Our walks are open to anyone interested.  If you want to know more about the Ramblers’ Association, or this programme, please ask any committee member.  New walks leaders are always needed, so if you are able to lead a walk please contact the programme secretary.  A copy of this programme is available free on our website or can be obtained on request to the publicity officer (price 3 second class stamps, free to South Somerset Group members). Please send a stamped addressed envelope if it is to be posted. Walks are graded according to the following classification of pace:- 

A = fast; B = brisk; C = moderate; D = easy. 

Starting times of walks vary and need to be noted carefully.

NOTES FOR WALKERS

We walk together and the leader sets a suitable pace for the party - please do not force a faster pace.  Strong footwear and waterproof clothing are recommended - we cannot stop the rain or always dodge the mud.  Hazardous conditions –whenever there is a possibility of snow, ice or significant fog it is likely the walk will be cancelled so please check with the leader before setting out.  This also applies if there has been an incident such as an outbreak of Foot & Mouth disease.  Note that, in fairness, people using a public house car park should patronise the pub even if only for a drink.

Dogs.  Dogs are welcome on most walks, though the leader may specify “no dogs” in the programme. Dogs must be under total control and the leader can insist that they be kept on leads.

Note.  All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception.  In spite of the safety of members always being the paramount concern, accidents will occasionally happen.  It is important, therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify the hazards associated with the activity and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to arise.

NOTICES

Footpath Working Parties. Volunteers will be most welcome and are indeed essential for the success of the scheme.  The person to contact for enquiring and volunteering is Roger Cripps. See the list of officers for contact details. .

Group Committee Meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Wed 4 Feb.

Half-day weekend walks will be held on 6 Dec, 3 Jan, 7 Feb and 7 Mar.

Legs Explore. Family Group Walks. The Family Group provides programmes – phone 01823 333369 for details - specially chosen to be of appeal to families with young children. All members of the family are welcome, including grandparents and older people who enjoy shorter walks at the children’s pace.  

Programme Distribution. The distribution for the C group will be on 12 Mar from Odcombe and for the D group 19 Mar from Montacute.    Programmes not collected will be posted by 21 Mar.

RA Festival of Winter Walks. The walk on Sunday 28 Dec is part of this Festival  

Summer Supper, 2009. I have had an offer to organise this at The Carpenters Arms, Chilthorne Domer on 23 July.

Walks leaders. Please give the Programme Secretaries final details of your walks on the next programme by 7 Feb.