Founded 1934 (Affiliated to The Ramblers Association) Newsletter July 2018 Gear up for Summer Welcome to our summer edition of the Newsletter. It is your chance to see what the Club has been doing over the last few months as well as looking to the future. As usual there is a very extensive walks programme and some interesting social events being considered. It was with reluctance the Committee had to accept the resignation of one of its longest serving members. I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Pam Turrell for the time and commitment she has given to the Club and the Committee over many years. As well as sending get well cards and phoning people to wish them well, Pam was there to represent the Club at funerals. She was always there to greet and meet people at the various events and outings and supplying all with countless cups of tea and coffee. Even though recently not walking herself, she was still the Sunday Coordinator joining the group for lunch. Thank you Pam for all your hard work. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Your inboxes have probably been flooded with messages regarding GDPR. We too take our data protection seriously and it was to this end that we changed the Constitution last year. To clarify, we store your data in spreadsheets, which includes the details you have provided on application and renewal forms. This information is only used on club business and we do not add your e-mail address to any distribution list unless you specifically request to be added (such as the Emergency Notification List in the event walks are cancelled etc.). Your e-mail address may be used by the club to contact you on personal matters (such as when the Treasurer has not received your renewal application). We need your details to be able to send you newsletters and programmes during the year, but if there is any information you would rather we did not hold on our spreadsheets, please omit these when completing the renewal form, or send an e-mail to chelmsfordramblingclub@outlook.com, requesting which information you wish to have removed.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! You may recall that we had severe snow fall in February and as a result 3 walks were cancelled. 2 of these were notified to our members via Facebook and also the E-mail distribution list we have set up to inform members of short notice cancellations. Amazing what a bit of snow can achieve, as the number of members wishing to join the list more than doubled in a single day! Due to Data Protection (GDPR) issues, the e-mail list is an opt-in service and should you wish to be included, please send an e-mail to chelmsfordramblingclub@outlook.com and I will add you. Could all walk leaders please remember to post changes to walks to the Facebook group and also let me know of changes so these can be posted to the News section of the Website, or sent out via e-mail, depending on circumstances. Thank you. Steve Freight PA System The club has invested in a portable PA System for use at official club events (quiz night, AGM etc.). It is available for pickup from Steve Freight if you are arranging a club function. We are also able to lend it to Club members for private use, for a donation to club funds. There are, as you'd expect, certain conditions for borrowing it and if you'd like to know more, please contact Steve for details. Changes You will notice several changes on your programme this time. Terry Bard has had to give up as Wednesday All-Day co-ordinator. His role has been taken over by Geoff Richards. Tony Waldren has decided after doing it for many years it is time to stand down as co-ordinator for Wednesday Easy Pace, and Pat Goodman will be taking over from him. As you may know, Pam Turrell is hoping to move away to be near family, so Debbie Collins has taken over as Sunday co-ordinator. Much of Pam's job as Hostess has been absorbed into the Social Secretary's job, but Shirley Deering has agreed to take over contacting sick or bereaved members. She will not be doing much visiting or attending funerals however, as she does not have transport. If you know of anyone who would appreciate a card or phone call, please contact her on 01245 258171. In view of the change to this role, she is on the programme as 'Welfare Officer' Thank you to Terry, Tony and Pam for all your hard work, and to Geoff, Pat, Debbie and Shirley for taking over.
Picnic in the Park The committee have planned a joint venue for a Wednesday walk day in September. We will all meet at the usual time in Hylands Park, from where there will be at least two walks, planning to arrive back in time for a joint picnic lunch (bring your own food). There will be no strolls in September or December but it is hoped that some of the people who do not usually walk on Wednesdays will be able to join us for this and the Christmas Walk and Social. Back Markers We have noticed recently that some leaders are forgetting to appoint a back marker. Whilst this doesn't matter if you only have a small group, if there are a lot of you, it is important that there is someone to keep an eye on stragglers. It is also sensible, if possible, that the back marker should wear a hi-vis, especially if there is road walking involved, and so that the leader can see him easily when he looks back. If you have recently bought a new car, you may well find it comes with one as an accessory, or they can be bought very cheaply on Chelmsford market. Potters Weekend Break 14 Members enjoyed a very busy and entertaining weekend at Potters Resort in February. Both accommodation and meals were of a very high standard. During the day, in between eating, we all were occupied with various activities such as, a brisk walk along the coast, indoor bowling, archery, snooker, swimming, target shooting, gokarting, giant swing, curling or quizzing. There was something for all. One member was particularly keen to try every activity. Alternatively, you could just relax and watch others exhausting themselves. After dinner each night we enjoyed an evening of first class entertainment by Potters professional dancers and singers, including on the Sunday night, Maters of the Musicals, a touring Group, performing songs from the various musicals. All in all, an excellent long weekend. We are therefore, arranging another Potters Weekend Break for next February. For those who are interested please contact me, Margaret Say, on 01245 381262 or email me at margaret.say612@btinternet.com
Social Events Review Ten Pin Bowling Two more Nifty Fifties Ten Pin Bowling events were arranged for the first half of 2018. Once again these were at Namco Funscape, Braintree Freeport. The first meeting of the year was held on Thursday, 22nd February 2018. 20 members turned out to compete, with the Ladies trophy going to June Gould and the Men's Trophy going to Eric King. A second meeting was held on Thursday 7th June 2018. This time 19 members took part with the Ladies trophy going to Yvonne Freight and the Men's Trophy going to Terry Costigan. Quiz Night The Club held its annual Quiz Evening with Fish and Chip Supper on Saturday, 21 st April 2018 at the Church of Our Saviour, Chelmer Village, Chelmsford. 78 Competitors filled 13 tables which was a very impressive turnout. Our thanks to Mike and Noreen Hiom for organising such a successful event. Bressingham The Club arranged a coach trip to Bressingham Steam Museum & Gardens, near Diss in Norfolk, for Thursday May 24 th. 52 members and friends came on this trip and hopefully all enjoyed the gardens, exhibitions and train rides on offer. For all but the last hour of the visit, the weather was beautiful and added to our appreciation of the attractions. Forthcoming Events Coach trip to London and informal guided walks A coach trip to London Embankment has been arranged for Thursday 6 th September 2018. The idea is for members to join one of several different types of walks around central London. Several members (with knowledge of the area) have volunteered to lead these walks which we hope will satisfy differing interests. Among the points of interest that are likely to be covered by these walks are: Covent Garden, The National Gallery, St James Park, South Bank, Tate Modern, St Paul's Cathedral, and shopping districts. Club Members will need to bring their own lunch or take advantage of London's numerous cafes and restaurants. The coach will leave Asda (Chelmer Village) car park at 8.30 a.m. and set off back from Cleopatra's Needle at 4.30 p.m. Whilst on the coach, details of the available walks will be circulated and Members will be asked to select which walk would suit them in the morning and again in the afternoon. Of course if people wish to do their own thing whilst in London they are more than welcome so to do. Members will meet up at Lunch time before the afternoon walks are started.
The cost of the trip will be 16 which includes the cost of the coach, the driver's tip and a contribution for the parking at Asda. If you are interested in joining this trip, there is an application form attached to this newsletter which should be sent to Brian at the address shown. Ten Pin Bowling A third Nifty Fifties Ten Pin Bowling event at Braintree Freeport has been arranged for Thursday, 11th October 2018, at 2.00 p.m. The cost is 5 per person for the afternoon which includes a cup of tea or coffee. Christmas Outings In this newsletter we are, unusually, asking Members to let us know which of two possible Christmas outings they would be prepared to support. (1) Since last year's visit to Brick Lane Music Hall in East London, we have received several requests from Members to visit this theatre again this year. Unfortunately dates for these afternoon shows get booked very early but we have been able to make a provisional booking for the afternoon of Friday 21 st December 2018. This new event will start at 1.00 p.m. with a traditional three course Christmas lunch; (a vegetarian alternative will be available) served at your table, followed by an afternoon performance of Vincent's Christmas Wonderland show. The likely overall cost of the Brick Lane trip is 61 based on 45 people attending. Since the Club has to financially commit to this trip in August we should like to receive your (and any friends or relatives) expressions of interest by the end of July. (2) Another visit which has been provisionally arranged is to Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk, for its Dickensian Christmas activities. Our suggested date is Saturday, 8 th December 2018. The likely overall cost of this trip is 35 (food not included). As before we should like to receive your (and any friends or relatives) expressions of interest by the end of July. When you are able to, please let Brian Stoneham know if you would like to attend one or both of these events. Tel. No.: 01245 257988 Text Mobile: 07999876724 E-mail:brimaur21@blueyonder.co.uk Application forms for one or even both of these options will be in the next (September) newsletter (subject to sufficient interest). Members' applications will initially be given priority over those of friends or relatives.
Obituary Alan Sheahan 26.12.38 9.3.18 Alan was born in Islington and until the age of 11 he grew up in Doddinghurst before moving to Broomfield. He married Julie in 1961 and they had two daughters, Kay and Claire. Alans first love was his family, together they enjoyed a great deal of fun and laughter. After his family Alan devoted as much time as he could to fishing, his aviary and anything to do with the wild life. Much of Alan s time was also dedicated to planning and leading walks for both the U3A and the Chelmsford Rambling Club.
CHELMSFORD RAMBLING CLUB TRIP TO LONDON FOR A SELECTION OF INFORMAL GUIDED WALKS STARTING ON THE EMBANKMENT THURSDAY, 6TH SEPTEMBER 2018 Coach Leaving: Asda Car Park, Springfield at 8.30 a.m. Coach Leaving: London Embankment at 4.30 p.m. (approx.) Please Reserve place(s) at 16.00 each.* A remittance for is included. *The price includes: Cheques: Coach and Driver's Tip, Asda Parking Charity Contribution To be made in favour of The Chelmsford Rambling Club. Please send your Form, Remittance and either a Stamped Self-addressed Envelope for a receipt. ** Or alternatively your e-mail address for an e-mailed receipt, to: Brian Stoneham 21 Walters Close, Galleywood, Chelmsford, CM2 8NU. Tel No: 01245 257988 Full Name: *** Tel. No. Full Name: *** Tel. No. Signature: Date: * Cancellations within 14 days of the trip will only be refunded at the discretion of the Committee. ** If you would prefer to receive an e-mailed receipt, please provide your e-mail address here: *** Capitals Please NOTE: Members attending will be asked to select their choice of walk(s) once on the coach.