We have been introduced to a site named Car Free Walks - a resource for people who love walking but want to reduce their impact on the environment. They offer easy-to-use guides for walks throughout the UK that are accessible via public transport, with all walks submitted and reviewed by users. They are completely free of charge and have launched the project as a “labour of love” for something they hold very close to their hearts.
For 75 Years
Ramblers 75th Anniversary Baton Walks by Alan Cumming
Ramblers are celebrating a 75th anniversary this year. This is being marked by a series of Baton Walks with an emblem which is passing from group to group and from Area to Area through the year. Stratford Group were responsible for arranging a Baton Walk on Wednesday 10 February when we were due to assemble at the Gower Memorial for a walk to Welford-on-Avon.
The opportunity was taken to go further back in Ramblers history when a smaller group met for a 90 minute town walk on Tuesday 9 February. The route took us past No. 7 St. Gregory`s Road which was identified by the archive centre at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as the site of the Whytegates Hotel. It was here on 30th September 1934 that regional ramblers federations met and took the decision to form a national body. The Ramblers Association came into being in 1935. Subsequent research revealed a copy of a 1933 Midland Federation of Ramblers handbook identifying the hotel as part of the Comradeship Holidays Association. This was a group of twenty holiday guest houses "waiting for good companions”. An advertisement for the hotel included a photograph which shows that the property is little altered over the years.
The Wednesday walk started with a Press Photo call but at the lunch break we were able to take a photograph at the historic May Pole at Welford. This photograph was taken by Michael Bird, Area Chairman who accompanied us for the day.
Further celebrations are planned by the Warwickshire Area of Ramblers on Sunday 23rd May. All groups in the Area have been asked to plan a walk which will include a picnic lunch at the Obelisk on the Welcombe Hills. Details of Stratford walks are in the programme.
Alan Cumming (click on pictures to enlarge)
Ramblers are celebrating a 75th anniversary this year. This is being marked by a series of Baton Walks with an emblem which is passing from group to group and from Area to Area through the year. Stratford Group were responsible for arranging a Baton Walk on Wednesday 10 February when we were due to assemble at the Gower Memorial for a walk to Welford-
The opportunity was taken to go further back in Ramblers history when a smaller group met for a 90 minute town walk on Tuesday 9 February. The route took us past No. 7 St. Gregory`s Road which was identified by the archive centre at The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust as the site of the Whytegates Hotel. It was here on 30th September 1934 that regional ramblers federations met and took the decision to form a national body. The Ramblers Association came into being in 1935. Subsequent research revealed a copy of a 1933 Midland Federation of Ramblers handbook identifying the hotel as part of the Comradeship Holidays Association. This was a group of twenty holiday guest houses "waiting for good companions”. An advertisement for the hotel included a photograph which shows that the property is little altered over the years.
The Wednesday walk started with a Press Photo call but at the lunch break we were able to take a photograph at the historic May Pole at Welford. This photograph was taken by Michael Bird, Area Chairman who accompanied us for the day.
Further celebrations are planned by the Warwickshire Area of Ramblers on Sunday 23rd May. All groups in the Area have been asked to plan a walk which will include a picnic lunch at the Obelisk on the Welcombe Hills. Details of Stratford walks are in the programme.
Alan Cumming (click on pictures to enlarge)
