Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 23rd Feb 2009

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Around Oxwich Point - Sun 1st March

This Sunday, 1st March, we finish the current Programme with a nice leisurely walk around Oxwich Head. Gary makes his debut as walk leader, but rest assured, he is highly experienced when it comes to navigating his way around areas of natural beauty so we should be in safe hands.
Although an easier walk this route offers plenty of nice Gower scenery, and also the opportunity to have an ice cream at the end (or perhaps even the beginning).

Distance: 4.5 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Start Points: County Hall at 0930, or Oxwich Bay car park at 1000 (there may be a charge).

Call: Gary on 07545068174. (Note: This is different from the number on the programme. Gary has had to change it as he's been having problems with a few fans/stalkers.)

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Uploading Photos - Guidance

A few of you now have the password for the flickr gallery that is linked to the website, and are uploading photos of the walks. This is great, but because there are now several people contributing we agreed at the last committee meeting that we'd issue some simple, common sense guidance on uploading photos. Currently the flickr site is limited to the 200 latest uploads, and the oldest photos are pushed out of view, so bear in mind the principle of 'quality not quantity' throughout!

* Please don't load too many photos of the same walk between you, 5 photos for each walk is reasonable.

* If there are a few people taking photos on a walk intending to upload to the gallery, agree between you on the walk who's going to put what photos on the website.

*Avoid loading multiple photos of a very similar view. Variety is the spice of life!

Saying this, we are very grateful when people do upload images of walks and events, it gives others, including potential new members, an up-to-date view of club activities and it's also a nice way for those who couldn't make it on a walk keep in touch. So keep snapping and uploading!

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Footpaths and Way-marking - Message from Graham (Footpath Sec)

As a group affiliated to the Ramblers Association, Tawe Trekkers has a duty to help in the important task of keeping our cherished network of Rights of Way open for this and future genrations to enjoy. There now two ways in which we can all help with this.

1. If you notice a problem with a footpath whilst out walking report it to me and I'll get in touch with the Local Authority to get it sorted. The problems might be broken stiles, collapsed bridges, fallen signs, paths fenced off or obstructive and intimidating landowners! Whatever the problem text or e-mail me brief details including date and an accurate description and Grid Reference. Photos may also help.

2. I have issued most walk leaders with way-markers which can be used to replace broken, faded or lost markers found whilst out on a recce or personal walk. If you haven't got some and would like some, or if you run out please let me know. It's technically the Councils who should be maintaining the way-marking but they are very under-resourced and may take years to get round to it. The main rule for this is only to replace markers that were previously there, however much you might feel that the route would benefit from additional marking! Also remember that some landowners are resentful of footpaths and may get emotional and illogical if you hammer in replacement markers under their noses! It's in everyone's best interests for the paths to be properly marked, especially the landowner's but please be discrete about it and sensitive to their feelings.

Contact Graham on 07770 435341 or e-mail g.rutt1@ntlworld.com.

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That's it for this week. The new programme should be out in the next few days but if you have any questions about what's coming up, call Trudi who has the draft schedule of events.

There's now only a couple of places left at the Bay View on Friday 27th, so if you want to come, please call/text me and it will be fastest first.

Cheers,

Doug