Sunday, March 29, 2009

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 30th April 2009

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Change of Walk - Sunday 5th April - Felindre


Emyr's changed his planned walk on the 5th from Caerfanell to Felindre. On consideration Emyr thought that it was too far for people to drive all the way up there so he's now going to be leading a more local walk. The walk will start from the carpark by Felindre Reservoir and follow a route around the surrounding hills and countryside. Here's the details:

Distance: 5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Meeting: 0930 at County Hall or 1000 at the carpark by Felindre reservoir.

Contact: Emyr on 07846879210 for more details or directions.

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Alternative to Walk: Mountain Biking at Afan Forest - Sunday 5th April

Let the pedals take the strain for a change as we take on the Rheilffordd track in the Afan Forest. The route is between 10-14 miles long and consists of maily gravel tracks with only a couple of modest gradients (call it mountain biking lite!). You can hire bikes from Skyline cycles at the Afan Forest Centre for £15 for half a day's hire.

If you would like to go please text Christian on 07791089942 by Thursday and also indicate if you need to hire a bike.

We will meet at County Hall at 12.30 or at 1.00pm at Afan Forest visitors' car park.

This is different to the scheduled Brechfa Forest mountain biking excursion as you cannot hire bikes there!

Cheers.

Christian

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That's it for another week, it's pub night at the Brunswick on Thursday (2nd April) so feel free to drop in for a pint and a chat, all welcome.

Cheers,

Doug

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 23rd March 2009

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Rhossili - Sun 29th March

On Sunday Ruth will be leading us on a classic route along Rhossili Downs and across the bay with sweeping views over Worms Head and the Atlantic Ocean. This walk will offer the opportunity for some spectalular panoramic views along one of Britain's best beaches, for relatively little effort. There should be a chance to stop for an ice-cream/pint at the end.

Distance: 6 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Meeting: 0930 at County Hall, or 1000 at Rhossili carpark

Call: Ruth on 01792 891546 for more details.

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Pembrokeshire Weekend Reminder - 17th to 19th April - Get your Money to Emyr!

If you didn't catch it the first time; here's the message about the Pembs weekend again. It's not that far off now so please get your money to Emyr at the nearest opportunity:

On 17th to 19th April we will be returning to the wonderful Pentre Ifan bunkhouse in Pembrokeshire for a weekend of walking organised by Emyr. Cost will be £19 per person, per day, and this includes dinner, breakfast and packed lunch.

Please send cheques to Emyr as soon as you can. You can send the full amount of £38 for two nights, or if you prefer a £19 deposit and then pay the rest at a later date or on the trip.

Cheques payable to: Urdd Gobaith Cymru (the organisation that own the bunkhouse)P

Post cheques to: Emyr Morris, 3 Druidstone Way, Penllergaer, Swansea, SA4 9AJ.

For more details about the trip call Emyr on 07846879210.

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Message from Sarah - Challenge for Cancer Research UK

On 28th March I fly to Kathmandu, Nepal to start my epic journey, via Gokyo Lakes, Cho La Pass and Kala Pattar to trek to Base Camp Everest at 5554m above sea level.
This is a challenge I have always wanted to pursue, but at the same time will be raising money for Cancer Research UK.
It is something close to my heart and has affected many people I know in recent times, as I am sure many other people have been affected in one way or another. This gives me the opportunity to ask for any donations for the charity, either by the following wegpage: www.justgiving.com/sarahthomson2 or texting me the amount (on 07986 570008) and I will put you on my sponsor form and collect at a later date.

Sarah (Your new Treasurer)

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Results of AGM - Election of Officers

We can now confirm what's changed and who's who in the 2009 Committee following the AGM on the 13h March.
Around 15 people turned up to the AGM at the Vivs and we followed the standard system whereby an individual has to be nominated and seconded to be elected. It all went very well and there were no problems arising during this great spectacle of democracy!

Here's a rundown of the results:

Chairperson: Christian Heathcote Elliot steps down, and Doug Morgan is elected

Secretary: Doug Morgan steps down, and Christian Heathcote Elliot is elected

(so basically, Doug has swapped positions with Christian, we thought we'd go for a change after two years of holding the same posts, though in practice we don't see that this will cause any major changes.)

Treasurer: Rob Lewis steps down and Sarah Thomson is elected

Programme Secretary: Trudi Cook is re-elected

Footpath Secretary: Graham Rutt is re-elected

Social Secretary: Tom Jack is re-elected

Publicity Officer: Adele Whittle is re-elected

**New Positions**

In addition to last years posts, two new positions have been filled. This being in order to offer people the opportunity to contribute in their specialist areas, and to lend some deserved recognition for their efforts. The positions are:

Webmaster: Rob Lewis is elected.

Rob created the website around three years ago and ever since it has been the absolute bedrock of the Tawe Trekkers in keeping people fully informed about what's going on in the group. Many of you may not know Rob that well: In recent months other responsibilities have arisen in his life, and he and Marie have not been able to make it on many walks. Despite this, all along he's been working behind the scenes, keeping the website going, fixing technical problems, adding updates and more. Now that Rob has stood down from the role of Treasurer (after two years of excellent service), this new post has been created to give to Rob the recognition he deserves for his vital input with the website.

Joint Programme Secretary: Emyr Morris is elected.

Emyr has definitely been one of the more enthusiastic members of the group over the last year! He's become a self confessed walking addict since joining the TTs and is always out, either on our own walks, or galavanting in some far flung corner of the country on the hardest, longest possible routes he can find! Emyr has put a lot of effort into researching walks routes, leading walks for the TTs and also advising other leaders on routes and technical aspects. It was felt that this position would supplement well Trudi's scheduling of walks (with her brilliant organisational skills). It is anticipated that Emyr will work alongside Trudi to advise on walking routes, and also cover the technical aspects of how we operate our walks (this will include health and safety and navigation). We are going to see how the position develops over the next year and possibly consider renaming it at the next AGM, but for now it's Joint Programme Secretary.

If you have any queries around the AGM or election of officers then please feel free to call Christian or Doug.

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Message from Neil - Songs for World Peace- Unplugged at Dharmavajra Buddhist Centre

All are invited to attend this ambient evening of acoustic guitars and vocals at Dharmavajra Kadampa Buddhist Centre.
Our café area will be temporarily transformed into an intimate concert hall, where you can enjoy a variety of live performances from local, amateur musicians. A self-service buffet of hot and cold vegetarian food and a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, including teas and juices, will also be available for all to enjoy.
For those who would also like to sample some of the many benefits of meditation, there will also be a taster session preceding the musical entertainment. This unique event will provide the perfect opportunity to explore a different aspect of Friday nightlife in Swansea and to experience the versatility of Dharmavajra Centre.
All proceeds will contribute to the development of our World Peace Café, which will bring great benefit to the local and wider community.

Friday 27th March- meditation at 7pm, meal and music from 8pm, £12 per person

To book- call 01792 458245 or email info@meditationinwales.org

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Phew, that was quite a long one! That's it for now so see you soon.

Cheers,

Doug

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 16th Mar 2009

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Mynydd Pembre and Burry Port - Sun 22nd March

On 22nd March there is a circular walk from Burry Port area. It is 9 miles long but the grade is easy since there are no real hills (and only one muddy bit!).
Walk takes in part of St Illtyd's Way, a nature reserve, MynyddPembre (not really a mountain!) and includes fine views over the estuary.
For those going directly to the start point it is Penybedd Wood car park near Burry Port - grid reference 420014.
Turn off the A484 at the "Country Park" sign. After crossing the railway bridge the car park is on the right hand side (no charge).

Distance: 9 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Meeting: 9.30 at County Hall car park or 10:15 at Penybedd.

Contact: Bob on 07981 963 681

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Book Your Places For Pembrokeshire Weekend!

On 17th to 19th April we will be returning to the wonderful Pentre Ifan bunkhouse in Pembrokeshire for a weekend of walking organised by Emyr. Cost will be £19 per person, per day, and this includes dinner, breakfast and packed lunch.

Please send cheques to Emyr as soon as you can. You can send the full amount of £38 for two nights, or if you prefer a £19 deposit and then pay the rest at a later date or on the trip.

Cheques payable to: Urdd Gobaith Cymru (the organisation that own the bunkhouse)

Post cheques to: Emyr Morris, 3 Druidstone Way, Penllergaer, Swansea, SA4 9AJ.

For more details about the trip call Emyr on 07846879210.

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3 Peaks Challenge - Sat 28th March

Another Message from Emyr; if you want to come on the 3 Peaks Challenge as part of 'Team Tawe Trekkers' please call Emyr so that he knows numbers and can advise you on arrangements for the day.
Emyr has also advised that it is best to register beforehand as this will save time and money, details of the challenge and how to register are on the 3 Peaks website at http://www.cardiffoutdoorgroup.org.uk/3pt/3pt.htm.

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That's it for this week. Before I go, it's worth mentioning that we had a successful AGM on Friday, and details of the new committee will be available shortly!
It's pub night at the Brunswick on Thursday so might see you there for a pint.

Cheers,

Doug

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 9th March 2009

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Beacons Horseshoe - Sun 15th March

If you're up for a bit of a challenge on Sunday, with stunning scenery, then this walk might tickle your fancy.
There are two walks often referred to as the 'Beacon's Horseshoe.' One goes from the Neaudd Reservoir and approahes Pen y Fan from the south, but this one goes from Cwm Gwdi, north of Pen y Fan, and then traces a shape on the map that looks a bit like a cloven hoof via Bryn Teg, Cribyn, Pen-y-Fan, Corn Du and Cwm Lllwch. My guidebook refers to it as 'arguably the finest mountain walk in South Wales.' Best that you be the judge of that claim!
The walk does have some steep and strenuous climbs, and is graded it as strenuous so please ensure you're feeling upto it and have suitable equipment. Dogs are welcome as long as their owners are well behaved and kept on a lead.

Meeting: County Hall at 0930, or the carpark at Cwm Gwdi at 1030.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Distance: 8.5 Miles

Contact: Doug on 07766652837

Please call me if you plan to meet at the start point in Cwm Gwdi, so I know who/how many to expect and can advise on directions if you're not sure. To get to Cwm Gwdi you'll need to follow the A470 roughly 10km north from the Storey Arms, and then take a right turn just past Libanus, then follow the country lanes west for about 4km to the Cwm Gwdi carpark at the foot of the mountains. Again, an OS map would be invaluable in finding your way.

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Annual General Meeting - Friday 13th March

All are welcome to come along to the Vivs in Sketty for 19:30 to attend the AGM and to cast your votes for the election of officers! If you want to stand for the committee please let Christian or Doug know so that we can advise you on positions, and also so that we can announce names on the night for voting purposes. All are welcome to stand and attend but please note; to be able to hold a position on the committee you have to be a member of the Ramblers Association (easily joinable).

Call me on 07766652837, or Christian on 07791089942 for details.

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Pembrokeshire Weekend - 17th to 19th April - Book Now!

As we had such a great time at this top-notch accommodation last year, we will be returning to Pentre Ifan Bunkhouse in beautiful Pembrokeshire. Emyr is organising the trip and will also be leading us on two walks in the local area, more details to follow.

Cost is £19 per day including food and accommodation. You can’t go wrong!!

Call Emyr on 07846879210 if you want to discuss details and to book your place asap.

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That's it for this week, see you soon,

Doug

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 2nd March 2009

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Caerphilly Mountain - Sat 7th March

This is an 8 mile leisurely walk that takes in forestry, part of the Rumney Valley Ridgeway footpath and Caerphilly Mountain, and includes lunch at the halfway point at a lovely country pub offering real ales and renowned for a warm welcome and good food.
Some great views can be had of Caerphilly Castle, and in either direction down to Cardiff and the Bristol Channel, up to Merthyr and the Brecon Beacons. Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest fortresses in Europe - a Norman castle that boasts a tower that out-leans Pisa! It may occasionally be muddy underfoot in one or two places and there are a few stiles so as Graham would say, portable dogs only please!
The pub run a selection of special offers on food, for example - credit cruncher for £2.95, or two meals for £8.95.

Meet at County Hall at 9.30, or 10.30 at Forestry Commission Car Park (located on Van Road, 1 mile outside Caerphilly)

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Contact Rhidian: 07534960567

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Mynydd Caerffili - Sadwrn Mawrth 7fed

Wac o 8 milltir yn cynnwys coedtir, rhan o llwybr Cefnffordd Cwm Rhymni, mynydd Caerffili, gan gynnwys cinio wrth hanner ffordd mewn tafarn gwledig hyfryd ble mae cwrw lleol, croeso cynnes a bwyd da yw gael. Mae golygfeydd godidog yw gael o Gomin Caerffili, o Gastell Caerffili ac i ddau gyfeiriad i lawr at Gaerdydd a Mor Hafren ac i fyny at Ferthyr Tudful a Bannau Brycheiniog.
Mae Castell Caerffili'in un o'r caerau mwyaf yn Ewrop - castell normanaidd ydyw sydd a thwr sy'n goleddu mwy na Phisa !Bydd y tir yn fwdlyd dan draed mewn un neu ddau le, ac mae ambell i gamfa, felly fel mae Graham yn dweud, dim ond cwn cludadwy os gwelwch yn dda !Mae'r tafarn yn offrymy bwydlen arbennig, er enghraifft - credyd creinsiwr am £2.95, neu dau bryd am £8.95.

Yn Cwrdd: Neuadd Sir am 9.30, neu 10.30 yn Maes Parcio y Gomisiwn Coedwigaeth (ar Van Road 1 milltir tu allan i Gaerffili).

Gradd: Hawdd - Cymhedrol

Cysylltwch a Rhidian: 07534960567

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Message from Ruth - Charity Walk

Just a brief note to say that I will be doing a sponsored walk on an ancient pilgrim route in North Spain called "The Camino". I will be walking on my own for 7 days until I reach Santiago Di Compostella cathedral. I am raising money for a local charity based in Morriston, Swansea called Peace Mala. The money I raise will give money for a school to enter a project for the Peace Mala Awards for Youth. If you see me on a walk and you would like to sponsor me it would be great!


Love, Ruth Davies

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Thanks both. Think this is the first time we've had a bilingual post on the newsletter!

Remember that this Thursday (5th Mar) is pub night at the Brunswick from about 8.

We still need to finalise the Spring Programme as we're waiting for a few bits and pieces of information, including confirmation of the date for the next weekend away. However, it will be finished shortly and as soon as it's ready it will be winging its way to your inboxes. If you still have info to give to Trudi for the programme please get in touch with her as soon as you can.

Cheers,

Doug