From the Chair
Notes from the Chair
A strange autumn this has seemed, grey and cold until October and then back to shirts and suntan lotion. Mind you we haven’t needed waterproofs very often.
Since the last newsletter we have seen some noteworthy events. Jim McWhirr led his 100th walk for the group in August. He is only the 3rd leader to reach this amazing total and we thank him for his dedication. We joined both Tuesday walks and Jim lead a figure of eight. We had 35 people walking which reflects the high esteem in which Jim is held.
Maggie lead another Suffolk Saunter up in Constable Country. A pretty walk with lunch in Dedham and tea at Flatford Mill was enjoyed by 23 of us.
The memorial walk for Mike Richards was very well attended. Roger led a figure of eight and we were joined by Lyn Richards and Mike’s children and grandchildren. The LDWA joined us for lunch in Southminster and we had about 60 people turn out to remember how much Mike had contributed to walking.
Our AGM on 17th Oct was well attended and I am delighted to say that we have welcomed some new members to the committee. Taking over from Kevin Ascott we have Graham Rayner as Countryside Officer and when Area decide next spring, as Footpath officer, too. Frank Bermingham has joined us as Membership Secretary and Jackie Harrop has also joined the committee. Maggie Dow has taken up the role of Group Secretary.
I would like to thank Kevin Ascott for all his work over many years for both the group and the Area. He moves on to more important work. Thank you too, to Joy Rogers for her work as membership secretary of several years. Finally, thank you to Susan Hilton for acting as Secretary last year.
Following the AGM we had a volunteer to do the social secretary’s job and the committee co-opted Tracy Rayner to do this specialist task for us.
Looking forward - it is nearly Christmas again. We have another full programme of walks for you to enjoy, come rain or shine; more new leaders and lots of new routes. The first ‘event’ on the new programme will be the Christmas Cracker Walk with its mulled wine and mince pies.
