The club is approved by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster,
Affiliated to the Ramblers Association Re istered Charit No. 306089
Dear Ramblers,
Happy New Year and I hope you enjoy many more rambles in 2003. I have succeeded Antoinette and think that she has done a great job whilst serving her term. Some of you will already know me from the rambles and as I have had much pleasure from rambling, I thought it right to use some of my time for the benefit of the club. Our rambling club is unlike any other club in that we share a common faith, the social events, and a very long history. Also did you know that our club is one of the oldest rambling clubs in the UK? The next AGM will be the 73rd and some of us are already thinking about commemorating the clubs 75th anniversary. So far it has been suggested:
- That it is with a holiday to Assisi and Palazzola,
- That it is celebrated in Park Place Pastoral Centre, Fareham on the August Bank Holiday
weekend. The Centre is a Retreat for Reflection and Prayer.
Suggestions as to how best to celebrate this anniversary will be gratefully received.
Christmas Lunch and New
Year Party
The last Christmas Lunch was well attended and the food provided in the Royal Oak Pub was excellent and in keeping with the standard of previous years.
Also the Christmas Party, or I would prefer to call it, the New Year Party, was also well attended and enjoyed by all. There was plenty of tasty food for all brought by generous members and there was a lot of great dancing.
The socials that we have serve among other purposes, the following:
- An occasion for us to leave our walking boots at home and enjoys each other's company.
- For our more mature members who perhaps do not ramble so often an opportunity to keep in contact with more active members.
- Also if well attended they would provide essential funding which would enable us to keep our subscription rate low.
Ramble Compiler
At our last committee meeting Paul indicated to us that he would welcome an interested member taking over his role after the next AGM. In the meantime he would be happy to coach a candidate for the role which is a key part of the club.
Our club tries hard to meet the expectation of its ramblers and it has many enthusiastic walkers. This was demonstrated particularly when Tony Finnegan was leading a walk on Sunday 27t1t October. On that day some of you will recall that England was experiencing one of its worst storms with 90 mile hour winds.
This did not daunt Tony as he had committed himself to lead a ramble on that Sunday. Would you believe it, he was joined by seven brave members that completed the 17 mile walk whilst dodging the falling trees.
Whilst on this subject, it seems appropriate to remind you that we would appreciate it if more members would volunteer to lead walks as it would help to take the pressure off our few hard working leaders.
SFACRC website
We have a web site, which is a means of advertising our club to prospective new members. Tony Finnegan created this site and has also maintained it for several years. Tony would welcome passing this work on to a person with some web site design skills.
Receive your programme by email
As more members are using email, it would be helpful if they would request for the programme to be emailed to them and help to keep our subscription rate low.
Anniversary Holiday
Barbara Bridle has written to me about a holiday in Italy to commemorate the club's 75th Anniversary in 2005. Although this might appear to be a long way ahead, this type of holiday needs to be booked 18 months in advance, which means deposits need to be paid in Jan 2004. The advantage is that it will provide members with plenty of time in which to save if they want to go.
The details are as follows:
Holiday for one week in May/June 2005 staying in Assisi (Hotel) and Palazzola a (The English College's Retreat and Pilgrimage Centre 18 miles south of Rome, overlooking Lake Albano). The area offers
beautiful local walks, sightseeing and the Villa Palazzola grounds are perfect to relax in. The current cost is £725.00 and for further details contact, Barbara Bridle before the end of April 2003.
Easter Break in Scarborough
For coastal and moor walks 15th to 21st April. This break is being lead by Maurice Hickman and a detailed programme is enclosed. The countryside around Scarborough and Whitby is particularly beautiful and Maurice has included many lovely walks and places of interest to visit. Also included are the church services, which will be attended together with information on YHA accommodation.
Bruges short break
There will be a short trip to Bruges in April similar to last years and for details contact Maureen Furlong.
Holiday in Northumbria 3rd to 9th August. Arranged by Dorothy Hickman Please refer to the enclosed for detail.
Welcome to new members
Catherine Donohue, Sidcup, Kent. Congratulations to Margaret Moran and Frank Crowley on their becoming life members of our Club.
Day of Recollection
Sunday 9th March 2003. We are honoured to have our President Fr. Peter Newby host this for us at St Mary, Moorfields Hall. 4-5 Eldon Street, London EC2M 7LS.
The meeting starts at 11.00am with tea or coffee on arrival. At 11.30am Fr. Peter will give a
talk. During the lunch period there will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the Church, which you may wish to attend. The day will be concluded with Mass at approx. 4.00 p.m. For lunch you can buy locally or have your sandwiches in the hall. The cost of the day will be £6.00 and you should make your cheque payable to St Francis of Assisi Ramblers Club and send to Gillian by 3rd March.
Good wishes and remembrance.
A heartening letter of greetings was received from Mary O'Connell and Fred McAndrew both of whom rambled with the club several years ago and wish to be remembered to their friends. Readers of the Club History (now available on the website) will know that Fred was Vice President for many years and was a leader of both the rambling and social activities of the club, playing a
leading part in organising both the 50th and 60th Anniversary celebrations.
Please remember in your prayers Margaret Glass's brother who has recently died.
A big thank you from Antoinette, to everyone in the club who sent a thank you card and generous gift. It was very much appreciated.
Items for the next programme.
They should reach the Ramble Compiler or me by 20th April 2003.
God Bless and happy rambling.
Bill
Club Committee Members 2002/2003
President:
Fr Peter Newby, Parish Priest, St Mary Moorfields, 4-5 Eldon Street London EC2M 7LS
Vice President:
Helen Hunt,
Secretary:
Bill O'Neill,
Treasurer:
Gillian McLauchlan,
Ramble List Compiler:
Paul Connolly,
Membership Secretaries:
John Burbage,
Margaret Moran,
Social Secretary
Alison Clarke,
Committee Members:
Nick Peterson,
Mike Hoffman,
RAMBLE LIST AND NEWS MARCH - MAY 2003
.
Sunday 2nd March 2003 (os map 188) Leader: Hilary McNabb
MEET : Charing Cross 0940 for 1000 train to Dunton Green (arr 1037)
LUNCH : The Crown, Shoreham
TEA : McNabb's nest - no solids, liquids only
DISTANCE : 8 miles returning from Dunton Green
FARE : £6.00 cdr Dunton Green
Hilary will meet the ramblers at Dunton Green
Saturday 8th March 2003 (os map 169) Leader: Frank Bigg
MEET : Liverpool Street 0915 for 0945 train to Manningtree (arr 1041)
LUNCH : Sorrel Horse, Holbrook
TEA : Station Buffet, Manningtree Station
DISTANCE : 12 fairly level miles returning from Manningtree
FARE : £10.65 cdr Manningtree with Network Card discount.
Frank will meet the ramblers at Manningtree. A chance to explore lesser known parts of Constable Country
Sunday 9th March 2003 Day of recollection at St Mary Moorfields, Eldon St, London EC2.
Full details in the blue pages.
Sunday 16th March 2003 (os map 165 & 166) Leader: Robert Slater
MEET : Euston 0940 for 1009 train to Tring (arr 1056)
LUNCH : The Golden Rule, Dagnall
TEA : Aldbury
DISTANCE : 12 miles returning from Tring - hilly in places
FARE : £9.50 cdr Tring.
Robert will meet the ramblers at Tring
Sunday 23rd March 2003 (os map 187) Leader: Maurice Hickman
MEET : Victoria 0940 for 1006 train to Dorking (arr 1057)
LUNCH : Plough, Coldharbour
TEA : Leith Hill and/or Dorking
DISTANCE : 13 miles returning from Dorking
FARE : £7.30 cdr Dorking.
Maurice will meet the ramblers at Dorking
Sunday 30th March 2003(os map 177 & 188)Leaders: Marta & John Haworth
MEET : Victoria 0855 for 0922 train to Shoreham, Kent (arr 0959)
LUNCH : Rising Sun, Kemsing
TEA : No promises
DISTANCE : 14 miles returning from Eynsford - hilly in parts
FARE : £4.45 cdr with Network Card discount Shoreham.
John & Marta will meet the ramblers at Shoreham
Sunday 6th April 2003 (os map 198 & 199) Leader: Philip Groves
MEET : Victoria 0820 for 0847 train to Berwick (arr 1010)
LUNCH : Brewers Arms, Lewes
TEA : Devils Dyke
DISTANCE : 20 miles returning from Southwick
FARE : £10.90 cdr Berwick with Network Card discount plus £2.75 single with NSE discount Southwick - Burgess Hill
Sunday 13th April 2003 (os map 197) Leader: Maurice Hickman
MEET : Victoria 0835 for 0902 train to Arundel (arc 1027)
LUNCH : Maypole Inn, Yapton (OS 978 041)
TEA : Arundel
DISTANCE : 11 miles returning from Arundel
FARE : £11.20 cdr Arundel with Network Card discount
Maurice will meet the ramblers at Arundel Latecomers can reach the lunch stop by getting a train to Ford Station, and then a 1.5 mile road walk. Chance to explore Arundel after tea.
Good Friday 18th April 2003
Both walks join up for the Good Friday service at Worth Abbey - Starts 3pm
Short walk (os map187) Leader: Bill O'Neill
MEET : Victoria 0935 for 1002 train to Three Bridges (arr 1052) or London Bridge 0945 for 1010 Thameslink train to Three Bridges (arr 1054
LUNCH : The Cowdray Arms - Good non-meat selection
TEA : ???
DISTANCE : 8 miles returning from Three Bridges &
FARE : £6.15 cdr Three Bridges with network card discount .
NB The footpaths have been made up considerably so the short walk will be virtually mud free. The
downside is that it is now completely open to bicycles so extra care and courtesy will be required.
Long walk (os map 187) Leader: Tony Norton
MEET : Victoria 0810 for 0832 train to Balcombe (Arc 0922)
LUNCH : The White Hart, West Hoathley (GR 347333), good non-meat selection
TEA : No
DISTANCE : 13 Miles returning from Three Bridges (9 miles before the Good Friday Service at Worth
Abbey where we will join those taking the short walk)
FARE : £6.75p CDR BaIcombe with Network Southeast Card discount
NB The long walk from Balcombe will encounter some mud so it is advisable to carry house shoes or
slippers to change into for the service at Worth Abbey Church.
Easter Monday 21st April 2003 (os map188 Leader: Paul Brunning
MEET : Victoria 0955 for 1022 train to Eynsford (arc 1055)
LUNCH : The Crown. Shoreham
TEA : Maybe at Eynsford
DISTANCE : 10 miles returning from Eynsford
FARE : £3.90 cdr Eynsford with Network Card discount
Paul will meet the ramblers at Eynsford
Sunday 27th April 2003 (os maps 187) Leader: Tony Finnegan
MEET : Victoria 8 15 for 8 34 train to Horsham (Arr. 9.45).
LUNCH : Leonardslee Gardens. Admission to gardens £6. Inside there are plenty of picnic tables to
eat your own food and also some cafes and a restaurant if you wish to purchase food. For
those not wanting to go into the gardens the Crabtree pub nearby serves food but the main
walk will not be passing back by the Crabtree until about three hours after getting to it.
TEA : Not tea but T.E.A available next to station at Horsham.
DISTANCE : 12 fairly strenuous miles, including a walk round the azaleas and bluebells which should
be in prime photogenic condition if we have a good spring.
FARE : £7.60 cdr Horsham with network card discount
Monday 5th May 2003 (os maps 196 & 185) Leader: Kevin Kerins
MEET : Waterloo 0835 for 0900 train to Southampton Airport Parkway (arr 1006)
LUNCH : The Dog & Crook, Brambridge
TEA : Winchester
DISTANCE : 14 miles returning from Winchester, taking in the Itchen Way and a climb up St Catherine's Hill near to the end taking in superb views of Winchester and the surrounding countryside
FARE : £15.10 cdr Southampton with Network Card discount
Kevin will meet the ramblers at Southampton Airport Parkway
Sunday 11th May 2003 (os map 165) Leader: Maria Darroch
MEET: Marylebone 0835 for 0859 train to Great Missenden (an 0937)
LUNCH : Hampden Arms, Great Hampden
TEA : Plough, Cadsden
DISTANCE : 12 miles returning from Princes Risborough, some steep hills
FARE : £7.60 Aylesbury with Network Card discount
Sunday 18th May 2003 (os map 179) Leader: Philip Groves
MEET : London Bridge 0910 for 0937 train to Wye (arr 1104)
LUNCH : The Blue Anchor, Brabourne Lees
TEA : Folkestone
DISTANCE : 16 miles returning from Folkestone including some hills
FARE : £12.60 cdr Folkestone with Network Card discount
Saturday 24th May 2003 (os maps 179& 189) Leader: Tony Norton
MEET : Charing Cross 0810 for 0830 train to Folkestone Central (arr 1017)
LUNCH : First & Last, Dover
TEA : ??
DISTANCE : 17 miles mostly along the Saxon Shore Way returning from Deal
FARE : £13.20 cdr Deal with Network Card discount
Monday 26th May 2003 (os map 179) Leader: Catherine Scott
MEET : Charing Cross 0840 for 0900 train to Deal (arr 1059)
LUNCH : Zetland Arms, Kingsdown (by the beach)
TEA : St Margaret’s Bay
DISTANCE : 8 miles returning from Dover
FARE : £13.20 cdr Dover Priory with Network Card discount
May be a chance of a swim, so bring a costume and towel
Additional Walks:
Ring Hania Poniatowska for occasional and/or short walks, and Dorothy Hickman for occasional midweek walks.
Please ensure you bring your Network cards or Gold cards so that you can get the 1I3rd off full fares for yourself and up to three guests travelling with you. You can also get 50p off all zone travel cards even if purchased at underground stations.
Unless otherwise indicated the fare shown is the full fare from the London terminus.
Easter in Scarborough Tues.15 -Mon 21 April 2003)
(Hostel full on 21 and 22 April so dates brought forward)
Tuesday 15 April
Meet King's Cross from 1.30 - 2.30 p.m. for a meal and a drink and to be in time to catch the chosen train, the 15.30 train to York (arrives York 17.27). From York catch the 17.42 train to Scarborough (arrives 18.31). Catch the No 3 bus (then ¾ mile walk) or catch taxi to Hostel.
Meet at 8 p.m. for short walk and pub meal
Wednesday 16 April
Possibly make sandwiches in hostel before catching a taxi at 09.00 sharp to a drop off point for footpath. Walk via Falling Foss Falls (nr Littlebeck) to Grosmont for lunch (8 miles). Catch 15.23 train from station (near lunch place to Whitby. Explore town and stop for a meal before catching 20.43 (no 93) bus from bus station to Scalby and then 1¼ mile walk to hostel (arrive back at about 10p.m.
Maundy Thursday 17 April
Local walk from hostel to Moorcock Inn, Langdale End for lunch and back to hostel (15 miles at gentle pace.)
Good Friday 18 April
Walk around Scarborough sea front. Attend Good Friday Service.
Saturday 19 April
Leave hostel at 10 am Walk to Scalby (1¼ mile) to catch 1046 bus No 93A to the Flask Inn (arrive 11.07). Walk to Robin Hoods Bay for lunch (3 miles) and then take coastal path to Whitby (7 miles). Catch 18.31 bus to Scarborough Rail Station (arr 19.30 Have evening meal at Tap & Spile pub Falsgrave Road near station) Walk back to hostel,
Sunday 20 April
Mass at 1030 in Scarborough and then take coastal path to Filey. Return by train or bus to
Scarborough. Meal either in Filey or Scarborough.
Monday 21 April
Catch 10.26 bus (No 21) to town centre and deposit luggage. Wander around town and shops.
Stop for lunch at good hostelry in town before catching train. Train times to be confirmed.
Further Details
Purchase a Bargain Saver Return ticket at least 7 days in advance. Sample fare from Redhill is £43. If you wish to stay at the hostel it is advisable to book in as soon as possible as it is likely to fill up quite quickly Phone the hostel first (tel no: 0870 770 6022) to enquire about vacancies. When you book in say that you are a member of my party. Please either send a deposit or the full amount for your overnight stays (i.e. Tues. night to Sun night inclusive) with SAE to the following address: YHA Burniston Road, Scarborough. North Yorkshire, Y013 ODA Fax is 0870770 6023 and Email is E Scarborough@yha.org.uk. Please note that you have to he a member of the YHA to stay at a Youth Hostel. Membership can be purchased at the Hostel. However the club has a Group Membership Card. This Card only applies if the Group consists of 5 or more people. If you have not stayed at a Hostel before you can stay as a non-member under the YHAs Guest Pass Scheme provided you have not stayed in a Hostel before For those not wishing to stay at the Hostel I will provide a list of suitable B & Bs) If you are staying at the hostel bring something to eat for breakfast on Thursday morning. On other days you can either make your own or have the hostel breakfast We shall probably eat out most evenings but meals can be had at the hostel if we arrive in time for their 7 p.m. meal.
Holiday in Northumbria Sunday 3rd August to Saturday 9th August
Staying at Ushaw College, Durham for their Holiday/Pilgrimage "Journeying with the Northern Saints." Places visited include Lindisfarne, York, Rievaulx, Monkwearmouth. Cost £295
Followed by an optional week of walking and sightseeing, probably on the Northumbrian coast.
Details from Dorothy Hickman
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