THE
RAMBLERS
DEVON AREA
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
George Coles and John Skinner look on as Robert Woolcott cuts the
ribbon on the new bench funded by Devon Area at Strete Gate.
47th ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30th September 2015
The Ramblers’ Association is a registered charity (England & Wales no 1093577, Scotland no SC039799) and a company
limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (no 4458492). Registered office: 2nd Floor, Camelford House,
87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW
CHOOSE THE PATH LESS TAKEN...
...with the original walking experts
• worldwide & UK guided walking • trekking
• sightseeing • short breaks • great journeys
• special interest • small groups
Don’t forget! When you book, tell us the name of
your walking group, to ensure your group receives
Walking Partnership funds.
For advice, rewards and a brochure call
01707 386804
www.ramblersholidays.co.uk
Walking holiday partner
Arrangements for the day of the AGM
10.00
Coffee
10.30-12.30
Varied and interesting walks of shorter and longer duration
arranged by Plymouth group. Perhaps an opportunity to view the
modernised & extended tungsten mine at Hemerdon.
13.00-14.00
Lunch
14.00-15.30
AGM
15.30-16.00
Presentation by our Guest Speaker, Darren Fields of Ramblers
Worldwide Holidays
16.00-16.30
Afternoon Tea
Lunch Arrangements
A buffet lunch with soup will be available at the Skylark Inn
Costs and Payment
Lunch will cost £7.90, payable in advance by cheque payable to Plymouth Ramblers
and sent to Mr P Major, 13, Papermakers Lane, Ivybridge, Devon
PL21 0JZ.
Directions for travel
Clearbrook Village Hall is
most conveniently accessed
by leaving the A386 between
Roborough and Yelverton for
Clearbrook, and is in the
village on the left shortly
after the Skylark Inn. The
postcode for the Inn is PL20
6JD. Grid Ref. SX522 656.
Members
using
public
transport can travel by train
to Plymouth, and by prior
arrangement members of the Plymouth group will transport them to and from
Clearbrook.
47th Annual Report & Accounts
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3
Annual General Meeting
Saturday 13th February 2016
The 47th Annual General Meeting of the Devon Area of the Ramblers’ Association will be held
at Clearbrook Village Hall, Yelverton, Devon on Saturday 13th February 2016 at 2.00pm, to be
followed by a presentation from Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.
ALL MEMBERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND
Agenda
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
Welcome to our guest speaker, Darren Fields
Apologies for Absence
Minutes of the 46th Annual General Meeting, held at the Berry Head Hotel, Brixham, on
Saturday 14th February 2015.
Business arising from the Minutes
To receive and adopt the Hon. Chairman’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Secretary’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Treasurer’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Membership Secretary’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Footpath Secretary’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Access Officer’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Walking Environment Secretary’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Media Secretary’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Web Master’s Report
To receive and adopt the Hon. Area News Editor’s Report
To discuss any possible motions
Election of Officers and of Individual Members of Area Council:
(a) Vice Presidents *
(h) Hon. Access Officer
(b) Hon. Chairman
(i) Hon. Walking Environment Secretary
(c) Hon. Vice Chairman
(j) Hon. Media Secretary
(d) Hon. Secretary
(k) Hon. Area Web Master
(e) Hon. Treasurer
(l) Hon. Area News Editor
(f) Hon. Membership Secretary (m) Twelve Individual Council Members
(g) Hon. Footpath Secretary
Appoint/Confirm Independent Examiner and Minutes Secretary
Appoint/Confirm Delegates to General Council
Appoint representatives to outside bodies
Dates and venues of Area Council Meetings 2016/17
Any Other Business
Presentation by Ramblers Worldwide Holidays.
*Vice Presidents are elected for life; this item refers to any new nominations
It is requested that the Secretary or Chairman receives any Motions in
writing at least 21 days before the AGM.
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Officers and Area Council Members 2015/16
The Constitution for Devon Area requires that the Officers of the Area and up to twelve
individual members be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
The Secretary hereby requests that nominations for Vice Presidents, Chairman, Vice
Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Footpath Secretary, Access
Officer, Walking Environment Secretary, Media Secretary, Area News Editor, Web Master
and up to Twelve Individual Members duly proposed and seconded be received in time
for their election.
The management and control of the Area is vested in Area Council which comprises the
Officers listed above, the Individual Members and two representatives from each Group
and one from each Affiliated Society.
2015/2016 Officers and Council Members
Vice Presidents
Hon. Chairman
Hon. Vice Chairman
Hon. Secretary
Hon. Treasurer
Hon. Membership Secretary
Hon. Footpath Secretary
Hon. Access Officer
Hon. Walking Environment Secretary
Hon. Media Secretary
Hon. Web Master
Hon. Area News Editor
Joyce Stanley (Died 15th September 2015)
Don Millgate
Eileen Linfoot
Robert Woolcott
Vacant
David Hinchliffe
James Baldwin
John Minshall
Jenny Worsfold
John Skinner
John Howell
George Coles
Mike Long
Nick Savage
Individual Members
Rosemary Kimbell, Joan Long, Ted Swan
Groups
Devon Bootlegs, East Devon, Exeter & District, Moorland, North Devon, Plymouth & District,
South Devon, South Hams, Tavistock, Teignmouth & Dawlish, Tiverton, Totnes.
Affiliated Clubs
Coast & Country Walkers, Exeter Rambling Club, Ipplepen Rambling Club, Ivybridge
Walking Club, Moorspirits Ramblers, Newton Abbot & District Ramblers, Plym Ramblers,
Southernhay Walking Group, The Torridge Ramblers, Torbay Rambling Club, Two Moors
Way Association.
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5
Chairman’s Report
The year past has been filled with a profusion of small events and
activities that are too numerous to report here, so I will highlight
the more notable ones. As your Chairman I have been aware of
these activities and can confirm that although small they make our
Devon Area a very important part of the nationwide Ramblers’
Association.
Footpaths are Ramblers’ stock in trade. Devon Area have some
extremely beautiful ones and I was privileged to present a bench
donated by Devon Ramblers on the opening of the new stretch of
footpath at Strete Gate in July. The views across Start Bay towards
Torcross are the best I have experienced for a long time. Ramblers have campaigned for many
years and have helped to prepare the basic path in readiness for the heavy boys and I can
confirm the new stretch is a joy to walk on and takes the walker away from the busy main
road. See the photo and of myself in a red top and John Skinner in a green top on the occasion
of cutting the ribbon in the Autumn Walk Magazine page 11 and on the cover of this report.
Also of note is the new clapper bridge across the Becka Brook at the bottom of Holwell Lawn,
Haytor. Part financed by the Moorland Group and opened last May. It is the first new Clapper
for many years and enables the walker to cross the brook safely and avoiding wet feet.
June saw the start of the BIG PATHWATCH. Devon Area contains 6985 grid squares and at the
6th October we had surveyed rights of way and reported back to Central Office on 45% of them.
Included were 503 priority squares of which we had surveyed 68%. This places Devon Area
amongst the leading Areas in completing these grid square surveys.
The South Down Permissive path remains closed. John Skinner and myself are talking to all
parties concerned and we hope that our latest round of talks will bear fruit. Too early to say
more at the moment.
Our new Publicity Department now has a GAZEBO for outdoor events and extra equipment
should two events coincide. Also an Area STORE ROOM at Chudleigh to put equipment when
not in use. Chudleigh is central to all groups and it can be accessed at all hours if you get the
keys from George Coles, Area Media Secretary. Events are on the increase. Reports and my
experience are that they are very enjoyable, more so when using our Area’s newly produced
promotional leaflet, which is very well accepted. Although the Totnes Show was a washout and
blow away day, with heavy rain and high winds, the Roadford event was enjoyable although a
little wet, which christened the new gazebo, but good interest was shown. If you know of an
event that we can use the stand, get in touch with George and talk it through with him, we
need the publicity to get members.
Lastly, I would like to finish with a PLEA. Devon Area Council is composed of eleven officers and
three individual members and urgently needs some new members with new ideas and new
enthusiasm. We have vacancies for another nine Individual Members, a Vice Chair and a
Minute Secretary. My term of office finishes at the AGM in February next. I can of course
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continue but I am experiencing hearing problems, getting tired, not walking well, so it would be
nice to hand over the reins to an eager member in our Area. Thank you all officers who have
worked hard and well for the membership in general. Without their dedication we would not
be able to enjoy the organisation that we know today.
Robert Woolcott
***
Area Secretary’s Report
This time last year we were awaiting proposals from the national
Governance Review to come forward to General Council. I was
concerned at the lack of adequate consultation and the risks
inherent upon trying to rush through major changes such as “One
Member, One Vote” without thorough understanding of all the
implications. In the event, my concerns were shared by the
majority of those attending General Council, and so the Trustees’
proposals either fell or were withdrawn. A more sensible timescale
for consultation and implementation has now been established,
which gives a better chance of the changes being understood and
enthusiastically adopted by our membership.
Over the next few months I will be working with George Coles to review the format of this
Annual Report. It is a traditionally worthy document, but that does not mean that it motivates
many of our members to actually read it. Part of the approach needed to retain existing
members is to ensure adequate communication, especially with the two-thirds of our members
who are not active in their local groups.
The Big Pathwatch has shown that there are non-members who share our interest in public
rights of way, and who find the use of modern technology to be appealing. If we are going to
make any headway in maintaining our relevance as an organisation, we have to reach out to
such potential members. Much of our recruitment emphasis is upon our excellent group
walking and social programmes, but we must widen our appeal if we are to prosper.
David Hinchliffe
47th
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7
Treasurer’s Report
Area Income:
Income from Central Office was as budgeted but £690 was transferred
into the Area account from the Bootlegs Group after it converted to a
Flexi Group. A sum of £600 has been “designated” in the Area funds to
cover the Flexi Group for the next few years.
Area expenditure:
Publicity includes: Website costs - £111; Devon Area - £75; Bootlegs £36; Area publicity - £374; Pop up stands - £232; Gazebo - £75; table,
storage etc. - £67.
Design and printing Area leaflet including PDF version. - £720
Contribution to supply and installation of seat at Strete Gate. - £500
Meetings expenditure includes:
Hire of halls
Publication of Annual Report
General Council observer costs
£142
£440
£585 - Note that delegates were paid from CO funds.
Administration includes:
Subscriptions to CPRE and Open Spaces £81
The high expenditure on publicity during the year was Devon Area’s decision to attempt to halt
the decline in membership and to make the general public more aware of Ramblers. Individual
Groups within Area also took up the challenge and supported the plan by “Manning the Stand”
and other publicity activities.
The cost to Area of two observers attending General Council was high. Costs for delegates are
covered by Central Office but observers are charged at delegate rates. This year General
Council was held in Cambridge and accommodation costs were high and travel significant. The
AGM may wish to consider if this arrangement for up to two observers to attend General
Council, at Devon Area’s expense, is a worthwhile expenditure.
Groups are currently preparing their Annual Returns. Budgets for 2015/2016 have been
submitted and restraint shown.
Thanks go to all Group Treasurers who have kept to the schedule of returns for both budgets
and end of year accounts.
James Baldwin
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Ramblers Devon Area
Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 30th September 2015
Last Year
2013/2014
£
2,864
155
Area Income
Area Entitlement
From closure of Bootlegs Group
Advertising Income
This year
2014/2015
£
3,394
690
185
6
Bank Interest
6
3,025
Total Income
4,275
509
Area Expenditure
Publicity
2193
304
Campaigns and casework
693
1,150
Meetings including AGM
1,609
902
2,865
Administration
Total Expenditure
265
4,760
Area Surplus/(Deficit)
(485)
5,451
Group Income
Group Budgeted Funds from CO
4,905
5,451
Paid to Groups
4,905
160
0
160
Net Position Groups
0
Surplus/Deficit of Income less Expenditure
(485)
Balance Sheet
Represented by Bank Account
Opening
Surplus brought down
5,575
(485)
Closing Bank Balance
5,090
Independent Examiner’s Report
Having carried out procedures in accordance with Area and Group independent
examiners guidelines, I consider the Devon Area accounts to have been properly
prepared and give a true and fair view of Devon Area’s finances for the year to 30 th
September 2015
Roy Crowther October 2015
47th
Annual Report & Accounts
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9
Membership Secretary’s Report
This year’s analysis of membership changes is presented in a
different and, hopefully, clearer way. Overall, our membership
has been holding steady for the last couple of years, which
reflects the national situation, where numbers are relatively
stable at around 107,000. However, there are significant
variances between groups, so we do need to continue working at
both retaining existing members and at recruiting new ones.
John Minshall
Group
Members
Members
Annual
01/10/2014 01/10/2015 change
East Devon
430
460
30
Exeter & District
223
218
-5
Moorland
96
102
6
North Devon
322
321
-1
Plymouth
339
319
-20
South Devon
250
246
-4
South Hams
239
245
6
Tavistock
175
170
-5
Tiverton
105
108
3
Totnes
153
156
3
Teignmouth & Dawlish
156
149
-7
Devon Bootlegs
105
87
-18
33
56
23
6
6
0
2632
2643
11
Secretarial Admin
Non-Group membership
DN TOTAL
Note: The numbers are “Active” plus “Payment Pending”.
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Footpath Secretary’s Report
The current state of our footpaths in Devon is still generally
good, despite financial cutbacks, and for that we must
congratulate Devon County Council’s Rights of Way team, the
National Park authorities, and our own Footpath Officers in all
our groups.
The coast path is now fully open again along the seawall at
Dawlish, and the long awaited section between Strete Gate and
Strete village is also now open.
A new bridge across the River Swincombe has replaced the one
washed away in the storms early in 2014, but we do still await a
new suspension bridge across the River Exe, south of Bickleigh.
The planned Public Inquiry regarding the deletion of the River Coly path, which members of
East Devon Group are opposing on behalf of the Ramblers, has been postponed several times,
proposed dates being rejected by the applicants. We still wait for a definite date.
An important event in 2015 has been the Big Pathwatch. This attempt to get a full picture of
the condition of our Rights of Way has been undertaken by members of the general public as
well as by Ramblers, and we hope some of those who were involved may be interested enough
to join us. At the time of writing it is still underway, but we hope that results will be complete
enough to give us all the information needed to prioritise resources and to press for further
funding throughout the country.
I know that our Footpath Officers will continue their good work in protecting our Rights of Way
throughout the coming year.
Jenny Worsfold
47th
Annual Report & Accounts
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11
Access Officer’s Report
Another year has passed and again access issues have been fairly
small in number.
A significant achievement this year was the opening of a section
of coast path near to Strete village which at last routes the
coastal footpath away from the main road. Ramblers have
striven for over 20 years to improve the coast path between
Strete Gate and Little Dartmouth and slowly things are
happening.
At the time of writing this report in late October 2015 Natural
England has announced its intention to look at the coastal sections between Minehead and
Combe Martin and Lyme Regis to Kingswear with a view to providing a coastal footpath
under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. This is the legislation that will provide (by
2020 it has been said) a coastal footpath around all of England.
Whilst it is the case that the existing coastal footpath in Devon is very satisfactory there are
parts where it could be better; it may go too far inland, even where a more seaward route
is available. This legislation may enable some improvements in those areas. More
significantly it will provide a “coastal margin” between the chosen route of the coastal
footpath and the high water mark to which there will be a legal right of access. It is not
generally understood that many of the seaside visits in our lifetimes, childhood and
onwards, have been by toleration of the landowner as in many cases there is no legal access
to beaches.
The 2009 legislation also provides for the coastal footpath to move inland “automatically”
as a cliff edge erodes and the footpath is lost. This may be helpful to us, particularly in East
Devon. With Ramblers volunteers in Devon you can rest assured that we will work with
Natural England to gain the best improvements to the coast path.
After many years of apparent decay the tungsten mine at Hemerdon near to Crownhill
Down and the southern boundary of Dartmoor National Park re-opened in 2015. Various
public rights of way in the locality had to be re-routed; Ramblers were consulted over these
changes and we did not object. I would encourage you to walk the new routes not least to
see how the landscape of an area can be dramatically changed in a short period of time.
The long standing issues of access to Vixen Tor, the River Plym footpath from Shaugh bridge
to Bickleigh bridge and the path on the north-western side of Meldon Reservoir remain as
outstanding issues to which no immediate solution seems achievable but they will not be
forgotten.
John Skinner
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Walking Environment Secretary’s Report
[Grab your reader’s
attention with a
great quote from
the document or
use this space to
emphasize a key
point. To place this
text box anywhere
on the page, just
drag it.]
Solar (PV) Farms – A subject which creates much debate as to
their impact in the countryside, do they provide significant
benefits or do they represent an urbanisation of the
countryside ? There will continue to be applications which we
do need to consider on an individual basis.
Dartmoor Mires Project – The pilot project continues, we will
benefit from the science, which will give us a better
understanding of how blanket bogs operate, and much
baseline data for the future. There is evidence for
environmental benefits for wild life, but whether this is a cost
effective scheme is open to question.
Yennadon Quarry Extension, Iron Mine Lane, Dousland - This was actually a very
interesting planning application and the arguments, even talking to former planning
officers, were considered to be finely balanced. The original application a year ago was
refused and the applicants are trying to overturn the decision. The arguments for, that the
quarry operation provides local stone, employment and is a traditional use of Dartmoor
stone, needs to be contrasted with opponents who cite noise, dust, vehicle movements
and, whether expanding the quarrying operation conflicts with National Park purposes.
Undergrounding of pylons - There has been funding made available for undergrounding
projects by electricity supply companies which could lead to improved landscape benefits.
Following stakeholder engagement and feedback, Western Power Distribution's business
plan for the period 2015-2023 includes a total sum of £8m for undergrounding of overhead
lines in National Parks and AONBs. The South-West's share of this sum will be £2.8million.
Superfast Broadband. This is another controversial issue within Dartmoor National Park.
There is a need for people with businesses, or even for leisure purposes like downloading a
film, to be able to access superfast broadband and the Government is committed to the
principle. The issue is that around 16 masts would be required within the National Park. A
controversial application at Widecombe was recently withdrawn. A number of
organisations have met with providers including Airband and the discussions have been
quite positive. The local project in the south west is facing some practical issues over
project delivery.
John Howell
47th
Annual Report & Accounts
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Media Secretary’s Report
This report starts with the challenge faced by Ramblers. The
most common comment that I hear about us is that we have an
aggressive image (because of our past campaigns). If we are to
grow (perhaps survive) we have to overcome this negative
image. The main thrust must come from the centre but we can
do our bit with a local commitment to positive marketing.
Last year I reported on our local problems with publicity in the
context of the media’s lack of interest in our activities. Despite
this, some good results have been achieved, including the Becka
Brook opening walk and the opening of the coast path at Strete.
We celebrated the end of a very long campaign by donating a bench on the new section of the
Coast Path, see front cover.
Many Groups have taken up Robert’s challenge to use the marketing stall at suitable events.
My experience has been mixed but positive. One of the lessons that comes from more
marketing is the realisation that the general public knows little about Ramblers coupled with
my opening point about our aggressive image.
We have produced an Area Leaflet which has been very well received. Thanks to Tessa and
Bob for their help and to the Groups for their narrative and great photos.
We have achieved good progress this year. A looming task is to obtain suitable statistics to
measure the effectiveness of our marketing effort. Is the volunteer effort and the expenditure
justified by the result? There is a possibility that Central Office are collecting this data.
I think we have to develop a big event during next year which will be of interest to the media.
Generate interest by lead in of events leading to a major final event. I will be seeking your
ideas at the AGM and in Area Council.
George Coles
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Web Master’s Report
During 2014-15 we have had various overhauls and updates to the
Area website(s). The new Central Office generated web-space for
Areas and Groups has been well received and is proving very
successful. With more Groups contributing to the Walks Finder
Database we have seen a great deal of activity on the web from
ramblers; visiting walkers; and new interested members wishing
to walk in Devon searching this database and discovering the local
walking Groups as well.
The "old" Area website that we have funded between 2008 and
2015 has now ceased activity in favour of the CO website which is
both (a) very interactive and (b) free! It still contains all the
information the old site had and much more.
The new website utilities are continually developing and updating. We held a workshop (or
help group) session in January 2015 on Web development and Walks Finder database.
Feedback suggests that it was well received and although we had an agenda for the workshop
we did tend to do a lot of "question and answer" sections which everyone found helpful, I
think! We would consider running something along the same lines again in 2016 if there is a
need.
We are currently enjoying around 18,000 visits through the Area Website per annum with
around 75% of the traffic carrying on through to Group pages and Walks Finder. I am advised
by CO that the percentage of new members that join on-line currently stands at 64% and I am
sure that Group web development plays its part in that. I would encourage all Groups who run
their own websites to "consider" looking at the possibilities of moving their location to the "inhouse" website which is developing all the time and of course is free, thus saving Ramblers
money as well as being fully integrated with Walks Finder.
Keep up the good work in uploading your walks to the Walks Finder Database! It really does
make a difference to the visits to your website and telephone, or e-mail contacts to Group for
information. Eleven out of twelve Groups in Devon now subscribe to the Walks Finder
Database and you are all to be congratulated for your efforts, as during this year that has risen
from eight to eleven. Well done! If you haven’t as yet subscribed to the Walks Finder Database
and would like some help with it OR you want help setting it up or expanding your Group webspace please get in touch and something can be worked out.
Mike Long
47th
Annual Report & Accounts
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Area News Editor’s Report
It was good to see an increase in the number of people providing
their News to the blog this year. As well as the regular updates
from Teignmouth and Dawlish, we have also had contributions
from: North Devon; Moorland group and a number of articles
written with input from central office and the area secretary.
Plymouth have also contributed an article recently, although it is
technically not in the period covered by the report!
The traffic to the blog, although modest, continues to grow (see
chart). The highest month was August 2015 with 436 page views.
The most viewed article this year was the one on the Becka
Brook footbridge which had 169 page views.
Nick Savage
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Devon Bootlegs Group
Devon Bootlegs continues to offer a walks programme, with walks on Saturdays and Sundays
for people in their 20s and 30s. Our walks range over most of Devon and occasionally Cornwall,
Dorset and Somerset and are typically around 8-10 miles. We are a very sociable group and we
also organise trips away, such as an annual trip to Scotland and weekends hostelling in
Cornwall as well as other events such as cinema outings.
This year we became Devon's first "flexigroup", which has greatly simplified the running of our
group. Now we can just concentrate on the walking and The Great Outdoors!
Our membership fluctuates from year-to-year and although in 2015 we have seen a significant
reduction from 105 to 87 members, the numbers participating in our walks has remained
stable. We look forward to attracting new members to our group over the next year.
Jenna Chynoweth
Group Chair
David Hinchliffe,
Robert Woolcott,
James and Isabella
Baldwin pose outside
Robinson College,
Cambridge following
General Council,
2015.
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47th
Annual Report & Accounts
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East
EastDevon
Devongroup
group
members
membersseek
seek
shelter
shelter in
inthe
the
publicity
publicity gazebo.
gazebo.
Plymouth
Plymouth group
groupmembers
membersat
at South
South Hessary
Hessary Tor
Tor to
to receive
receive an
an award
awardfor
for
their
their contribution
contributiontowards
towardsthe
the restoration
restorationof
ofthe
the path
pathfrom
fromPrincetown
Princetown
to
to the
the Tor.
Tor.
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16
South Devon members’ navigation class with Chris Wood.
South Devon members’ navigation class with Chris Wood.
Moorland Group walkers pause at the new
Moorland
Group
walkers
pause
at the
new
Becka
Brook
clapper
bridge
on the
Hilda
Becka Brook
bridge
on the Hilda
Biscoeclapper
memorial
walk.
Biscoe memorial walk.
47th
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17
East Devon Group
The year has been a very busy one with lots of initiatives which may have resulted in a
significant increase in our membership this year.
We have taken the Area chairman’s challenge to heart when all groups were asked to make
better use of the Area publicity stand, as during the year we have advertised the Ramblers and
the Group at the East Devon AONB’s Rural Business Fair, an Older Peoples’ Forum at Budleigh
Salterton, Heath Week at Woodbury Castle, Sidmouth Walking Festival and the Seaton
Outdoor Show. Also, for BBC Radio Devon we arranged and led a short walk that was broadcast
on the ‘Potting Shed’ programme on a Sunday morning in June. The Group also participated in
a woodland survey at the request of the Forestry Commission via Central Office on ten
woodland sites in our area. We were asked by the East Devon AONB to provide a series of
short circular walks based on the East Devon Way and this resulted in 15 routes all along the
Way which had to be walked, written up, checked and are now published on ‘Ramblers
Routes’.
Our walking programme of over 270 walks this year has been well received by members and
visitors alike who appreciate our friendly approach, and has seen a steady trickle of new
members. We now have a pool of over 100 members to call on to lead our walks.
Group membership this year has also increased to 454, an increase of 29 over the year which
represents a 6% growth rate. It’s debatable whether this increase was due to our increased
publicity efforts, but it is gratifying to see such good growth this year, regardless of source.
Tours this year have been to the Cotswolds, Chatel in the French Alps and the Lake District.
Social activities have included a barn dance, quiz evening, and a chat and eat. All of these
attracted good numbers, but as usual our most popular event was the Christmas lunch at the
Tumbling Weir in Ottery St Mary where 77 members and friends enjoyed good festive fare.
Our research officer has had a frustrating year as the problem of the path along the River Coly
continues. The application to delete this attractive riverside path still has not reached the
Public Inquiry stage. It was reported last year that a date had been set in February 2015, but
this was postponed and new dates have been challenged three times by the applicants. It is
hoped that the fifth suggested date will be acceptable. These delays are perplexing, the
applicants want to be rid of the path but seem to be prolonging the process that could remove
it!
We have continued to attract funds from Ramblers Holidays Partnership scheme and this year
they have donated £200 into the Group’s coffers. We are grateful to our members who
nominate the Group when taking their holidays and hope they will continue to do so in the
future.
Ted Swan, Group Secretary
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Exeter & District Group
Our walks programme continues to provide a good range of walks of varying distances every
Sunday and frequently midweek too, attracting a core of regular walkers while also attracting
new members. And we don’t just stay ‘on our doorstep’, with walks being arranged in
Somerset, Dorset and Cornwall too. Thanks are due to all those who have contributed to the
vitality of our group by leading a walk – 22 members have done so over the past 12months.
Although we don’t run a formal programme of mentoring or confidence building, a number of
experienced leaders are happy to assist newcomers in taking that first faltering step towards
leading a walk and it was pleasing to see a couple of new leaders coming forward.
It was agreed that we should seek out a suitably qualified organisation or individual to run a
basic first aid course so that a number of regular walkers felt confident to deal with minor
injuries sustained during the course of a walk. Consequently arrangements were made for a
training day in February attended by 15 members of the group. Feedback was positive and we
may well organise a follow-up - more advanced course - so maybe this time next year we will
be reporting on members ‘passing out’ as paramedics.
Any group that wishes to flourish needs to have an eye to the future and so we are always
ready to welcome new members. While our website continues to act as something of a magnet
we should not become complacent. We ran a stall promoting our group (and the rest of the
Ramblers Association network within the county and beyond) at the Exeter Green Fair on the
Cathedral Green at the beginning of September. Despite an unseasonably cold start to the day
all involved felt that it was a good way of connecting with the public and we spoke to many
people interested in getting out walking – again after a lay-off, or for the first time. We met
people from many parts of the county and the availability of the new area publicity brochure
was really helpful by enabling us to point people towards groups in their home locality.
In addition to the year-round programme of walks the group also enjoys an autumn walking
weekend. October 2014 saw 45 of our members spending a very enjoyable time at the
Falmouth Hotel, ideally located for groups to set off in every direction to one of the choice of 3
walks each day. In October 2015, we headed off in the opposite direction to Portland where
once again 45 people spent the weekend walking together, not only on the Isle of Portland, but
also on the Dorset ‘mainland’. Around 30 members enjoyed Christmas Dinner together at The
Travellers’ Rest, Whitestone last December, preceded by a walk before and a quiz during/after
the meal.
We are pleased to have joined the Walking Partnership with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays
(RWH) which has provided us with financial support to improve the quality of our thrice yearly
newsletter. We closed the year with a highly successful AGM attended by a representative of
RWH who made a presentation outlining the breadth of their growing portfolio of walking
holidays.
Les Bright
Group Chairman
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Moorland Group
General. The Moorland Group has had another extremely successful year, in that we have
achieved a noteworthy number of outstanding walks, as well as organizing some excellent social
functions and a weekend away in Wales.
Walks. Over the reporting period the group organized 56 walks, of which 3 were at night. Of
the 56 walks undertaken, 13 were over 15 miles and 40 were over 10 miles. All but 12 of our
walks were on the high moor, with 8 on the edge of the moor, and 4 coastal walks. Included in
the Walks Programme was a 20 mile Hilda Biscoe memorial walk that took us from Hound Tor to
Chagford Common and back.
18 members attended the group weekend away in Southern Snowdonia, based around Dolgellau,
in May. The first walk of 11 miles followed the scenic Mawddach Trail, before gaining the lower
slopes of Cadair Idris. The route returned via some picturesque woods, areas of open moorland
and waterfalls, with fine views of Barmouth. The second walk of only 8 miles, but 3975ft of climb,
started just to the north west of Cadair Idris and then went almost directly to the summit, then
on to Lake Gadair, before ascending the scree slopes and Fox's Path to the summit. The party
descended to Lake Cau via the Minffordd Path and then returned back to Cadair Idris by a steep
gully, returning to the start point via the Pony Path. The third walk of 10 miles, and 3400ft of
climb started at Cwm Cywarch, to the east of Dolgellau. From the start the route climbed to the
summit of Aran Fawddwy, continuing along the ridge to Aran Benllyn before returning to the start
point via Drysgol and Waun Goch with some truly excellent views in all directions!
On Monday 25th May the group undertook a short walk to celebrate the opening of the new
Becka Brook clapper bridge, which had been funded by the Group and HF Holidays. The bridge, of
a type once common on Dartmoor, is believed to be the first new one for at least 30 years. The
walk was a great success with 71 persons attending; a mix of members and the public. George
Coles, the walk organizer and leader, made a short address to the assembled walkers, as did Janet
Coles who was representing HF Holidays. Finally, Mr Peter Harper, the Chairman of DNP, said a
few words and specifically thanked the Group and HF Holidays for their support. Lunch was held
at the bridge site before returning back to Haytor car park.
Our winter programme of walks has now been issued and again we continue to have some
interesting and challenging walks on offer over the next 6 months.
Membership. Our current membership stands at 101, which includes 2 Emeritus Members.
Since 1 January 2015, the Group had gained 12 members (including 3 transfers from Plymouth
group) and lost 8. Most new members had found the Group via our web site
(www.moorlandramblers.org.uk).
Committee Members. We currently have all our Committee appointments filled and all
members, apart from the Footpaths Secretary, have volunteered to continue in post for the next
12 months. At our AGM on 25th October, we hope to find a volunteer to fill the Footpaths
Secretary post.
Social. The group Annual Social Dinner was held at the Prince of Wales, Princetown, on Saturday
20th June. For those members attending the weekend away in Wales, another very successful
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20
dinner was held at the Royal Ship in Dolgellau on Saturday 16th May. Both evenings allowed
members to meet up and discuss various walks and trips away, as well as enjoying some excellent
food.
HSAW & Finance. There are no significant points to report on these 2 subjects, except to say that
the group funds remain healthy.
Other Activities. Although not a formally organized Ramblers activity, it is worth a mention that a
few members have undertaken various expeditions with walking holiday companies, and that
some have claimed back the £20 through the walking partnership with Ramblers Worldwide
Holidays.
Graham Wilding
Group Chairman
Moorland Group near Arthog, enjoying their
holiday in Wales.
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North Devon Group
Where do the years go? The North Devon Group is thirty eight years old and I have been
involved for thirty six of those years. We definitely need new blood. Our membership is static
as new members are balanced by those leaving the group for a variety of reasons. We do our
best with group publicity, having a stand at the North Devon Show in August, arranging
displays in local libraries and joining in with Barnstaple Town Council's 'Wellbeing Day' in
October. Our programmes are sent to all local libraries and TICs and we are fortunate to get
free advertising via the 'What's On' columns of two local papers. We have now transferred to
the Ramblers' main website and find that this suits us very well and costs nothing. Our
webmaster, Mike, and our walks secretary, Angela, are able to do regular updates and all our
walks and events are on 'Walks Finder'.
We have had good coverage in the local press this year such as when we met with Geoffrey
Cox, one of our local MPs, to give him a copy of the Ramblers' Manifesto prior to the general
election. Other news releases covered our AGM/new programme, Festival of Winter Walks
and Get Walking Day. Our walks programme and newsletter is produced twice a year and still
sent in 'hard' copy to our members but the cost is covered by our advertisers. This year our
brilliant leaders have produced over 120 walks for us. Each month we have a 'Nice and Easy'
walk but we also had mince pies and mulled wine at Christmas and lots of lunches and cream
teas. Our walks secretary, Angela, has also made contact and walked with the Torridge
Walking for Health Group, handing out leaflets in an attempt to encourage some of their
members to join our shorter walks. As yet we have had little success but we continue with this
venture.
The social side of the group is always popular and this had not been neglected. There was
much hilarity and an excellent supper at our skittle evening in November. In January over forty
members enjoyed a carvery lunch at the Barnstaple Hotel. This seems much more popular
than our previous annual evening meal. This Winter saw the revival of our social evening with
wonderful pictures of Chris and Roger's holiday to Australia and Brian's pictures of our group
away breaks over the years. This was accompanied by a 'bring and share' supper. In October
just over twenty members enjoyed four nights in Shrewsbury with a selection of walks. In
March it was to the Manor Hotel at Crickhowell in Wales for another four night break.
Our two footpath officers have continued to tackle whatever falls into their in trays. We cover
over 100 parishes so tend to be reactive rather than proactive. There is good feedback on
problems from our members, often accompanied by a picture. We liaise with three Devon
County Council rights of way wardens and have excellent relations. DCC continue to do some
excellent work despite financial cutbacks. At Clawton seriously overgrown paths were cleared
within in a few weeks enabling a Cornish Ramblers group to enjoy their planned walk. Also at
Tutshill Woods close to Barnstaple, trees have been cleared and boardwalks repaired in recent
weeks. In February our footpath officers met with one of the wardens to go through various
long-standing issues.
It seems impossible to raise any interest in members attending Area Council meetings but our
footpath officers attend their Area meetings and Mike and Joan attended the Ramblers
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22
Volunteers Day in Exeter in January. We elected one new committee member at last year's
AGM and have recently co-opted another. A daytime AGM where we have a morning walk
followed by a pub lunch and a brief, formal meeting seems to be more popular than an evening
meeting.
A recent bit of sad news to report is the death of our Group President, Joyce Stanley, in
September. Joyce was the only founder member of our group still involved. She served as
Group Chairman from the group's conception until 1996 and was Group President from
October 2001. Her death was truly the end of an era!
Joan Long
Group Chairman
***
Joyce Stanley
30 November 1920 to 15th September 2015
th
I met Joyce when I first joined the North Devon Group
in 1979. Joyce joined Ramblers in 1958 whilst living in
Yorkshire. She used to tell me of the many coaches
that took walkers out each Sunday and the huge
number of walks on offer. However perhaps I should
tell you something of her earlier life before we get to
Ramblers.
Joyce was born in what was Palestine in 1920. Her
Father was Irish, a surgeon, physician and a
missionary. When Joyce was five the family returned
to England where her Father practised as a GP in a
small, rural Shropshire village. This is where Joyce
developed her love of the countryside.
After nine years the family moved to Yorkshire. However, Joyce was a boarder at Clarendon
School in North Malvern, and afterwards did some of her teacher training through a
correspondence course. She moved to New Zealand in 1953 where she taught English for
three years in North Island, spending her Summer holidays tramping in South Island. Joyce
then spent a couple of years in Australia doing various work including fruit picking, office work
and tutoring on a cattle station. This involved spending some time on horseback herding
cattle. When she returned to the UK in 1958 it was by ship to Bombay and then overland back
to England.
In 1964 Joyce moved to Barnstaple to teach at what was then the Girls’ Grammar School and
later to become one of the founder members of the North Devon Ramblers group in 1977. She
47th
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was the group's Chairman until 1996 and after standing down she became its President until
the group's
and after
standing
down sheofbecame
itsgroup
President
herwas
death.
She firstChairman
attendeduntil
Area1996
Council
meetings
as Chairman
the local
and until
from
her death.
attended
Area Council
Chairman
of the local
and from
March
1984 asShe
an first
individual
member
of Area meetings
Council. as
In 1991
she became
Areagroup
Vice-Chairman
1984 asArea
an individual
member
Area
In 1991
sheMillgate
becamebecoming
Area Vice-Chairman
andMarch
was elected
Chairman
in 1993offor
oneCouncil.
year prior
to Don
Chairman.
and was
elected
Chairman
in 1993
for one year prior
Donyears
Millgate
In 1997
Joyce
was Area
elected
as an Area
Vice-President.
For to
many
shebecoming
served onChairman.
the, now
In 1997Dartmoor/Exmoor
Joyce was electedsub-committee.
as an Area Vice-President.
Foryears
manyshe
years
she served
on the,
defunct,
During those
efficiently
led Area
andnow
her
defunct,
Dartmoor/Exmoor
During those
she efficiently
ledmeant
Area and
fellow
committee
members. sub-committee.
Her love and knowledge
of years
the English
language
thather
all
fellowand
committee
Her love
knowledge
of including
the Englishmy
language
meantI became
that all
reports
recordsmembers.
were scanned
for and
'correct'
English,
own when
reports
were scanned for 'correct' English, including my own when I became
Group
and and
laterrecords
Area Chairman.
Group and later Area Chairman.
Joyce attended Ramblers National (later General) Council several times as a Devon delegate. In
Joyce attended Ramblers National (later General) Council several times as a Devon delegate. In
1983
it was with a young Kate Ashbrook, who was elected to the National Executive. Joyce
1983 it was with a young Kate Ashbrook, who was elected to the National Executive. Joyce
took an active part in any campaigning and rallies to further the Ramblers’ aims, also
took an active part in any campaigning and rallies to further the Ramblers’ aims, also
representing Area at various Exmoor meetings. She also took over thirty Ramblers holidays
representing Area at various Exmoor meetings. She also took over thirty Ramblers holidays
over the years the final one being to Costa Rica in 2005 at the age of 85. Her holidays were her
over the years the final one being to Costa Rica in 2005 at the age of 85. Her holidays were her
one indulgence with travels to Norway, Kashmir, Crete, the Alps, the Dolomites, Nepal, South
one indulgence with travels to Norway, Kashmir, Crete, the Alps, the Dolomites, Nepal, South
Africa
and
China.
Africa
and
China.
Joyce
always
had
a 'can
hill 'one
'one step
stepatataa
Joyce
always
had
a 'cando'
do'attitude.
attitude. Nothing
Nothingfazed
fazedher
her whether
whether climbing
climbing aa hill
time'
or or
when
she
chose
her to
to the
the Area
AreaAGM
AGM
time'
when
she
chosetototravel
travelon
onthe
theupper
upperdeck
deckof
of the
the bus
bus bringing
bringing her
at Filleigh
less
than
two
years
ago.
She
was
a
private
person,
unassuming,
devout,
intrepid
and
at Filleigh less than two years ago. She was a private person, unassuming, devout, intrepid and
at times
formidable.
I
will
miss
her
greatly
as
will
Ramblers.
The
end
of
an
era!
at times formidable. I will miss her greatly as will Ramblers. The end of an era!
Joan
Long
Joan
Long
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North Devon
Devon group
group
members
holiday near
near
members on holiday
Crickhowell,
South
Wales.
Crickhowell, South Wales.
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
24
24
Plymouth & District Group
This past year has again been an active one for our group. Our walks programme has been well
supported and includes a wide variety of walks to suit all tastes. Our co-ordinators work hard
to collect walks and encourage new leaders to have a go. We are planning a leaders training
event for the forthcoming year. Members have ventured far and wide across the globe and as a
group we have enjoyed several successful weekends closer to home – the most recent being
The Brecon Beacons and Land’s End.
Socially, we have enjoyed a dinner at The Treasury in Plymouth and the ever popular “Last
Supper” at the Fox Tor Café Princetown to celebrate the end of our summer evening walks. A
raffle produced a good amount for Devon Air Ambulance. Several of our members have taken
part in walks to support the wonderful work of the Dartmoor Rescue Team – you never know
when we might need them!
We have moved into the 21st century by creating a Facebook page and are trialling the idea of
“pop-up” walks. These are walks put on at short notice where there might be gaps in our
programme, the details of which are circulated via our email contact list and the Facebook
page.
As it is our turn to host the 2016 area AGM our committee is busy planning the details of the
day. The arrangements can be found elsewhere in this report but we look forward to
welcoming Devon members to our part of the county. We will have 2 walks on offer for the
morning so hope these will be well supported.
We were presented with a certificate as a result of a donation made to the Dartmoor National
Park Association. We chose to support the restoration of the track up to and beyond South
Hessary Tor from Princetown which was so badly rutted during the rains in the winter of
2013/14.
Two members were invited to the official opening of the tungsten mine at Hemerdon and saw
a lot of the workings at close range, quite impressive and just huge. Our Rights of Way Officer
is keeping an eye on further developments in the area by the mine company as we wish to see
the paths and countryside protected.
Margaret Vatcher is shortly leaving the area to settle closer to family. She will be missed – she
has been Chairman, Secretary, and a prolific walk leader. We wish her well and thank her for all
she has done for the group. We lost 2 well-loved members of our group. We were saddened
and shocked by the death of Martin Robbins – he led walks which were always well researched
and will be missed by us all. Paul Giles had been ill for some time but he was a regular on walks
and group holidays. At his funeral we were amused by recalling many of the moments that
made him so dear to us.
Val Galer, Group Secretary
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South Devon Group
Once again I am able to report on another successful year for our group. My role as chairman is
to oversee the committee, to ensure we remain focussed on the wishes and expectations of
our members by improving their enjoyment within our walking environment. The committee
devotes much of its time reviewing, debating and challenging proposals put forward before
reaching any decisions, all of which are in line with the Ramblers code of conduct and strategy.
To this end we support and assist other Rambler groups wherever possible, as well as take on
volunteer work with the Dartmoor National Park and local authorities.
We have increased our committee to ten individuals allowing one member to take on the
responsibility of promoting one of our major assets, namely the John Musgrave Heritage Trail.
In March, 2016 the trail reaches its tenth anniversary since the inauguration in March, 2006.
We plan to celebrate this milestone with a day of walks, culminating in a Devon Cream Tea at
the Cockington Court on Thursday April 21st, to which all Ramblers are welcome.
We remain vigilant on Health and Safety issues for our members and ensure that quality time is
used at our AGM each year to present topics related to this sphere.
Several of our volunteers promoted rambling with a display stand at the English Riviera
Business and Leisure Exhibition again this year and later, in collaboration with the Totnes
Group, an attempt was made to erect the Ramblers gazebo in atrocious conditions at the
Totnes Show. Sadly we failed on this occasion.
Our attempt to walk the complete Offa's Dyke Path bordering England and Wales as a group,
saw us through to the half way point last April, with plans to walk a further 45 miles in early
April, 2016.
The annual walking holiday in 2015 was extended to a full week of exploration in and around
the Gulf of Morbihan in Brittany taking in the spectacular Carnac Stones, Vannes fortified city
and the idyllic island, Ile d'Arz.
New members are coming through and joining us on our walks and social activities, which is
encouraging for our future prospects. Our decision to join Facebook has attracted over 57
members and this has hugely increased engagement within the group with regular inputs from
the members. The Big Pathwatch was slow to take off but has now grown with momentum.
Once again, I thank the full committee team for their continued loyalty and support, also for
their commitment to remain in their individual roles within the group. I am humbled by the
wave of enthusiasm from South Devon Ramblers and this inspires me to keep working to
promote the objectives of our organisation.
Bernard Parker
Group Chairman
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26
South Hams Group
This is my first year as Chairman, having taken the mantle from Mike Farrell who has led our
group for the past 10 years, thanks Mike.
Sadly, I have to report the passing of Stan Woods our President of 12 years, I am sure many of
you will have fond memories of Stan, His wish was that when it was his time he would like it to
be at the end of a walk, this came true as he had just finished a 7 mile walk. Our thoughts go to
his family, especially Diana.
On a happier note, our group continues to thrive with our numbers increasing slightly over last
year, now at 246. In addition to our current programme of 3 walks a week (Sunday, Tuesday &
Thursday) which are varied both in their distance, (6 to 12) miles and the location from the
South West Coast Path to Dartmoor, from November we are starting a short walks programme.
In March we had our annual trip away, this time to Lulworth Cove with 28 members, a great
time was had by all.
Our Social events are many and varied and included our Annual Dinner & Dance at the Cottage
Hotel, Hope Cove, Horse Race Evening. Quiz Night, Skittles event, Picnic, Hog Roast and a BBQ
on the Beach. All events take place throughout the South Hams.
Many thanks go to all our Committee members for all their hard work throughout the year,
Isobel Torrens-Secretary, Peter Lannin- Treasurer, Mike Torrens-Footpath Officer, Mandy
Fletcher-Social, Sally Symington-Membership, David McGee-Media and Diana Knight, Susie
Sylvester and David Inkpin. Finally, a ‘Big’ thank you to Chris Barnwell who, after many years of
hard work is stepping down.
Alan Mighall
Group Chairman
***
Tavistock Group
A very successful year for Tavy Ramblers! Another full and varied programme, courtesy of our
excellent and growing band of leaders, suggests we are in good shape and our on-going
training is paying off. We walk on most Saturdays and all Sundays and some Thursday evenings
during the summer.
Our ‘buddying’ system of linking new leaders with more experienced ones has worked well,
encouraging and giving confidence and building on the training received at navigation courses
provided by Kathryn Blackie which we subsidised for participants. There is also First Aid
training again provided by Triangle. Once again we are grateful to Peter Wright putting on a
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Walk Leaders’ Challenge. This year 18 attended and it was well received. Even with GPS we
believe that compass and map work provide confidence on Dartmoor.
In May we had a week’s walking holiday to Pembrokeshire. This was very popular and as usual
sold out quickly. A long weekend in Dunster was held in September. A trip to the Derbyshire
Dales is planned for 2016. Several members make real efforts to organise these.
The social calendar is an important part of our work. This year Ten Pin bowling at Trethorne
was again a great success. A Treasure Hunt was a revived initiative. The Annual Dinner was
again at The Terrace, the Christmas Tea at Whitchurch Village Hall and the summer party/BBQ
at Malcolm and Sarah, who laid on all the food for almost forty grateful attendees. The Skittles
evening, ever popular, is in November. In addition our ladies (mainly but all are welcome) meet
for coffee monthly at the Bedford Hotel while beer is popular at monthly Friday evenings in
local hostelries.
Our publicity is regular contributions to local newspapers, and we have had articles in local
magazines and put up posters in suitable locations. Most creatively, we have produced
colourful car stickers advertising ourselves.
Finances continue to be healthy and we are grateful to HF Holidays, Kountry Kit and the
Walking Partnership for their support. Finally I’d like to thank the Committee for all their work
and support.
Ian Gasper
Group Chairman
***
Teignmouth & Dawlish Group
The Teignmouth and Dawlish Group continues to go from strength to strength. Membership
remains healthy at 160 and in addition to offering weekly short and long walks on a Sunday, we
have offered pub walks on those balmy summer evenings and new monthly tea shop walks on
a Saturday. With almost weekly publicity in our local papers, the moving around of our
publicity stand in various locations and our new Facebook page we retain our high profile in
the area.
Holidays have been popular and members participated in beautiful walks in the Peak District in
the Spring, and an Autumn trip to Santander in Northern Spain, although we did have to brave
the Bay of Biscay to get there! A new Social Secretary has been active and there have been
trips to the theatre, a skittles evening and safari walk where group members provided delicious
meals enjoyed by the rest of us lounging in their gardens in the summer sun.
One major change for the Group has been the decision to use a new meeting place in
Teignmouth better able to cope with the number of members' cars. This has meant a move
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28
away from bus stops but by sharing lifts to get to the start the new location seems to be
working well. We have seen the seawall at Dawlish repaired and finally open and members
remain active in seeking to get the coastal path rerouted at Shell Cove, Dawlish and to get a
safer crossing at Smugglers Lane, Holcombe.
A big thanks to all those members that organise, lead and contribute to the Group in so many
ways.
Deborah Welland
Group Secretary
Teignmouth & Dawlish
group walkers by the Teign
on their Christmas walk.
Tiverton Group
The past year has seen the Tiverton Group offer walks each weekend, as well as shorter
midweek walks. Sunday walks attracted between 4 and 23 walkers, while the weekday walks
showed an increase in numbers, largely due to the success of the “Wayfarers” tag which
continues to attract new members from the Walking for Health (Walk and Talk) groups. We
continue to encourage the walkers who prefer the longer weekend walks to mix with those
who favour the shorter weekday walks, and again have held a short Saturday walk followed by
lunch, with some former walkers enjoying the lunch and meeting old friends. Our Sunday walks
are always followed by the famous Cream Tea, with the weekday walks including an optional
pub lunch.
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
47th
Annual Report & Accounts
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon2931
As usual there has been a varied programme with some more distant walks exploring new
territory, while others are nearer to home. Our walkers come from a widespread area as do the
leaders, and have local knowledge of many areas within the region. We are increasingly aware
of fuel prices and encourage car sharing, and try to have a balanced programme regarding
distance travelled in order to keep our walks affordable for regular participants.
Our leaders continue to give their time to planning and leading the walks – we thank them for
their dedication. New walks leaders are encouraged, and to that end we purchased a one day
navigation course from “Compassworks” which seven members attended. The aim was to
increase confidence and improve safety on our walks. Many leaders as well as walkers are now
trained in Basic First Aid, with another course planned. We hope to invest in Outdoor First Aid
kits and manuals for those who attend the next course, in the next financial year.
We offered a walking holiday on the Isle of Wight, planned by Jenny Bedford, which was very
successful, and a day trip to Lundy Island took place. Socially we have run Skittles Nights, and a
morning walk followed by lunch, and our Christmas Dinner is planned. A quiz night was very
successful.
Our finances are stable, and we continue to try to reduce costs by using email for
communication where possible, and distributing paper copies by hand. Many thanks to the
officers and leaders who continue in their posts within the group. We also thank all walkers for
their support and contribution towards making Tiverton Ramblers a lively, adventurous and
supportive group.
Teresa Smith
Group Secretary
***
Totnes Group
Once again Totnes Ramblers has enjoyed a year packed full of interesting and varied walks and
social occasions. We are very grateful to all those members who organised and led walks for us
to enjoy, which included the wild beauty of Dartmoor (with wonderful views when the weather
was kind), the coast path, pretty little villages, and even an exploration of Plymouth ! In April
some of us enjoyed walking the Saints Way (30 miles from the North to the South coast of
Cornwall), with a 2 night stay in Lostwithiel.
This year our social secretary has beaten all records in the number of activities she has
arranged for us. These included day trips by coach to the Willows and Wetlands Centre near
Taunton and a trip to Dunster that included a lovely walk. For the first time this year we
enjoyed an early evening walk, which was followed by a delicious supper. This supper was only
one of a number of events that included food ! We thoroughly enjoyed our usual Christmas
meal, Dutch supper and Summer Meal, and have lost count of the number of cream teas that
we have consumed ! Our warm thanks go to our Social Secretary for all her hard work.
32www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
30
Two holidays were arranged this year. In June some of our members went to Llanelli for a short
Two
holidays
this year.
June somewalking
of our members
Llanelli for
a short
break,
and a were
grouparranged
of us enjoyed
a In
September
holiday inwent
the to
Chamonix
Valley
in
break,
France.and a group of us enjoyed a September walking holiday in the Chamonix Valley in
France.
We are pleased to report that our membership numbers have been maintained, and we
We
are pleased
to report
that ourmost
membership
havethe
been
maintained,
and we
frequently
welcome
new members,
of whomnumbers
have joined
Association
by means
of
frequently
most and
of whom
have joined the Association by means of
our website,welcome
which is new
now members,
well established
very popular.
our website, which is now well established and very popular.
The exciting news this year is that a previous member of our group, who died a couple of years
The
this yearlegacy,
is that awhich
previous
member
of for
ourthe
group,
whoofdied
a couple
of years
ago,exciting
has left news
us a generous
we hope
to use
benefit
all local
walkers.
ago, has left us a generous legacy, which we hope to use for the benefit of all local walkers.
Our grateful thanks to all the volunteers who give up their time to keep our group running
Our
grateful
to allathe
volunteers
who give
timevery
to keep
our group
running
smoothly
and,thanks
this year,
special
“thank-you”
mustupgotheir
to our
hard-working
Chairman,
smoothly
this year,
special
“thank-you”
must go to our very hard-working Chairman,
who
is nowand,
retiring.
He willa be
a hard
act to follow.
who is now retiring. He will be a hard act to follow.
Pat Hillier
Pat
Hillier
Group
Secretary
Group Secretary
Totnes Ramblers at Helman Tor on the Saints Way.
Totnes Ramblers at Helman Tor on the Saints Way.
47th
Annual Report & Accounts
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon3133
31
Area Officers
(October 2014 – September 2015)
Chairman
Chairman
Robert Robert
Woolcott
Woolcott
The Lodge,
43 Seymour
Drive, Drive,01803
313430
The Lodge,
43 Seymour
01803
313430
Torquay,
TQ2 8PY
robertandcarole@sky.com
Torquay,
Devon Devon
TQ2 8PY
robertandcarole@sky.com
ViceChairman
Chairman
Vice
John Howell
untilAGM,
2015 AGM,
currently
vacant
John Howell
until 2015
currently
vacant
Secretary
Secretary
David Hinchliffe
David Hinchliffe
14, Kensey
Close, Close,
Torquay,
14 Kensey
Torquay,
Devon TQ1
3TWDevon TQ1 3TW
Treasurer
Treasurer
James Baldwin
James Baldwin
Hill Cottage, Beer Hill,
Beer HillBeer
Cottage,
Beer Hill
Seaton, Devon EX12 2QD,
Seaton, Devon EX12 2QD
Membership Secretary
Membership
Secretary
Access Officer
Access Officer
01297 23045
01297
23045
james@baldwin12.freeserve.co.uk
james@baldwin12.freeserve.co.uk
John Minshall
John Minshall
Sunrise, Strete, Dartmouth,
Sunrise,Devon
Strete,TQ6
Dartmouth
0RQ Devon TQ6 0RQ
Footpath Secretary
Footpath
Secretary
01803
297474
01803
297474
dphinchliffe@btinternet.com
dphinchliffe@btinternet.com
Jenny Worsfold
8B Whitnage Road,
Jenny Worsfold
Sampford Peverell,
8B Whitnage Road,
Tiverton, Devon EX16 7BU
Sampford Peverell,Tiverton
John 7BU
Skinner
Devon EX16
19 Leat Road, Roborough,
Plymouth PL6 7AT
John Skinner
19
Leat
Road,Howell
Roborough
Walking Environment
John
Plymouth
7ATCoombe Drive,
Secretary
63 PL6
Higher
Teignmouth, Devon TQ14 9NL
Walking
John Howell
Media Secretary 63 Higher
George
Coles
Environment
Coombe
Drive
8 St Mary’s Drive, Brixham,
Secretary
Teignmouth,
Devon TQ14 9NL
Devon TQ5 9FB
01803 770300
01803
770300
john.minshall@talktalk.net
john.minshall@talktalk.net
01884 821805
jenworsfold@tiscali.co.uk
01884 821805
jenworsfold@tiscali.co.uk
01752 782454
johnskinner@tinyworld.co.uk
01752 782454
johnskinner@tinyworld.co.uk
01626 879770
john.owl@btopenworld.com
01626 879770
01803 854828
john.owl@btopenworld.com
george@24detp.eclipse.co.uk
Media
Web Master
Secretary
George Coles
Mike Long
8 St Mary’s
Drive, Brixham
,
12 Bradiford,
Barnstaple,
Devon
Devon TQ5
9FBEX31 4AD
01803
854828
01271
376274
joanmike@bradiford.plus.com
george@24detp.eclipse.co.uk
Web Master
Mike Long
Nick Savage
12 Bradiford,
Barnstaple
Devon EX31 4AD
nhsavage42@gmail.com
01271
376274
joanmike@bradiford.plus.com
News Editor
Nick Savage
nhsavage42@gmail.com
News Editor
34
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
33
Group Contacts
Devon Bootlegs
Devon
Bootlegs
www.devonbootlegs.org
www.devonbootlegs.org
devonbootlegs@devonbootlegs.org
devonbootlegs@devonbootlegs.org
Devon
James Baldwin
01297 23045
EastDevon
East
01297 23045
www.eastdevonramblers.org.uk James Baldwin james@baldwin12.freeserve.co.uk
www.eastdevonramblers.org.uk
james@baldwin12.freeserve.co.uk
Exeter & District
Exeter & District
www.exeterramblers.org.uk
Christine Ahleid
Penny Amraoui
01392 668175
01392 496645
pennyamraoui@blueyonder.co.uk
franschris07@waitrose.com
Moorland
www.moorlandramblers.org.uk
Moorland
01647 221260
William
Boughey
William Boughey williamboughey@btinternet.com
01647 221260
www.moorlandramblers.org.uk
williamboughey@btinternet.com
North Devon
01271 376274
www.ramblers.org.uk/northdevon Joan Long
joanmike@bradiford.plus.com
North Devon
01271 376274
www.northdevonramblers.co.uk
Joan Long
joanmike@bradiford.plus.com
Plymouth
& District
01752
700901
www.plymouthramblers.org.uk Val Galer
valgaler@googlemail.com
& District
Plymouth
South
Devon
www.plymouthramblers.org.uk
www.southdevonramblers.com
Val Galer
Tessa
Smith
01752 700901
01803 203564
valgaler@googlemail.com
secretary@southdevonramblers.com
South Hams
South Devon
www.ramblers.org.uk/south-hams
www.southdevonramblers.com
01548 810761
Isobel Torrens secretary@southdevonramblers.com
isobel.shamsramblers@googlemail.com
Tavistock
01822 611304
www.tavistockramblers.org.uk
Ian Gasper
ian.gasper@hotmail.co.uk
01548 810761
South Hams
Isobel Torrens isobel.shamsramblers@googlemail.com
Teignmouth & Dawlish
Deborah
01626 437958
www.teignramblers.org.uk
Welland
dwelland27@gmail.com
01822 611304
Tavistock
www.tavistockramblers.org.uk
Ian Gasper
ian.gasper@hotmail.co.uk
Tiverton
01823 673348
www.ramblers.org.uk/tiverton
Teresa Smith
smithteresa44@yahoo.co.uk
Teignmouth & Dawlish
Totnes
www.teignramblers.org.uk
www.ramblers.org.uk/totnes
01626 864046
Anne McCallister
anne.mccallister@sky.com
Pat Hillier
tonyrhillier@btinternet.com
Tiverton
Teresa Smith
Totnes
www.totnesramblers.org.uk
47th Annual Report & Accounts
Pat Hiller
01823 673348
smithteresa44@yahoo.co.uk
tonyrhiller@btinternet.com
www.ramblers.org.uk/devon
35
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Where w
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