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On Monday 19th May you are invited to join us to celebrate the addition of a new footpath to The Definitive Map. It has taken five years to achieve this and it would not have happened without the persistence and determination of our members Paddy and Brian who live at Lovacott. Having sought guidance from group officers they gathered together evidence, which was submitted to Devon County Council with a request that an Order be made to add this short but important link to the footpath network. Paddy said that success was only achieved by receiving support from and working with other group members. The Marsh Lane case illustrates how important it is for Ramblers' members to find out more about the Definitive Map review in their area. Devon County Council are one of the best highway authorities in the country but they need our support and evidence in order to get all rights of way recorded for posterity. Do come along and raise a glass to our success in the pub after the morning walk. Joan Long - Chairman Infected ticks spread Lyme Disease. Now that summer is approaching, it is time to watch out for ticks, which are more active in the months between April and October. They can survive in many places but prefer moist, shady areas such as grass, bracken, bushes and leaf litter.To make it more difficult for ticks to attach themselves to you wear shoes or boots rather than sandals and tuck your trousers into your socks. Remember that they can more easily seen on light coloured clothing. Walking down the centre of paths (where possible) avoids their favourite places.If, after a ramble, you do discover a tick it can be removed with a pair of pointed tweezers but make sure that you remove all of the tick, pull it from the head rather than the body. Squeezing the body only pumps diseased blood back into your system! Our Group Secretary and Membership Secretary, Pauline, will have completed twelve years in those roles this Autumn and has given notice that she will not be standing for re-election in October/November. We would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all that she has done over the years. We shall be very sorry to lose her, as she has been efficient, pleasant and conscientious in her dealings with membership enquiries and in supporting your committee. Pauline would be delighted to have a chat with any member out there who would like to know what is involved with either or both of the positions. It has been suggested that the jobs could easily be split into secretary and membership. It might even be possible to break the work down further. If you would like to know more please ask either Pauline or Joan for a copy of either of the 'job descriptions'. Even if you are a member who does not walk with the group this may be your niche within the RA's family of volunteers, so get in touch now to find out more. Joan Long - Chairman A big thank you to all members who already pay their Ramblers' membership subscription by direct debit and 'gift aid' it. If you do not please consider making the change as this saves the RA money and decreases it's administration costs. Information will be included with your new membership card and renewal form or contact Ruth Wembridge at RA CO on 020 7339 8533 or e-mail ruthw@ramblers.org.uk Don't forget that parking at Fair View has been increased to £1-50 per day. We encourage car-sharing in order to limit the car-miles for members travelling to walks. It also enables non car-owning members to walk with our group. Walking for everyone is part of the RA's charitable aims so please consider either coming to Fair View or 'doubling-up' with members who live in your neighbourhood. Offering to lead a 'bus walk' is yet another environmentally friendly option. Our new Publicity Officer, Julian, got off to a flying start when he organised our RA display in Barnstaple Pannier Market on the 18th February. Despite the cold our stall was manned from 9.30a.m. to 4p.m. by Julian and his band of helpers. A good deal of literature was handed out and questions answered on a wide range of subjects from transport to walks, dogs, the status of paths and our wind farm policy. We hope to have a stand at a Wildlife Trust Day in June and to attend the North Devon Show on Wednesday 6th August. If you can help in any way please contact Julian (details on reverse of this programme). Date: Friday 19th September to Place: Furzeleigh Mill Hotel, Buckfastleigh |
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