From the Chair
Who would have thought that the 2009 winter, which was the wettest and coldest for many a year, would be followed a year later by the worst winter for thirty-one years? Needless to say, the conditions have been reflected in our turnout numbers over the past three months. However, we must applaud the fortitude of our leaders and of those who supported them during this time. This enabled the group to fulfill the programme of walks without one cancellation. To all of you who endured, well done!
Clearly, this could not have been a worse time to launch our first full programme of alternative (half-day) Tuesday walks following the successful test walks we put on in late summer. Despite the conditions these walks have had solid support, averaging nine walkers to date, which justifies their inclusion. We can reasonably look forward to seeing new faces on these walks as Spring dawns.
Elsewhere, you will observe, we again have two walking weekend breaks. Rod Eastham, who gave us an excellent time in Shropshire last year, will introduce you to the Lincolnshire Wolds in May and then, in October, Vivienne Marshall will put some colour in your cheeks when she takes us back to the north Norfolk coast. If you have not tried one of these weekends before these two venues make an ideal introduction. Much good fellowship prevails so, whether a first timer or a regular, please support Rod and Vivienne if you possibly can.
A new initiative this year, launched by Essex Area, is for groups to adopt a named path/route in their area and to monitor its meeting of acceptable standards in respect of access, way marking and furniture safety. Naturally, we have taken responsibility for a section of St Peter’s Way that falls within our catchment area - from Mundon to its conclusion at the Chapel of St Peter on the Wall, Bradwell. When walking this path, if you come across any failing or hazard please give me a call, as the local Route Liaison Person (RLP), so that I may investigate further and report through the appropriate channel for corrective action.
Similarly, if you identify problems with any footpath within the Dengie area please contact me and I will happily take it forward alongside my role as RLP for Althorne Parish Council.
The Spring/Summer programme of walks accompanies this newsletter. Unusually, Jim has struggled to fill dates for both Tuesday (full-day) walks and Sunday walks due to many leaders now finding other constraints upon their time.
