From the Chair
The past months have been very frustrating for me. My injury, resulting operation and then the unavoidable recuperation period, has left me somewhat detached from the buzz that our great group generates. I have missed the chat and banter, not forgetting many super walks, I am sure. My troubles began two years ago with an unlucky accident when attempting to get onto a stile during a challenge event. A programme of replacing stiles with a more user friendly barrier is underway in many areas and I know many of you share my view that progress cannot happen fast enough.
Our Late Summer/Autumn programme carries forward the varied theme from our Spring/Early Summer programme. Turnout so far this year is on a par with our record year in 2007 which suggests you are pleased with the walks on offer. We are forever grateful to our excellent band of leaders.
Speaking of leaders, a fresh face up front always seems to bring something different to even the most familiar walking areas so it is good that Michael Kempen and Jim Catchpole have stepped up to lead for the first time in this programme, albeit adding to the ever expanding pool of Tuesday leaders. Good luck to you both.
Despite widespread publicity by Alan, support for the Thursday evening walks is again disappointing this summer. Perhaps this is because more short walks are now featured locally, e.g. Fit Steps, U3A, etc., in which case we may need to target these walks differently another year. It is noted that numbers hold up when these strolls are close to Maldon.
Once again the annual Spring YHA break, this time in Dorset, was a great success. Jim and Wendy applied their customary magic to the organisation. The leaders led the merry folk up hill and down again come rain or shine. Again, we have good support for the Autumn hotel break under the stewardship of Jim and, in the meantime, Rod Eastham has begun planning your YHA break for 2009.
After twenty plus members gorged themselves on Lyn’s splendid Strawberry Tea last month, you can now look forward to the anniversary BBQ on Saturday 19 July. We thank Andrew and Francis for opening up their lovely Mediterranean style garden, featured on BBC Essex and in The Yellow Book, for the occasion. You must pre-book with them on 01621 782307.
All we wish now is for more summery weather so that we may fully enjoy the excellent walking programme that Jim has again organised. Mike
