September 2009
Walsall Group Newsletter
Chairman's Comments
Downloadable version here!
Leisure Walks Update.
This year the committee decided to limit the length of Leisure Walks to not more than 7 miles in order that regular leisure walkers were not dissuaded from taking part by the distances involved and also so that we would have walks of suitable lengths on the programme to attract first-time walkers to our ranks.
We have had a mixed reaction to this decision with some walkers and leaders saying that this limitation does not encourage Leisure Walks that are very far from Walsall, since they argue, who will want to travel a significant distance for a short walk? That said of course, we do tend to see a higher proportion of our leisure walkers on walks that don't involve so much travel! There has also been criticism that walks of this length often result in an early finish which can leave those taking part feeling slightly disappointed. We have chosen to employ the same limit of 7 miles for the winter programme, but this is based on the shorter days available at this time and so tends to be less controversial.
So what do you think? The group will always try to accommodate as many of its active members as possible regarding walking activities, so please give us your views and suggestions accordingly so that we can incorporate them where possible in future programmes.(See Survey Item Below).
Super Walks.
We included 4 of these in the Summer Programme and from the feedback we have received they seem to have been a success. We've had slightly higher numbers trying these out than initially expected and although they have occurred at the same time as some Leisure Walks, there has still been a good turn-out for the shorter walk. Hopefully we'll be able to stage more of these in the future, but again, let us know your views.
Footpath Volunteers.
As you will probably have seen in the last edition of Step-Out, we are looking for people who can monitor the footpaths around the Walsall patch and inform the Council promptly.
Walsall MBC have been very supportive of this and have supplied maps and (post free) forms to assist anyone taking part. If you can do a little to help out here we'd be very grateful and John Gillmon will be able to fill you in on the details.
Walk Leader's Expenses.
This year we were able to secure some funds to help assist our walks leaders with regards to the costs involved in undertaking recces on behalf of the group for walks that are subsequently included on the programme.
With the cost of fuel continuing to fluctuate almost weekly, I thought it would be a good idea to remind leaders that they can claim for a maximum of one recce per walk accepted on to the Walks Programme, (within a radius of 50 miles from Walsall). So if you have a walk going on during the winter programme or even if you have submitted (and had accepted) a walk for summer 2010 then feel free to claim accordingly by speaking to our Treasurer, Sandra Phillips.
Web-Site Update.
I suspect that many of you may have become dismayed with the condition of our group web-site over the last few months. We have had very little done in the way of updates and much of our information has been there for far too long and needs replacing. The web-site itself has become our main source of new member enquiries as more and more people go online, so having this looking professional and accurate is vital to our future as a group. Our web-site designer and support person, Alan, is in the process of bringing our site-fully back up to date, after which we hope to be able to add and remove items quickly and easily so that we should obtain even more from this effective resource.
AGM Date.
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 4th November this year and details, agendas, etc. will be distributed to all members in time for good time for this event.
If you do have any proposals to put forward then we need to know about them by the end of September so we can ensure they are included in the agenda for the evening. If you want guidance for submitting a proposal to the meeting then either the Chairman or Group Secretary will be able to provide assistance.
Group Survey.
In the posting containing this newsletter you should find a notice regarding a simple survey we are undertaking amongst group members that is designed to help us with planning walks in the future. We are just looking for some straightforward answers, suggestions, comments or criticisms, so that we can obtain an understanding for the feelings within the group. It's all about helping us move things in the right direction and anyone answering will not be committing themselves to anything beyond helping us reach sensible decisions for the coming months. There are a variety of ways to reply, so please take a minute or two to complete the questionnaire and get it back to us promptly.
Social and Holidays.
The Loxton holiday is already fully booked in September.
Beverley Arms Hotel, Beverley East Yorkshire, 14th June 2010 4 nights bed, breakfast, evening meal & packed lunch £60.00 per person. Single occupancy supplement £10.00 per person. Walking & sight seeing holiday.
Places are going very fast and Anne is already in email consultation requesting extra rooms, as so many people have expressed an interest.
Parking (Walsall).
As most of you will be aware Walsall Council are planning (and may already have done so by the time this newsletter arrives) to charge for Sunday parking on their main site throughout the town.
Charges are likely to be less than on weekdays, but we are investigating alternative arrangements. Therefore our parking arrangements may be more varied that usual on the Winter Programme itself, so please do read this carefully to avoid being in the wrong place for the meeting point on future walks.
Dick Turton.
