Group walk report 28th May

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Colin Park

The group at Meccano Bridge at Prestolee Locks Staircase.

The East Cheshire Ramblers used trains for a recent linear walk between Salford Crescent and Bolton Stations for this thirteen mile ramble along the lower reaches of the Irwell Valley.
Leaving Salford Crescent we were soon in rural countryside and skirted the area which was once the site of Manchester Race Course and was first recorded as being in existence in 1647 and finally closed in 1847. To reach Ringley our route followed closely the wooded banks of the River Irwell on good paths with a stop for a picnic lunch en route. In places there were reminders of the former Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal including our crossing of the old Clifton Aqueduct which is where the canal crossed the River Irwell.
In Ringley we paused to take a look at the historic Ringley Bridge over the River Irwell. The bridge dates from 1677 and was built to replace an older wooden bridge which was swept away in floods in 1673. Nearby is an interesting clock tower which dates from1625 is now once more in working order.
Crossing the A667 we now followed the canal towpath for the next mile to the Prestolee Aqueduct. This proved to be an interesting section of the canal as it ran along the side of a steep hill side. Directly below was the community of Prestolee complete with church and mill which could have been a similar scene one hundred years ago.
We next crossed the ancient Prestolee Aqueduct which opened in 1793 and spanned the River Irwell and just above it was the Prestolee Canal Staircase. The site had been cleared of vegetation to reveal the extensive stonework. Plans are afoot to restore this flight of locks. What is unusual is the work that has been carried out and several features made out of large scale Meccano have been constructed including a seat, picnic benches and largest of all a Meccano Bridge over the canal. This unique site made a good afternoon tea stop.
The walk towards Bolton continued via Moses Gate Country Park and later over the two former railway viaducts at Darcy Lever and Burnden which have now been converted to a cycleway and walkway. This led us nicely in towards Bolton where we timed it just right for our return train journey.

The historic bridge over the River Irwell at Ringley.

This is one we made earlier! The group trying out a Meccano picnic bench at Prestolee Locks Staircase.

Group walk report 22nd May

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Colin Park

The Bishops’ House in Sheffield.

By Steve Hull

East Cheshire Ramblers recently spent a day walking part of the Sheffield Round Walk. The walk does not circumnavigate the whole of the city but is a loop through parkland and countryside south and west of the city. Starting amongst the park runners in Endcliffe Park we soon came to the Shepherd Wheel further up the valley of the Porter Brook which is open to visitors and working on most Saturdays.
The walk rises gradually and becomes wilder as it ascends past Forge Dam up through Porter Clough to the edge of moorland at Ringinglow with its alpaca farm. We then went down through fields and woodland and spent some time looking round Whinfell Quarry Gardens which is being restored by volunteers to its former state as the garden of a large house which is now demolished.
Returning to the route of the round walk we walked through Eccleshall Woods past a miniature railway which was unfortunately not open to reach the one steep climb of the day up the wooded slopes above the Dore and Totley Station. This brought us to Beauchief Abbey. The exact date the Abbey was founded is uncertain but it is thought that it existed prior to 1172AD. During its heyday the Abbey housed around 12 to 15 canons and several lay brothers. Farming and iron smelting was the main occupation and like most other abbeys, it was dissolved in 1537. Today, only the western tower of the abbey is left standing.
Leaving the Abbey some country lanes were followed before passing through woods leading to Graves Park where we enjoyed tea in the café.
The final part of our route took us down the Gleadless valley to the Bishops’ House, which was just closing as we reached it. After seeing some panoramic views of Sheffield from Meersbrook Park, we caught buses back to our starting point.

Group walk report 26th April (Stroller walk)

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Colin Park

Morning break at Birtles Church.

By Melanie Davy

This was a gentle 4 mile stroller walk with a mixture of quiet country roads, woodland paths and fields. Fourteen people set off from Alderley Edge National Trust Car Park, crossed Macclesfield Road, and headed for the fields via Bradford Lane and Finlow Hill Lane. Despite being so close to civilisation, the views from the fields give you the impression that you are miles from anywhere. At Slade Lane, we turned right along the lane edged with bluebells and red campion. At Hocker Lane we turned left and very shortly saw a huge wood full of English bluebells in full flower. We crossed a stile and walked down the hidden path next to the bluebells. It is a very extensive bluebell wood and looked stunning in the dappled light.The next field was full of inquisitive young cattle. No doubt expecting food, they rather alarmingly rushed across to greet us, but ground to a halt when they realised it wasn’t feeding time.We turned right on Birtles Lane and walked to St Catherine’s Church, Birtles, where we stopped for a break in the peaceful churchyard.
St Catherine’s is listed as one of England’s Thousand Best Churches and is a Grade II listed building.It was originally a private chapel for the Hibbert family but is now a parish church. Its unusual octagonal tower contains eight bells and the stained glass and furnishings were collected by the Hibbert family from Germany and the Netherlands and date from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. They include a pulpit dated 1686, a medieval eagle lectern and two large brass chandeliers which are copies of those in Milan Cathedral.
We re-traced our steps for a few metres and took the path to Higher Park Farm. This took us back to Hocker Lane where we turned left and walked along a quiet country lane as far as Hayman’s Farm. Taking the footpath up Finlow Hill, we turned left and returned to the car park. A very pretty walk, which would also be perfect for a summer’s evening.

Walking among the bluebells

Bob with some keen followers.

Long walkers weekend Thirsk – Group report 27/28th April

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Colin Park

Outside the Paradise Farm Tearooms towards the end of Sunday’s walk

Thirsk in North Yorkshire was the base for two long walks by the East Cheshire Ramblers recently. Despite some unseasonable weather, the large group managed an eleven mile walk along the Cleveland Way on the Saturday. Starting with a car shuttle, twenty one walkers set off from below the large chalk figure known as the Kilburn White Horse.
The White Horse is the largest hill figure in the country measuring 318 feet in length and is 220 feet high and is said to be visible from around 45 miles away. The figure was created in 1857 by school master John Hodgson and his pupils together with several volunteers. During World War II it was covered up as it was a navigational landmark for enemy bombers.
Ascending steeply to the escarpment with limited views across the rainy Vale of York, the group first headed via the Sutton Bank Visitor Centre before heading east via the upland village of Cold Kirby to Flassen Dale where we stopped for lunch at some convenient picnic benches in the sheltered valley.
A short diversion was made during the afternoon to visit Rievaulx Abbey. The abbey was the first Cistercian monastery in the north of England and was founded in 1132. In this secluded corner of North Yorkshire the abbey prospered and in its heyday had around 140 monks and 500 lay brothers. Over time the abbey became one of the wealthiest in England and farmed over 24 square kilometres and had lead and iron mines. By the end of the 13th century the abbey’s fortunes waned due to an epidemic of sheep scab and suffered from raiding parties from Scotland. The Black Death in the mid 14th century meant that there was a labour shortage and the abbey was forced to lease much of its land. The final blow came with the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. Our walk continued to finish in the attractive little town of Helmsley.
The weather was better for the Sunday with a ten and a half mile long circular walk on the western edge of the North York Moors following field paths and taking in the attractive villages of Boltby, Kirby Knowle and Cowesby. In the latter we stopped for lunch before ascending back onto the moors and visiting tea rooms at an isolated farm shortly before the end of the walk.

Saturday’s lunch stop in Flassen Dale with a choice of places to eat lunch – picnic benches in the rain or in the cabin in the dry.

On Gallow Hill on Sunday’s walk. Nick decides to take a rest much to everyone amazement.

Group walk report 21st April

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Colin Park

A perfect spring day by Ladybower Reservoir

Despite a fine and sunny Sunday it was a fairly small attendance for this walk from Hope in Derbyshire.

Setting off from the village we headed north on a path between houses before making the long ascent to the summit of the 462 metre Win Hill which today was very busy with walkers enjoying the fine weather.

After a break on the summit we descended north on a much quieter path and later passing through pine woods to reach the path that runs around the southern shore of Ladybower Reservoir. This very popular path was followed around to the dam at Ladybower Reservoir.
The reservoir is the largest of the three lakes in the Derwent Valley and was built between 1935 and 1943 but work was slow owing to the outbreak of World War II which resulted in a shortage of labour. The dam is 500 feet wide and is mostly constructed of a clay-cored earth embankment. Deep beneath the water nowadays is the former village of Ashopton and roads along the valley had to be diverted and now run over the Ashopton and Ladybower Viaducts.
After crossing the dam we next descended to Yorkshire Bridge before ascending to the Thornhill Trail. The trail runs along the course of a former narrow gauge railway, specially built to transport materials to build the Ladybower Reservoir. A large bench here was our lunch stop.

Our walk over to the small and attractive village of Aston was on a pleasant hill path. Aston has many interesting and picturesque cottages and the historic Aston Hall dates from 1578.
Descending across pastures towards Hope we rounded off the walk with a visit to a tea room.

Thornhill Lane at Aston on a peaceful spring afternoon.

Marion and Unice meet a freindly horse and its owner in Aston.

Relaxing at the end of a walk with a ice cream and a cup of tea, complete with footrests. Courtyard Tearooms, Hope

Group walk report 17th April

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Colin Park

At the Magpie Mine, Sheldon

Brian Griffiths recently led the East Cheshire ramblers on a walk exploring the industrial past around Monyash and Sheldon. Starting out from Monyash the group headed north on field path passing Hard Rake a nature reserve which has some rare limestone loving plants in season.

After crossing a road we made a descent through Deep Dale where there were many cowslips and at the foot we stopped for our morning break.
To get to Sheldon it meant a steep ascent up a wooded valley before crossing more fields to reach this former mining village.

From Sheldon it was just a short walk to reach the Magpie Mine which was our stopping point for lunch. Afterwards Brian gave us a potted history of the mine. The Magpie Mine commenced operation in 1740 and was one of several mines in the area. Right from the start there was an issue with stopping the mine from flooding and by 1824 a Newcomen type engine was installed to keep the main shaft free of water. In 1827, 800 tons of lead was extracted, a record which stood until 1871 but the mine was always dogged with disputes with other nearby mines and sometimes fires were lit underground to smoke rival miners out, but this resulted in three miners being suffocated by fumes in 1839. In 1839 the famous Cornish mine engineer John Taylor was brought in to re-open the Magpie Mine and introduce a number of improvements and deepened the main shaft to 208 metres. New pumping engines were installed but water seepage remained a major problem. In 1873 a drainage channel was cut through the rock to take water away to the River Wye some two kilometres away but this proved very time consuming and costly.

For the afternoon we headed south via field paths and lanes and later descended to Lathkill Dale. Turning right, we headed upstream beside the crystal clear water which further up the valley was emerging from a cave system. En-route we stopped for an afternoon break and afterwards the group made our way back to Monyash stopping for afternoon tea in the village.

At the Magpie Mine, Sheldon

Harrop Brook Bridge

Posted on July 1, 2019 by The Chair

Historic Footbridge Saved

An iconic stone arch footbridge across Harrop Brook near Bollington has been saved from collapse thanks, in part, to a donation by East Cheshire Ramblers. The bridge was probably built in Victorian times. It is in the Peak District National Park and is on the Gritstone trail, a popular long distance trail stretching from Disley all the way south to Kidsgrove.

Over the years the bridge supports have been eroded by the force of the Harrop Brook and the bridge is in danger of collapse. However, the cost of restoration far exceeded the cost of replacing it with a ‘standard’ timber footbridge. East Cheshire Ramblers considered that it would be tragic to lose this unique little structure and have pledged £500 towards the cost of restoration. CEC obtained similar donations from Pott Shigley, Bollington and Rainow Parish Councils and also from the Peak and Northern Footpaths Society. The repairs are in hand and due for completion by summer 2019.

This is an example of the work of the Footpaths Committee of East Cheshire Ramblers whose members regularly liaise with the Public Rights of Way Unit of Cheshire East Council. The Footpaths Committee monitor an area stretching from Disley and Poynton in the north to Wincle in the south. The Committee strives to ensure that all the public footpaths in this area of East Cheshire are in good order.

Harrop Brook Bridge showing a gap in the stonework at the right hand side of the photograph.

ECR Coach Trip to Arnside

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Colin Park

A coach load of ECR members enjoyed a coach trip to the Arnside area on Morecambe Bay on a rainy day in June. Despite a dire forecast the rain never amounted to much more than a heavy drizzle and had almost stopped by the time we set off back home.
The day got off to an unusual start when we stopped to pick up one of our members in Macclesfield and had to repel boarders who had mistaken our coach for theirs and were insistently trying to join us. We shall never know if they would have enjoyed a day walking in Cumbria.
All three of our walks ended by walking over Arnside Knott and down into Arnside village. There were surprisingly good views of the Kent Estuary and the southern Lake District from the top. One disappointment was that the promised stop for ice cream before the ascent was not possible because the tea shop was closed: perhaps the weather was too bad for even hardy Cumbrian farmers.
The short walk was led by Ruth Harrison and started a mile or so along the coast from Arnside at Sandside heading inland through the village streets and over fields to the peel (or pele?) tower at Hazelslack. The route then took us round Silverdale Moss across surprisingly dry fields to a pleasant walk through woodland to the ruin of Arnside Tower and its closed café. This led to the only serious ascent of the day through the woods surrounding the Knott. The Knott has superb views over the estuary, the Lakeland hills and back towards the Tower. The walk finished with a descent to Arnside and its welcoming cafés, most of which were actually open.

Short walkers on Arnside Knott

Hazelslack Tower

Arnside Tower

The medium walk was led by Steve Hull and started near the fire station in Milnthorpe walking across a playing field by the River Bela to avoid the narrow village streets. We made a sharp turn to cross the river near to Dallam Tower (another peel tower) and then walked across the deer park with its many deer calves. After passing a deer shelter and two mills – one for making specialised paper and one an ancient corn mill – we took a path overgrown cow parsley which proved to be the wettest part of the day. The route then went up through woods to the Fairy Steps. None of our party took up the challenge of descending the steps. The descent to Hazelslack was taken slowly across slippery limestone where we joined the route of the short walk. We followed that route until Arnside Knott, from where we descended to walk along the coast for the last half mile into Arnside. On top of the Knott we heard the siren warning of the approaching bore across Morecambe Bay which can be very dangerous for the unwary.

Medium walkers on Arnside Knott with Arnside Tower in the background

Arnside Viaduct from the Knott
The long walk, led by Colin Park,started close to Carnforth station where the 1945 film ‘Brief Encounter’ was filmed and then proceeded via Warton village with its ruined old rectory to Warton Crag which with its wooded limestone country required some complicated navigation. From the crag the walk continued through Leighton Moss Nature Reserve down to the coast at Crag Foot and then along the coast via Jenny Brown’s Point and Jack Scout to the west of Silverdale. After taking the coast route round Arnside Park the party ascended Arnside Knott and so back to the coach at Arnside.

Near Jenny Brown’s Point on the long walk (Warduck’s Wall)

Coastal viewSilverdale Cove

Text: Steve Hull
Photos: Jenny Bordoli, Maggie Swindells, Sylvia Hill

Committee Meeting Minutes April 25th

Posted on June 11, 2019 by admin

East Cheshire Ramblers Group Minutes of the Committee meeting held on 25th April 2019

1. Present

Jane Gay – Chair

Sue Munslow – Membership Secretary

Kathryn Carty

Maggie Swindells – Social and Events Secretary

Keith Anderson

Adrian Flinn – Secretary

Neil Collie (for item 1 only)

Apologies: Colin Finlayson (Treasurer) and

Dave Barraclough (Footpath Committee Chairman)

1. RA General Council 2019 held in Manchester on 13/14th April . Feedback was given by Neil Collie who attended this meeting on behalf of the Area since the Congleton Group (whose turn was to represent the 3 groups in

our area) were unable to attend (notes prepared by Neil are attached in Appendix 1). Key points relevant to ECR group were:

a) Priority to address the slow decline in membership. The Committee considered different ways that ECR can reach out and attract new members in our area. After considering several options (including publicity) it was agreed to explore links with other walkers (who may walk alone or in small groups) to explain the campaigning work of the Ramblers Association (RA) at a national level and the local work of ECR members inspecting and maintaining the local network of footpaths. This may encourage other walkers to join and support the RA. Action: All Committee members will attempt to make links with other walkers in our area and report back at the next meeting.

b) the work of our Footpath Committee will be explained in an article to be posted in our website for information to the wider membership/audience one of our key activity that benefits everyone walking in our patch

whether an RA member or not. Action: Neil Collie

The Committee thanked Neil .

2. Matters arising from last meeting 2.1 Walk Leaders Training: arranged to take

place on 4 July (full with a waiting list).

2.2 Rainow FP28 (Harrop Brook bridge):

ECR contribution was actioned and we are now awaiting notification from Cheshire East Council (Evan Pedley) as to when the installation will commence so that we can take photos for our own publicity (see also 1 (a) above)

2.3 Lost Ways: No progress to report. Action: Colin Finlayson to report at next meeting on current situation and progress.

2.4 RA membership fees: the proposed motion to RA General Council 2019 regarding the freezing of subscriptions which could potentially help to entice more walkers joining the RA was circulated for discussion with the other Cheshire East groups (see also 1(a) above). It gained some support but not

unanimous so it was not submitted to Central Office.

2.5 Frequently asked questions for new Walk Leaders: the Q&A is ready be posted in the website asap. (Post meeting note – the Q&A is available in the website now).

3. New Issues

3.1 Walk Register App: to be reviewed when version 2 of the App is released in the Autumn by RA.

3.2 Front cover to Ò6 monthÓ programme:

not an issue as most of the information that was proposed to be incorporated on a front page can be found in the website under the tab ÒAboutÓ.

4. Walks Programme

4.1 Routinely request a short report from Walk Coordinators on any significant points: this proposal was rejected by the Committee (put forward by Dave Barraclough) as it was felt the this would be an unnecessary burden placed on the Coordinators and, in any event, if a Coordinator needs to raise any issue can do so

by approaching a Committee member as they do now.

5. Reports from Officers 5. 1 Chair Report in Appendix 2. Noted.

Several names of experienced Walk Leaders were put forward as they may be willing to help with the training course (see item 2.1 above).

The Social Secretary will be given access to the website for posting information. The Chair and Secretary have access already.

5.2 Treasurer

Report in Appendix 3. Noted

5.3 Membership

Report in Appendix 4. Noted.

The new member Welcome Letter has been updated with the latest feedback from the Committee. This letter contains useful information to access the available resources provided by ECR and RA in their website. It was agreed to attach this letter to the minutes so

that existing members have access to this very useful information as well (see Appendix 5)

5.4 Social & Events

Report in Appendix 6. Noted.

5.5 Footpaths

Report in Appendix 7. Noted.

5.6 Publicity

No report. The weekly walk reports are going into the Macclesfield Express on a regular basis.

6. Any other Business

6.1 Area Leadership Day – Crewe – Friday 26th April: this meeting was organized by the RA Northern Area Support Officer (Diane Simcoe) to give volunteers in the ECR and the other two groups in our area involved in Committee and other lead activities to meet area support staff and a Ramblers director and have an opportunity to network and learn about new staff and developments at Central Office. Unfortunately the Committee received notice of this meeting less than 24 hrs. of the date and no

one in the Committee could attend as they had other commitments. Unfortunately, in addition, the notice was not sent to all the relevant people in our Committee. Action: Jane Gay will contact Diane Simcoe to ensure that she has all the relevant names/contact details in our Committee and explain the lack of participants from ECR.

6.2 Countryside Access Forum: John Handley has resigned and we recognize his contribution and thank him for all the work he has done on ECR behalf. Morris Palin is still a member of this forum.

6.3 Safeguarding information : will be added as an item for the agenda of our next meeting. Action: Adrian Flinn and Maggie Swindells will provide background information before the next meeting

Date of next meeting

Monday 24th June 2019 at 1.30 pm at Chair house

Adrian Flinn – Secretary (29.4.2019) 7

APPENDIX 1 Reflections on General Council, Manchester 2019

A highly organised and slick event. The staff, Trustees and the volunteers for the event were all wearing the same T shirts emphasising the One -Team-Approach. All the staff and Trustees sat along the front row of the auditorium. Senior staff members were called upon in turn to give their part of the presentation supported by the Trustee who had been involved with that topic.

‘Van’ (Vanessa) Griffiths the new Chief Executive appointed 2 years ago, emphasised we are all One Team, no more divisions, but embracing change and moving forward together. We were reminded that we didn’t belong to a walking club but to a movement. The Ramblers organisation is aspiring to become the ‘Go-To’ place for walking. Central office is listening and new methods would be modified in light of feedback. Local successes need to be shared with the Trustees and Central Office (CO).

First priority was to address the slow decline in membership over the last 15 years and there was a promise to achieve membership growth ‘within 3 years’. We needed to be a welcoming organisation reaching out to new members, and recognising that the majority of members do not go on organised walks.

The new IT Director spoke lucidly about the ‘Digital and Data Transformation’ going on and spoke about her priority to make it easier for everyone, The vision included new phone apps that would enhance your walking experience. The ambition was to build a system as good as Trip Adviser that would advise you about the local area –even tell you which path to take to avoid a muddy section? 5 databases have been combined into one and the new digital dashboard is there to be used. Walk leaders would zapp members cards at the start of walks so that CO could collect all sorts of lovely data about what we were doing. This data is useful to justify support from funders. In answer to a question, the director said that if ‘someone really didn’t want to be zapped it would not be compulsory’. More on the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) later…

The finances are in good order. £3.9 million surplus this year. But legacies contributed £1.6m and are notoriously unreliable. £250,000 is earmarked annually for legal fees opposing footpath changes – is this sufficient?

I didn’t stay for the dinner, apparently there was a quiz all about Manchester…. and guess which table won…… Greater Manchester & High Peak Area!

On the second day, there was the election of three new Trustees. All the candidates were passionate about walking….all embraced change and most were experienced in change management and knew it was difficult……

Next was the consideration of the motions that had been put forward. Only seven this year including one to rename the Agenda Committee to be the Motions Review Committee. Did it need to be debated?……. Yes it did! Next up was GDPR and a motion asking the Trustees to acknowledge that locally held databases were OK. Apparently not, and a Trustee threatened us with a one million euro (or was it ten million euro?) fine. CO have it in hand with a dashboard app where areas and groups will be able to access the information they need? No doubt our membership secretary has all this in hand.

Third was a motion asking for an increase in publicity for the work ‘we do in improving the quality of the Public Rights of Way and in campaigning for increased access’ We were told that two new posts have been created for two years: Local Advocacy Advisors, one in the south and one in the north, who would help with this. Fourth motion was asking for school packs to help recruit young people (and their parents) ‘who then stay with us for all their lives’. Fifth motion was bemoaning the change of Policy by the Environment Agency (EA) towards maintenance of river banks where they impinge on rights of way. Apparently CO had been re-assured by the EA chief exec there was no change in policy with respect to river banks ‘on their land’. But most problems occurr not on EA land …….? Sixth motion was on national planning guidance on green spaces and rights of way. Laudable stuff to press for strengthened guidance…. Seventh motion was an entertaining speaker on a motion to create a diverse and representative General Council (GC). She argued very persuasively that diverse organisations make better decisions and asked that Areas examine how they select there representatives to GC. Were there actual or perceived barriers that made participation by women more difficult? The Trustees to report back to 2020 GC which is to be held in Avon. I can’t remember which motions were carried or defeated (except the first which, thankfully, was passed unanimously) but all the details of the motions and much more is on the Ramblers website.

Overall impression? For me it was exhausting (even without the evening dinner) but there is no doubt we are on the move and led by an impressive team – none of whom seemed to have been in post for more than one or possibly two years. Will the same team be there in five years time when it will be possible to assess the effectiveness of the changes which we are being asked to embrace? It was inspiring, almost evangelical at times. It is more than about led walks……. we are all One Team working together, and don’t forget the main message…. more members, more members, more members.

One final thought, are we missing out on conversations and consultations with CO as we have no area representatives? Are other areas better informed than we are? Maybe, just maybe, it is time to consider having an Area Chair – even if a ‘virtual’ one?

NSC 16.04.19

APPENDIX 2

Well, itÕs been a busy time and IÕve done little walking!!

I have met with Maggie a couple of times re the Social SecretaryÕs role and feel very confident that she is going to do an excellent job.

I have attended a meeting at MelanieÕs house about walk leading for the Ilkly weekend away. I have attended the meal at the Gurkha restaurant in Macclesfield. I also attended the talk given by Duncan which was brilliantly supported and was MaggieÕs first event.

Cheshire East area volunteered to trial the national first aid training and we were selected. Eventually the date of the 20th of March was agreed. There were 11 places available in the morning and the same number in the afternoon. I advertised the course and had no problem filling our allotted 7 places. Eventually we had seven people who attended in the morning and three in the afternoon. We also have a waiting list of 2/3 people who would like to attend the next course we run. The course was excellent and I think everybody who went learnt something and came away feeling more confident about dealing with a serious emergency. This, I think, could become part of our annual program. John Kummer from North and Mid Cheshire wanted to send 2 participants so maybe we could turn to them if we were short of attendees.

I have met with Gillian Kay and Sue Munslow to organise the walk leader training. Much communication has gone on via email and we eventually have a program which is going to run on the 4th of July. I have two volunteers prepared to help at the moment. They are Michael Murphy and David Gylee. Frank and I are also prepared to help but we do need at least two more people so please rack your brainÔs and ask around amongst experienced leaders. I advertised the course on the 29th of March at about 5 pm and by the end of the evening I had 11 candidates with 6 reserves! Many of whom are new to me and hopefully also reasonably new to the Ramblers.

I have met with Roger on a couple of occasions to discuss the website. As a result of these meetings Frank is taking over circulating emails and I am posting information on the website. This is a short term solution and once we are both comfortable with the roles we will be looking for other people to take over. This must have happened by the time we go to Australia in September as the website does peculiar things due to the time difference!! Roger would like the committee to be able to post information onto the website. I feel that Maggie should certainly have access and anybody else who would like to. The more the merrier!

I will make it clear to members, if necessary, that information should not go out via the mid week coordinators as this causes confusion and results in some people receiving large number of emails about the same event.

It was brilliant that Neil Collie offered to attend conference, initially as an observer but when we realised that the area was not going to be represented he went as a delegate. He is attending our next meeting and I have circulated his report. Can I just say a massive massive thank you to Neil for attending.

We are still making a massive effort to ensure that everybody is carrying an ICE card. I think we probably need to circulate details of how to have your medical information on your phone.

I have been looking at the ramblers app for registering attendees at walks. I think one of the issues is that if the walk Is not on the national website then it doesnÕt appear on your phone. Perhaps a few of us could have a crack at this and see what we think.

I will handout a sheet at the meeting about contact numbers for Ramblers and also about grading walks. I think basically we are okay but maybe we need to re-circulate the information about our walks, the length and the grade perhaps need explaining on each 6 month program.

See you on Thursday Jane

APPENDIX 3

Membership report. April Total membership is steady Jan 576 Feb 577 March 575 April. 575

APPENDIX 4

Changes to ÔWelcome LetterÕ (already circulated) to encourage ICE details to be recorded on phone and 100 more ICE cards arrived to be given out by walk leaders.

Feedback already received ……also to include information on stroller walks and for new members to send emails addresses to walk leaders .

APPENDIX 5

Dear updated welcome letter

The Ramblers Central Office has recently sent me details of your new membership and I welcome you to our East Cheshire group. I hope you will enjoy walking with us in the future. We offer a full programme of walks throughout the year, both at weekends (mainly Saturdays) and during the week on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays and Friday strollers. Walks are categorised as long, medium, short and stroller. The majority take place in Cheshire, Derbyshire and the Peak District, with some in Staffordshire.

Details of the walks for the week ahead can be found on the front news and information page of the East Cheshire Ramblers website- www.ramblerseastcheshire.org.uk . The walks are usually posted on the website from a week to a few days before they are due to take place. If bad weather is forecast it is advisable to check the website in case the walk has been cancelled or there is a new route and starting point. By clicking on the Full Programme above the Current Programme information and dates for weekend walks over the next six months will be displayed. Also, to be found on the website is information about the groupÕs social events, coach trips and walking weekends away.

Information about mid-week walks can be sent directly to your email address if you so require. If you would like to receive this information then please contact me on the walks you are interested in.

Long walks are 11 miles and over, but only very rarely go beyond 15 miles. Medium walks are between 8 and 10 miles, while short walks are between 4 and 7 miles, but usually averaging between 5 and 6.5 miles. All the walks are graded for their difficulty. These grades are easy, moderate, moderate/strenuous and, very occasionally, strenuous. An easy walk would be short in length with only minimal gradients. Moderate walks are of medium length involving some hill climbing. A moderate / strenuous walk would cover a longer distance combined with a number of steep ascents and descents.

Nearly every walk starts at 10am. We are disciplined at starting walks promptly at this time. It is necessary, therefore, to reach the starting point with enough time to park and

put your boots on before the walk departs. We would recommend at least 15 minutes is necessary to get kitted out before the walk starts.

When going on your first walks please make yourself known to the walk leader so that he or she can introduce you to the other people on the walk. Your health and safety are very important to us so we would strongly encourage you to carry an ICE card at the top of your rucksack. You may ask the walk leader if they have a spare one available for you or/and an ICE card can be downloaded from here. https://www.ramblers.org.uk/~/media/Resources/Volunteer%20resources/Walk %20Leader%20toolkit/In%20Case%20of%20Emergency%20Card.pdf As well as an ICE card an ICE app can be downloaded from google play onto an android phone. Information will appear on your locked screen. On an Apple Phone the health app is on the phone when purchased. You just need to put your details into the app.

Please feel able to contact me if you have any queries about walking with our group and I will try to answer them. I hope you will find us a welcoming, sociable group in which we all share an interest in exploring through walking our varied and beautiful area.

Yours sincerely

Sue Munslow Membership Secretary – East Cheshire Group suemunslow@icloud.com

APPENDIX 6

Social Secretary Report

As this is my first report IÕd like to thank Jane for her time, help and support in my new role. IÕm still getting to grips with how everything works and her help has been invaluable. IÕve also had support from other members too and IÕd like to thank them for their emails, positive suggestions and support. In addition like to thank all the East Cheshire Ramblers who have kindly offered their time to organise events. Their willingness to do so provides us all with an interesting and diverse programme which is much appreciated and enjoyed by us all.

We held a very successful talk in February, given by Duncan Learmond, about the Macclesfield Canal, its history and how it is currently managed, maintained and improved through the work of the Macclesfield Canal Society. Fifty five members attended and from the surplus we took from ticket sales we made a donation to the Macclesfield Canal Society of £50. The remaining surplus will be used to support future activities over the next twelve months. The Ôlight supperÕ was enjoyed by all! The Stroller Walks programme, organised by Tony Walker began on the 12th April and from all accounts has got off to a very good start.

I am currently building up a list of possible speakers for future events which could include:

The Clink

Walking through our industrial heritage

Alderley Edge

TeggÕs Nose The Salt Beneath our Feet

A talk about the restaurant run by female inmates of Styal Prison

A talk about the industrial heritage of the Whaley Bridge, an area we use a lot for ECR walks

A history of the National Trust site at Alderley Edge

A talk by the CE Ranger at TeggÕs Nose

A talk about of the history and current work of Cheshire Salt Mines

Any other ideas or suggestions would be warmly welcomed! Since the last meeting additional events have been added to the programme which is attached below. Maggie Swindells 22nd April 2019

East Cheshire Ramblers Social Calendar 2018-

2019

Thanks to all those involved in organising these events. Any ideas for the next programme please contact me as soon as possible. Maggie Swindells maggieswindells@gmail.com 07729327940 /01625 829671

UPDATES IN BLUE

Friday 8th March

Talk by Duncan Learmond ÒCanals our watery footpathsÓ at Macclesfield Tennis Club

20th March

RA National First Aid Training

St JohnÕs Centre, High Street,

Macclesfield

Friday 12Th April

Start of fortnightly StrollersÕ walking programme

Saturday/Sunday 13/14

April General Council in Manchester

26/28 April

Long Walkers Weekend away Thirsk. Organised by Colin Park

Thursday 2nd May

Start of evening walks organised by Steve Hull

Friday May 10th 2pm

Tour of the Air Raid Shelters, Stockport organised by Brian Griffiths

Saturday 8th June

Coach trip to Arnside area organised by Steve Hull

Thursday 20th June

Walk and meal in Monyash organised by Ann Thompson

15/16 June

Weekend away Ilkley organised by Melanie Davy

17th July

Visit to Blackden Trust

A six mile circular walk from Goostrey with 4/5 miles to

Blackden Trust and 1/2 miles back. Organised by Brian Griffiths

Saturday 29 June

Ramble with a Ranger organised by Jane Gay

4th July

Walk Leader Training (full with a waiting list)

2nd – 4th August

Long walkers weekend Kirby Stephen organised by Georgie and Peter Everson and Steve Hull (may be an optional walk on the 2nd)

21st August

Visit to Blackden Trust organised by Colin Park

24th August

Visit to Blackden Trust organised by Colin Park

21st – 29th September

Saturday 28th September

Bollington Walking Festival

Coach trip to Conway organised by Annette Hurst, Gina Thompson and Maggie Swindells

18/20th October

Weekend away to Pickering organised by Ann Thompson

Saturday 23rd November

ECR AGM 2pm at Macclesfield Tennis Club Please contact maggieswindells@gmail.com for more details

Saturday 14th December

Week End Christmas Lunch at The Windmill organised by Teresa Marshall preceded by a walk organised by Jane and Frank Gay.

Saturday 21st December

Christmas walk and meal organised by Georgie and Peter Everson

APPENDIX 7

FOOTPATH COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE MAIN COMMITTEE MEETING ON APRIL 25th 2019

There have been two meetings of note since the last ECR Committee Meeting – one Footpath Committee Meeting and the other the bi annual Cheshire East ROW Consultative Committee. In addition, we had held an informal meeting with Roger Fielding to discuss ideas for the continued improvement of the Footpath Database.

One important part of the Footpath Committee meeting was to receive details from Tony Battilana of the plans for the 2019 Footpath Inspections by our team of Footpath Inspectors. This is now well established and the guidance to all Footpath Inspectors has now been circulated. We are fortunate to have a full complement of Inspectors, with a few new ones. A letter of thanks will be sent to Norman Ridley, who retired after many years as an Inspector.

Other business included routine items of footpath problems and PROW diversions etc. There has been no communication with the Project Group (Brian Richardson) but Nick Brearley is identifying some potential paths for a Ôvegetation clearanceÕ working party. One footpath (Alderley FP2) in the Alderley Edge National Trust is being considered.

Neil Collie and Dave Barraclough attended the ROW Consultative Committee at Crewe. This is chaired by a Councillor member of the ROW Committee and is attended by the various Ôinterest groupsÕ (walkers, riders, cyclists) across Cheshire East. Points of note included:-

1. Funding has been obtained for improved access to the new A6 MARR road. ECR requested to have input to the details of this.  

2. The contract for the repair of the Harrop Brook bridge is in progress. Work may start soon and we have requested to be notified in order to take photographs for publicity purposes.  

3. We in formed the meeting of our new Stroller Walk programme. PROW is helping us to promote this via the East Cheshire Rangers, although this is proving rather bureaucratic.  

4. We met the two PROW Enforcement Officers to discuss the details and progress on our list of ÔProblem PathsÕ.  

Dave Barraclough 21st April 2019

THE WORK OF THE EAST CHESHIRE RAMBLERS FOOTPATHS COMMITTEE

Posted on May 30, 2019 by admin

East Cheshire Ramblers ensure their footpaths are in good orderThe East Cheshire Group of the Ramblers is active in checking and inspecting the network of Public Rights of Way which exist across the splendid countryside in East Cheshire. There is a legal duty on the highway authority and on landowners to ensure that public footpaths are maintained in a walkable condition.

If you find a path in East Cheshire that is obstructed or want to report a fault to the Council go to the public rights of way page of the Cheshire East council web site – https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_culture_and_tourism/public_rights_of_way/public_rights_of_way.aspx – where you will find a link to an online problem report form.

If, after submitting this form, you do not get a satisfactory response, please report the problem to us using the link at the end of this article and we will follow it up.

East Cheshire Ramblers cover an area of 33 parishes from Poynton in the north to Wincle in the south and, east to west, from Chelford to Rainow. There are over 1270 paths which criss-cross the area and every path is surveyed annually by our volunteer inspectors. By far the majority of paths are in good order, thanks to the co-operation of the landowners and the tireless work of Cheshire East Council Public Rights of Way (PROW) Unit. Sometimes a path can be obstructed by a fallen tree, a newly erected fence or sometimes a stile or gate is damaged. Our inspectors report these faults to the PROW Unit who ensure the fault is rectified promptly. Some inspectors also fix yellow waymarking signs to ensure walkers can keep to the correct line of the path. To cover such a large area, over 40 of our members are inspectors and we are always on the lookout for more volunteers.

In addition, we have a group of volunteers who undertake more practical tasks such as cutting back vegetation, repairing stiles and improving the path surfaces.

How is all this co-ordinated? Well, since 1986 East Cheshire Ramblers have organised a Footpaths Committee who meet regularly to discuss the latest problems and the progress with the annual path inspections. At this forum proposals for the legal diversion of the rights of way are debated and comments made to Cheshire East Council. We look after the interests of all walkers and we will not agree to any proposal that significantly reduces the enjoyment of the path. If necessary, but rarely, we will make a formal objection and argue our case at a Public Inquiry. In such cases we are able to draw on the legal expertise of the Ramblers Central Office in London. If you enjoy walking, please join the Ramblers organisation and help to support this vital work.

Here are some photographs to illustrate the group’s work

The footpath goes under the bridge. This obstruction was reported by our footpaths inspector and Cheshire East Council ensured it was removed.

A memorial bench was installed some years ago by the East Cheshire Ramblers Group on the Ladybrook Valley Interest Trail in Poynton. Rest a While!

The path has been eroded by the stream over a number of years. A temporary diversion of the footpath has been implemented.

A fallen tree is blocking the footpath beyond the kissing gate. It is the responsibility of the landowner to remove the obstruction, but if they do not act then Cheshire East Council can remove the obstruction and charge the cost to the landowner.

This has now been replaced by a kissing gate.

Our footpaths inspector reported this problem and it was dealt with promptly by Cheshire East Council.

Here are some links which will be useful to obtain further information on footpaths and rambling in our area

to contact the East Cheshire Ramblers footpath committee mailto:footpaths@ramblerseastcheshire.org.uk
Cheshire East Council public rights of way page for links to a problem report form, interactive map and other relevant information https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisure,_culture_and_tourism/public_rights_of_way/public_rights_of_way.aspx
Ramblers UK home page https://www.ramblers.org.uk/

Neil Collie

New website is now live!