nd – 23rd we shall once again be running a stand at Beacon Park Green Fayre, jointly with West Lancashire Footpath Group. If you are visiting the Green Fayre you are most welcome to visit us. We shall be in the main marquee.
Geoff Wright
9th April 2023
HOL (74 members)
No report this time
LWW (32 members)
No report this time
M96 ! (40 members not associated to any group)