Rambler’s Association Pocklington Group
 Report to Area Council October 2008

Membership stayed constant around 230 members with new members and transfers offsetting those leaving. Pocklington group offers 138 walks in the 2008 – 2009 Area walks directory. Alison Connel and Tony Corrigan volunteered to join the Committee as Publicity Officer and Rambles Secretary respectively. The Committee comprises nine officers with specific interests and three members who support them generally. The leader’s training evening earlier in the year boosted our leader’s panel to around 40 active members. Area Council work continued behind the scenes with progress on the Area’s Standing Orders, Succession Planning and organisation and future direction.

Another wet summer saw members wading through the mud and rain on the Yorkshire Dales and Wolds. Some members enjoyed the Clapham walking weekend and fifteen of the more intrepid members travelled to the hills and gorges of Crete where they ignored the adage, ‘Never go on holiday with friends!’ “Ramblers” has been added to the Greek language to describe groups of mature citizens in heavy boots tramping through the hills and villages in the midday sun disturbing afternoon siestas and setting off the barking dogs. Children are dragged on to the balconies and doorsteps to gaze in awe at the passing “Ramblers!”

The full social programme continued with gliding, a picnic, a fish and chips walk, a week at Hasness and a coach ramble to Barnard Castle followed by a delicious meal at a venue recommended by the Ryedale Group. The Christmas celebrations have been organised, and get-togethers are set for the first three months of the New Year. Anyone who has walked with the Pocklington group as a guest is welcome to join the social events. A special invitation for walks and social events has been extended to Howden & Goole Group members as we have many midweek walks, a few local hills, some lively characters and we are not too far apart.

Greig Markham                Return to Pocklington page