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,
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
Your favourite walking club has three events to celebrate Christmas which e hope will help to dissipate the chill a little, and bring in some Christmas cheer to our hearts.
Christmas Ramble and Social -
Sunday 15th December: Please see the enclosed flyer for details of this and the Ramble List for the walk. You will all be pleased to know that for the third year running, the venue is the Royal Oak, Tabard Street, Borough as last year, same high quality buffet at the same price of
£5.50. You will need to book and pay in advance for this for catering purposes. Please send your money to Gillian McLauchlan by 9th December.
Christmas Dinner, 7.00pm on Saturday, 21st ' December at Spaghetti House, 3 Bressenden Place, Victoria: If you would like to come please look at the menu enclosed and select your starter, main and desert from one menu only of the three shown, and send it along with a £5.00 deposit to Helen Hunt by 1st December. N.B. 12.5% service charge will be added on the cost of your meal and drinks.
If a deadline for booking is shown members are asked to respect this as a) last minute requests can cause embarrassment to the organiser of the event, and b) impacts on the enjoyment of those who were considerate enough to book in advance.
Christmas Party, Saturday, 11th January 2003 (please see above).
N.B. there isn't a 5.30pm Saturday Vigil Mass at St. Mary Moorfields Chuch anyrnore, however there is a 6.00pm Mass at St Joseph's Church on Bunhill Row.
The AGM - 12th October 2002 was attended by 30 members, and was followed by the 6.00pm Mass at Holy Apostles Church which was held for the intentions of the members of SFACRC, and then 15 members went on to have a meal and a drink at the Chimes Restaurant in Pimlico.
We are very sad to see Maria Darroch and Mary Maxwell step down from the committee. We thank them for their dedicated help and support. We welcome Bill O'Neill as our new Secretary, and Alison Clarke and Margaret Moran as committee members.
A copy of the minutes (for which we are grateful to Dorothy Hickman) and accounts for this year are enclosed.
Don't forget your subs: With this newsletter and programme you will receive a membership card if you had paid, or a reminder card if you have not. If you are the latter case, please send your money to Gillian or you can pay in cash or cheques to any committee members you meet on a walk.
Welcome to new member: Claire Phillips, Battersea, SW11.
OBITUARIES: Our deepest sympathies and prayers to Chris McNicholas on the death of his
Mother, last August. Her funeral was held in Hoddeston on 28th August and attended by Catherine Scott and Kay Gaffney from the club.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers also to Tony Finnegan on the death of his brother, George in September. His body will be interred in Ireland on the same day as the Mass on November 16th at Holy Apostles.
Saturday, 16'" November, 6.00pm:
The annual Mass for deceased members of SFACRC and their families will be held in Holy Apostles Church, Winchester Street, Pimlico. Venue for a drink and a meal afterwards to be advised on the day.
Mansfield Park (Play) by Jane Austen - 28-3th November at Holy Apostles, Pimlico (Cumberland Street). For further information please contact Eileen Sheehy, Parish Office, Tel. 020 7834 6965.
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 Church hall, (see address in last column). Day starts at 11.00am with coffee and tea available on arrival. Fr. Peter will give a talk at 11.30am and the day will follow the format of previous years. There will be a Mass at 3.00pm and the day will end at
4.00pm approx. Cost is £6.00.
There are various lunch options in Liverpool St, Moorgate or Old Street, or you can bring a packed lunch if you prefer. If you would like to attend please send a cheque to Gillian made payable to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers Club.
Easter break in Scarborough: For coastal and some moor walking.
Maurice Hickman is planning a break over Easter at Scarborough Youth
Hostelfrom Wednesday 16th April to Tuesday 22nd April 2003. Travel is by coach and bus or train via York. The adult bed night fee is £10.25. For more details please contact Maurice Hickman.
Wedding congratulations to Margaret Crosland and Mike Guye who got married in August, and now living in Hastings.
I was a stranger ... (Mt 25:35):
Some members have asked me to mention in the newsletter about the fact that people tend to rush off at the end of a walk without saying goodbye ... Even if you are in a hurry to catch the train, it only takes a few seconds to say farewell, and gives a good impression to new members.
Change of address & tel no: Please note that Paul Connolly's address and tel. no has changed.
Apologies to Maureen Furlong and Esther Harris on the mix up of the date of their informal reunion. It was on Saturday, 28thSeptember and not on 23rd November as stated in the last newsletter and programme.
Informal Reunion 2002 by Maureen Furlong: The Informal Reunion on
28thSeptember in the Royal Festival Hall was very well attended by many
long-standing and more recent members. Some of whom had travelled long distances to be there. A happy atmosphere pervaded. Much news was exchanged and there were lots of reminiscences and a great deal of merriment. Several people stayed on for a concert in the evening.
One cannot but be impressed by the wonderful long lasting riendships which
have been formed in our club over the years. We have been truly blessed! These reunions are held annually on the last Saturday in September. The next one, therefore, will be on 27thSeptember 2003.
Bruges: Sr. Mary Alime sends greetings to all those who stayed at the English Convent in Bruges last Lent and says we will be welcome to come again. Anyone interested in a short trip to Bruges in 2003 may contact Maureen Furlong, on a ramble.
And finally . .. it's goodbye from me. It certainly has been a character
building experience to say the least, and I'm glad that I'm still in one piece.
Jokes aside, I wish Bill a happy and successful time as Secretary, and I'm
sure that you will all give him the encouragement, help and praise that you gave to me.
Items for next programme should reach the secretary or ramble list
compiler by 20'" January 2003.
God Bless and happy rambling...
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 Secretary:
John Burbage,
Committee Members:
Nick Peterson,
Mike Hoffman,
Alison Clarke
Margaret Moran
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Sunday 1st December 2002 (os map 17) Leader: Tony Finnegan
MEET Waterloo 0840 for 0909 train to Hersham (arc 0940)
LUNCH : The Roebuck Arms, Richmond Hill Pub serves ood. Baguettes
and own food can be eaten on terrace overlooking Thames
but plated food must be eaten inside the pub.
TEA : Wimbledon Windmill
DISTANCE : 13 miles returning from Wimbledon An easy walk and
surprisingly green considering it is all in the London suburbs.
FARE : £4.40 All Zone Travel card with network card discount plus
£1.30 single fare from Zone 6 to Hersham with network card
.
Sunday 8th December 2002 (os map 166) Leader:Robert Slater
MEET : King's Cross 9.30 for 9.56 to Hertford North (arr 10.37).
LUNCH : The Baker Arrns,Bayford.
TEA : Yes,but if we stop remaining part of walk may be by torchlight. Easy track however.
DISTANCE : 15 Miles returning from Hertford North.
FARE : £6.80 cdr Hertford North
Robert will meet the ramblers at Hertford North
Sunday 22 December 2002 (OS Map 176) Leader: Martin Harrisson
MEET : Cockfosters (Picadilly line) 1045for 1100 start
LUNCH : Chequers, Coopers Lane, Potters Bar - good cheapish food
TEA : Trent Country Park, Cockfosters
DISTANCE : 8 fairly easy miles returning from Cockfosters
FARE : All zones one day travelcard £5.00
Sunday 29th December 2002 (os map 168) Leader: Frank Bigg
MEET : Liverpool Street 0905 for 0932 train to Colchester(arr 1033)
LUNCH : The Old Playhouse, John Street, Colchester
TEA : Guess
DISTANCE : 9 miles.A town trail taking in the Roman and Celtic history of
Colchester
FARE : £9.10 cdr Colchester with network card discount
Frank will meet the ramblers at Colchester
Sunday 5th January 2003 (os map 187) Leader: Maurice Hickman
MEET :Victoria 0935 for 1002 train to Redhill (arr 1038), to connect
with 1110 train to Nutfield (arr 1114)
TEA :Castle Inn, Outwood
LUNCH : The Sun (Wetherspoons),Redhill
DISTANCE :10.5 Miles returning from Redhill
FARE :£6.30 cdr Nutfield. Maurice will meet the ramblers at Redhill
Sunday 19th January 2003 (os map 187) Leader: Tony Finnegan
MEET : Victoria 0905 for 0926 train to Dormans (arr 1028)
LUNCH : The Swan Forest Row (GR 424 351). Pub serves food. Seats
nearby to eat your own
TEA : East Grinstead
DISTANCE : 12 miles returning from East Grinstead
FARE : £6 cdr East Grinstead with Network card discount
Sunday 26th January 2003 (os map 166) Leader: Phil Evans
MEET :Baker Street 0950 for 1011 train to Chorleywood (arr 1045)
LUNCH :The WindmilL Chipperfield
TEA :Rickmansworth
DISTANCE : 10 miles returning from Rickmansworth - hilly in parts
FARE :All zones travelcard + D £6.60
Sunday 2nd February 2003 (os map 165) Leader: Tony Norton
MEET :Marylebone 0820 for 0840 train to Princes Risborough (arr 0924)
LUNCH :Wendover, selection of pubs and cafes
TEA :Probably not
DISTANCE: 14 miles returning from Princes Risborough
FARE :£7.70 cdr Princes Risborough with network card discount
Sunday 9th February 2003 (os map 188) Leader: Paul Brunning
MEET :Charing Cross 0910 for 0930 train to Tonbridge (arr 1011)
LUNCH :Hare & Hounds ,Bidborough - Good grub
TEA : Tunbridge Wells
DISTANCE : 9 easy miles returning from Tunbridge Wells
FARE :£6.50 cdr Tunbridge Wells with network card discount
Paul will meet the ramblers at Tonbridge
Sunday 9th February 2003 (os map 167) Leader: Paul Connolly
MEET :Epping (Central Line) 0945 for 1000 start (Approx 45 minutes
from Oxford Circus)
LUNCH :The Moletrap, Tawney Common - good value food
TEA :Theydon Bois if anything is open
DISTANCE : 9 miles returning from Theydon Bois
Gently undulating but high mud factor possible in the afternoon
FARE :All zones one day travelcard £5.00
Paul will meet the ramblers at Epping.
Sunday 23rd 2003 February (os map) Leader: Maurice Hickman
MEET :Victoria 0905 for 0932 train to Hassocks (arr 1038)
LUNCH :Jolly Sportsman, East Chiltington. Has restaurant which serves good food.
Anyone with their own food must eat it off the premises.
DISTANCE : 13 miles returning from Hassocks
the walk includes climbing on the North Downs in the afternnon
TEA : An infusion of dried leaves and boiling water - but not on this walk!
FARE :£ cdr Hassocks.
Maurice will meet the ramblers at Hassocks
<><><><><><><><><><><><><<><><><><><>
Advance Notice - Sunday 9th March - DAY OF RECOLLECTION:
Please see newsletter for full details of this.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><<><><><><><>
Additional walks:
Please ring Dorothy Hickman on 01737765231 for occasional midweek walks, and when the main walk
is too long or hilly for you - phone Witold or Hania (02085435494) for a short, or long and leisurely walk
with lots of breaks.
SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC RAMBLERS CLUB
MINUTES OF THE 72 nd ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON SATURDAY 12th
OCTOBER 2002 at 3.30 pm IN THE HOLY APOSTLES CHURCH HALL
Refreshments were provided by Helen Hunt and Peter Lobo and were served to members on arrival from 3pm.
Helen Hunt welcomed everyone and opened the meeting with the Prayer of St Francis.
Apologies for absence were received from Fr.Peter Newby, Mary Hennessey, Phil Carolan, Rene Borg, Maureen Furlong, Betty Morrison, Catherine Fahey, Alison Clarke, Eddie Tame, Mike Arnup.Phil Doorley, Frank Crowley, Mary Hickman, Carol Anley.
Helen read the minutes of the 71st AGM which were agreed. There were no matters arising from the minutes.
Secretary's Report: The Secretary's report was given and accepted; a copy is attached.
Membership Secretaries reports: Maria Darroch said there had been 58 enquiries, which was about the same as last year. They were spread out through the year, most of which were as a result of the notice in Westminster Catheral. John Burbage said he had 32 enquires, which is 20 more
than last year. A good nwnber came out on walks and then joined. We need to encourage people to come on walks in the hope that they will join. Martin Harrison had replaced many notices which had been taken down in North London Churches. Members should check that our notices are on their church boards.
Treasurer's Report: Subscribtions arc slightly down (138) but included 8 new and 10 rejoined members, including some who had lapsed for several years but found that they couldn't live without contact with us! Surplus on Christmas events are due to good attendance and generous support of the raffles.The loss on the Barbeque was reduced by the generosity of the few who attended. There was yet another summer event which made a loss.
Postage has increased. ( last year had extra mailings ). This was due to the purchase of excess stamps in error, which will be used in the coming year.
Travel costs of Committee Members have reduced this year because most members hold season tickets.
Donations to Fr. David Barnes collection now stands at £191.50. A card will be sent and the names of contributors recorded.
When mailing multiple payments, the Treasurer prefers one cheque accompanied by a note of explanation. then she won't be in trouble at the Building Society for presenting more than 10 cheques at a time! (usually at 4.45 pm! )
Thank you to all members who write letters with their payments, it is a good to hear from you, and to know that the more senior members are confident in our management of the their club.
New members do not need to send in their temporary membership cards when making first payment, I believe you!
Copies of the accounts had been given out. Robert Slater proposed, and Bridie Barry seconded that the accounts are accepted, this was agreed.
Ramble List Compiler's Report: Paul said we had a ramble every Sunday. It was difficult to fill the programme, as we are not getting enough new leaders. Five or six leaders supply half the rambles; if any of these drop out he will have a problem completing the programme. People say why do we not have this or that instead of offering to do it.
Helen thanked John Lawrence and Tony Finnegan for auditing the accounts.
Election of new committee: Antoinette Connolly was standing down as Secretary. Gillian McLauchlan was willing to continue as Treasurer for another year. Paul Connolly was willing to continue as Ramble List Compiler. Mary Maxwell and Maria Darroch were standing down. Nick Peterson, John Burbage and Mike Hoffinan were willing to continue as Committee Members.
Tony Finnegan nominated, and Terry Dobson seconded Bill O'Neill as Secretary. Tony Finnegan nominated, and Margaret Moran seconded Gillian McLauchlan for Treasurer. Phil Evans nominated, and John Lawrence seconded Paul Connolly for Ramble List Compiler. Tony Finnegan nominated, and Terry Dobson seconded Alison Clarke for committee member. Maria Darroch nominated, and Nick Peterson seconded Margaret Moran for committee member. There being no other candidates, they were duly elected.
Election of Auditors: John Lawrence and Tony Finnegan being willing to continue as auditors were reappointed.
Motions: Joseph Elliott proposed that those less fit, or not so able, should have walks suited to what they can do. Those less fit have a right to enjoy walks. There should be a few short walks in the programme. The
tortoise walks should be issued to everyone with the programme. Hillary McNabb proposed that when the Sunday walk exceeded 12 miles there should be a 9 mile or less walk on the same day. She offered to provide a shorter walk when the Sunday ramble was longer than 12 miles. Paul Connolly said the summer walks tended to be longer as the days were longer. John Burbage said there had been 56 walks this year; 10 were greater than 16 miles, 26 were 10 or less and 20 were 11 to 15 miles.
Paul Connolly said people should give him a ring to ask how the programme is going, and what sort of walks he needs. Maureen Cahalane suggested drop out and joining points. Robert Slater suggested it could be an opportunity to introduce a new leader, a prospective leader could accompany a leader for part of the walkout and then lead this part as a short walk. Paul Brunning said he would do a figure of eight walk on the next programme, with a pub near a station so that people could do the morning or afternoon part if they wanted a shorter walk. John Lawrence said
that this would not suit those wanting a slower pace. Mike Hoffman said that when he was membership secretary, people used to ask how old the leader was, not how long the walks were. It is a good club, we go to pubs, although this may be expensive for students. Hilary McNabb said that Paul knows when he had a 19 mile ramble in the programme, and if he phones her, she will try to supply a short walk for that date. Paul Connolly said he was desperate for more leaders, and wants people to offer to lead, if people come up with a walk suitable for people with a particular disability, e.g. no stiles, he will make a note of this in the programme. Paul said he would put a
short walk on the programme when the main walk was over 15 miles provided members came forward with the walks.
Any other business: Barbara Bridle and Anne Dunne had suggestions for the Club's 75th Celebrations (in 2005). Barbara is in touch with Anthony Coles, who organises holidays in the Assisi region and at the English College's Villa. The cost would be £725, which gives people time to save up. John Burbage said Fr. Peter had done a lot of walking in this area so it would be good if he came. Barbara and Anthony Coles know Fr. Peter well. Anne suggested Park Place Pastoral Centre, Wickham, Hampshire, run by Franciscan Sisters, for a long weekend. Possibly August Bank Holiday, with Assisi in June. It gets booked up for several years ahead, so we need
to do book it soon. Barbara will send details to Bill.
Margaret Moran thanked Dorothy for the String of Pearls walks. Nick Peterson thanked Antoinette for her hard work as Secretary, and those Committee members standing down, and wished the new Conunittee a successful year.
The meeting fmished at 4.00pm followed by Mass for the Club members in the Holy Apostles Church.
<><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Secretary's Report for the year ending 2002
I am glad I have had the opportunity to be secretary of your club. but feel that after two years it's time to move on. As you know; Paul and I got married this year. and I am house training him; this is another reason why I'm giving up my duties as a secretary for a more challenging task.
Given the membership numbers. we have managed to keep up our standard of a ramble every Sunday throughout the year. and social events. We need to give serious thought as to a way of increasing our membership. One idea put forward by John Burbage is to invite family and friends to come along with you on a walk and see if they would like to join the club too. Any other ideas would be gratefully received.
The committee for this year has been: Helen Hunt as Vice President. myself as Secretary. Gillian McLauchlan as Treasurer. Paul Connolly as Ramble List Compiler. Mary Maxwell as Social Secretary. John Burbage and Maria Darroch as Membership Secretaries and Nick Peterson and Mike Hoffman as Committee Members.
We are sorry to see Fr. David go. but pleased to welcome Fr. Peter Newby as our new President. We are particularly grateful that he was able to attend the Summer Party. and also for acknowledging us at the Mass prior to the party.
The 6.OOpm Mass today at Holy Apostles Church, will be held for the intentions of the Members. and we will be going to the Chimes Restaurant for a drink(s) and a meal afterwards. If you haven't mentioned to me already of your intention of coming along. but would like to come please speak to me at the end of the AGM. as there might be some spare seats left.
Summer events:
There has been some very disappointing attendance at the Barbeque and Summer Party this year. We have to look at whether these are arranged in future, because unless we break even, it is a drain on our limited funds.
Future events:
The Christmas Dinner - the date tba. Social is on Sunday 15th December. and Party is on Saturday 11th January 2003. Further information will be in the next newsletter. For the third year running. the Social will be again held at the Royal Oak, Borough. as those who were there last year thoroughly enjoyed the buffet. and some even thought the beer was quite good as well. John Burbage will be doing an interesting walk on that day - more details to follow in the next programme.
I like to extend my sincere apologies to Maureen Furlong and Esther Harris on the mix-up of the date of their informal meeting. It was on Saturday, 28th September and not on Saturday. 23rd November as stated on the newsletter. We gave out notices to this effect at the Summer Party, plus the three Sunday walks following it. so hopefully the message got around.
Thank you to Dorothy Hickman for the minutes last year, and kindly doing it again this year for us. and to Peter Lobo for all his hard work in setting up the parties and his help at the AGM.
Thank you to the committee for all their hard work. and to you all for your support to the committee. and help in the running of the club.
We wish you all another year of happy rambling and socialising.
| Visitor Counter: | |||||||
 |  |  |  |  |  | ||