newborough ramblers
The Newborough walking group has never really had a proper name – being variously called The Ramblers, The Walkers and my particular favourite these days - The (R)Amblers.
The walkers first came together in 1988 through a request from Newborough Parish Council to the Women’s Institute to do a survey of all the Parish footpaths. When this was complete members agreed that it had (in the main) been quite a pleasant experience and it was decided to start walking on a regular basis. At first only WI members took part, but then it was opened to husbands and finally to anyone who wished to join in. We are not a large group so there isn’t too long a wait to get over stiles!
There has never been a Committee, rules, subscriptions or even a regular leader, everyone taking it in turns to lead or to suggest a walk. And walks have varied in length and difficulty and to many venues. The Peak district is always popular, but so too are canal walks, the National Forest areas, and our own local countryside. The only constant has been the day – the third Saturday of the month.
Today there are still several of the original members still walking with the group even after 20 years. We tend not to do the mileage we did, and sometimes bad weather can put us off an outing, but nevertheless we try to meet regularly to enjoy each others company, the fresh air, the new scenery and of course the exercise.
Walks are usually advertised in the WI notice board at the end of the bus shelter in the Square at Newborough, or ring Liz Ford, 01283.575244 for details.
Summary of our walks in 2011
During this year we had only 9 outings, February, and July cancelled because of RAIN and December because of Rain, Sleet, Snow & Wind! (although brave Geoff still managed to take the dog out between squalls).
Although now our numbers have dwindled (due to age and infirmity, not lack of interest) and the distances covered are also rather moderate, we do still enjoy our monthly outings (not to mention the pub lunches afterwards!).
This year we have not roamed far from home — starting off in Jaunary 2011 we had a return visit to Blithfield Reservoir on a very blustery day, then next month to Hoar Cross and Jacksons Bank, where timber felling was in evidence, although the horses being used were not seen that day. Next to Uttoxeter, where the newly erected Bull and Centaur were admired, and parts of hidden Uttoxeter discovered.
In May we attempted to follow the Park Pale in Tutbury, and the following month a return trip on a damp day to Fradley Junction.
In a very dry and parched August we did a circular from Rugeley Station to Colton, meeting a traction engine enthusiast en route, and then September saw us getting hopelessly lost trying to follow a route which may have been well over 10 years out of date, (although in a newly published book), but we did admire the many varieties of fungi in the woods.
The sun shone again in October when we explored Brankley Pastures, on the Scotch Hills road, and here gathered lovely Sweet Chestnuts. November started off promising but soon became a typical grey November day, and we had the rather alarming experience of walking alongside a short section of the busy A50 at Foston, and later having to retreat part of the way because of blocked footpaths.
So that brings us back to December, and a 'No Walk' day. We assembled at Sue & Geoff's to discuss possible routes and enjoy lovely mince pies and coffee, but finally decided to stay nice and warm indoors, chatting, until lunchtime. Many thanks to S & G for your hospitality. Then followed our Christmas Meal in Yoxall, where all of a sudden our numbers were swelled to 13.
We hope to keep walking in 2012, and MAY even take up the challenge shortly to be announced by the WI to celebrate the Olympics by walking 209 miles (the distance from Llanfairpwllgwynngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch (birthplace of the WI movement) to the Olympic Stadium. (I hasten to add we are not taking that route, but can add together individuals walking efforts over any distances!).
Liz Ford
