Keith Edwards

I joined the Ramblers around 2007 after a chance meeting with some members of the Brunel group at a speed dating event. Before that I had enjoyed walking on my own in the area where I had been living in the Wye Valley but had never thought of joining a walking group.

I had always imagined hiking as a test of endurance for the seriously fit and Ramblers as older people. It was a pleasant surprise to find a 20s and 30s group offering a range of walks of different levels and to meet people I found I had a lot in common with.

When I moved to Cardiff and wanted to meet new friends in the city, one of the first things I looked for was a Ramblers group. Tiger Bay Ramblers are a great bunch, being both a solid network of friends and welcoming of newbies at the same time. I liken them to the type of friends I had at sixth form and university. There’s nothing quite like it.

I now go walking with the Tiger Bay Ramblers most Sundays, have gone on weekends away and regularly attend some of the many socials. I had never led a walk before joining the group, believing I wasn’t sufficiently qualified. The group has been hugely supportive and I now lead four or five walks a year.

I joined the committee in 2010 as Socials Secretary. In this role I established regular monthly pub nights and organised the Christmas parties, along with a range of different events including such things such as skittles, cycling and karaoke.

Last year I was asked to step up to be Chair of the group. I was apprehensive at first, expecting it to be a big commitment and wondering how I could fit it in around my work. The other committee members are very helpful though and we are a great team.

I feel privileged to be trusted by the group and have enjoyed developing our strategy going forward. We have worked hard to encourage walk leaders and can now boast a full walks programme with a choice of walks many weekends. The current challenge is to ensure the group remains attractive to new and younger members while retaining our well-established membership.

Keith Edwards
Chair, Tiger Bay Ramblers