News and information from the Isle of WightArea and Groups

It’s almost decision time - we need to ensure that the ‘Right’ route is chosen. Keep in touch with all the latest news: Email wightct@outlook.com to join the ‘Wight Coast Trail Supporters Group’. This group is for everyone who wants to see a truly coastal national trail on the Island.

We will work together to:• Agree how the Coast Path should be improved• Understandthetouristeconomybenefits• Help protect our natural environment• Lobby decision makers• Publicise and demonstrate our concerns• Submit comments to Natural England’s route proposals

Issue 138 Summer 2019

The new Wight Coast Trail

Support

NB This group is subject to the Ramblers Privacy Policy and GDPR. Email addresses will only be used to communicate about issues relating to the new coast path. A Facebook group will also be created.

Wight Coast Trail Supporters Group

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Welcome......to walkTALK, the newsletter from the Isle of Wight Ramblers. If you’re new to walking, or if you’ve not seen walkTALK before, why not join us?Benefits include:• 280 led walks on the Island each year;• a variety of social events;• walking holidays and day trips;• national Walk magazine and walkTALK;• Discounts from leading outdoor suppliers (eg Cotswold; Blacks) and Ramblers Worldwide Holidays;• support for an organisation campaigning for greater access to the countryside.Joining us couldn’t be easier. Just go to www.iow.ramblers.com and click on the membership link.

Welcome to the 20 new members who have joined since our last newsletter four months ago.

YOUR DATAAs a member of Isle of Wight Ramblers you will always receive Walk magazine, Walktalk, our walks programme, and AGM information. You must opt in to receive email information.

Preferences can be changed at www.ramblers.org.com/my-account or tel 020 7339 8595

Walktalk is also published on line at www.iowramblers.com. If you do not wish to receive a paper version tell Jackie H.

508Total membership for the Isle of Wight RamblersMain Group 464; Wightsole 44

Goatober Walk 10.00am - Sunday 6 OctoberSmallholding goat farmers Simone and David are launching Goatober on the Island this year and as part of the month-long festival they are hosting an 8-mile circular walk from their Kingston smallholding, in between Chale Green and Shorwell. Plenty of parking is available. The walk starts at 1000. Lunch stop will be the Crown Inn. On completion a tour of their smallholding will be given where they have over fifty goats and other animals. A free goat hot dog tea will then be served, and walkers will be given the chance to buy some of their delicious goat meat and other smallholding products.

SELBORNE VISITA huge thank you to all who supported the coach outing in June when what could go wrong DID go wrong!!

First the ferry was delayed, then our coach broke down on the A3 leaving us in a bit of a precarious situation until the Police arrived and coned off the inside lane. Eventually another coach arrived to take us on to Selborne and “The Wakes” the home of naturalist Gilbert White until his death in 1793. Staff were patiently awaiting our arrival to give us an introductory talk.

A recent renovation project funded by a Lottery Grant gave easier access to the updated galleries and a new cafe in the old stables. The Museum now tells the stories of three explorers of the natural world. Much of the house and its 30 acre garden is devoted to the life and achievements of Gilbert White but upstairs three rooms display the Oates Collection. Frank Oates, Victoria explorer and his travels in Africa and the Americas. The Antarctic Gallery shows the tragic story of Laurence Oates who undertook the epic journey to the South Pole with Captain Scott in 1912.

The rain and delays altered our schedule

somewhat and only the walk up the Zig-Zag Path built by Gilbert White and his brother John in 1753 to Selborne Hill took place with a few hardy souls who braved the torrential rain.

Finally, a third coach came and collected us for our journey back home. Yes, you’ve guessed it, more problems with the ferries! We were put on the one whose propeller had fallen off and was taking twice as long to cross The Solent so we all arrived home much later than planned.

Despite our “different and adventurous” day out, we all remained in good spirits and enjoyed our experiences!

Christmas Lunch 2019Ann Cable is organising this year’s event. The venue will be the Regency Suite of Shanklin Conservative Club.

The date is Saturday 7 December. Please arrive at 12.30hrs, for 13.00hrs lunch.

This year, there will be a two-course lunch. There will be soup and rolls, followed by full turkey roast, mince pies and tea or coffee.

A vegetarian option is also available – please indicate this choice on the reverse of your cheque.

There is seasonable background music through the meal, and table top quizzes, party hats etc

At 14.00hrs, there will be entertainment from ‘The Slipshod Singers’, a male voice choir. This will be followed by a raffle.

The total cost, including service, and a donation to the singers, is £18.50. Please send your cheques payable to ‘Isle of Wight Ramblers’, Mrs Ann Cable, 26 Clarence Gardens, Shanklin PO37 6HA

entertainment from ‘The Slipshod Singers’, a male voice

circular walk from their Kingston smallholding, in between Chale Green and Shorwell. Plenty of parking is available. The walk starts at 1000. Lunch stop will be the Crown Inn. On completion a tour of their smallholding will be given where they

SELBORNE VISITA huge thank you to all who supported the

First the ferry was delayed, then our coach

somewhat and only the walk up the Zig-

SocialEvEntS

walkTALKwww.iowramblers.com

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2020 ‘THE COUNTY HOTEL’ KENDALMonday 24th – Friday 28th August 2020The 3* County Hotel enjoys a central location in Kendal, the gateway to the Lake District, and is the very first of Daish’s new Town & Country Hotels.

It has recently undergone an extensive four-month refurbishment programme and will offer a smaller and more boutique accommodation experience as it has only 40 bedrooms, a lounge, bar, bistro restaurant and coffee shop.

Free Wi-fi. Two led walks or coach excursion included plus a free day.

4 Nights 5 days - Cost: £295 per person based on twin share half board and return coach travel from the Island. (Sorry - no singles left)

AUTUMN HOLIDAY 2020 ‘CRETE’ Friday 16th - Thursday 22nd October 2020The rugged mountains, spectacular coastline and dramatic gorges make Crete a mecca for walkers. A week on this Greek Island is being arranged through Travel Editions staying at the Ideon Hotel in Rethymnon on a bed and breakfast basis. Besides flights and transfers a price of £779 per person (single supplement £109) would also include two days walking with a guide and taverna lunch plus a full day excursion tour of the Island with lunch. This price is based on 20 persons travelling.

If you are interested in coming with the group on any of the above and would like further details, please contact Jackie on 868517.

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Up-coming Ramblers’ holidays ISLE OF WIGHT WALKING FESTIVALThank you to the walks leaders who participated in this year’s festival in May. Also, to the many helpers who prepared the Walk the Wight route. Mountbatten Hospice CEO sent his appreciation for this work – they hope to raise £250000 from the event, an important part of the £8m needed each year.

In 2020, Walk the Wight will be celebrating its 30th year and we will be installing a special gate along the route to commemorate this occasion.

The Festival itself will take place between 2nd and 17th May, so please include your Ramblers walks in the event. The Island is hoping to obtain dark skies accreditation in 2020, so perhaps one or two night time walks might be appropriate.

The rugged mountains, spectacular

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARYA DIFFERENT TYPE OF SOCIAL EVENINGDATE : FRIDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2019PLACE: IW Indoor Bowls Club, Brading Road, [564336] next to MacDonalds, near Ryde. FREE PARKING.TIME: 5-30 TO 6PM, FOR FIRST QUIZ. MEAL AT 7-00PM DETAILS: Thiswillbemyfirstattemptasyournewsocial secretary; the night will consist of 3 lots of common- sense quizzes spread over the evening, with a prize for the winner/s of each quiz.

There will be a two-course meal after the first quiz, followed after that by two more quizzes. The menu is as follows.

Chicken chasseur, with loads of vegetables.Salmon in sauce with loads of vegetables.Vegan/Vegetarian, with loads of vegetables.*Followed by gateau or cheese & biscuits.

The cost will be £8-00, Closing date is the 14th September

Please make cheques payable to IW Ramblers, and send to me at V. Findell. 75 Stephenson Road. COWES PO31 7PR. Any queries I can be contacted on vernonfindell@gmail.com. If it is alright with you, can you also let me have your e-mail address then I can let you know that I have received your form, BUT not compulsory.

........ CHICKEN

........ SALMON

........ VEGAN/VEGGY [please delete as appropriate]

........ GATEAU

........ CHEESE & BISCUITS

NAME……………………………………………………………… ADDRESS…………………………………………………………...............................................................................................CHEQUE ENCLOSED FOR £……………………………………V. Findell. 75 Stephenson Road. COWES PO31 7PR

walks might be appropriate.

Warrior Trail Walk

Brading Marshes

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Osborne House

Isle of Wight Council introduced a Coastal Path in the late 1970’s using existing rights of way and highways. Whilst this long-distance route has been popular with residents and tourists, there are parts of the route with no sea views and several miles of dangerous road walking.

In 2009, the Marine and Coastal Access Act was passed by Parliament, and introduced an English Coast Path, some 2700 miles along the coast. Whilst the island was not included in the Act originally, after much local campaigning, the Minister signed an order to include the Isle of Wight.

Natural England is the organisation responsible for implementing the new National Trail, and in 2013, they introduced a second version of a scheme, explaining how this would happen, and where there

might be variations in their approach. Section 4.5.1 states “The route should normally be close to the sea otherwise it would fail in its primary purpose to enable people to enjoy the coast of England.”

Section 8 of the scheme provides for paid visitor attractions and large areas of parkland. It is for Natural England to agree a voluntary path with English Heritage. Locally, Council Officers and officials, as well as our MP have spoken to English Heritage and, nationally, Ramblers staff are also in discussions.

We understand that Natural England and English Heritage are continuing their discussions and we are hopeful that a positive outcome will be reached.

David Howarth, area chair was interviewed by BBC TV “Inside Out”, and this programme will be shown in the autumn.

Osborne Beach

During the Spring and Summer there has been several meetings involvingourMP,Councilofficialsandofficers,LocalAccessForum, Ramblers members and senior staff.

Coast path news - Osborne update

Osborne HouseInside Out TV interview with David Howarth and John Cuthill

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MOD beach walk with members of Isle of Wight Council, Local Access

Forum, Radio Solent presenter and Ramblers members

We continue to persuade the MOD of the benefitsofcoastalaccessatPorchfield.As well as reducing the amount of road walking on the new coast path, it opens up spectacular seascapes on the east side of Newtown harbour and bay.

Coast Path Continuing Concerns at MOD Jersey Camp

Radio Solent interviewed both David Howarth and Cllr. Sir John Hobart on their breakfast show. Their reporter, Dominic Blake then visited the island for a walk around the Porchfield area arranged by Area Footpath Secretary Mike Slater.

There is much support for Isle of Wight Rambler’s proposals to improve access along the coast. Isle of Wight Councillors, Rights of Way officers and the Local Access Forum Chair are all campaigning for these improvements.They joined us for a tour around the MOD site and further radio interviews took place. The 820 acre site is mainly used by a tenant farmer, and occasional rifle practice takes place on a 300 yd range. Red flags are then flown and access by vehicles and people forbidden. It is a significantly underutilised public asset. Many MOD sites, with heavy tanks and weapons allow access under controlled conditions.

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Mardi Gras 2019- Celebrating our Biosphere Island- Celebrating our Biosphere Island- Celebrating our

Our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty unit has been working towards the UNESCO accreditation over the last two years. Biosphere is all about the special qualities of our island, and how it fits together is a sustainable way with the community at its heart. 36 different topics were identified. Recreation was one area which included sailing, cycling and walking. Isle of Wight Ramblers worked with the Way Forward group to present Go Walking in imaginative costumes, dance and music. Jackie and David led the group through the town.

The parade set out from Ryde School and made its way through the streets finishing in Eastern Gardens.

Jackie leading the way

Mardi Gras 2019 was all about celebrating the Isle of Wight’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This annual extravaganza organised by the New Carnival Company was the culmination of a year of partnership working with schools and community groups.

Jackie leading the way

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On the first Tuesday of each month Adam Scull of the Rights of Way department leads groups of volunteers to carry out path maintenance work. Adam’s 4x4 truck is used for getting tools and materials onto sites.

Maintenance Work Party News

• In April paths were cleared, litter was picked, and anti-slip mesh was laid along a board walk GL57 near the Griffin Pub, Godshill.• A39 St Georges Down was the site in May, with 41 steps being cut out on this hillside path.• After a break in June, July saw another team cover a long length of slippery board walk with mesh along C28, Gladices, Chale.

Problems at these locations had been reported to ROW by either the Ramblers local Parish Path Rep or by visitors to the Island. Many thanks to everyone involved with helping to keep our paths in good order. Lovely new steps

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Where are we? Answer on page 8

Non-slip bridgeTrimming back foliage

Before the steps were installed

Mike Slater, Area Footpath Secretary arranged the evening at Rookley Community Hall and invited volunteers to attend. The following topics were discussed:• Countrysideissues–discussionsledbyMaureenLeRoi• Navigationalskillsusingasmartphone–MikeSlater• Updateonthenewcoastpathandcampaignissues– Mike Slater and David Howarth• ARightsofWayquizwasdiscussedateachtableCarol Henley provided an excellent buffet, when discussions continued.

Mike and David took our guests on a pleasant walk around Newtown, and there was much topical discussion. There was the suggestion that the Isle of Wight hosts a training roadshow next May to coincide with the Walking Festival. This is now being planned.

Island Visit by Ramblers StaffAn evening footpath supper was arranged when 33 volunteers and staff attended. Three Ramblers staff members from Central Office joined us and discussions continued the following day around Newtown.

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AREA COUNCILArea Chair David Howarth 07477 600337–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Acting Secretary David Howarth 07477 600337–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Web/Media/Publicity David Howarth 07477 600337–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Newsletter Editor David Howarth 07477 600337–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Footpath Secretary Mike Slater 752997–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Path Reps. Coordinator Vacant–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Membership Secretary Patricia Macaulay-Fraser 07894 466881–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Countryside Officer Maureen Le Roi 612668–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Area Treasurer Carolyn Lymn 565508–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––C’ttee Members John Gurney-Champion 522665––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Pam Dana 01983 863189–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

GROUP COMMITTEEChair Rod 07871 049312–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Secretary Steve Gibson 07901 555789–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Walks Programme Steve Gibson 07901 555789–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Treasurer Jackie H 868517–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Newsletter Distribution Tim H 868517–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Social Secretary Vernon Findell–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Shows Coordinator John R 520155–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Committee Member Roger 07740 541153–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FOOTPATH COMMITTEESecretary Michael Slater 752997–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Planning Adrian Tavill 562565–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Members John R 520155 –––––––––––––––––––––––– Maureen Le Roi 612668 –––––––––––––––––––––––– Howard Duffus 07428 461619 WIGHT SOLE GROUPChair Gary 867098–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Deputy Chair Tracey 867603–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Treasurer Dave 297304–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Membership Suzanne 297304–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Publicity Alison 07792 913044

The Ramblers’ Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration number 4458492. Registered charity in England and Wales number 1093577, registered charity in Scotland, number SC039799. Registered Office: Second Floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW

Items for the next edition of walkTALKThank you to those who submitted material for this edition. If you would like to contribute to the next edition, published in December 2019. Please send to:

David Howarth, Red Oaks, 4 Woodlands, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight PO39 0FETel: 759823 / 07477 600337Email: davidhowarth220@btinternet.com

By 7 November 2019 at the latest.

Print: St. Mary’s Hospital Print UnitDesign: Coco Design Co.

Where are we? Triceratops by a house in Ashengrove near Swainston Manor

Contact information

NEWS ROUND UPVacancy for Path Rep. CoordinatorOur 25 Parish Path Representatives are the eyes and boots on the ground regularly checking the condition of footpaths in their Parish. We would like to thank David Yates for his hard work coordinating this team since 2017.

Unfortunately for personal reasons David has had to step down from this role.

This has created a volunteering opportunity to take over this coordination work and help bring on board new Path Reps.

We currently have Parish Path Rep vacancies for • Brighstone East • Cowes • Godshill North • Newport West • Ventnor WestIt can work well when two people share the work. If

you are interested in one of these roles please contact Mike Slater - mikeandmarie@hotmail.co.uk

IOW Council Public Rights of Way SurveyThe ROW Department are organising a group of volunteers to carry out a comprehensive survey of all 500 mile of the IOW Public Rights of Way. This will involve recording the position and condition of all path structures such as signposts, stiles and bridges; plus identifying other problems with the network.

This is an opportunity for regular walkers and existing footpath volunteers to help provide the IOW Council with a detailed picture of the status of our Island path network and the resources required to maintain it.

If you are interested in participating in this project, please contact Jennine Gardiner at Rightsofway@iow.gov.uk

Bensteads Marsh Boardwalk OpeningThis project was completed by Wight Nature Fund. The new boardwalk connects footpath NC18 and SS48. IW Ramblers contributed £500 towards the costs. Much of the funding was provided from the Down to the Coast small grants programme.

Attached is the photo. Kelly Wetherick (small grants project officer) is the lady on the left and with Mary Edmunds from WNF. Also in photo Darrel Clarke ROW Manager, Peter Fellows and Bob Edney.

Big Get Together

This event was inspired by Jo Cox, the former MP, who was killed on 16 June 2016. Some 6000 events were held around the country on the weekend of 21-23rd June, which would have been Jo’s 45th birthday.

The Great Get Together is inspired by Jo Cox. There is a groundswell of people who reject divisive politics and simply want to bring our communities together and celebrate all that unites us.

At her maiden speech in Parliament, Jo said “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us”

We believe that walking brings people together, and many people appreciate the social support that this brings.

Linda Jones led a walk from Blackgang Viewpoint car park. She also invited people from an Island Social Group, Hobnobs.

After a hilly walk, we all enjoyed the coffee and cake.

peningThis project was completed

footpath NC18 and SS48. IW