Talk - Isle of Wight Ramblers
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talk
1/2021 iowramblers.com
Penny
rolls in
Walktalk meets
super-fundraiser
Karen Penny on
her marathon
coast path walk
IN THIS ISSUE...
+ Finding our feet again
+ Sun sets on 2020
+ Coast with the most
+ Lovin’ the Lake District
+ Crete 2021
+ Walking trail news
+ News from our volunteers
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LOCKDOWN
II
Finding our
As the sun sets on 2020...
feet again T H E W O R L D I S AT L A S T
IW Ramblers’ Chairman TURNING ITS BACK
David Howarth reflects
on a year of changing ON A TURBULENT AND
priorities
U N P R E D I C TA B L E Y E A R –
THIS YEAR HAS been challenging for all of us.
Whilst we have been determined to stay fit and
healthy, chaos has reigned around us.
A Y E A R I N W H I C H TH E
We have all had to adapt to a new world where some
of the things we have always taken for granted have
V E RY I D E A T H AT O U R
been lost and there has been a need to adapt to the
new technologies. AC T I V I T I E S C O U L D BE
Early in the year, we were preparing the spring
edition of WalkTalk and had a full walks programme
listed to September.
C U RTA I L E D WAS
We were ready to attend General Council in April,
and looking forward to our Roadshow at Cowes
which was to be the first event in the Walking
Festival calendar.
UNTHINKABLE...
Work was in hand to produce the Walking Festival
and Walk the Wight , and we had arranged a special
gate opening for the 30th anniversary.
None of us knew what was around the corner and But the Island – our Walks for everyone,
sadly all of these events had to be cancelled.
Throughout the year we have had to follow guidance
Island of infinite from easy half-hour
and new rules which have been adapted for our variety and interest strolls to strenuous
activities. And just as we were reintroducing a
limited walks programme, Lockdown Number 2
– will be waiting for all-day rambles...
arrived. us once our freedoms
Up hill, down dale,
So, it has been a difficult and frustrating year. have been restored. Break out your boots... rucksack on...
regardless of the
and walk!
Nevertheless, there have been some positives –
Best get ready for deep breath... best foot forward...
we have better communications, technology has weather...
improved, and there has been much progress in bracing coastline,
developing the new coast path.
remote downland, Fresh air and exercise,
There has been a tremendous amount of interest in
walking this year – our website and social media have secluded woods, and a pleasant tired-
both been extremely busy.
rolling green fields, ness after a day well
Unfortunately, without a walks programme
this interest does not translate into a growing lush river valleys... spent...
membership.
Let’s just hope for a better 2021. * Walks and events featured in this edition of WalkTalk took place either pre-lockdown or when regulations had been relaxed to allow small groups to convene. Social
I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in distancing was observed. Please note that covid-secure walks can restart from Wednesday 2 December – our walks are exempt from the ‘rule of six’ in all local restriction
helping find our feet again. tiers. Please check iowramblers.com to find out which walks are taking place. Members organising walks independently must observe government regulations.
It’s a vital position! ONLINE
You love walking. You’re passionate about the outdoors.
So could you be our next Area Secretary? AGM 2021
The Isle of Wight Ramblers is looking for What’s more, you’ll gain experience and AGENDA for Area and group AGMs
a new Area Secretary to help with our skills which will really benefit you and can online, 23 Jan 2021
activities into 2021 and beyond. This is an be added to your CV.
exciting time to become involved. 10 am Introduction by David
Your role will involve writing, agreeing Howarth, Chairman
The Ramblers helps everyone, and keeping records such as minutes, and
It’s good to
talk Expert speakers at
everywhere, to enjoy walking – and, liaising with Area Committee members as Group Agenda
crucially, it protects the places we all well as Group Secretaries on the Island.
1. Approve Annual Report
love to walk.
Meetings will need to be organised, 2. Approve accounts and balance
AGM 2020
By volunteering as Area Secretary you’ll venues booked and refreshments sheet
be helping us achieve this. organised. You’ll need to be comfortable 3. Appoint office holders and
December 2020
membership
total for the Main Group 406
458 Over forty members attended our AGM in January 2020,
If taking on a role like this is new to you,
you won’t be on your own. Training,
guidance and support will be readily
with emails and the internet. There is
a two-way flow of information with
Ramblers’ Central Office in London, such
committee members:
a. Group Chair
b. Group Treasurer
IW Ramblers Wightsole 52 enjoying stimulating and thought-provoking contributions available if you discover you need help or
as new policies or initiatives which you c. Group Secretary
from each of our three distinguished guest speakers. need to communicate to the rest of the d. Walks programme
Want to join us? Just go to advice. You will also have all the support
Area Committee. e. Social secretary
and encouragement you need from other
www.iowramblers.com and > JOHN TAYLOR > BOB SEELY MP > AYNSLEY JARDIN members of the Area Committee. You will work with lots of different
f. Holidays
click on the membership link from Natural England said that he was a Ramblers Trustee, gave volunteers and members – you need to
g. Committee members
gave an update about concerned about the a motivational speech h. Representative for Area
be able to work as a part of a team but
Area Council
the new English coast Island Plan which which explained the Council
Area Chair David Howarth 07477 600337 also be able to get on with things on your
path. The main part of indicated that 9000 current vision of our i. Appoint external auditor
Acting Secretary David Howarth 07477 600337 own.
Area Treasurer Carolyn Lymn 01983 565508 the report was due to be homes are proposed to charity and the various 4. Any other business
Publicity, Social Media David Howarth 07477 600337 issued on 18th March be built over 15 years. ways of achieving the This role is a vital position but it can also
Newsletter Editor Stephen Williams 07967 272066 2020, with the Wootton Generally it was felt objectives. A new website be a shared role – splitting the role into Area Agenda
two or three parts: Minute Secretary,
Footpath Secretary Mike Slater 01983 752997
Membership Secretary Patricia Macaulay-Fraser 07894 466881
to Cowes section due
to be published in the
that these homes are for
mainland residents and
is being planned, and
various IT improvements,
Volunteers Area Secretary and Assistant Area
1. Approve Annual Report
2. Approve accounts and balance
Committee members John Gurney-Champion 01983 522665 at the Secretary.
Pam Dana 01983 863189
Chris Slann 07794 699558
future. IW Ramblers
is encouraging
not needed for the stable
population of the Island.
along with marketing
campaigns and
heart
of all
sheet
3. Appoint office holders and
Frankie Goldspink 07794 69955 everyone to make Bob also mentioned the fundraising. More committee members:
we do
Group Committee
their representations new Environment Act and training for volunteers Fancy giving it a go?
a. Area Chair
Chairman Vacant
Secretary Steve Gibson 07901555789 during the eight-week Agriculture Act which is also being made b. Area Treasurer
Membership Secretary Patricia 07894 466881 consultation period. might affect access rights. available. Email David Howarth, c. Area Footpath Secretary
Walks Coordinator Steve Gibson 07901555789 our Area Chairman d. Area Secretary
Treasurer Jackie H 01983 868517
Newsletter distribution Tim H 01983 868517
davidhowarth220@gmail.com e. Area Membership Officer
f. Area Countryside Officer
Committee member Roger 07740 541153
John R 01983 508948
g. Members of Area Council
Carol H 01983 537445 h. Appoint external auditor
Footpath Sub-Committee 4. Appoint two representatives for
Area Secretary Mike Slater 01983 752997 General Council, NEC Birmingham 17
Planning John Hague 07779 208871 April 2021
Committee members Maureen Le Roi 01983 612666 5. Any other business
Howard Duffus 07428 461619
Wight Sole Group
Chairman Gary 01983 867098 Please note that owing to
Deputy Chair Tracey 01983 867603 coronavirus restrictions, this is an
Treasurer Dave 01983 297304 ONLINE Zoom meeting.
Membership Suzanne 01983 297304
Publicity Alison 07792 913044 We encourage all members of Isle
of Wight Ramblers to participate.
Items for the next edition of WalkTalk Welcome back, Steve
Our Newsletter Editor, Steve Williams, has now returned You will need a PC or laptop.
WalkTalk is published in print and online three times a
year, in April, July and December. Submissions to the next to the Island, having moved to Falmouth in 2016. Smartphones and tablets can also
edition should be sent to David Howarth, by 7 March 2021. be used.
He offered to help us after retiring at the end of 2010 from
Email: davidhowarth220@btinternet.com
his job as Publications Manager at IOW Council, and the The Annual Report enclosed
Tel: 01983 759823, 07477 600337
first Walktalk was created in September 2011. with this edition of WalkTalk has
Area Chairman David Howarth said, “We have kept in details of how to attend, and all
touch and enjoyed hearing about Steve’s life in Cornwall. the information needed for this
It is excellent news that he has decided to return to the meeting.
Print: St Mary’s Hospital Print Unit Island and take up the reins as Newsletter Editor”.
Lovin’
the Lake ing
...and look next
forward to
District autumn
CRETE
holiday
2021
A group of thirty IW Ramblers escaped the effects of lockdown on a Daish’s
Holidays trip to the Cumbrian Lakes in August. Tim and Jackie Hough report
WITH WALKING BOOTS, rucksacks made to suit the walkers in our group. It was then an early night for us “weary
and walking poles, Isle of Wight Wight walkers”!
Yes, of course we had a day of heavy
ramblers headed across The Solent for Our final walk of the holiday was from
rain but it didn’t deter 22 walking the
a Daish’s Holidays trip to Kendal in the Ambleside, where twenty of us enjoyed
six miles alongside the River Kent to
Lake District. a figure-of-eight waterfall walk.
Staveley. The river was wild and broke
This was our first holiday since its banks in many places which forced us
A pleasant, gentle ascent took us up to RUGGED MOUNTAINS, SPECTACULAR coastline and dramatic We are now waiting for flight confirmation and prices.
lockdown, with a reduced group of to alter our route a few times and climb
Sweden Bridge, an old picturesque 17th gorges make Crete a mecca for walkers.
30 – the maximum allowed under the a 10-foot wall! Besides hotel and flights the price will include luggage and
century packhorse bridge above a series
restrictions. of waterfalls with views across to the
A week on this Greek Island has been arranged through Travel transfers, two days’ walking with a guide and taverna lunch plus
Thankfully the following day was
Editions, staying at the Ideon Hotel in Rethymnon on a bed a full day excursion tour of the Island with lunch.
Our holiday had been planned for well much better with light winds and the Langdale Pikes.
and breakfast basis. The dates are Sunday 26th - Saturday 2nd
over a year and we were all feeling a bit sun shining. Although there were no After several cancellations we only have 15 on this holiday and
Heading back down to Ambleside we October 2021
nervous. boat trips operating on Windermere or to keep the group price we need a minimum of 20, so if anyone
had time for lunch before going up to
Derwent Water, a launch was running This holiday had to be postponed from October 2020 just a would like to join us, please contact Jackie Hough on 868517 for
No need! We were very comfortable on Stockghyll Force, a 70-foot waterfall,
to take walkers to Hawes End for the month before departure due to quarantine regulations. further details.
the coach with single seating separated which after the heavy rain earlier in the
ascent of Catbells.
from couples and plenty of comfort week was spectacular.
stops, as the loo could not be used.
The County Hotel was ready to welcome
Nineteen of us then took a long slow
climb and a scramble up to the top for
the superb views over the lakes and
Six of the stronger walkers trekked over
the fells from Patterdale to Rydal Water.
A walk along the Dartmoor Way
us and you could see the staff had been At the end of our journey back to the
across to the high peaks. THE DARTMOOR WAY is a spectacular
busy making it exceptionally clean and Island our coach drove straight onto the
with the one-way system we soon got The remainder of the group walked 108-mile route around Dartmoor in
ferry and got us home on time. Devon.
used to the new procedures. the two miles back into Keswick where
Nigel our driver was waiting to take The group thoroughly enjoyed being The route explores wooded valleys,
It didn’t take us long to relax and enjoy back together for our short break in
them onto Grasmere before returning to sparkling streams that tumble off the for this walking holiday, please contact
the friendly family atmosphere that Cumbria and came away feeling so
the hotel. moor, deep drove roads and bridleways him for more information and to
Daish’s always offer. much more confident with the current
The exhausted walkers returned by used for generations by farmers and discuss the details.
The food was very good and served in situation. travellers.
service bus but due to a traffic accident
the restaurant that had been spaced to It was just what we needed and thanks Telephone
and road closure, we eventually arrived Vernon Findell is hoping to organise a
accommodate our group on tables of
four and six.
back at the Hotel at 8.00pm. The staff to Daish’s, we had the perfect holiday. trip to walk this route over ten days, 07760 808100
had stayed on to serve us our starter possibly in April, May or June 2021. or email
We had two coach excursions – Keswick and dessert which we were all extremely Picture: Our group admiring the view from
and Windermere – which we had tailor If you are interested in joining Vernon vernonfindell@gmail.com
grateful for. Catbells. Tim centre and Jackie far right
Coast path in chunks!
ISLE OF WIGHT RAMBLER was held at The Woodvale restaurant
ATSHT
at Gurnard, where Chairman David
CO
Maureen Jones organised a regular
Sunday walk last summer which Howarth awarded certificates to
WITH E aimed to circumnavigate the members. Hopefully we can repeat
MOST whole of the Island Coast Path. this event once the new Coast Path
Several members completed all the has been created and coronavirus
sections and a celebratory lunch restrictions allow.
12,500kms,
£72,000 ...and counting those memories as well as learning about
Indomitable Karen WHAT AN INCREDIBLE person. Intrepid to Porchfield, a further lockdown was
the new places I encounter along the way.”
Karen Penny has been walking around the announced and Karen had to return home
Coast path campaign progress Penny rolled off the coast of Ireland and the United Kingdom
and intends to become the first woman to
to Wales. She intends returning to the
Island once it is safe to continue.
Isle of Wight Ramblers is pleased to have
ferry and onto the achieve this journey of 20,000 kilometres.
played even a small part in helping Karen
AT THE TIME of writing, we walking. In 2016, 20 volunteers position. Vectis Radio wanted Her 40lb backpack, named Neville, contains as she undertakes this incredible feat for
await the the final report (East helped produce our own monthly updates, but Covid has Island during her Karen was inspired to undertake this everything that she needs to camp when such a deserving cause. Future editions of
Cowes to Wootton) from comprehensive survey of the put a stop to that. challenge after dementia had a profound necessary. On the night prior to arriving WalkTalk will feature more stories from her
Natural England. coast. epic walk around impact on her family with both her in-laws on the Island, Karen stayed at Hurst Castle travels around the Island.
We met council officers
Nine reports were published in We spent time with our MP, and officials and now fully the coasts of succumbing to vascular dementia. where no there was no water or electricity.
In 2017, Alzheimer’s and other dementias
March, and we responded by Bob Seely (below left, with The trek is a legacy to them and a chance to She walks around seven to eight hours became the leading cause of death in the
sending 31 documents to Defra. footpaths officer Mike Slater
understand their position. Ireland and the UK. assist others. To date she has raised more a day, and has already worked her way UK. With no treatments to stop or cure
We met the monks at Quarr
Just to recap, IW Ramblers
and Chairman David Howarth),
Abbey, and local parish officials
Far from stopping than £72,000. She hopes to raise £100,000 through eight pairs of boots but has them, these are diseases that no-one has
who was very supportive of our by the end of her journey later in 2021. survived her journey so far, remarkably, yet survived. With supporters such as Karen
has been lobbying Island
stakeholders to gather support
views and agreed to write to a and agents. They expressed her, lockdown has She started in January 2019, when she
without even one blister! Alzheimer’s Research UK is committed to
Minister. their concerns about loss of
for our aspiration to produce solitude at the retreat. merely introduced walked the whole of Ireland and Wales, but Karen said, “I’ve met some amazing people changing that.
a truly coastal path, with We appeared on Community was forced to stop during the Spring 2020 and been to some incredible places on my You can show your support by donating
seascapes and virtually no road Radio and explained our A day was spent walking the a temporary delay! lockdown. She then restarted in August journey so far and in the last three months
via Karen’s Just Giving Page. (www.
coast with a Guardian reporter and walked the South West Coast Path and there’s not been a day when I’ve walked on
justgiving.com/fundraising/
who produced an excellent David Howarth on 30 October arrived on the Isle of Wight my own, so I’m hoping that I’ll have plenty
thepennyrollson).
article in that newspaper’s for a week following the coast. She has of people on the Island who want to join me
travel section. went to meet completed 12,500Kms to date. on this part of my journey and who will help Follow her journey via
me to reach my fundraising target.
There have been changes in her on a damp Members of Isle of Wight Ramblers had her Facebook page.
planned to support with accommodation, “I spent time on the Island as a Girl Guide (Karen Penny the
COAST
the Natural England team.
IW Council is recruiting a new
and windy day in hot meals and company en route. and have many happy memories of coming Penny Rolls on
Walking Britain
Rights of Way officer to take November Unfortunately, having completed just over on the boat for our summer camp,
WITH THE
MOST
the first day’s walking from Yarmouth so I’m looking forward to reliving some of and Ireland).
charge of the implementation
of the new National Trail.
Eastern Yar Trail Riverside Volunteer Fair
NEWS FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS
WALKING TRAIL NEWS
celebrations ISLE OF WIGHT Ramblers On the day, we were able
FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL relaunch attended a volunteer fair at the to recruit eight new people
of the Yar River Trail, three informative the Riverside Centre in Newport, and they are all becoming
leaflets have been produced by the East in January 2020. established in these roles.
Wight Landscape Partnership which About 40 organisations were Many thanks to everyone who
funded the project. present and 300 people came to fronted our stand: Rod Senior,
These show the route of the Yar Trail, and see the opportunities on offer. Patricia Macaulay-Fraser, Mike
the tributaries Wroxall Stream Trail and Slater, David Howarth, Linda
We were particularly keen to
Scotchells Brook Trail. Jones, and Pam Dana.
find people to fill a number of
Flowing for 19 miles from Niton to St footpath maintenance jobs.
Helens, the Eastern Yar is the Island’s
longest river, draining over a fifth of
its land surface. If this is too great a
distance, the walk could be started
at Godshill, Newchurch, or Brading,
following the river as it develops.
The Wroxall Stream is an eight-mile
Trails from rails
tributary which links Ventnor with the
village of Merstone. Scotchells Brook is
4.3 miles and the trail starts at Shanklin
Railway Station, joining the main river
New life for near Alverstone.
Step up with the Hash House Harriers
Merstone Station
In 2001 the East Yar River underwent AT THE START of this year Tim Marshall, from Rookley, volunteered
a major restoration programme. as our Footpath Work Party Coordinator. Unfortunately, Covid
Strengthening connections between the 19 prevented us working with the Rights of Way Department
river and local people was seen as a vital on footpath maintenance. But in September a small team of
Yesterday... component to the hard ecological work
taking place, as it was local communities
volunteers from the Hash House Harriers – a running group – did
work independently, guided by Tim, to renovate a set of steps along
that would be guardians for the river in G12a in Chillerton. Many thanks to Tim and to the team (pictured at
The Merstone to St Lawrence Well, this branch line was the future.
steam railway line was the new steps): Steve Caller, Simon Mawdsley and Trevor Ould.
closed in 1952, although the
opened in 1897 and later station continued to operate The visual arts were used to awaken
extended to Ventnor West. until 1956 when the Sandown people to the river and its delights and to
The chairman of the Isle of line also closed. nurture a respectful relationship, and so
Wight Central railway said, a number of sculptures can be found on
It is hard now to imagine that these routes.
“It is my honest belief that
Merstone Station was once a
the Isle of Wight owes its Paul Mason was employed to craft the 20
social hub where passengers
prosperity to the railways milestones along the trail and to create
waited for steam trains to
and to nothing else. Might a series of six sculptures sited along the
Ventnor, or to catch the
they flourish root and branch river’s course, from Source to Sea. For
connection from Newport to
‘til time and memory be no more information and to download the
Sandown.
more.” leaflets go to www.islandrivers.org.uk
...and today A series of walks is being planned by
IW Ramblers and will be publicised
once Covid restrictions are relaxed.
Today Merstone Station The villages of Rookley and
is one of 29 green spaces
managed by Gift to Nature,
Arreton are nearby.
Gift to Nature has produced
Volunteers
at the
a project of Island charity
Natural Enterprise.
a leaflet showing the walking
and cycling routes in this
heart
of all
It is now an important centre area, and there are six trails we do
for walking and cycling. suggested ranging in length
The station has been much from a leisurely 3.2 miles to a
improved with a picnic area more strenuous 9 miles.
nearby, the Merstone Shelter These take you away from
which has much information the busy cycletrack to some
and a community orchard much more peaceful routes.
(pictured) by the old track. Alan Rowe, whose work can
Car parking is available be seen on many information
and this is a good centre to panels across the Island,
explore the varied terrain. produced the leaflets.
Christmas
Lunch 2019
THE RESTAURANT AT Shanklin
Conservative Club hosted over 50 Isle
of Wight Ramblers for Christmas lunch
2019.
Traditional food was served and judging
by these pictures, the occasion was
thoroughly enjoyed.
The Slipshod Singers entertained with
appropriately festive songs.
Doug Pollard, leader of the group,
is also a Saturday walker and wrote
a special version of “We are Sailing
Rambling”!
Many thanks go to Ann Cable who
organised the event, compiled the quiz
and arranged a raffle.
Update
The 2020 Christmas Lunch has been
cancelled due to Covid restrictions and
there is now a new date for your diary –
11 December 2021
Walk the Wight is 30!
Bill Bradley’s daughter, Jo Donations have been received
Smith, contacted us to discuss from participants in the
ways in which we might Walking Festival and mainland
2021 IS THE 30th anniversary assists with clearing up. The celebrate this special occasion. holiday groups who enjoy our
for this important Island event is part of the successful led walks.
fundraising event making it a We agreed to raise funds for a
Island Walking Festival.
special commemorative gate A special opening will take
very special year.
Sadly, Bill died in 1999 but Frank and plaque which has now place when it is hoped that
Thousands of walkers cross will attempt to Walk the Wight been installed on the footpath Frank Stevens will attend along
the Island from Bembridge to again in 2021. overlooking Alum Bay. with members of Bill’s family.
Alum Bay. Well, coronavirus
restrictions meant the
cancellation of the event in
2020, so fingers crossed that it
will go ahead this year.
The founders of the walk were
Bill Bradley and Frank Stevens,
employees at timber merchants
Moreys. The original event
attracted 26 staff as a team-
building event and raised money
for a scanner at St Mary’s.
The event has grown
enormously and today some
7,000 people participate, raising
over £250,000 annually for the
Mountbatten Hospice.
Many Ramblers’ members
take part, and a team of our
volunteers checks the route and
The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number 4458492. Registered charity
in England and Wales number 1093577, registered charity in Scotland, number SC039799. Registered Office: Second Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert
Embankment, London SE1 7TW
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