50th Anniversary Picnic Walk 15^th July 2023

Saturday 15th July dawned with glowering, stormy skies but the weather didn’t deter fifty nine walkers from joining a variety of walks for the 50th anniversary picnic event at Lyme Park. The walkers arrived for lunch at Lyme Park just as the sun came out. It was a welcome relief to see the sun, which dried out boots, coats and rucksacks; it proved a short reprieve from the torrential rain we’d experienced earlier in the day. 

Ralph Atherton organised a quite splendid birthday cake! Graham Bothwell, a member of the inaugural group of Ramblers who met to form the group in 1973, did the honours and cut the first slice and Gina Thompson, who had arrived early to set the room up, ensured everyone had a piece.

Roger Fielding had created a wonderful slideshow of music and photographs which reflected the huge variety of walks we’ve enjoyed over the years. We were all keen to spot friends, past and present, whilst we enjoyed our picnics. The slideshow can be found on the ECR website on the photos tab or you can access it by clicking SLIDESHOW

After lunch the walkers set off for the final leg of their respective walks, led by Anne Ball (long), Melanie Davy (Medium), Maggie Swindells (Short) and Jane Gay (Wanderer). 

The success of this special occasion, the second of our 50th anniversary programme, was due to the hard work and commitment of a small group of people. On behalf of ECR I’d like to thank Anne Ball, Jane and Frank Gay, Gina Thompson, Melanie Davy, Roger Fielding and Steve Hull for all the time they’ve freely given to secure the success of this event. Steve Hull particularly played a major role, liaising with Lyme Park and keeping track of all necessary planning. 

Our next event is an Afternoon Tea for East Cheshire Ramblers’ Volunteers. The event is free and takes place at 2.00pm on Saturday 12th August at Mottram St Andrew Village Hall. Please RSVP Gina Thompson if you wish to attend gthompemail@gmail.com 07843 914886.