CASTLE BROMWICH GROUP OF THE

RAMBLERS

Registered Charity No.1093577

NEWSLETTER

No.105 WINTER

2019

Editor: Allan Witherington E-mail: atwitherington@outlook.com Tel: 01827 873506

WATER WATER EVERYWHERE

What an incredibly soggy Autumn

that was! On many

of our walks we

had to bravely

negotiate lakes of

water where paths

used to be; on

others we had to

relocate the walk to

safer areas and a

few walks had to be cancelled altogether. But we

always had a laugh as we slid along in the mud

and reaped the benefit of

our investment in quality

waterproofs. Thanks to

everyone who turned out

in sometimes less than

ideal conditions. Finally,

as Autumn transitioned

into Winter we had a

lovely sunny walk that

displayed the fallen

leaves at their best.

A.G.M. (15th October 2019)

David reported on another successful year for the

group with its variety of walks, holidays and social

events. Currently we have 83 members, a good

proportion of whom become actively involved.

Tony is standing down from the committee and

we thank him for his contribution over the years.

Other committee members were re-elected for

another year. After the business was complete

we enjoyed a drink and a buffet whilst grappling

with questions in a mini-quiz. Once again we owe

a massive debt of gratitude to David who

continues to lead the group with his characteristic

enthusiasm and thoroughness.

BARMOUTH WEEKEND (20th-23rd Sept. 2019)

As 18 of us

gathered at the

Min-y-Mor Hotel

on the seafront in

Barmouth there

was not a cloud to

be seen in the sky.

Our initial walk took us to view the old town from

the hills above. On Saturday we boarded a train

to travel south to Llwyngwril, and then walked the

7.5 mile return journey along the coastal path with

its magnificent views over Cardigan Bay.

On Sunday we set out from Tal-y-Bont to the

beach near Dyffryn Seaside Estate where we

encountered hundreds of jellyfish before moving

inland to Dyffryn Ardudwy

with its 5000 year old

burial chambers. We

descended from the

hillside along the

picturesque banks of the

River Ysgethin to take refreshment at

The Ysgethin Inn. On our last night in

the hotel everyone joined in the

Grand Darts Challenge which

resulted in much merriment but little

development of darting skills. Before

our journey home, the weekend was

rounded off with a 4 mile walk through woodland

and a disused railway track at Penmaenpool.

Thanks to Geoff and Diane for another superbly

organised holiday, and for their considerate

leading of a good variety of walks. This was a

good example of how to tackle hilly walks, taking

time with a number of breaks, ensuring slower

walkers weren’t rushed, whilst allowing faster

walkers to go at a pace comfortable to them.

TERESA’S TIPS

Offer your old Walk magazines to your

doctor’s surgery for the waiting room.

Ask if they would display one of our

advertising leaflets on their noticeboard.

Hmmm …time for a detour

If you no longer wish to receive a copy of this newsletter please email the editor

NEW WALK LEADERS WANTED

We are very fortunate that so many members play

their part by leading walks. Thanks to all who do

so. However, we are always looking to boost

the number of leaders to ensure we have a full

programme and that the responsibility is spread.

If YOU haven’t yet led a walk, please consider

doing so. Why not pair up with a friend, as walks

can be led by 2, or more. A number of

experienced leaders will be willing to help you

with suggestions of where to walk and going on

reccies with you. I have a list of suggested

locations and in some cases printed directions for

walks, or you can find them on the internet.

Go on give it a go, it can be very satisfying.

David

WALKING HOLIDAYS 2020

We have booked walking holidays based at

Llandudno in May (1st-4th) and at Bournemouth in

September (18th-21st). REMINDER – final

payment for Llandudno should be sent to

Cherie by 31st January (Cheques payable to

‘For Friends of Castle Bromwich Ramblers’).

Invitations for Bournemouth will probably be

issued in February. Thanks again to Cherie for

finding and booking the hotels and for carrying

out the administration for both of these trips. I will

be organising the walks and will be going to

Llandudno in March and to Bournemouth in July

or August to carry out reccies. If anyone is

willing to help with these please let me know.

It would probably involve a couple of nights stay

for each trip. Travel expenses can be claimed.

David

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Two members of the Committee

recently attended a meeting called to

promote happy and healthy lifestyles in

the local area. An offer has been made to

lead monthly local community walks (in

addition to our more wide ranging ones)

starting from various community hubs. A

launch day, perhaps involving a Fun Walk

is to be planned for the summer.

Also, up to 10 members are soon to record their

voices at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire as

part of the Twelve Tones project which will make

up the ‘soundscape’ of Station Clock, a large

scale sonic public artwork that will be installed at

the new HS2 Curzon St. Station. Contact David if

you would like to be involved.

CHILDREN IN NEED

Cherie and Gail organised

a collection on their walk at

Wistow on October 6th in

aid of the Countryfile

Rambles appeal for

Children in Need. A letter

of thanks and a certificate

were received from the

BBC. Thanks to all

contributors.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS

Rather than sending Christmas cards to each

other, members are encouraged to make a

donation to our chosen charity. A collection will be

taken at the Christmas Lunch on 15th December.

34 members have booked for this meal at

Maxstoke Park Golf Club. Please arrive around

1.00 pm for the 1.30 pm meal.

Why not join us to work off those festive season

excesses on these forthcoming walks:

Sunday 29th December at Monkspath led by Allan

Sunday 5th January at Fillongley led by David & Geoff

AUTUMN VAPOURS

As we return to natural time

And gain for sleep an hour – one,

Swirling clouds of steam

Rise to greet the Autumn sun.

Smouldering slowly up

From rows of timber pallasades,

Recalling busy kitchen

Or loco shed of earlier age.

This welcome brightness does combat

The damp and gloom of days just past.

In place of glowering clouds,

The sky is blue at last.

Inspired by a rare bright morning as the clocks

went back

The Bard of Babbs Mill, October 2019

FOR SALE Pair of Berghaus boots - size 9,

good condition, original price £120, going for

£50 ono. Proceeds will go to club funds.

Contact David 0121 788 0650