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WORDS OF PRAISE FOR WEST BERKSHIRE RAMBLERS RAY CLAYTON BECOMES HONORARY WEST BERKS RAMBLER
West Berks Ramblers get all the praise and publicity
for the work in maintaining the ROWS but Ray is Pang Valley and never gets a
mention. So to put the situation on to a sound and honest footing Ray is now an
honorary member of WBR. His certificate of membership was presented to him by
Graham Smith, our Chairman, at the recent 100th Gate celebrations. (see also
memories of gate building) FIONA WALKER wins Civic Award West Berks Rambler, Fiona Walker, has this year won a Civic Award from Newbury Town Council for her community work to improve the condition and access to West Berkshire’s footpaths. As a long-standing member of the West Berks Ramblers she has organised volunteers to clear footpaths, encouraged more people to enjoy the countryside and continues to co-ordinate the production and research of walking guides. Nothing new in that you might add, but what has made her work so special is that much of her voluntary work has been aimed at helping and encouraging disadvantaged people to be more active and to get out into the countryside. Originally working with the mental health charity MENCAP, Fiona subsequently became a member of the Rangers Official Active Response (ROAR) group which offers services to volunteers from the Phoenix Centre in Newbury. The Phoenix Centre supports adults with learning disabilities. Volunteering her services for 12 hours each week for a number of years she has encouraged members of the group to volunteer 1500 hours each year to help clear footpaths on a parish by parish basis throughout West Berkshire. It is this community spirit which led to Fiona winning this year’s Newbury’s Civic Award. Presented by the mayor, Phil Barnett, Fiona’s response was to say that she was so surprised adding “I feel there are other people who do so much more for the community. It’s a hobby. It’s a social occasion. We have a lovely team and I just feel that you should not get an award for having so much fun.” We don’t agree! Few have done as much as Fiona to help others and especially those with disabilities to be more active and getting out to enjoy the countryside. All at West Berks Ramblers congratulate Fiona for all her work. Greg McGill LONG WEEKEND IN SHROPSHIRE A group of us spent a delightful May bank holiday weekend in Little Stretton in Shropshire. The weather forecast was poor but it just got better and better and we enjoyed the countryside in glorious sunshine. The Mynd Hotel looked after us exceedingly well and was an excellent base for the holiday. Jane took a lot of trouble choosing varied walks in different locations (long and short each day) and we were guided by a local friendly and efficient organisation called Secret Hills Walking Company. We learnt lots about the area from the local guides and there was the opportunity to enjoy some quite challenging walks. The views from our walk up the Long Mynd on the first day were amazing. Subsequently we walked from the hotel straight up Ragleth Hill, over Hope Bowdler Hill into Cardington for lunch, then home over Caer Caradoc, via Church Stretton and of course tea! Sunday we went to see the Stiperstones, a totally different area, and on Monday we travelled to the Clun valley, time forgotten, and a lovely area. On the final morning we drove to Ludlow and walked part of the Mortimer Trail, before saying our goodbyes and going our separate ways once again. Thank you, Jane, for a lovely walking weekend - we came away feeling we must return to Shropshire!" Gill Kedgley
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