Although the content of this page includes everything that was in the published programme for Winter 2004 - 05 the layout is different as the three column pages that were used for pages 1 and 2 in 2004 would be more difficult to read on screen than the single column format used here.
1930 - 2004
Dear Ramblers,
This time we have a bumper pack of documents which I hope all will read with interest. In
addition to the normal programme of rambles we enclose the following: A menu for the Christmas dinner to be held on Saturday 11 December (see next column for details of
arrangements for this event), minutes of the 2004 AGM, the Secretary's report on the last
year's club activities, the club accounts for 2003-04 and a flyer advertising the Christmas
Ramble and Social on 19 December. Additionally Committee members will be selling tickets for the New Year Party to be held on Saturday 8 January 2005.
Our AGM was held on Saturday 9th October at 3.30pm at St Mary Moorfields Hall, 4-5 Eldon
St. London EC2M 7LS. Among the number of issues raised was the fact that our club will next year be celebrating its 75th Anniversary. John Burbage raised the point that we should be very proud of this fact and try to seek some way to try and get the media to give this fact some
coverage. If any of our members have any ideas on how best to do this, the committee would like to hear from you.
Another point raised is the fact that our club currently relies on a small core of leaders to lead
walks which puts them under pressure.
What we need are members who have not led before to come forward and lead a walk. The walk, which you could lead, would be in an area of your own choosing and also on a Sunday
of your own choosing. If you are new to leading and need help with the walkout then there may
be other members who may be able to accompany you.
The changes to the committee were that Margaret Moran and Catherine Scott stood down and
Alison Clarke and Anne Dunne were elected. On behalf of the committee I thank Margaret for
her long service and also Catherine for her part.
The AGM was followed by Holy Mass in St Mary Moorfields Church and afterwards there were a number that went to Wetherspoons at Liverpool St for a meal and a drink.
Future Events
Christmas Dinner. Saturday 11th December at 6.30pm in: Lowiczanka Polish Cultural Centre,
238 King Street, W6 ORF which is three minutes from Ravenscourt Park Station. The cost of the Christmas Dinner is Shown on the menu enclosed with this newsletter and includes a glass of wine. There will be live music in the restaurant, which is the sound of violins. Please let Hania
Poniatowska know by 1 December if you are coming. She has booked a table and she is happy to meet as a group outside Ravenscourt Park Station and enter as a group at 6.3Opm. If you arrive late you can make your own way. Walking away from the railway bridge turn right at King
Street. The cultural centre is a big white building. Go to the 1st floor restaurant.
Christmas Ramble and Social. 4.00pm Sunday 19 December
Will be held in the Royal Oak 44 Tabard St, Borough, London SE1 This is sure to be a great
way to end a good days ramble with a fine buffet meal. The food is sure to be excellent and great value. As in previous years we will have the whole pub for the benefit of our members. Please pay your £5.50 in advance to any committee member or by sending a cheque to our
Treasurer Gillian made payable to St Francis of Assisi Catholic Ramblers Club. By doing it this
way we have an idea of how many to cater for and we want to deter members from paying at the door. There will be a raffle and contributions for prizes will be welcomed.
New Year Party Saturday 8 Jan 2005
Mass at St Mary Moorfields at 6.00pm followed by a party in the Church Hall where there will be a lively disco provided by Ken Aguiar and it is sure to be the best social of the year. Admission £4. Please bring food to share and your own drink. There will be a raffle and donated prizes are
welcomed. Please make sure that you get your
tickets for this blistering ball.
New Vear Break at Bath Vouth Hostel.
Information from Maureen Furlong
Holiday in Kidderminster
Dorothy Hickman is hoping to arrange a holiday next September visiting some of the Elizabethan houses with priests hiding places in the West Midlands, staying in guesthouses in Kidderminster. Single rooms about £30 per night for bed and breakfast.
Dates around September 19 to 26.
Holiday In Uangollen
Maurice Hickman is hoping to arrange an Easter Break, i.e. from Thurs. 24 March 2005 to Tues. 29 March 2005.
The accommodation will be in a youth hostel and situated in a lovely part of Wales. Travel will be by coach from Victoria station and further details can be obtained from Maurice.
Events In 2005
Club'. 75th Anniversary
To mark the event there is a holiday to Assisi /Palazzola 4 to 11 June 2005. The number of
members that have booked is 19 at last count. The time for booking this holiday is now passed and Barbara Bridle will contact members with further details.
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. There are already
11 members who have already committed to attending the weekend.
Additionally, a core group will be going to Hawkstone Hall in April to plan out the walks. The cost for three nights with full board would be about £90 but it is likely to be less if not having full board. For further information please contact Anne Dunne.
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
Subscriptions
If you have not already paid your subscription please 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.
New Members.
Welcome to Marie Francoise Atta from SW2, John Baldasare from Mitcham, Barbara Gordon from SW3, Merle Maxwell-Flavins from London N22, Dana Bogdanowicz from SW17.
Thanks: Helen Hunt would like to thank the many members who sent Mass and sympathy cards on the recent death of her father John O'Donnell.
Obituaries: With deep regret we heard of the death on 30 October of Richard Chill. Richard joined in the late 70's and up to the time his health declined was an enthusiastic walker and ramble leader. Sincere sympathy to his wife June. By the time you read this we will have remembered Richard at the annual Mass for deceased members.
Condolensces also to john Burbage on the sad death of his mother. R.I.P.
Items for the next Newsletter
should reach me by 11th February 2005.
God Bless and Happy Rambling
Club Committee Members 2003104
President: Vice President:
Fr Peter Newby, Helen Hunt,
Parish Priest, Email: HelenHunt@freeola.com
St Mary Moorfields, 4-5 Eldon
Street, London EC2M 7LS
Email:moorfieldsrc@btinternet.com
Secretary: Treasurer:
Bill O'Neill, Gillian McLauchlan,
Email: Billoneill@ntlworld.com
Ramble List Compiler: Membership Secretaries:
Tony Norton, Tony Finnegan, 30 Avarn Road,
Email:anthonylnorton@yahoo.co.uk Tooting, London, SW179HA Tel. 0208 767 5293
Email: tony@tfinnegan.me.uk
Alison Clarke, 55 Ellesmere Road
Email: alison.clarke@fco.gov.uk
Social Secretary
Hania Poniatowska,
Committee Members
Witold Sokolowski,
Anne Dunne
Email: anndunne 123@hotmail.co.uk
Ramble List and News December 2004 to February 2005
Many thanks to all the leaders who so kindly came forward with walks for the Winter
Programme. I would like walks for the Spring programme in by the 20th January please.
Thanks
Tony (Norton)
DECEMBER 2004
SUNDAY 5thDECEMBER 2004 (os map Explorer 134) Leader Maurice Hickman
MEET : Victoria at 1005 for 1034 train to Ifield (arr 11.39)
LUNCH : Lamb Inn, Lamb Green
TEA : The Lynd Cross Horsham(next to Catholic Church Italian mass at 5pm
DISTANCE: 10 Miles returning from Horsham
FARE : £6.95 cdr network card
SUNDAY 12thDECEMBER 2004 (os Map 165) Leader Philip Groves
MEET : Marylebone 0905 for 0927 train to Great Missenden (arrives 10.08)
LUNCH : The Rising Sun (Little Hampden)
TEA : Wendover
DISTANCE: 14 hilly miles returning from Wendover
FARE : £7.25 CDR Wendover with Network card reduction
SUNDAY 19thDECEMBER 2004 Leader Witold Sokolowski
MEET : Chalk farm northern line underground 1030 for 1100
LUNCH : Wetherspoons or Benjys Bryan St nr Marble Arch. Make sure to preserve your
appetite for the Royal Oak at the end of the ramble
Christmas Social and buffet at the Royal Oak, Tabard Street, Borough.
TEA : See flyer enclosed with programme. £5.50 payable In advance
DISTANCE: 9 Miles
FARE : £4.75 day travel card
MONDAY 27th DECEMBER 2004(Map Land Ranger 166) Leader Philip Evans
MEET : Baker St 0910 for 0930 arr Chorleywood 10.07
LUNCH : Windmill Chipperfield Common
TEA :
DISTANCE : 9 Miles returning from Rickmansworth
FARE : £5.90 1 to 6 travel card buy return to Chorleywood
JANUARY 2005
SUNDAY 2nd JANUARY 2005 Leader Paul Brunning
MEET : Charing Cross 09.50 for 10.17 train to Sevenoaks (Arr 1059)
LUNCH : The White Rock Inn at Underriver
TEA : Possibly at Sevenoaks
DISTANCE : 9 Miles returning from Sevenoaks
FARE : CDR Sevenoaks £3.90 with Network Card
SUNDAY 9th JANUUARY 2005 (os map 166) Leader Robert Slater
MEET : Kings Cross 0900 for 0921 train to Hitchin (Arr 0950)
LUNCH : At 1200 light snack of about 40 minutes at the Motte & Bailey Pirton
Late lunch at the Live & Let live at Pigsdon at app 1600 hours
Choice of 4 roasts or fish @ £7.95
The walk ends here with free transport back to the station
TEA :
DISTANCE : 11 Hilly Miles returning from Hitchin
FARE : £9.45 with Network card
SUNDAY 16th JANUUARY 2005 (Map Explorer 147) Leader Paul Brunning
MEET : Victoria 10.05 for 10.26 train to Eynsford (Arr. 11.11)
LUNCH : The Crown Shoreham (Kent)
TEA : Eynsford
DISTANCE : 10 Miles returning from Eynsford
FARE : £4.20 COR Eynsford
SUNDAY 23rd JANUUARY 2005 (map explorer 147) Leader John & Marta Haworth
MEET : Victoria 0855 for 0918 train to Borough Green & Wrotham (arr 1002)
LUNCH : The Plough Ivy hatch
TEA : Sevenoaks
DISTANCE : 11 Miles returning from Sevenoaks
FARE : £5.90 cdr Borough Green plus 1.00 single Sevenoaks-
Otford, both 2004 prices with network card
* Marta & John will meet the walkers at Borough Green
SUNDAY 30th JANUARY 2005 (map explorer 187) Leader Helen Hunt
MEET : Victoria 0930 for 1004 train to three Bridges (arr 1051)
LUNCH : The Cowdray Arms
LUNCH : No
DISTANCE : 8 Miles returning from Three Bridges
FARE : £6.95 cdr Three Bridges with network southeast card discount
FEBRUARY 2005
SUNDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2005 (os maps 198/199) Leader Philip Groves
MEET : Victoria 0810 for 0832 train to Hassocks(arrives 09.38)
LUNCH : The Brewer's Arms Lewes
TEA : Berwick
DISTANCE : 15 hilly miles returning from Berwick
FARE : £11.50 COR Berwick with Network card reduction
SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2005 (Map Explorer 196) Leader Frank Bigg
MEET : Liverpool St 0910 for 0944 train to Kelvedon (AIr 11 03)
LUNCH : Kings Arms Coggeshall
TEA : Chapel
DISTANCE : 9 Miles returning from Chapel on Sudbury
FARE : Single to Kelvedon £8.90 CDR with network card
: From Chapel on Sudbury 11.70 CDR with network card
SUNDAY 13th FEBRUARY 2005 (map Explorer 181) Leader Tony Norton
MEET : Marylebone 0840 for 0900 train to Princes Risborough (arr 0958)
LUNCH : King's head Chinnor
TEA :
DISTANCE : 11 Miles circular walk to Chinnor returning from Princes Risborough
FARE : £12 COR Princes Risborough with network card
SUNDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2005 (os map 187) Leader Tony Finnegan
MEET : Victoria at 0845 for 0906 train to Horsham (arr 10.04)
LUNCH : The Crab Tree (GR 220254)
TEA : Horsham
DISTANCE : 15 Miles returning from Horsham
FARE : £7.80 cdr Horsham with Network Southeast Card
SUNDAY 27th FEBRUARY 2005 (os map Explorer 133) Leader Maurice Hickman
MEET : Waterloo 0845 for 0915 train to Haslemere (Arr 10 06)
LUNCH : Half Moon Inn Northchapel
TEA : possibly available
DISTANCE : 13 Miles returning from Haslemere this includes steep hill climb in afternoon
FARE : £7.85 with network card to Haselmere
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 and fare prices will change in January. Information on these can be obtained by calling 08457 484950 or see
National Rail Website at www.nationalrail.com
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ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC RAMBLERS CLUB
Minutes of the 74th Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, 9th October 2004 at 3.30 p.m. in the Church Hall of St Mary Moorfields
Refreshments were provided by Helen Hunt and Peter Lobo and served to members on arrival from 3.00 p.m. Helen Hunt, (Vice-President), -vvelcomed everyone and opened the meeting wlh the Prayer of St Francis. Fr Peter
Newby, President of the Club, was present.
Apologies for absence were received from: Carol Anley, Ossie Barrett, Bernadette Cahill, Daphne Fisk, Maureen Furlong, Martha Howarth, Betty Morrison and Angela Shardlow, Mary, Dorothy and Maurice Hickman.
Minutes of the 73rd AGM, October 2003
These were read by Helen Hunt and were agreed by those present.
Secretary's Report: Bill O'Neill gave this report and confirmed that the Club continued to flourish with up to 30 members turning out for some of the rambles. He felt an influx of younger members was needed if the Club's future was to be ensured. He personally had made strenuous efforts to contact Youth Clubs and similar organisations in the hope of attractilg a younger clientele. He had also noticed that unfortunately, while the Club's Information Flyer had been posted on several church notice boards, it did not appear to stay up for very long.
Bill reiterated the names and roles of al the Committee Members over the past year and these were thanked for all their individual efforts on behalf of the Club.
Bill went on to outline the highlights of the Club's recent activities, notably the Christmas Party, which had been very well supported, and the Summer Party as well as a number of exciting holidays and weekends organised by various members, including a memorable trip to the West of Ireland for the Castlebar Walking Festival. As is customary, some Club members had also particpated in the Ecumenical Walking Pilgrimage organised by the Diocese of Arundel in July last.
Thanks were extended to Dorothy Hickman for doing the Minutes of last year's, (2003), AGM.
Bill concluded by announcing that a Mass for Deceased Members was to be held folowing the AGM in St Mary Moorflelds at 5 p.m.
Membership Secretaries' Reports: Margaret Moran and Tony Finnegan both gave valuable information on the current state of affairs: Margaret had receved 22 enquiries,while Tony had received 36 enquiries, the vast majority of which had come by internet/e maiil.
.
Margaret emphasised that it was now a legal obligation in line with the Data Protection Act of 1998 to keep members' details as confidential as possible. In practice, this meant that she was willing to pass on members' addresses on request where permission was granted.
The Club Secretary felt Membership Secretaries needed to have an ansaphone facility so that any enquierers would definitely be called back.
Treasurer's Report 2003/2004: Gillian McLauchlan reported that membership income had remained stable because the number of lapsed members matched that of new members. There were also two new Life Members. She added that to date, 10 members had decided to pay by Standing Order and remarked that her successor from 2005 onwards would need to be able to deal with this new method of subscription payment.
Gillian recorded her thanks to all who had attended the Club's events over the past year, including the Day of Recollection and especialy all who had supported the raffles, which had generated a good profit. Thanks were also
extended to members who had made generous donations to the Club.
Gillian reported that the Farewell Colection for Fr Barnes, former Club President, had amounted to £200 and that the Club's Accounts were available for any members to inspect them if they so wished. In the absence of John Lawrence, Audlor, John Burbage as the second Audlor, confirmed that the Accounts were in good order and that there had been a small increase in the Club's funds. Helen thanked the Auditors for finalising this year's accounts. Finally, Gillian requested that if anyone had Mary Hyland's full current address in Ireland, could they pass it on to her, as the one she had received was in fact incomplete.
Ramble List Compiler's Report: Tony Norton thanked those on the Committee and a core group of Ramble leaders who had given him such strong support in carrying out the demanding task of compiling the quarterty
programme. He confirmed that a sufficient number of ramble leaders had come forward and supplied suitable rambles of varying length.
Some lapsed ramble leaders had now resumed planning out walks and the contribution they were making was heartliy acknowledged by Tony.
Responding to Torty's report: John Burbage remarked on the quality and variety of walks currently being offered and added that walking out rambles could be a very enjoyable activity. Frank Bigg enquired if Saturday rambles were acceptable and Tony confirmed that if he received appropriate details, he would be delighted to include Saturday rambles in future programmes.
Finally, John Haworth was concemed about some Ramble leaders having to provide at least two walks per programme and Tony Finnegan said the early enthusiasm of new ramble leaders should be encouraged in order to
address the situation John had identified.
Election of New Committee: Seven nominations had been returned to Helen Hunt and the Officers to remain on the Committee will be:
Helen Hunt -ViCe-President;
Bill O'Neill - Secretary;
Gillian McLauchlan - Treasurer;
Tony Norton - Ramble List Compiler;
Tony Finnegan - Membership Secretary;
Alison Clarke and Anne Dunne were newly elected to the corrvnittee .
John Lawrence and John Burbage were re-elected for a further term as Auditors.
Bill will continue for the time being as Secretary, however, since he may be relocating to Ireland during the present term, he wil need a successor. This being the case, Frank Bigg said he might be willing to take on this role.
Gillian stated that she would wish to train a successor for her job beforehand as she wishes to step down as Treasurer after this current term.
75th Anniversary Celebrations:
a) Holiday in Assisi - June 2005
b)Barbara Bridle confirmed that 19 people were booked for this holiday and that the group would be accompanied by Fr Newby. In response, John Burbage remarked that he had found the holiday literature of a very high standard and added that as a very old Ramb6ng Club, we should take advantage of our 75th Anniversary to generate fresh publicity. He suggested contactilg the press, e.g. The Evening Standard and sutable TV Channels and inviting the latter to film some of the Club's activities. Helen Hunt endorsed this suggestion enthusiastically and said it should be discussed at
the next Committee meeting. A1ison Clarke offered to help John achieve these aims.
c)Hawkstone HalI- August 19-22, 2005
Anne Dunne gave a short presentation on Hawkstone Hall, a Redemptorist Pastoral Centre near Shrewsbury which is to be the venue for a further celebration of the Club's 75th anniversary. 'A photograph of the Hall and information sheets were avaiable for members to peruse and Anne has a note of the 11 members who have already committed to attending the weekend. Additionally ,a core group will be going to Hawkstone Hall in April to plan out the walks.
Annne confirmed that the deadline for bookings will appear in the next newsletter.
i.Any Other Business
a)1n response to concems raised by Hania Poniatowska, there folowed a significant discussion on the question of the Club raising funds in keeping with the example given by St Francis who gave generously to the poor. Itwas confirmed that traditionally, various members had made efforts to raise money by a variety of means and that it was most appropriate for this to continue. John Burbage said it would be good publicity if Club members' donations could be mentioned in suitable arenas but it would not be right for contributions to charlies to be shown as payments by the club in its accounts ..
b) John Haworth requested carifcatlon of the date of this year's Christmas Social and it was duly given (following the Christmas Ramble on Sunday 19 December.
c)Hania Poniatowska requested numbers for the Christmas meal at the St Martins in the Fields (NB later changed to the Polish Club at Ravenscourt Park) to be given as soon as possible. Helen thanked the Commitee for all their hard work and closed by congratulating Bill on his recent engagement.
Helen announced that all present were invited to a meal at Wetherspoon's, Hamiton Hall. after the Mass.
There being no further business, Helen declared the meeting closed.
secretary's Report for the year ending 2004
I can report that the Club is still very much up and running and had an excellent walking programme, waking holidays together with social and religious events. Under the guidance of Tony Norton there has been a ramble every 'Neekend and in the main there has been a good number turning out for the rambles, although I might add not as many as say ten year ago. The largest tum out being where numbers in the region of thirty members
Although our club is very active we cannot be complacent because it is very important that we increase the number of our young members. We need an inflow of younger members for the club to carry on into the future. To this end I have tried to promote our club wlh my church youth club together wlh some others. I have also placed - a number of our Club Flyers in various churches around London. Sadly I have also discovered that the flyers do
not remain on the Church Notice Boards for very long.
Therefore I would urge you all to promote our walking club to your friends and family because as you know, the best form of advertising is by personal recommendation. Also when you receive the Club Flyer have it placed on
the Notice Board of your church.
The committee for this year has been: Fr. Peter NeVvbyas President, Helen Hunt as Vice President, myself as Secretary, Gillian McLauchlan as Treasurer, Tony Norton as Ramble List Compiler, Hania Poniatowska, as Social, Secretary, Tony Finnegan and Margaret Moran as Membership Secretaries and VVitold Sokolowski and Catherine Scott as Commltee Members.
After our meeting today Holy Mass wiU be celebrated at 5.00pm in St Mary Moorfields Church and said for the intentions of the Club Members. After Holy Mass there will be some of us who will be happy to have a meal and a
drink in some convenient venue.
Walking Holidays
Our club is blessed to have members like Maurice Hickman and his sisters who have for a number of years's led walking holidays and shortbreaks. This year in May, Dorothy led a 10-day holiday in Northumbria, and at Easter
Maurice led a 7-day holiday in Whitby.
Early in the year Maureen Furlong lead a 5-day break to Exeter.
Some of our members are also connected with the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, which this year held the Chester Pilgrimage, which was for 10 days in August. The Pilgrimage was enjoyed by a number of our Club
Members.
In July there was also the 4-Day International Walking Festival in Castlebar, Ireland where I was joined by some of our members.
Socials events
In January we had a New Year Party with a disco in St Mary Moorfields Hall, EC2 which was very successful.
In June we had the use of the Bandstand in Queens Park, NW6, where we had strawberries and cream and an enjoyable day followed by a meal in the Corrib Rest where there was also dancing.
There were video days where in February there where seventeen of us that watched Brother Sun, Sister Moon.
Also in September nine of us watched Casablanca and aterwards sang the famous song over and over again.
Later that day Phil Evans on his guitar entertained us.
Future Social events
There will be a Christmas Ramble on 19th December 2005 followed by a Social. For the fifth year running, the Social will be held in the Royal Oak Pub, Borough.SE1. Those who were there last year thoroughly enjoyed the
buffet, and some even thought the beer was quite good as well. Someone will be doing an interesting walk on that day - more details to follow in the next programme.
Last year we had a Christmas Meal in Spaghetti House SW1 which was well attended and this year we plan having a meal on 11 December 2005 in a venue in St Martin on the Fields.
Days of Worship.
We had a Day of Recollection in March where Fr Newby gave us an interesting talk which was followed by Holy Mass. Afterwards a number got together for a meal and a drink.
There was the Good Friday Walk where there were more than thirty of us joined for the service in Worth Abbey.
There is also the Mass for the Deceased Members last November, which was well, attended and where a number joined for a meal and a drink afterwards.
Before our New Year Party there will be Holy Mass in St Mary Moorfield on 8th January 2005. The Party will be in the Church Hall with a disco where there will food and drink. - more detajls to follow in the next programme.
Thanks
Thank you to Dorothy Hickman for the minutes last year, and to Peter Lobo for all his hard work in setting up the parties and his help at the AGM.
I also thank the rest off the committee for their hard work and support and help in the running of the club.
I wish you another year of happy rambling and sociaUsing.
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