Howden & Goole RA Group

The Committee feel that we have had a very successful year.
Our main highlights have been:
• 29 walks have been offered and most very well attended. The average figure is usually in the mid teens but as been has high as 32. The walks are a mixture of lengths ranging from 4 to 12 miles, which seems to suit members. Primarily walks take place on either a Saturday or Sunday complimented by the summer evening walks programme. Some of our walks had themes attached to them, which seem popular (for example the snowdrop walk). We offered three mid week walks but these were poorly attended and walk leaders were reluctant to repeat the process.
• Two new walk leaders were recruited and one took advantages of the Walk Leader Mentoring Scheme.
• The Walk Leader Leaflet was completed containing much useful information for old and new walks leaders. All our walks leaders are issued with a copy and new leaders will receive a copy. One aspect that leaders found useful was the pictures and contact numbers of all the committee.
• The Walk Leader Mentoring Scheme was introduced. This scheme allows a person to request a member of the committee to mentor them if they are considering leading a walk. The mentor is NOT a compulsory requirement but, we feel, gives people who feel a bit unsure the chance to have reassurance. One new walk leader took this up.
• The club have been represented at Howden Show and the Hobbies Show in Goole, and for the first time, attended the Howden Heritage weekend.
• The club is now seen as an established body within the Howden and Goole Area and regularly is asked to contribute articles to Howden Matters and DN14 and favourable pieces regularly paper in the local press.
• The group were given the chance to combine with York group on their Coach trips which provided a wider programme for members.
• We have continued to developed links with York Public Transport Group and it seems a firm commitment to have a yearly combined walk.
• Responding to requests from the members more walks including  pub stops, ideally with meal, have been introduced and have been a great success.
• A new person joined the committee at the last AGM and took on the role of Membership Secretary. This resulted in a new perspective which was greatly welcomed.
• The Committee, at their own expense, undertook a team building evening, which included a meal and a quiz. Unfortunately we came last in the quiz but two members did give a good dancing display!
• Members have increased by approx 10 (correct figures not available due to computer problem at HQ).
• The committee have discussed all papers issued by Area Council and HQ and have responded accordingly.
• Finally the club applied for a grant from East Riding of Yorkshire Council and were successful being awarded £250.

We have had some difficulties:
• The Committee are unable to attend Area Council meetings which we acknowledge means we are not always up to date with everything.
• One of our regular walk leaders has indicated he intends to stop walk leading due to age. He is amazing for his age and we hope he changes his mind.
• The Committee have not always been able to meet deadlines because of work commitments (which for some members have been exceptional heavy), illness, and family crisis.
• The committee were very de-motivated by comments made in the October Area Council minutes and felt the comments to be unjust and lacking in supporting evidence. This was addressed at the AGM by the Area Chair but we will feel what was said at the AGM is not reflected in the minutes.

Helicopter Rescue
The Group unfortunately became involved in a drama where a lady slipped and broke her ankle (nothing to do with our group) we were asked for assistance. Eventually the Air Ambulance arrived and air lifted the lady to hospital. The event was later included in Helicopter Heroes on the BBC, the group got a mention and we feel were portrayed in a good light. The lady concerned donated £40 to the group which the committee decided to donate to the Air Ambulance – you never know when your group might need it!

Next Year
• We welcome another addition to our committee, which, once again, will bring new ideas into the group.
• At the request of members a social evening is to be held, incorporating a meal and quiz. Depending on the success more may follow.
• We hope to continue to build links with York Public Transport Group and York Ramblers.
• We have already started work on our next programme and hope it will continue to be varied and interesting.

The Committee would publicly like to thank all our walk leaders for providing us with great walks and our membership for their continued support. We look forward to another year of enjoyable walks.
Carol Edwards, Secretary        Return to Howden and Goole page