Although the content of this page includes everything that was in the published programme for Spring 2005 the layout is different as the three column pages that were used for pages 1 and 2 in 2005 would be more difficult to read on screen than the single column format used here.
Ramble List & News
March 2005 – May 2005
_______www.stfrancisramblers.org.uk________
The club is approved by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor, Archbishop of Westminster,
Affiliated to the Ramblers Association Registered Charity No. 306089
Dear Ramblers,
The highlight of the last quarter was our New Year Party on Saturday 8th January in St Mary Moorfields Hall. The party was enjoyed by all. Although the party was not as well attended as in the previous year we did however manage to produce a profit of £41. I would like to mention that I consider this event one which club members should make a special effort to attend otherwise the viability of holding the event comes into question. The support and facilities are already in place and it is up to each member to ensure that this event takes place each year as the success of it is depends on each of us.
Members brought food and drink and had some very lively dances to music provided by Ken Aguiar our DJ. I guess one of the problems for some people who would like to attend this event is the fact that some would have a long journey home. Next year what I would suggest is if there are members that live in London and are able to accommodate a member wishing to attend this event that they make themselves known to me.
The last quarter in the main has been a good one for rambling inspite of the frustration we have had to suffer because of train cancellations. Whilst reflecting on the last quarter I note that there was a good turn out of walkers and some of those numbers are as follows which is not a complete list but is a sample:
17 on Maurice Hickman’s walk 5th Dec
31 on Witold Sokolowski 's walk
19th Dec and 41 attending buffet in Royal Oak after walk.
- on Robert Slater's walk 9th
22 on Helen Hunt's walk on 30 Jan.
Alas the quarter has not been all good news as Phil Evans one of our stalwart ramble leaders suffered from chest pains whilst leading a ramble and was air lifted to hospital.
I am delighted to say that Phil is now recovered and I pray that he stays that way.
The Christmas Dinner we had on 4 December was attended by more than 20 of us and was in Lowiczanka Polish Cultural Centre. The venue is one I can highly recommend as it reminded me of the old dinner dance venues, which you see so little of these days.
The Social which we had in the Royal Oak 19 December was enjoyed by many and the food supplied at a cost of £5.50 was great value. It was also nice to have the whole pub to ourselves with plenty of space to accommodate us.
Party arranged by Hania Poniatowska on Sat 6 Feb 2005
This was an extremely successful event and raised over £700 for CAFOD. The event revealed that we have some talent in our club, which we should use more often. Robert Slater was our MC and he really looked the part in his bow tie and commanding introductions. Not only did he introduce but also provided some acts. There was Patrick Craven our stand-up comic who was hilarious, Phil Evans with his guitar, Andre Langberg singing and playing piano. Andre and Carol Anley done a brilliant rendering of "There’s a hole in my bucket," Recitations from Carol Anley and Alison Clarke, Ossie Barrett and Joe O'Reilly. There was Marie O’Connor and me doing karaoke i.e. Abba and Robbie Williams until the CD got stuck. It was a very successful day enjoyed by all and for a very good cause. On Page 7 you will see Hania has contributed some thoughts on the event.
Future Events
Day of Recollection 20th March 2005
This will be at St Mary Moorfields and will start at 11.00am with a talk by Fr. Peter Newby, which will then be followed by Holy Mass. The cost to attend is £6.60 and should be sent in advance to the Treasurer. For lunch you can bring food or buy in the nearby shops. As many of us as possible should make an effort to attend as it should be an important date in our calendar.
Easter Break in Llangollen 26 to 31 March 2005
Maurice Hickman one of the Club’s stalwart leaders has come up with a walking break in North Wales, which is sure to be a good one. The details you will find on Page 7.
Lake District holiday 9 to 16 July 2005.
At the Lakeside House, Keswick, walks will be 4 to 6 miles and cost for the week £225. A deposit of £20 is required. The cost of travel by train is in the region of £40 and for further details contact Peter Culba Tel: 0208 524 9507
Bill O’Neill’s 60th Birthday party 23 July 2005 7.00pm The Corrib Rest, Salusbury Road, NW6 Please make a note in your diaries as you are invited to a buffet meal after which we can enter the main bar where there will be a live band and dancing. This is my treat for you and every one is welcome. Please come, as it will be a good evening out for you. Please ring me on 020 8960 5896 by 15 July if you are coming so I will know how many to cater for.
The Canterbury Winchester Pilgrimage 13 to 28 August 2005. This is an annual ecumenical pilgrimage, which is often completed by some of our members. I think it is great especially for those looking for an enjoyable spiritual experience coupled with a walking holiday at a very low cost. Further information is available from www.thepilgrims.org.uk
Club’s 75th Anniversary
To mark the event there is a holiday to Assisi /Palazzola 4 to 11 June 2005. A short pre-holiday meeting is to be held in St Mary Moorfields just at the end of the Day of Recollection Meeting. Those people that are booked for the holiday and unable to attend should contact Barbara Bridle on 01689 827656. Meanwhile please check your passports, get your new E111 Form and remember that the balance on the holiday is payable 8 weeks prior to departure.
Hawkstone Hall – 19-22 August, 2005 Shrewsbury
Hawkstone Hall is a Redemptorist International Pastoral Centre near Shrewsbury, which is to be the venue for a further celebration of the Club’s 75th anniversary. So far 13 members have confirmed their interest. To book for this please forward a non refundable deposit of £30 to Anne Dunne. Your cheque should be made payable to Hawkstone Hall and forwarded to Anne Dunne,123 Coventry Rd; Ilford, Essex IGI 4QX no later than Friday 4th March 2005. There maybe a reduction on balance of £100 if full board is not taken. Those attending should arrive on Fri afternoon 22 August. Those who are not interested in doing energetic walks are free to relax and enjoy a large house and spacious gardens. If you are interested a speedy booking is required and you should call Anne between 8 and 10pm on 0208 554 1901. Anne wishes to thank those members that offered to help her with the walkouts on 12 to 15 April.
Celebratory Mass 6.0pm 8 Oct 2005
Bishop Bernard Longley has
agreed to say Mass for us at St Mary Moorfields. This date is close to the anniversary of St Francis and also the date of our AGM. It also seems fitting that the Club should celebrate its patron saint’s anniversary in this way.
Additional walks
If you fancy an occasional midweek walk then please contact Dorothy Hickman
Tel 01737 765 231
Subscriptions
Those who have no paid will not get
this programme. If you know
anyone in this situation please encourage them to send a cheque for £5 to Gillian. As a means of reducing the work involved in the collection of subscriptions it would be very helpful if a Standing Order Form could be completed and returned to our Treasurer, Gillian McLauchlan. Forms can be obtained from Gillian.
Holiday in France
Refer to www.halcyonleisure.com/rouzet.
Anyone interested in a walking holiday in SW France and can arrange a group
The Manor House in SW France offers the ideal location with apartment accommodation for groups up to 10 to 11. The accommodation is supplied by the sister of Margaret Barlow (nee O’Connor), who with her husband Gerry was a member of the club in the 1050s but both are now sadly deceased.
New Members.
Welcome to Lynette De Souza from Ilford, John Dwyer from Crawley, Jo Buckley Ealing, Fred Eaves from Ealing, Edward McNamara from NW3, Rosenda Postigo from N3, Mary Dunne from SE23. And welcome back to James Hughes.
Obituaries:
It is with great regret that I have to announce that Daphne Frisk died on New Year Day. Daphne in previous years was a key member of our club and for the last three years had bravely been fighting cancer. I have received a letter from Barbara Bridle who was her very dear friend and an extract is as follows:
“Her funeral was on 18 January and was a wonderful celebration of Dapne’s Life and it was so good to see so many of her friends there including 24 members from the club. Daphne was a member since the early 60.s and will always be remembered for her calm, caring manner. When she was Club Secretary and once whilst on a summer outing, there was the famous coach fire and Daphne dealt bravely with a difficult situation in evacuating the coach. She also typed the Club’s Ramble List for many years. She was such a very brave lady, always cheerful and will be sadly missed and may she rest in peace. “
Peter Culba has asked me to pass on his thanks for all the
cards, Masses and expressions of sympathy he received following the death of his wife Jessie.
June Chill has asked me to pass on her thanks for all the cards, Masses and expressions of sympathy she received following the death of her husband Richard.
Items for the next Newsletter
should reach me by 5th May 2005.
God Bless and Happy Rambling
Club Committee Members 2004 - 05
Only limited information included on the website. For addresses and telephone numbers see printed programme.
President:
Fr Peter Newby,
Parish Priest,
St Mary Moorfields, 4-5 Eldon Street, London EC2M 7LS Email:moorfieldsrc@btinternet.com
Vice President:
Helen Hunt,
Email:HelenHunt@freeola.com
Secretary:
Bill O’Neill,
Email:
Treasurer:
Gillian Mc Lauchlan,
Ramble List Compiler:
Tony Norton,
Email:anthonylnorton@yahoo.co.uk
Membership Secretaries:
Tony Finnegan, 30 Avarn Road, Tooting, London, SW17 9HA. Tel. 0208 767 5293
Email: tony@gemineans.co.uk
Alison Clarke,
Email: alison.clarke@fco.gov.uk
Social Secretary
Hania Poniatowska,
Committee Members
Witold Sokolowski,
Anne Dunne
Ramble List
Many thanks to everyone who has sent me in a walk this time I have only
Just made it with nothing to spare for the Spring programme. Once again grateful thanks to you all .
Please let me have details for the Summer programme by 17th April.
Tony Norton
MARCH 2005
SUNDAY 6th MARCH 2005 (Explorer map 194) Leader Martin Harrison
MEET : Kings cross 0915 for 0933 train to Elstree & Borehamwood
LUNCH : New Barnet; choice of 4 pubs & a fish & chip shop
TEA : Trent country park: Cockfosters
DISTANCE : 11 Miles returning from Cockfosters some
hills
FARE : £6 all zone travel pass. Zones 1-6
SUNDAY 13th MARCH 2005 (Explorer map 146) Leader: Maurice Hickman
MEET : Victoria 0940 for 1004 train to Horley(arr 10.44)
LUNCH : Castle Inn, Wasps Green Outwood
TEA : The Sun Redhill
DISTANCE : 11 Miles returning from Horley
FARE : £5.50 cdr Horley with network card discount. Maurice will
meet the ramblers at Horley
SATURDAY 19th MARCH 2005 (Explorer map 144) Leader Kevin Kerins
MEET : Waterloo 0845 for 0909 train to Fareham (arr 1050)
LUNCH : The Osborne View, Hill Head (overlooking the sea)
TEA : Titchfield
DISTANCE : 10 Miles returning from Fareham
FARE : £14.60 cdr Fareham with Network card discount. Kevin will meet the ramblers at Fareham.
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SUNDAY 20th MARCH This (Palm) Sunday is reserved for the Day of Recollection at St Mary Moorfields. See full details on the yellow pages.
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Good Friday 25th March 2005 - a choice of a long hilly walk or a short level walk as we go to Aylesford Priory for the Good Friday Service
Long Walk (os map 188) Leader Tony Finnegan
MEET : Victoria 0800 for 0818 train to Maidstone East (Arr 0913) .
LUNCH : The Fleur de Lys, Burham (GR 732619)
Does food, grassy bank nearby to eat your own
TEA : No
DISTANCE : 15 Miles returning from Maidstone East (11 miles, mostly quite hilly, before
the Good Friday service at Aylesford where we will join those taking the
short walk)
FARE : £8.45 cdr Maidstone East with Network Southeast discount
Good Friday 25th March 2005
Short walk : (os map 188) Leader Helen Hunt
MEET : Victoria 0950 for 1018 train to Maidstone East(Arr 1113)
LUNCH : The Malta Inn, nr Aylesford (GR 751582) does food
Eat your own somewhere else
DISTANCE : 8 very easy miles, mainly walking along the river bank
Returning from Maidstone East ( 4 miles before the
Good Friday Service at Aylesford where we will join those
taking the long walk)
FARE : £ 8.45 cdr Maidstone East with Network Southeast Card
discount
MONDAY 28th MARCH 2005 (map Explorer 196) Leader Frank Bigg
MEET : Liverpool Street 08 40 for 0902 train to Sudbury (arr 10 34)
LUNCH : The Hare Long Melford
TEA :
DISTANCE : 9 Miles circular walk returning from Sudbury
FARE : £12.20 cdr Sudbury with network card discount. Frank will meet the ramblers
at Sudbury.
APRIL 2005
SUNDAY 3rd APRIL 2005 (Explorer map 172) Leader Bill O’Neill
MEET : Marylebone at 10 10 for 0927 Chiltern train to Amersham (arr 11 02).
LUNCH : Red Lyon Coleshill
TEA :
DISTANCE : 12 Miles circular walk, undulating expect mud returning from Amersham
FARE : £6 with all Zone travel card including Zone D.
SUNDAY 10th APRIL 2005 (Explorer 146) Leader Maurice Hickman
MEET : Victoria 0840 for 0904 train to Billingshurst(arr.1014)
LUNCH : The Selsey Arms Coolham (early)
TEA : The village hall Shipley
DISTANCE : 12 Miles returning from Billingshurst
FARE : £9.40 cdr Billingshurst with network card discount. Maurice will meet the
ramblers at Billingshurst.
SUNDAY 17th April 2005 (Explorer map 147) Leader Paul Brunning
MEET : Charing Cross 0945 for 10 00 train to Tonbridge
LUNCH : Fox and Hounds Lower Haysden
TEA : Tonbridge Fare
DISTANCE : 9 Miles Returning from Tunbridge Wells
FARE : £6.90 cdr Tunbridge Wells with Network Card discount. Paul will meet the
ramblers at Tonbridge.
SUNDAY 24th APRIL 2005(os map 177) Leader Robert Slater
MEET : Liverpool St 0915 for 0945 train to Brentwood arr 1014
LUNCH : Green Man Herongate
TEA : Brentwood
DISTANCE : 11 Miles returning from Brentwood with Mass at 1830 at the Cathedral
FARE : £4.30 cdr Brentwood with network card discount.
MAY 2005
SUNDAY 1st MAY 2005 (Explorer map 147) Leader Paul Brunning
MEET : Charing Cross 0935 for 0948 train to Hayes (Kent)
LUNCH : George and Dragon Downe Village & optional visit to Downe House where Charles Darwin lived
TEA :
DISTANCE : 12 Miles returning from Hayes
FARE : £4.90 cdr Hayes with network card discount. Paul will meet the ramblers at Hayes
MONDAY 2nd MAY V (Explorer map 161) Leader Witold Sokolowski
MEET : Waterloo at 9 30 for 0955 for train to North Sheen arr 1017
LUNCH : Pembroke Lodge & pubs
TEA : Wimbledon Windmill
DISTANCE : 10 Miles returning from Wimbledon
FARE : £6 all zone travel card
SUNDAY 8th MAY 2005 Leader John Burbage
MEET : Waterloo 0840 for 0900 train to Liphook (arr 1015)
LUNCH : Refreshment stop 1230 in Fernhurst (bring snack. Pub is expensive)
TEA : Late lunch or tea at Royal Anchor at Liphook at 1600 hours
: Large selection of reasonably priced meals
DISTANCE : 12 Miles returning from Liphook with some hills and
: Possible mud
FARE : £9.30 cdr Liphook with network card discount.
SUNDAY 15th MAY 2005 (map explorer 147) Leader John & Marta Haworth
MEET : Waterloo 0905 for 0930 train to Petersfield(arr 1038)
LUNCH : The Red Lion, Chalton
TEA : Can’t be guaranteed
DISTANCE : 16 miles returning from Petersfield
FARE : £10.95 cdr Petersfield with Network Card discount.
SUNDAY 22nd MAY 2005 (Explorer map 172) Leader Tony Norton
MEET : Baker Street (Metropolitan line) 09 25 for 0940 train then change at Chalfont And Latimer for train to Chesham arr 1034 but check time table
LUNCH : The Rose and Crown Hawbridge
TEA :
DI STANCE : 14 Miles circular walk returning from Chesham
FARE : £6 all zone travel card including Zone D.
MONDAY 30th MAY 2005 ( Explorer Map 160) Leader Peter Macdonald
MEET : Paddington at 0914 for 0948 train to Windsor change at Slough arr Windsor 10 26
LUNCH : The Sun nr Savill Garden Entrance to Windsor Great Park
TEA : Windsor
DISTANCE : 9 Miles returning from Windsor
FARE : £4.70cdr Windsor with Network card discount.
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Please ensure you bring your Network cards or Gold cards so that you can get the 1/3rd 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 fare from the London terminus to our destination. Most people can get a reduction by using a travel card for part of the journey.
Don't forget Sunday train services can be affected by engineering works. Information on these can be obtained by calling 08457 484950 or see National Rail Website at www.nationalrail.com
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Maurice is planning about a week in Llangollen, North Wales leaving on the 4pm coach (Service 402) from Victoria Coach Station on Saturday 26th of March (arrives 8 55 p.m.) and returning the following Thursday 31st March on the 0745 am coach from Llangollen (arrives Victoria 1,20 p.m.) Those wishing to travel by train, book a period return to Wrexham or Ruabon (nearest station) and travel in by local ‘bus (last bus 9.30 p.m.). The train journey time is 3¼ to 4 hours and the bus is 15 minutes. People over 60 can travel half-fare on the coach. The Youth Hostel would not accept groups of less than 10 people so Maurice is staying at Cambrian House (B&B) in Berwyn Street. Tel. No: 01978 861418. Evening meals can be had in the Corn Mill (pub) in town. Further details of accommodation in the town can be obtained by contacting ‘Llangollen Tourist Information Centre. Y Capel, Castle Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL2O 8NU’. Tel: 01978 860828, Fax: 01978 860828, Email Llangollen@nwtic.com. Ask for their ‘North Wales Borderlands’ brochure, which gives comprehensive details of accommodation in the town. Choose a place near the centre of the town if possible. If you decide to come please let Maurice know that you are coming.
The suggested program, which of course can be changed according to circumstances, is:
Saturday 26th
Meet pub opposite coach exit of Victoria Coach Station for a meal and a drink before meeting at 3.30pm at the appropriate departure gate to wait to board 4pm coach. Coach arrives 15 minutes or more before departure to allow for boarding time, so it is imperative to arrive there in good time. Bring something to eat and drink (non-alcoholic!) on the coach, as we will not he arriving in Llangollan till about 9pm.
Sunday 27th
Meet Tourist Information Centre in Castle Street at about 9 30 am before going for a stroll around town and having morning coffee. Attend the 11am Sunday service at the Catholic Church. After Mass catch 12 am or 1pm steam train (purchase a return ticket) to Carrog. Have lunch in the Grouse Inn. After lunch go for a short circular walk before catching train back to Llangollen
Monday 28th
Meet to go on 10 mile local walk to Trevor for lunch and back to Llangollen via the Offa’s Dyke Path.
Tuesday 29th
Catch 9.40 am bus (No 94) from Market Street to Bala ( Y Bala in Welsh which means the outflow of the lake). Purchase a return ticket. Go for a town trail of Bala before catching 1150 steam train to Llanuwchllyn. Purchase a return ticket. Have lunch in Llanuwchllyn and go for a 2 mile circular walk via Caer Gal Roman Fort. Catch 2.25pm train back to Bala. Go for a 4 mile walk around Bala. After walk have tea before returning to Llangollen. (In 1800 Mary, a poor weaver’s daughter from Llanufihangel-y-Pennant, a hamlet lying behind the Cader Idris range, walked barefoot 25 miles over the mountains to Y Bala to buy a Bible from Thomas Charles who was one of the leaders of Welsh Methodism. Unfortunately he had sold all his Bibles but he was so impressed with her efforts that he gave her his own copy).
Wednesday 30th
Meet to go on 10 mile walk via Valley Crucis Abbey and the Horseshoe Falls to Sun pub, Rhewl for lunch and then on to Glyndyfrdwy where we shall catch the bus or train back to Llangollen.
Holiday in Kidderminster & Warwick
Dorothy Hickman is arranging a holiday next September visiting some of the Elizabethan houses with priest’s hiding-places in the West Midlands. Staying in guesthouses in Kidderminster ( 7 nights ) and Warwick ( 4 nights). Single rooms about £30 per night for B&B. Dates are Fri 16 Sept .to
Mon 26 Sept, returning on 27 Sept.
For further details contact Dorothy on 07737 765231
TOGETHER WE CAN. A contribution by Hania Poniatowska relating to the party on 6th Feb 2005 to raise funds for CAFOD
People who said I would not be able to do it on my own were right. I couldn’t, on my own. I would not get anywhere without the steady support of Peter Lobo, without all the wonderful entertainers. It would not have been the same without Ossi sitting and reciting at the edge of the stage, while Trisha’s beautiful decorations where floating in front of the CFOD posters.
Where would I have been if Witold’s mum hadn’t helped me to print the tickets etc, song sheets
herself. Not to mention my other sister as she does not want to be mentioned - who helped with shopping, cooking, driving and putting up with my bad temper while I had to be unnaturally nice to everyone else, but they deserve it.
Anne Richardson made most fantastic cakes and other dishes. Alison Clarke contributed much as she could even though she had to leave early for her brother’s birthday. And where did the gorgeous crumble come from, it wouldn’t be from our Master of Ceremonies. Lastly a special thank you to Bridie who was the first to buy a ticket and left with the last of the washing up water. While Anne Dunne exhibited heroic virtue by spring cleaning the cooker.
So did we make £750? Yes. All in all including the raffle we made almost £700. As I was left with so much food and beautiful decorations it is only right that I should round it off to £750. A small group of us on a walk the next day saw a poster in the church saying Together we can, and I know that TOGETHER WE CAN.
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