Tawe Trekkers Newsletter - 8th Feb 2010

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Blorenge Peak - Sat 13th Feb

Blorenge is a spectacular summit near Abergavenny; one of the famous Abergavenny 'Three Peaks'. It affords expansive views across the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains, and the Borderlands. This Saturday Emyr will be leading a troupe up to the peak. Here's the details:

Distance: 6 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Start Point: County Hall at 0930, or at a designated start point near/in Abergavenny at around 1045. If you want to meet at the start point call Emyr for details.

Contact: Emyr on 07846879210.

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Please Read - Ramblers Association Membership

What's the issue?

Please, please, can I remind people that if they walk with us then they MUST join the Ramblers Association (RA) to become valid members of the Tawe Trekkers. We are an RA affiliated club, which means that all members of the Tawe Trekkers must subscribe through the RA to become members.

We have admittedly been a bit slack in the past in terms of checking and enforcing subscriptions, and while some other clubs won't even let people on their walks if they don't produce proof of membership(!), we have tended to give people the benefit of the doubt. While this helps the Tawe Trekkers' reputation as one of the more informal and friendly clubs, it has also contributed to a low membership rate which hasn't escaped the attentions of the Ramblers Association. As such we're trying to address the situation here.

If you are a new member you do not have to join straight away if you want to try it out first, but as a guide trial walks should be limited to three, and then membership taken out.

Why should I join?

By joining you will be supporting the good work that the RA does in promoting walking as an activity, and keeping Britain's network of footpaths and rights-of-way open to the public; a privilege that is shared by few other countries in the world.

You will receive benefits such as 10% discounts at most outdoor shops (20% at Cotswold!), and a range of publications delivered to your door (including walking routes).

RA membership will also provide you with a degree of cover in the event of an accident or injury while out on a walk with the Tawe Trekkers.

NOTE: IT IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT THAT ALL WALK LEADERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS ARE RAMBLERS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS.

You will also be directly supporting the interests of the Tawe Trekkers by joining, as the benefits we receive from the RA corresponds to the number of members. As a group we use funds to:

1) Provide the website hosting facility; this costs around £200 per year.
2) Produce publicity materials; we are about to do another print-run of posters and leaflets. Last time we did this it cost around £40
3) Charity/footpath work; we have purchased and installed a number of waymarkers as part of a footpath maintenance programme following an initiative led by Graham, our Footpaths Officer. We could do more like this if funds are available, and we're also keen to speak to any member who would has ideas for, or would like to lead similar initiatives.
4) This year (November) we are hosting the Area Committee, and will need to pay for a venue.

Our accounts are independently audited on an annual basis. However, if you do want to see the accounts for yourself then please speak to Gary on 07545068174.

There are many more benefits of joining that are described in detail on the RA website; particularly about the publications you'll receive, and supporting the many areas of good work that the RA are involved with.

How much does it cost?

'Individual' membership costs £29.50 per year. This is the most you will pay. There are a range of concessionary rates below this. Full details of rates are on the Ramblers website. This is well worth it, especially when you consider that you can make this back on discounts on walking gear.

How do I join?

It's easy. If you have internet access then all it takes is a few minutes. Go to www.ramblers.org.uk, click on 'Join today!', and fill in your details, remembering to state your group as 'Tawe Trekkers'.

If you're stuck or want a paper application form then please call me, Doug, on 07766652837.

I've still got questions, who do I talk to?

In the first instance call me, Doug. I'm the Group Chairperson and act as the main point of contact for all Group enquiries. If you'd rather talk to the Central Office in London about membership enquiries, or have any concerns that you'd rather discuss with them, then call their general enquiries line on 020 7339 8500 or email ramblers@ramblers.org.uk.

Finally...

We really appreciate your cooperation in this matter, thanks all, it means a lot to the club.

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Well another week rushes by, hope to see you out and about very soon.

All the best,

Doug