We offer over 250 walks a year which include the Test Valley, Meon Valley, New Forest, Eastleigh and Winchester districts. During the summer months, our all-day walks can venture in to the neighbouring counties of Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire and West Sussex. (Photo Ian H).

News and social events 

Walking Partnership

Southampton Ramblers are proud to be affiliated to the Walking Partnership. www.rambleworldwide.co.uk which supports the walking community in the UK through local walking clubs and societies.  Help support our group by booking your walking holidays with Ramble Worldwide and nominate Southampton Ramblers when booking to ensure we receive vital funds through The Walking Partnership.

 

Notice of Group AGM

The date for our group AGM has been set for Friday November 21 starting at 7.30pm. It will once again take place at the Atherley Bowling Club, Hill Lane, Southampton. All members are invited and encouraged to attend. There is ample free parking. The bowling club’s cash bar will be available during the evening. The Notice is at the end of this newsletter, and once again we emphasise that the vacancies are open to all members and new faces on the committee would be very welcome. fter formal proceedings close, there will be time for socialising. We will have a cake in celebration of Ramblers’ 90th anniversary.

ICE cards (In case of emergency)
The new credit card size cards are available and many have been given out on walks; if you have been missed, and would like to have one, ask your walk leader or a member of the Committee. As indicated in previous Newsletters, In Case of Emergency information can be stored on most mobile phones and accessed, in an emergency, without requiring password access.

Walk leaders
We are always very grateful for new leaders; please talk to a committee member or existing leader if you would like to help.

Walk leader training
All walk leaders have been sent a direct communication from Ramblers, giving details of the requirement to complete the online training modules. Walk leaders with sufficient “recent experience”, or those with certain other qualifications, will not need to complete all the online training modules, but can read the walk leaders’ handbook and “self-certify” with a simple on-line form. The timescale is to complete the online Walk Leader Training or Self-certify before the end of the year. We are extremely grateful to everyone who volunteers to lead our walks and enables Southampton Ramblers to provide such a full programme of walks. We hope that, where necessary. leaders will be able to find time to complete the online modules (or self-certify) and continue to lead Rambler walks for our members in the New Year.

Christmas walks and Lunch
This will be on Sunday Dec 7th at Brockenhurst, starting from the station car park at 10am. A morning walk will be led by John C and the afternoon walk at 2.00pm by Tim and Kathy, starting outside The Forester’s Arms. There will be the usual mulled wine and mince pies before the morning walk.
After the morning walk, we have reserved tables at the Foresters Arms for a 2 or 3 course Xmas lunch at 12.30. If you want to reserve a place for the lunch, please contact Kim. Her new email address is social.sotonramblers@gmail.com and a booking form is enclosed, with the menu & prices. The Christmas menu is also posted on the pub website at www.forestersarmsbrockenhurst.co.uk In a change to previous years, payment for your meal[s] will be directly to the pub on the day. You may reserve a place and choose your meal now or just let Kim know that you would like to be contacted nearer the time. No need to pre-pay. As an alternative for a lighter meal, the bar menu will be available, and this can be ordered on the day

September coach trip to Stourhead
The September coach trip went to Stourhead on Sunday Sept 14th. The weather forecast for the day did not bode well. John R led a walk around the landscape garden, which ended just before the heavy rain began. The longer walks had also started from the Stourhead visitor centre and did get caught by the rain. They were led by John C, assisted by Mark W (12 mile walk) and Duncan (6 mile walk). Despite the weather, it was a successful day which ended happily with everyone congregated in the tearoom. Many thanks to Kim who made the arrangements, and to the walk leaders. (Photo Basil F).

 

If you have any suggestions for a destination next year, please advise Kim or any other committee member.