++++++++Welcome to East Herts Ramblers++++++++

COMMITTEE CAMEO - Pam (Member and ex Chairman)

Hi - I'm Pam, a 'Geordie Lass' from the 'north country', and have been a member of East Herts Ramblers for over 25 years. I got into walking mode in the post-war period of rationing when cars and petrol were limited, so you walked where you had to go - like a 4 mile round trip to school every day, whatever the weather.

Then, later, it was great fun to explore the Northumbrian Fells and Lakeland Hills. An interest in map-reading came later when my son got seriously involved in Orienteering. Having got him to the chosen venue, whilst he was off honing his skills with the young group, it seemed a good use of time to give it a go with the seniors.

Then, after half a life-time in the north, I moved to Essex, to a new job as Headteacher of a village Primary school. Browsing in Bishop's Stortford Library one day there was a notice giving details of East Herts Ramblers Walks Programme, and, immediately I knew 'that's for me' - a decision never once regretted during 15 working years.

Pam relaxing after walking the Saxon Shore Way in 2011

Eventual retirement brought wider walking opportunities with E.H.R., in the British Isles and abroad. I was asked to join the Committee, and even became Chairman for 3 years. I'm also proud to be able to say that (with thanks to Mark W.) I've walked all the way from Lands End to John O'Groats - an amazing experience. And to this day, walking and planning walks to enjoy with others, is what gives me most satisfaction.

See you on the next walk!

DOGS ON WALKS

Dogs are welcome if kept under control during the walk, especially at stiles, bridges and near other animals. The owner is responsible for the dog's behaviour at all times.

The Walk Leader may request that a dog be kept on a lead at any point during a walk. The Committee may ask owners of dogs that are a nuisance not to bring them again.

COMMITTEE CAMEO - Brenda (Walks Coordinator)

Until a few years ago I could not see the point in walking unless I was going somewhere in particular, or I had a dog with me. However, when my friend, her Jack Russell and I had walked all the local field paths around Ashdon, we bought an OS map and began to devise new walks and explore new areas. That’s when I discovered walking for pleasure and the fun of poring over an Explorer map and then trying to recreate the pencil route on the ground.

On the South West Coastal Path - June 2011

My first experience walking with a group was a figure of eight walk around Bishop’s Stortford on 1st January 2002 – and I was only able to complete the 5 miles in the morning! I like to think that my stamina has improved since then.

My first led walk for East Herts was a bit of a disaster as I refused to believe it could really be 15 miles, so put it on the programme as only 10 – it was getting dark as the weary group plodded back to Bell Street car park in Sawbridgeworth on that December afternoon (luckily the Christmas lights were on to guide us home). Maybe that’s why I’ve got the job of putting the walks programme together – I’m better at writing the walks, than I am at leading them!

COMMITTEE CAMEO - Julie (Holiday Coordinator)

As a former, full time language teacher, I organised annual exchanges and trips to France and Germany, so I am very happy to use this experience in arranging group getaways.

I started walking with my teenage son and daughter many years ago and still do; they are now 37 and 39 respectively! Initially, we went on walking holidays, including camping in the 1987 storms! Then we progressed to half day weekend walks to accommodate their studies and my marking.

Julie at Port Rush - photo courtesy of D Hills

At this time I attended an excellent map reading course run by the 2 Rs, Ron Tarling and Roy Wheeler and started leading walks. Now that I work with pupils who are absent from school for medical reasons, I have the freedom to walk full days at weekends.

In the last 20 years, to name a few, I have walked the Tour of Mont Blanc, The West Highland Way, Hadrian's Wall, The Saints' Way and hiked part of Lake Baikal in East Russia and stretches of the High Rhine Way in the Rhineland in Germany. I have also climbed Snowdon and Ben Nevis.

Walking is a wonderful mind, body and soul activity to share with family and friends for a lifetime.

ABOUT THE EAST HERTS GROUP

OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairman: Dennis
Secretary: David
Treasurer: Nigel
Footpaths Secretary: Chris
Membership Secretary / Area Representative: Sarah
Holiday Coordinator: Julie
Distribution: Dorothy
Social Secretary: Maggie
Webmaster / Walks Collator: Brenda
Members: Gill, Pam

Next Committee Meeting: 7 March 2012

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