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Hanliensian Rambling Club |
Dear Members,
A real winter at last – it is a long time since we had a prolonged period of snow, and several of our walks have been affected in one way or another. Leaders have had to rearrange walks at short notice, due to the conditions, and are to be congratulated for their ingenuity. As a result we have enjoyed some exceptional walks, with the snow and sun resulting in outstanding alpine landscapes.Looking back since our last edition we can report a good day was had by all when we finished the last section of the Calderdale Way in Todmorden in September. Thanks are due to Peter Cartlidge who organised, planned and led all the C walks over a six-year period. Such linear coach rambles take a considerable amount of time to organise to ensure the coach route is possible, lunch stops are available and the walk route is suitable. Thank you Peter for all your efforts.
The Christmas Coach Ramble around the Chirk area went very well, with a meal in the newly restored Hand Hotel.
Due to family commitments, Gordon & Pat Davenport who organised the successful Turkey Trot at Burston in December were unable to attend. Our thanks go to Ken Elkin who led the walk and dealt with the arrangements on the day, and to Jim Smith who organised the enjoyable Christmas singing.
On a sad note we have to report the sudden death of two popular members, Doris Lloyd and Dave Drinkwater. Our condolences to Tom Lloyd and family and to the family of Dave on their tragic loss.
It will soon be AGM time again and the Agenda and 2009 Accounts are included, as are the amendments to the Constitution, which will need to be approved (or otherwise) at the AGM. Please bring this information with you to the AGM, on Tuesday 2 March 2010. I hope that you will come along and have your say. Officers and Committee Members are nominated on the night and all positions are available for election. Ideas for walks and events or other suggestions to improve the way the Club operates are always welcome.
We welcome the following new members:
June Day of Stoke
Sue Bloor of Newcastle
Susan Berry of Kingsley
Claire Merchant of Kidsgrove
Mark Harrison and Linda Kelsall of Newcastle
and look forward to meeting them on walks and other events.The Summer Programme is now being compiled. A&B walks by Bill Walshaw, C walks by Bill Locker, D&E walks by John Brereton and Thurs walks by Ken Elkin. It is hoped that we can attract some of our newer members to lead walks. Offers to lead from ladies will be particularly welcome. They could arrange to jointly lead with other ladies if necessary. Contact any of the above or Mike Everill (Walks Sec) if further help or info is required. All the above have telephone numbers on your programme card.
Marion Walshaw
Hon Sec
All members of the Hanliensian Rambling Club are invited to attend the Club’s Annual General Meeting held at The Conservative Club, Merrial Street, Newcastle, Staffs. at 8pm on Tuesday 2 March 2010
Constitution Amendments for Approval at the AGM
There are 2 proposed amendments:
The first is to add the position of Web Master to the list of Officers in Clause 5. This is to update the list as the position has been filled with the approval of members at AGM’s since 2007, but the Constitution has not been amended. The existing clause, with the addition is below.
5......OFFICERS The following Officers will be elected annually at the A.G.M. (a) Chairman (d) Treasurer (g) Publicity Officer (b) Vice Chairman (e) Social Secretary (h) Membership Secretary (c) General Secretary (f) Walks Secretary ADD (i) Web Master The second amendment is to Clause 6. Your committee is recommending that the 10 members (not Officers) on the committee should serve for a 2 year period. We have in the past lost members who have not been re-elected after serving only one year. It frequently takes at least one year for newly elected members to ‘learn the ropes’ and the proposed amendment will help to solve this problem, allowing members to serve a longer term before seeking re-election.
The existing Clause 6 is below with the proposed replacement in italics.6......COMMITTEE
The Committee will consist of the above Officers and 10 Members who will be elected annually at the A.G.M. The Committee shall deal with all Club business, and shall meet as required. The Committee has the power to co-opt 3 additional Members. The quorum for the Committee shall be 6 Members of whom 3 must be Officers.
Existing Clause 6 above to be deleted and replaced by :
The Committee will consist of the above Officers and 10 Members who will be elected at the Annual General Meetings. Each Member will be elected to the Committee for two years, and half of the positions will be open for election each year. If a Member resigns in the first year of their term, a replacement will be elected at the next AGM for the remainder of the term. The Committee shall deal with all Club business, and shall meet as required. The Committee has the power to co-opt 3 additional Members. The quorum for the Committee shall be 6 of whom 3 must be Officers.
If the AGM approves the amendment for Committee members to serve for 2 years, it will be necessary to have a transitional arrangement for the first year and the following proposal will be put to the AGM for approval.
To inaugurate the new Clause 6 of the Constitution, the five existing Members with the least years’ service on the Committee will retain their positions for the next year and the other Members' positions will be subject to election for two years' service.
Wednesday 24 February 2010, at 6.30 pm
On numerous occasions in the past the Club has visited the Cauldon Room, where the Cauldon College catering students cook and serve the food as part of their training. There is now a new venue, called the Atrium Restaurant, operated in a similar manner. In the best tradition of the Club a reconnaissance has taken place. The team taking part in this onerous task, were impressed with the ambience and with the quality of the meal. As a result a menu has been arranged for our visit (see below) which is limited to a maximum of thirty six places, therefore you should book early to avoid disappointment.
The Menu is as follows:
Chicken & Celery Consommé
Pasta Salad with Caesar Dressing
*************
Baked Hake
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Turkey Hongroise (Escalope of Turkey in a mild paprika sauce on a bed of braised rice)
Pork Osso-Bucco (A tomato based pork stew)
Vegetable Gratin (Vegetarian Course)
All above are served with vegetables and potatoes.
*************
Selection of Desserts.
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Filtered Coffee or Tea.
Price £12.00
Access is from Stoke Road, Shelton. Enter the Cauldon College site off Stoke Road, walk straight past the main entrance, and make for the new building, where on entering, the restaurant is on the left.
If you wish to go, please fill the Booking Form at the end of the newsletter and send with cheque to Margaret Bailey. As noted earlier there are only 36 places available, so it will be first come first served.
Saturday 20 March 2010, at 8:00 pm
There will be a Barn Dance at Weston Coyney Village Hall on Saturday 20 March 2010 at 8.0 pm. Dancing will be to the Roy Peters Sound. Tickets are on sale from committee members at £6. A buffet is provided but bring your own liquid refreshment.
Monday 22 to Friday 26 March 2010
Members who have booked this holiday are reminded that the final balance payment must be made by 1st March 2010. The payments are £116.50 per person for double/twin rooms and £128.50 per person for single rooms.
Cheques to be made payable to Margaret Bailey, (address as per programme card). Non payment will result in a loss of deposit.
Accommodation is at The Queens Hotel , The Promenade, Llandudno, Tel 01492 877218.
Please book in after 14:00 hrs.
The hotel is offering themed entertainment each night during the week:
Mardi Gras – Brazil
Viva Espania – Spain
Eriba Eriba - Mexico
Aloha – Hawaiian
Themed dress is optional otherwise smart casual is the norm.There will be 2 quiz nights arranged during the week, between the evening meal and the start of the entertainment.
Day walks will be arranged to suit all grades. Further details on Monday after arrival.
Please ring Margaret Bailey with any queries
Will members please ensure that they make the final payment of holiday booking by the due date. If the payment is not received it places the organiser in a difficult position. Do they spend time and effort to chase payment or simply confirm the paid places and allow the non payers to lose their deposit? Organisers of Club events do a sterling job on behalf of members and deserve not to be put in such an invidious position.
Dates for your Diary
Tickets will be available shortly for a St George’s Dance, to be held at Meir Heath Village Hall on Friday 23 April, 2010.
Gordon Gibson is arranging a visit to Swynnerton Camp, which will include a history of the camp from WWII to the present day and a tour of the underground facilities etc. The visit will have to fit in with operational requirements and advance notice will be short. We may have more information regarding a date at the AGM.
If it hadn’t been for letting my friend June down, I wouldn’t have gone, and would have missed a lovely holiday. However as soon as Peter Hand kindly offered a lift to June and myself, I felt at ease.
We arrived at the Hotel where there were many people in the foyer, some of whom I didn’t know, but they were all very friendly. We left our bags in our room and went to look round Scarborough. I had not been before, and I was quite impressed.
We went for dinner on the first night, which was really good, and there was a friendly atmosphere. I met a lot of people and enjoyed the walks. The evenings were spent dancing, or like me trying to dance. There were also quizzes on other nights.
I enjoyed the holiday so much that I have now booked for Llandudno. The food was excellent and the service unbelievable for so many guests. I would recommend the Club and its holidays to everyone.
Jacqui Frangeli
Over 100 members and guests enjoyed the evening at the Ramada Hotel. Guests assembled in the hotel bar and enjoyed meeting old friends and familiar faces before moving into the dining room. Ken Elkin as Master of Ceremonies, welcomed everyone to the event and invited your Chairman Bill Locker to say grace. Prior to saying grace, Bill asked the assembled to remember the sad loss due to the death of three members during the past year.
After the completion of the meal the customary loyal and Club toasts were made followed by a short address.
After thanking the Club officers, committee members and organisers for their support, Bill gave a brief review of the year noting that this would be his final year as Chairman. He reminded members that there was a need for new blood to come forward to take on the running of the Club, also noting that though ladies were in the majority of members they were not adequately represented on the Committee or as leaders on the programme. Bill concluded by thanking Margaret Bailey for all her hard work in organising the function.
Next the Photographic Trophies were presented and with the formal part completed, all enjoyed an evening of varied dancing to The Roy Peters Sound. This was briefly interrupted by the selection of the raffle tickets, giving the winners a choice from a large number of prizes donated by the members. All too soon the evening ended with the last waltz.
We have arranged a 2-week, 2-centre holiday in Switzerland staying at Davos and Saas Fee. Both locations have good access by cable cars and funiculars to an extensive network of waymarked footpaths amongst stunning mountain scenery.
The holiday will be from Wed. 1st to Wed.14th September using out and return flights from Luton and Zurich. Transfers from and to Zurich will be mainly by Swiss Rail and the quoted transfer times are approx. 3.5 hrs. The transfer between hotels will also be by Swiss Rail.
The cost of the holiday will be approximately £900 per person staying in 3 or 4 star hotels on a half board basis with two people sharing a twin bedded room. This price does not include transport to and from Luton or travel insurance.
Very early on Saturday 29 August, twenty two sleepy travellers set off for Manchester Airport and from there to Innsbruck. When we arrived in Innsbruck, the rain had stopped – a good omen we thought. Paul must have done hours of research, as he already had maps printed and walks planned, which he showed to us on the hour long journey to the Hotel Rosenegger in Pertisau, which is on the largest lake (Achensee) in Austria. We arrived in Pertisau about lunch time, but no time for food. We dumped our luggage, had a brief chat with the tour rep, then set off to purchase our lift/train/boat pass for an early start on Sunday morning – the long range forecast being for three days fine then the rest of the fortnight wet.
Two groups set off in the sun on Sunday morning, each going up a lift in a different area of the valley. All had a wonderful days walking, each group stopping at an Alm for refreshment where local bands were playing. Chris and Mike Wilkes thought that the walk might be too strenuous so went flying instead. They were fixed to a frame, lying face downwards, winched up the mountain for several hundred feet and then let go to ‘fly’ down the wire. ‘Alton Towers look to your laurels’. They enjoyed it so much that several members tried it later in the week.
We had wonderful high level walking for five days in glorious weather, sometimes tricky, sometimes challenging, often very strenuous but always with wonderful views of the mountains and valleys. Often the perfect end to a walk was catching a boat, back to Pertisau, where we relaxed on deck in the sun.
As well as the local bus, another mode of transport we used was a little steam train, which chugged several hundred feet up from Jenbach, where incidentally the most gorgeous apple strudel was sampled, and then down to the edge of the lake where a boat could be caught back to Pertisau.On Friday the weather changed, the cloud was down and it was wet until about mid day. Low level walks, boat trips and train rides were taken.
Saturday was beautiful again. We took a coach to Innsbruck Airport and then went down the lovely Stubai valley to the Kindl Hotel in the Milders region of Neustift. The hotel was larger than the Rosenegger with swimming pool and sauna and was about 30 minutes walk along the river to the centre of Neustift. To our surprise we were told to make our own packed lunches from anything on the breakfast bar. This was a change from the 1 ham roll, 1 cheese roll at the previous hotel. Most days we were all back from our various walks just in time for Apple Strudel, cakes and coffee which were served until 5.0 pm.
Early on Sunday morning, again in bright sunshine, many of us walked into Neustift to purchase our Stubai cards, which covered the use of local buses and the four lifts for five days. These we then used on the local lift to enable us to walk the aptly named Panorama walk on the slopes of the Elferspitze, with wonderful views of the high mountains and deep valleys.
On Monday we all caught the local bus along to the end of the valley at Mutterbergalm. With 27 standing and more waiting to get on, they did put on a duplicate which came almost as full – sardines in cans springs to mind. At Mutterbergalm the lift was in three stages, which took us to 10,000 ft. There were wonderful views over the glaciers. Various walks were done, but not on the glaciers as we would have needed ropes and crampons.
On the following two days, walks from the other two lifts were sampled, though the A+ party did another very strenuous walk at the far end of the valley. Some of us walked to the Maria Waldrast monastery where most drank the healing water but three of us paddled in the pool – no miracles, but our feet felt really refreshed. Some walked back down to the valley, but Mike Wilkes, instead of doing this or taking the lift, very courageously went speeding down the mountain on the 2.8 km toboggan run.
In the evening some of us went by taxi into Neustift to a Tyrolean evening. This was great fun even though we couldn’t understand the jokes. There was a lot of audience participation, though thankfully not by us. We enjoyed laughing at everyone else’s’ antics.On Thursday many of us, though not the A party, who were still enjoying very strenuous high level walking, went into Innsbruck. We wandered round the old part, then took the tram and lifts to the top of the mountain where we had wonderful views of Innsbruck and the surrounding mountains. Here the clouds began to gather and a hint of change was in the air.
Our last day dawned wet, but it didn’t keep us in, as most of us went walking when it cleared for a while about 9.30 am, only to be caught out later in the day. How glad we were that the weather forecast had been wrong and that we had had only two days rain instead of the eleven forecast.
A wonderful holiday was had by all. Even the A+ walkers were satisfied with what they had achieved and many of us did more than we thought possible. All my thanks go to Mike for organising the holiday, and to the able leaders. Paul who was never seen without a map, even at meal times, Frank who always took a rope and harness on walks – just in case – and to the two Bills for the A+ and C walks, also to John who took care of some splinter groups.
Margaret Boggis
Many of our older members will recall visits to the Eagle & Child near Gradbach. Meals were taken in the front room of the farmhouse, which used to be a pub, sitting on a variety of chairs and sofas with the household effects all around.
The following is an extract from the archives:
On Saturday 15 June 1985 we have a walk entitled Flash and Beyond, which is not an invitation to partake in dubious behaviour. There will be lunch as usual at a pub followed by tea at the Eagle & Child at Gradbach. They serve meals like egg or beans on toast at a reasonable price. The walk will continue after tea, which is something we used to do many years ago. Not too far though!
Sadly the Eagle & Child had to close.
9-11 April 2010
Elterwater
Ambleside
Cumbria
LA22 9HX
Tel: 0870 770 5816
OS The English Lakes (6) South West - GR: NY 327046Elterwater YH is a converted farm situated near Langdale, an enormously popular area for walkers wishing to explore some of the Lake Districts most dramatic scenery. Amongst the highlights of the area are the Langdale Pikes and Bowfell.
There will be planned walks at Grades A and B and offers for leaders are welcome.
Self catering facilities are available for those who wish and there are other food alternatives nearby. For those eating in, this hostel does have a table license.
Elterwater has 4 two-bed rooms at £43.95 per room per night; please let me know if you are interested in one of these rooms.
To secure group accommodation we have to make a firm booking with a deposit 6 months before our arrival at the hostel. If you intend to stay at Elterwater YH, please complete the Booking Form and send it with your deposit, or full payment, to Bernard Heath by 1st November 2009. If a deposit is paid, full payment has to be made by 6 February 2010.
Tuesday 3 March 2009
The Chairman welcomed 60 members to the meeting and thanked everyone for coming.
Apologies
were received from Hazel & Andrew Waters, Gordon Lancaster and Anita Callan, Mike & Sue Everill, Chris & Dave Fowler, Margaret Finney, Mary Kirkham, Gordon Jones, Gordon & Pat Davenport, Anne Jepson, Freda & Tom Roberts, Shelagh Evans, Jean Bowen, Maureen Sherwin, Dave Joynson, Peter Cartlidge, Sheila Smith, Brian & Mary Simpson, Val Hiles and Tony Lockett.Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
Treasurers Report
The Treasurer presented his Income & Expenditure Statement. There were overall losses of £382, which involved coach rambles, social events and the Symonds Yat holiday, where two members backed out and didn’t pay up. He recommended that the annual subscription remain unchanged. As there were no questions, the Chairman thanked Joe for his efforts and the meeting agreed his recommendation.
Election of Officers
The Chairman said he was willing to continue for the third year in office, and Bill Locker was duly proposed, seconded and elected. Bill moved to the election of officers. Prior to being nominated the General Secretary said she would not be standing for re-election at the next AGM. Before asking for nominations for the Walks Secretary position the Chairman explained that it had been agreed in Committee that the role of Walks Secretary would be changed to act as a co-ordinator heading a team of volunteers organising the various grades of walks. This was to help reduce the workload on the holder in compiling the walks programme.
Bill then moved to the election of officers and after being proposed and seconded the following were elected:
Vice Chairman John Brereton Walks Secretary Mike Everill Treasurer Joe Moore Social Secretary Peter Johnson General Secretary Marion Walshaw Publicity Officer Margaret Bailey Memb. Secretary Bill Finney Web Master Mike Everill Auditor Pat Davenport It was noted that the Constitution did not preclude a member from holding two posts.
Ordinary Members
Nominations for the Committee were then requested and twelve names were put forward. Following a ballot, the following ten were elected:
Jean Challinor Liz Dodd Ken Elkin Brian Joynson Joyce Rawlinson Nigel Shaw Ashley Steadman Barrie Tunnicliffe Hilary Walker Bill Walshaw Social Secretary's report
Peter reported that the social events in the past year had been very successful. Everyone enjoyed the new venue, Ramada for the Annual Dinner/Dance, which has been booked for 2010. A visit to Pipes in the Peak was being arranged. The next Photo Competition would be on 5 November. He welcomed ideas for future social events.
He then referred to Margaret Bailey for information on forthcoming holidays. Margaret said that details of the holiday to Scarborough, staying at the Ambassador Hotel in October, would be in the next newsletter. There would also be details of a possible holiday at the Queens Hotel, Llandudno from 22-26 March 2010. She pointed out that although this was more than a year away, she needed to know the level of interest, to ensure sufficient places were available.
Walks Secretary's Report
In the absence of a Walks Secretary, Bill Walshaw reported that the Club had completed over 150 programmed walks during the last twelve months, and with holidays and weekends breaks, the total walks were over 180 for the year. Most of these walks had been arranged by Bernard Heath and he thanked Bernard on behalf of the Club for his work as Walks Secretary. Members showed their appreciation with a round of applause.
Moving on to the future Bill said that the level of support for coach rambles was a cause of concern. He said that on the next programme a coach ramble to Wharfedale was being considered for 21st June, and asked for a show of hands to indicate likely support. The resulting count was well below expectations. Comments from the floor regarding changing facilities were noted, but these were mainly relevant to the Christmas coach trip.
Bill went on to thank the footpath working group for their efforts over the past year. He asked Club members to report problems on footpaths to Staffs. County Council. The more complaints that were registered the more likely the problem would be resolved.
He then noted that the Hanley meeting point at Castle St. car park was becoming congested due to attendance at the nearby market, and there was also developments on the adjacent old Unity House site. An alternative meeting point would be considered.
Any Other Business
Bill Webb wondered if the telephone numbers of leaders could be put on the programme. It was pointed out that the Club preferred members to meet and car share rather than drive direct to site. Leaders telephone numbers were held by the General and Walks Secretaries but some were ex-directory.
It was pointed out that the matter of making a charitable donation rather than sending Christmas cards had been discussed at Committee, and it was decided that it was a matter of personal choice.
Audrey said she would like to express her appreciation for the Senior Members Evening held last October, which she and many old members had very much enjoyed.
The meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
