ADVISORY NOTICE TO ALL WALKERS
It has been observed that some walkers have struggled on some of our Monday walks despite having read the updates on our sites about the distance, terraine and ground conditions.
Although we do pre warn if there is no break off point on a walk to enable a walker to leave the walk near a bus route, on some occasions walkers have ignored this advice.
Whilst all walks are undertaken at a walkers own risk we strongly suggest that if a forthcomng walk is not suitable for you that you join one of the easier shorter local walks on Tuesday Thursday or Friday. Details below.
Tuesday - Farsley Area
Meet at the Memorial Gardens on Main Street.
Time 10.15am
Leader Mick Dempsey
Thursday - Bramley Area
Meet at Bramley Shopping Centre outside Card Factory
Time 10,15am
Leader Janice Campbell
Friday - Wortley Area
Meet outside Asda on Oldfield Lane
Time 10.15am
Leader Sue Burrell
CHARITABLE DONATION
West Leeds Walking Group is pleased to support Prostate Cancer UK and below is an acknowledgment for our donation of £200.
CHARITABLE DONATION
West Leeds Walking Group is pleased to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance and below is an acknowledgment for our donation of £200 towards this most deserving Charity.
ADDITIONAL WALK LEADERS REQUIRED
West Leeds Walking Group Est 2004 are still seeking additional walk leaders to supplement The Team.
You would be in control of the dates you were able to lead walks, to fit in with our personal diary of activities or commitments.
Walk leading is a voluntary position, which is rewarding in the service it provides to our community of walkers across our various weekly groups. Without our walk leaders the Group would not function.
If your think you would enjoy this role, and are able to contribute, please speak to any member of the Management Team or any Walk Leader.
A trial run could be arranged to see if your are comfortable in the role, with back up provided by existing walk leaders
We would be very grateful for any support to enable us maintain our weekly programme of walks
A.G.M. FRIDAY 26 APRIL 2024
Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting to be held at Denison Hall Social Club 2 Pinfold Lane Leeds LS12 3LL at 12pm. If anyone has any suggestions or proposals for discussion will they please submit them to any Walk Leader no later than Friday 19 April when these will be passed to the Chair Mick Dempsey.
DISCOUNTED RAIL FARES
Wef 23 Jan to 29 Jan 2024 the UK Gov have announced a discounted advance rail fare offer which most train companies are running. This offer is for rail travel from 30 Jan to 15 March.
The Morecambe trip on the 11 March falls into this category.
Please see the Monday Walk page for further information and also our Facebook and WhatsApp sites.
DEREK BLACKWELL
We are sorry to announce that Derek, one of our long standing Walk Leaders, has died. At the moment we have not received any notification of the funeral arrangements..
Our sincere condolences to Derek's family and friends.
IRIS SMITH
We are sad to announce that Iris who attended the Christmas Cracker has died suddenly. The funeral is at Rawdon Crematorium on Monday 22 January at 10am, followed by a service at Whingate Methodist Chapel at 11am and afterwards at Farnley Cricket Club.
Our sincere condolences to Iris's family and friends.
West Leeds Walking Group send best wishes to Freda, Jean, Nikki and Arthur for a good recovery and hope to see them walking with us again in 2024.
ARTHUR
We are very sorry to announce that Arthur has had a stroke/fall and is in hospital. We send him best wishes for a good recovery from all our groups.
Arthur is a vey active walker and we hope to see him walking with us again in 2024.
WALK LEADERS REQUIRED
West Leeds Walking Group Est 2004 seek additional walk leaders to supplement The Team.
You would be in control of the dates you were able to lead walks, to fit in with our personal diary of activities or commitments.
Walk leading is a voluntary position, which is rewarding in the service it provides to our community of walkers across our various weekly groups. Without our walk leaders the Group would not function.
If your think you would enjoy this role, and are able to contribute, please speak to any member of the Management Team or any Walk Leader.
A trial run could be arranged to see if your are comfortable in the role, with back up provided by existing walk leaders
We would be very grateful for any support to help us maintain our weekly programme of walks.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT FROM THE YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE THANKING WEST LEEDS WALKING GROUP FOR THE CHARITABLE DONATION
OBITUARY
We are sad to announce the unexpected death of our regular Monday walker Ken Miller.Our condolences to Ken's family and friends.
OBITUARY
We are sad to announce the death of our Farsley group walker Martyn Verity. Our condolences to Martyn's family and friends
OBITUARY
We are very sad to announce the death of Margery Manson. Margery was a very active and long standing member of our walking group for many years.
We send our condolences to Margery's family and friends.
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PLEASE LOOK AT THE "EVENTS CALENDAR" ON THE MENU FOR THE DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS
NEW WALK PROGRAMME FOR JULY AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2021 NOW AVAILABLE FROM JANICE
If you have not joined any of the May/June local area walks please remember that unless government guidelines change it is mandatory that face mask are be worn at Bus and Railway Station concourses and on ALL public transport. (Exceptions for health reasons)
Social distancing rules still apply.
WALKS UPDATE 11 4 2021
We are advised that West Leeds Walking Group walks will resume wef 17 May 2021.
The local Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday and Friday will continue in their usual walking areas.
With regard to the Monday walks a provisional programme for May and June has been prepared and a leaflet with the walk details will be posted to all walkers shortly.
The joining point for the Monday May/June walks will be at the start of the walk eg Pudsey and not Leeds City Centre. They will end at the starting point.
It is important to remember that social distancing rules will apply so we ask that you do not congregate in groups. The Government will not review social distancing rules before the 21 June.
Until the Government decide otherwise we are obliged to restrict the number of walkers on each walk to 30 under current legislation. This applies to outside gatherings and organisers and facilitators of such events are liable for fines if the number is exceeded.
Indooor events ie pubs and cafes will still enforce the rule of 6 or two households until the 21 June so please bear this in mind and do not decend en masse on such establishments at the end of the walk. There are normally plenty of alternatives.
With the mandatory restriction of walkers to 30 it would be helpful if Walk Leaders not involved in the actual walk did not attend all walks in May and June as this may prevent some of our walkers who have had very little social activity for over 12 months from attending.
The initial walks will be a little different until current restrictions are lifted and we ask that you please obey the rules whilst walking under the auspices of West Leeds Walking Group.
Hopefully we will be able top return to our normal programme of varied walks in the third quarter.
OBITUARY NOTICES
We are very sad to announce the deaths of two of our long standing walkers.
David (Dave) Burrell died suddenly and unexpectedly in hospital on the 19 March 2021.
Our sincere condolences to Sue and family.
We have also been advised that Miriam Hood has died and we again send our condolences to family and friends.
COVID UPDATE 22 2 2021
The PM addressed the nation to reveal a "Roadmap" with Four Step Programme, to ease covid restrictions in a considered and gradual way, with a five week gap between each stage to allow a review of data before proceeding further.
Measures of interest to walkers:
- Until March 7 existing restrictions continue i.e. Exercise permitted once a day with your own household (or support bubble) OR with ONE other person.
STEP 1 (Part 1 ) March 8
You will be able to meet one friend outdoors for the purpose of recreation not just exercise and have a coffee on a park bench or have a picnic. Previously two people could only meet for exercise. The "stay at home" order remains in place.
STEP 1 (Part 2) March 29
Up to 6 people from different households can meet outdoors OR two full households. The latter rule is to allow large families to have a reunion.
The stay at home is lifted but people are encouraged to stay local.
STEP 2 No Sooner than April 12
Rule of 6 etc still applies.
Hospitality may reopen for OUTSIDE service only for food and/or drink with the Rule of 6 or mix with one other household only.
STEP 3 No Sooner than May 17
INDOOR mixing is permitted for travel and overnight stays but the previous restrictions on muliple households and the Rule of 6 still apply. Outdoors, most social contact rules will be lifted but gatherings or more tham 30 will be illegal. Indoor hospitality reopens.
STEP 4 No Sooner than June 21
No legal limits on social contact!
Guidance on social distancing may continue.
COVID UPDATE JAN 2021
Wef 5 .1.2021 the PM announced a third national lockdown. People will only be allowed to leave their homes for limited reasons.
Exercise is permitted once a day with your own household (or support bubble) or with ONE other persons.
For full details see www.gov.uk.
COVID UPDATE OCT/NOV 2020
Our area is in the High Tier with further restrictions on household mixing inside and in public spaces and parks. For further details on what this entails see www.gov.uk website.
Wef 5.11.2020 National Lockdown.
Wef 2.12.2020 Our area is now in Tier 3 Very High Alert. Full details on www.gov.uk.
All walk programmes remain suspended until Government legislation permits the resumption of our normal activities.
ALL WALKS SUSPENDED WEF 14 9 2020
In accordance with the revised mandatory Government COVID regulations and the rule of 6 ALL West Leeds Walking Groups are suspended until further notice.
We will advise you when walks are able to resume.
Should a group of 6 friends wish to walk independently this is permitted, bearing in mind that all such friends must be notified if any person has been in contact with someone with a positive covid test.
COVID AND CHRISTMAS UPDATE
The following has been agreed by the Management Committee and follows Government guidelines:
There will be no Christmas Parties in the 2020 the name of West Leeds Walking Group.
There will be no Christmas Cracker in 2020.
Should individual bubbles wish to organise their own Christmas event this must be done in their own name and at their own cost.
No such events will be funded by West Leeds Walking Group in 2020.
We look forward to planning events and meeting up with everybody in 2021.
WALKING UNDER COVID REGULATIONS
Please do not attend any walk if you are feeling unwell - and it goes without saying if you think you or any family member may have any COVID symptoms.
WANDERS UPDATE AUGUST 2020
The Management Team have regretfully decided to cancel their planned Coach Wanders in September and October.
This is because the coach company is only allowed to run at 50% capacity under Government COVID regulations with masks worn by passengers during the duration of travel.
This would also be uneconomical with the extra costs involved and it is also felt that there is an additional risk in walking and travelling in other areas in the current circumstances.
We feel sure that you will agree that this is a sensible decision
WALKS UPDATE JULY 2020
Wef week commencing 20th July it is proposed to resume the shorter local walks that take place on Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and Friday.
These walks are in the Farsley (Tues) Farnley (Wed) Bramley (Thu) and Wortley (Fri) areas.
As these local walks have a lower number of walkers its seems feasable to resume if the social distancing rules etc are followed.
You may wish to bring a drink as refreshments may not be possible at the end of the walk.
Please contact the Walk Leaders for further information:
Mick 0771 7366 441
Janice 0790 0411 659
Richard 0789 189 4244
PLEASE NOTE : The Monday walks will NOT be resuming at the moment as these are longer walks involving public transport with a large number of attendees.
COVID 19 UPDATE JUNE 2020
All walks and Monthly Wanders regretfully remain suspended whilst Government rules on social distancing and restriction in numbers allowed to meet remain in force.
First Buses and other bus companies are now running with a reduced capacity of 25% ie 1 in 4 seats being left vacant. No standing passengers allowed and buses will not stop when the capacity is reached until someone alights.
Wef 15 6 2020 a face mask or face covering is mandatory on public transport with a fine of £80 for deliberate non- compliance.
COVID 19 - WALKS UPDATE
Following yesterday's Cobra meeting and the PM's press conference, the Walk Leaders have decided to suspend all walks and wanders with immediate effect.
As you will have heard all non essential social contact, non essential travel, visits to clubs, pubs and restaurants is to be avoided by all, not just the over seventies and people with health issues.
We regret having to do this but it is in all our interests to stay healthly .
As soon as we are able to resume walks we will let you know but this may not be for some time.
This unaminious decision applies to ALL walks on whatever weekday.
Please tell anyone you know who may not have internet access and see our three sites.
Look after yourselves and keep in touch if you need any help.
A.G.M 24 APRIL 2020
AGM CANCELLED DUE TO COVID19 LOCKDOWN
All walkers welcome to attend the Annual General Meeting of West Leeds Walking Group on Friday 24 April at Denison Hall Social Club 2 Pinfold Lane Armley Leeds LS12 3LL. Meeting commences at 12pm
CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Will all those attending please note that this starts at 12pm prompt at Denison Hall Club on Friday 13th December
ELLA
Update
17 members of the Walking Group attended the funeral and it was mentioned how much enjoyment Ella had gained since joining the group and how beneficial this had been.
Thank you to all that attended.
It is with much sadness that we have to announce the Ella our lovely Scottish lady and regular and long standing member died today.
With her great sense of humour and zest for life Ella will be missed by our Group.
We send our condolences to her family and friends.
FACEBOOK AND WHAT'S APP.
Did you know we have a Facebook App - Friends of West Leeds Walking Group? If you have a a Facebook account why not join our group? Photos taken on Monday walks are posted together with up to date infomation regarding future walks.
We also have a West Leeds Walking Group Whats's App. Walkers who do not have access to Facebook have joined this to receive information about changes to bus times/routes and changes to walks due to unforseen circumstances and bad weather. Please provide your smart phone mobile number to a walk leader if you wish to receive such information.
STELLA
We are sad to annouce that Stella one of our longest serving walkers and committee member died suddenly at the weekend. The funeral arrangments are currently unknown but we send our condolences to Stella's family and many friends in the walking group who knew Stella for many years.
The funeral will be held at St John's Church Wortley on Monday 11 November at 1pm. Family flowers only but donations may be made to Brain Tumour Research for which a collection box will be available.
2019 SUPPORTED CHARITIES
Acknowledgment letters from the two charities nominated by members - Breast Cancer Haven and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Thank you for your donations from the raffles and collections.
MAJOR BUS ROUTE AND TIMETABLE CHANGES IN LEEDS CITY CENTRE
Wef 1 Sep 2019 over 50 bus services travelling through Leeds city centre will be affected by the long term work in the Headrow to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. This involves initially closure of the Headrow east bound. Several buses will no longer stop at the Central Bus Station and others will have timetable changes. The work is expected to last between 12 to 18 months.
Delays will inevitably occur and until the new timetables are published we will not know how this will affect our future walks.
Please use the First Bus website to find out if your bus times/route will be altered.
MONTHLY WANDERS BY COACH
The demand for our Monthly Wanders by coach, especially the coastal visits, frequently exceeds capacity.
We are limited by the number of seats on the coach, and as has been previously explained, it is not viable to hire an additional 16 seater mini bus as the cost is based on the drivers time and distance not the size of the coach.
We must, therefore, restrict a seat on the coach to Members only and regret that we cannot accommodate friends and relatives of Walking Group members.
If there are any last minute cancellations, however, it may be possible to include others so it is always worth checking with Janice on availabilty.
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GREEN BAG PHOTOS
Now that the holiday season is upon us please let us have any photos taken with our "Green Bag". These can be published on this web site and on our facebook page.
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FEATURE FROM PAGE 3 OF YORKSHIRE EVENING POST 9 MAY 2019 ABOUT LEEDS UNITED SUPPORTER EXTRAORDINAIRE (and West Leeds Walking Group member) - NIKKI
For those of you who are unaware of Nikki's lifetime devotion to Leeds United. Nikki is an inspiration to others suffering sight loss or disability by her determination to carry on regardless. And Nikki tells us she thrilled to be a "page 3 "girl !
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NOTICE FOR ALL WALKERS
Our printed programme is prepared three months in advance with Walk Leaders submitting their walks to the Secretary prior to this. There is limited space on the programme to provide a detailed walk description and bus and train times change frequently. Also further recces nearer the date of the walk may result in alterations to the route if paths etc are closed.
Please use the link from our Facebook site Friends of West Leeds Walking Group to direct you to this website West Leeds Walking Group Est 2004 to check walk details. Any changes will be updated regularly.
Also please take into account the length of the walk, stiles, and terrain etc and make a personal decision on whether to attend.
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AGM FRIDAY 26TH APRIL 2019
VENUE : DENISON HALL SOCIAL CLUB - PINFOLD LANE/ARMLEY TOWN STREET (Opposite carpet shop)
TIME: 12PM
EVERYONE VERY WELCOME TO ATTEND.
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39 BUS SERVICE CEASED
The hourly Monday to Saturday service from White Rose - Wortley- Armley- Kirstall- Meanwood- Moortown- Gledhow run by Square Peg has ceased running.
This will be a blow to those walkers who use this service to attend walks and meetings amongst other activites.
Metro are unwilling to fund a replacement service and their view is that passengers should travel into town and catch another bus at the Leeds Bus Station Interchange, which is time consuming and highly inconvenient.
The 38 Sunday only service run by First Buses on this route is still running.
You may wish to contact your local ward councillors to lobby to have the Monday to Saturday service reinstated by First Buses who ran the service originally.
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MAVIS
We are sad to announce that Mavis, who for many years was a regular walker with our Group has died. Mavis was the Aunt of Ann and Geoff and the sister of Betty. We send our condolences to them at this dificult time.
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DENNIS
We are very sorry to hear from Dennis, our genial Walk Leader, that he has taken a tumble in his garden recently and consequently is unable to lead or join our walks at the moment.
We all wish him a speedy recovery back to full fitness.
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YORKSHIRE EVENING POST NORTHERN RAIL OFFER
Wef Monday 13 January the Yorkshire Evening Post are printing tokens which provide travel on Northern Rail trains for unlimited travel on one day for £10. Three tokens are required but up to 4 tickets can be bought for 3 tokens. The tokens will be printed until the 2 February and travel is available from 14 January to 24 March so can be used on the 13 February Wander to Morecambe.
The price of the YEP is 85p
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MONTHLY WANDER TO MORECAMBE 13th FEBRUARY 2019 - RAIL FARE £14 - £10 with offer
The new timetable for trains to Morecambe has now been published. There are changes in the times from previous years. The train departures are now as follows:
Dept Leeds 10.18am
Arrive Bare Lane 12.20pm - for those joining the walk to Morecambe
Arrive Morecambe 12.24p
From Morecambe
Dept 15.03 - Arrive Leeds17.03
Dept 17.31 - Arrrive Leeds 19.35
Dept 20.10 - Arrive Leeds 22.22
Through trains with no changes shown
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We have now set up a Facebook site primarily to enable our members to view all the photos taken on our walks. The site can be found on Facebook under Friends of West Leeds Walking Group. "Friends" is the operative word here as this is our only official Facebook site and should not be confused with sites of a smilar name.
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2019 IS THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FORMATION OF WEST LEEDS WALKING GROUP. TO COMMEMORATE THIS THE COMMITTEE IS PLANNING A NOSTALGIC SHORT WALK FOLLOWED BY REFRESHMENTS. MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW. WATCH THIS SPACE!
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Pudsey 2p Challenge - £36.68 raised by West Leeds Walking Group Est. 2004 - £9,209.35 raised in total.
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HOPE PASTURES
As part of the mystery walk on 29th October 2018 we visited Hope Pastures in Weetwood Lane, the equine rescue, rehabilitation and re- homing centre. We had a pre-arranged tour of the Rescue Centre with Sharon the Volunteer Co-ordinator who gave us a very interesting insight into the role of Hope Pastures.
We then met the horses, donkeys and ponies and heard their stories, often very sad, about how they had been rescued and arrived at Hope Pastures.
Wherever possible the animals are re homed and there are over 200 now with families but still supported by Hope Pastures.
There are 30 permanent animals who are resident at Hope Pastures, which will be their forever home. The cost of feed and veterinary fees alone is enormous and this small charity relies on donations and the sterling work of volunteers.
For every £1 donated 95p goes to the animals. Two of our walkers have already adopted a horse -Henry and a donkey Coco.
For more information please visit their website www.hopepastures.org.
We have some leaflets, which give a brief resume of the inmates if anyone is interested.
Our grateful thanks to Sharon and the team for a very enjoyable experience.
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2019 WANDERS BY COACH
Early warning - please note that from 2019 the Armley pick up point will be the layby outside Armley Leisure Centre in Carr Crofts.
This will enable the driver to park up safely and avoid disrupting the traffic in Town Street.
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MONTHLY WANDER WEDNESDAY 10 OCTOBER
Please note the change to the Second Walk at Ogden Water due to the erosion of the footpath. This walk is more difficult with hilly moorland and steep uneven steps to a stile. There is an easy foothpath walk around the lake and Visitor Centre for those less able to climb.
Thanks to Janice and Bill who have been out three times to recce this Wander as a result of the changing landscape.
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2018 CHARITIES SUPPORTED BY WLWG Est 2004
West Leeds Walking Group is delighted to continue its tradition of supporting two charities chosen by its members throught a voluntary collection on one of our coach trips, from the raffles held during the same week and group funds.
The charities nominated this year were Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Leeds Careers and were very pleased to be able to donate £200 to both charities.
Thank you to all our walkers for their support.
Both charities have acknowledged and thanked us for the donations in the letters below.
GIPTON SPA BATH HOUSE
As mentioned during the recent Glehow Valley Woods walk this Grade2 listed historic building is cared for by the Friends of Glehow Valley Woods. This will be open to the public under the supervision of FGVW members on Sunday 9th September 2018 between 1.30 - 4.30pm. There will be refreshments and a FGVW stall promoting the group and sellling merchandise.
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BRITISH RED CROSS FIRST AID COURSE
We are extremely grateful to Dennis Brooksbank of the British Red Cross for the most instructive and practical First Aid Course he provided recently for all Walk Leaders and several group members.
The insight provided will be most beneficial to us as a walking group and also in our everyday lives.
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WEATHER WARNING
Please remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and a drink when walking in this exceptionally hot weather.
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DAVID
We wish David a speedy recovery from his surgery and look forward to seeing him on our walks very soon.
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FIRST AID COURSE
There will be a First Aid course run by a member of The British Red Cross on Friday 27 July at 1.15pm at Denison Hall Social Club Town Street Armley.
Any walkers wishing to attend please book a place with Bill Stevens.
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DENNIS
We were sorry to hear that Dennis one of our esteemed walk leaders will be out of action for a while whilst he undergoes and recovers from urgent surgery to an injury. He has struggled manfully for several weeks and we all wish him a very speedy recovery.
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TOM MAYNARD
We were very sorry to lose our friend Tom last month and many of the West Leeds Walking Group attended his funeral. Tom was of course the widower of Diane our much respected Secretary for many years.
Tracey and Sharon, their daughters, have given us a generous donation to our funds in their memory for which we are most grateful.
These monies will be used for travel costs on our May Monthly Wander to Goathland and Whitby.
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WEATHER WATCH
Following the everlasting poor weather conditions underfoot, our Spring programme walks may be muddier than normal. We changed two walks due to snow and substituted easier ones in a similar area.
As always we recommend stout walking boots and a walking pole/stick may also help.
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UPDATE RE MONTHLY WANDER 10TH APRIL - YSP/BRETTON COUNTRY PARK
After the recent heavy rain it is likely that the walk in Bretton Country Park will be very muddy in parts and as there are some steep paths it may be slippy. We may encounter a field of cows unless they have been moved to another pasture!
The paths in the actual Sculpture Park should be ok for walkers wishing to stay in that area.
Please do not wander too far after coffee at Wakefield Bus Station as the no 96 bus we have to catch is a single decker and it is not a frequent service.
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WEATHER UPDATE FOR WALK 19TH MARCH - GLEDHOW VALLEY WOODS
With the heavy snow on Saturday, and through the night, it will not be safe to do this walk and the adjacent footpath has very little pedestrian traffic and will be untreated. Also two thirds of the walk is not on a bus route so it is not easy to drop out en route.
Plan B is to meet at the same bus stop in town catch the no 12 bus and walk from Oakwood to Roundhay Park for a coffee and lunch stop.
Snow is not forecast for Monday and it will not be quite as cold but could be icy.
We ask you to make a pesonal decision on whether to walk.
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WEATHER UPDATE FOR MONDAY WALK 5TH MARCH - ROOMS LANE TO WHITE ROSE
The walk is going ahead but we would ask you to make a personal decision on whether you come in view of the recent severe weather conditions. This walk is on untreated roads and paths, which should be taken into consideration, as it seems unlikely that there will be a rapid thaw.
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BUS TIMETABLE CHANGES WEF 17 2 2018
Please be aware that there are many changes to the Metro Bus timetable from the above date. As our printed walks programme is prepared three months ahead some of the bus times may alter. Please check so that you do not miss the bus!
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WELL DONE RICHARD!
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YORKSHIRE EVENING POST/NORTHERN RAIL CHEAP FARES OFFER
From 15 January to 29 January the YEP will be printing tokens to clip from the paper and save. Three tokens are needed to enable up to four people to travel in the Northern Rail region for £10 per person. These tokens could be used for both the Morecambe and Hollingsworth Lake Wanders as the tokens are valid for travel between 15 January and 25 March.
If you purchase the YEP you might like to cut out the tokens. Even if you are not going on the Wanders they could be passed on to other walkers.
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JANUARY UPDATE 10.1.2018
Please note that this Wander to Slaithwaite goes ahead but the time of the train from Leeds to Huddersfield will be 10.36am. Trains to and from Leeds to Huddersfield are by the Trans Pennine service which is not affected by strike action. There will be a bus service provided by Northern Rail from Huddersfield to Slaithwaite/Mardsen as a replacement for the train.
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JANUARY 2018 WANDER - POSSIBLE CHANGE DUE TO RAIL STRIKE
Due to strike action by Northern Rail we may have to change this Wander on 10th January, which is by train to Slaithwaite/Marsden. The Walk Leaders are monitoring the situation and will keep you informed if is necessary to substitute an alternative.
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FEBRUARY 2018 WANDER - CHANGE OF DATE
Please note that it has been necessary to move the date of the February Wander to Morecambe from 14th February to 21st February.
This is a "one off" change due to the special cheap fare offer not now being available the previous week.
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BRIAN RHODES
It is with much sadness that we have to announce the death of Brian one of most loyal and long standing members. Brian participated fully in our walking programme for many years and served on the committee.
He was a keen line dancer, loved musical theatre and was very active in the Scout Movement as a Scout Master.
Brian was socialising with some of our Walk Leaders very recently and he wll be greatly missed.
The funeral is at Rawdon Crematorium on Thursday 28th December 2017 at 11.40am. Donations may be given to Bramley Elderly Action.
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NIDD GORGE UNDER THREAT
We were introduced to the Nidderdale Greenway between Ripley and Harrogate by our walk leader Dennis shortly after it was finally opened in 2013 after many years of consultation.
This 4 mile walk is scenic in any season and one striking feature is the Viaduct with the river Nidd cutting through the steep tree covered slopes of the ravine below.
It was alarming to be told by a resident during our Wander on 8 November 2017 that the Greenway is under threat. It is proposed to build a bypass, which would destroy this lovely area enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and horseriders.
There is a petition on the website of Nidd Gorge Community Action so please feel free to visit this site and add your name to the petition of you don't want to see another natural walking area lost.
Click on the link under Links on our main menu
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KATH AND DEREK
May we all wish our Walk Leaders Kath and Derek a very speedy recovery from their surgery. We look forward to walking with you both in the New Year. In the meantime store your boots and get your feet up and rest!
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CHARITABLE DONATIONS
We are delighted to announce that as a result of the collection on the July Monthly Wander, raffle ticket sales and club funds our nominated charities Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance have both been presented with cheques for £200.
Thank you all for your genorosity towards such two deserving causes.
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SEPTEMBER WANDER BY COACH 13 SEP
Please note that the primary visit on this trip is to Wycoller a pretty village in Lancashire situated in the Wycoller Country Park, which many will not have heard of or visited. We are also going to the Singing Ringing Tree as an extra at the request of walkers who wished to revisit this landmark. The Wanders Committee spent eight hours reccing the area and we hope you will enjoy the visit.
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JULY MONTHLY WANDER UPDATE
Another full coach with a waiting list for our visits to Wolds Way Lavender and sunny Scarborough - even one of our walk leaders did not manage to get on board.
We hope you all enjoyed the lavender farm and its attractions. Many navigated the maze and were seen playing the traditional games that were provided at various points. The minature train ride was good fun and many thanks to the Management Officers for paying the admission fee and train ride from club funds.
Scarborough did not disappoint with a pleasant walk around Peasholme Park and along the Marine Drive from the North to South Bay where we dispersed to enjoy beverages and meals at various cafes and pubs.
Special thanks to Janice and Bill for organising the day's itinery
Please join us on next months wander to the city of Ripon by no 36 bus on 9 August.
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MONTHLY WANDER 12 JULY NEWS
Prior to our visit to Scarborough we will be calling at Wolds Way Lavender situated to the east of Malton. This is a family run lavender farm with very good reviews. It is a 12 acre site of which 5 acres are planted with 120 varieties of lavender and herbs. There is an area especially suitable for anyone with walking issues, with raised beds and plenty of seating to absorb the views and perfume.
In addition to the wonderful lavender displays there is a light railway, which serves a lavender distillery, a living willow maze and a sculpture walk.
Light meals and drinks and the reknown lavender scones are available in the Lavender Tea Room.
There is also a Plant Shop and and Gift Shop selling a multitude of lavender products - bath and body, aromatherapy etc.
We hope you will enjoy our visit.
NB: We may have to be flexible with our timings during the day as we may encounter heavy Great Yorkshire Show traffic
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GREEN BAG ON TOUR
If you are going on holiday, or to a special event, whether it be Bridlington or Barcelona why not take the "Green Bag" with you and capture a photo of this in some scenic spot.
If you ask the site administrators Bill, Mick or Christine for their email they will add your photo to the Photo Gallery on this website.
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"BLIND FAITH' - A LEEDS UNITED SUPPORTERS INSPIRATIONAL STORY.
A short film - 3 minutes - has been released by the Yorkshire Evening Post about our walking group member Nikki and her guide dog Rita.
The film was actually made in 2014 following a commission from Channel 4 but has now been released for public viewing via the Yorkshire Evening Post website.
Google -" Blind Faith Yorkshire Evening Post". Well worth a look
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MAY MONTHLY WANDER UPDATE
We hope you all enjoyed the Chatsworth coach trip. What a glorious day. We were so lucky to have such warm weather.
Many thanks to Mick for researching the lovely walk to Edensor and round the huge estate and to Bill for his river walk in Bakewell. And thanks to Angela for all the hard work in liaising with the coach company and Janice for managing the bookings.
It was unfortunate that so many members wanted to join the trip but we were limited by the size of the coach. Enquiries about running a mini bus for those on the waiting list proved uneconomic as the cost is still based on the actual mileage and drivers time not the actual size of the coach.
Why not join us for our next Wednesday Wander on 14 June 2017 when we will be travelling by train to Ilkley. Please see the Monthly Wanders page for full details and times.