the rambler-september 2013 -...

Newsletter Date

Friday 6 September

2013

Volume 82, Issue 1

The Rambler-September 2013

British Dutch

Walking Fellowship

Contents

☺ 10 Days to go!

Page 2 - 4

☺ Hello Fellow

Members

Page 5

☺ Public Liability

Insurance

Page 6

☺ Wine?

Page 7 - 8

☺ Four Day March of

Paramaribo

Page 9

☺ Well Done!

Page 10

☺ Swiss Army Night

March

Page 11 - 12

☺ Your letters

Page 13

☺ Forthcoming

events

Page 14

☺ Birthdays

Page 15

☺ Editors Details

Volume 82, Issue 1 www.bdwf.org.uk Page 1

HOW TO DRESS FOR NIJMEGEN!

There are times when we can't make up our minds how we should be dressed for Nijmegen ... The Hat ... [courtesy Spike Elliot] mmm ... not part of the Military Uniform, surely The scarf ... equally not so ... If you look at the rucksack [fortunately you can't see it here], it's certainly not Military [it's sort of bright red and grey] and the boots ... phew, also not to be seen here; they're over 10 years old, they're green KSB's with blue tongues and now they've been smothered with black polish to make them look the part, which they don't really. I'm sure with another 4-5hrs of rub-bing they might look a bit shinier!

Hello Fellow Members

Volume 82, Issue 1 www.bdwf.org.uk

The 97th Nijmegen Vierdaagse is now behind us. Many including the KNBLO organisers are saying that this years Vierdaagse was the best ever. How far do you agree with that statement?

All our newcomers completed the four days, the number of dropouts were noticeably down and the weather was perhaps kinder to walkers, so maybe it is true. Let me know what you think.

Nevertheless, if you worked in the office it was intolerable. To my chagrin we had no air conditioning, no windows except a skylight to conclude the weather outside. So it was not pleasurable for me or the others. Stripping off clothes was not an option but we persevered and kept on smiling.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, several of our members had to withdraw prior to the event. They are as follows: Rose Smith, Simon Cox, Robert Newton, Christopher Oyston and Brian Young.

Every year I hear these words "I have a complaint" from Brian. There was none of that this year. I missed his wit, bedside manner, banter and most importantly the insults. Dave Brooks - a colleague (term used loosely) made a valiant attempt to be Brian, but there will always be one Brian. I am looking forward to your insults in 2014 mate.

Charles Coldrey was unfortunate to not gain a place in the lottery, so I am hoping we see you next year.

On to more pleasant things......

Wim Magnin who has been ill for sometime came to the sportshall during the week. It was pleasing to see you.

Happy anniversary

To Mr and Mrs Howard Johnson. It was their 50th Wedding anniversary during Nijmegen week and Howard manage to persuade his wife to let him go to Nijmegen. What an understanding wife.

Newcomers

27 newcomers successfully completed their first Vierdaagse and received their Nijmegen Kruis. Next year you will receive the number two medal with the crown. Much nicer than the first medal.

40K teams

We had three 40k teams. One led by Lenny Goldsmith, a mixture of adults and students led by David Andrews and the student team led by Beth Simmons. They were all successful. The student team in particular wanted to complete the four days not only for themselves but for Beth their team leader. They admire her leadership and motivation. Well done Beth. If you ever need a reference let me know.

Hello Fellow Members (continued)


Year 10 and 25 awards

Two of our members achieved their number ten medal or gold award. Amanda Bryer and Sybren van Klaarbergen. Well done to you both.

By joining the Gold club, you will get a reduction on registration for Nijmegen each year.

Whole hearted congratulations to Nigel Jones who successfully completed 25 Vierdaagse at 50K. What an achievement, a real trooper. There should be a couple of drinks in that for me.

Silk shorts award.

There were several nominations for the 'Silk shorts'. The usual nominations are as follows:

Katie Elliman—who reproduced some of the ID cards with the wrong photo i.e. Ron Williams became Ron Richardson.

John Mosley - fell asleep at dinner and his colleagues left him.

Alex Sil - left his packed lunch at the hall and ate others on the way round.

Ollie Thorne - getting on the bus in the morning and then realised he had left his start card behind.

Nigel Jones - purchasing moisturiser thinking it was after sun.

Lenny Goldsmith - left his rucksack back his digs and had to cycle back to get them.

Jean Bobker - left her start card behind because she brought out the wrong bag.

And the winner I am happy to say is one of our Dutch colleagues for the very first time. The recipient is the very quiet, yet lovely Cindy Snijders. Sitting just outside the sportshall, Cindy got the buttons on her trousers caught in the slats of one of the chairs and had to be rescued by Niek Rouschop, Frankie Mabbott and several others. Cindy will get the shorts when Dave Holyday relinquishes them.

Free Nijmegen place.

This is awarded to the person or group that brings the most members to Nijmegen. The winner this year is Brenda Layne of the Girls Venture Corps Air Cadets (GVCAC).

Going the Extra Mile

There were no winners.

Thank you

To Caroline Kok and Cindy Snijders for organising and running a superb quiz during Thursday's evening meal time. The prize was a golden clog which was won Joy Wade and her groupies.

Also thanks to Sybren who has provided us with 2 white boards for use outside the office.

Nijmegen 2014.

The committee took a well earned break during August and will resume work on Nijmegen 2014 in September. Our first committee meeting is in September where we shall look at your feedback as well as information imparted to us at the AGM and put in place a program of work to make improvements for next year.


Hello Fellow Members (continued)

So far we have booked the sportshall and caterers and provisionally booked one coach from Swindon for next year. It would be nice to have two coaches filled.

In November you will receive Membership and Nijmegen application forms for next year. To help us with registration and sportshall numbers, can I ask you to return the forms with the deposit

by the deadline please. Support staff must get their applications in by end of December.

I am told that several of our members who have not been for a while (Jeanne Carter, Jeff and Marylin Hurley) are due to return next year. I do hope it is not a rumour. It would be good to see them.

And finally, at the Saturday debrief I produced a speech and thought it would be nice to replicate it here.....

'As we say goodbye, we remind ourselves that farewells are not forever, nor are they the end. They are simply words to say that we will miss you dearly and that we will remember each other fondly.

Although we may be separated by time and distance in the interim, nothing will diminish the important role that you have all played here this week'.

Kind regards

Herman

Nijmegen Event Manager (NEM)


Public Liability Insurance

At the AGM, I mentioned the club had taken out Public liability insurance.

What does that mean?

It means that we have insurance that covers our legal liability in connection with The Fellowship, to members of the public for accidental injury or accidental damage to their property. In other words it covers you as members in Nijmegen, RAF Cosford, RAF Lyneham where you cause accidental damage to property belonging to members of the public.

PLEASE NOTE, THAT IT DOES NOT PROVIDE TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER

IT MUST BE STRESSED THAT PERSONAL TRAVEL, HOLIDAY & MEDICAL INSURANCES

ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL OR FAMILY

Why do we need it?

Accidents happen, and they can be costly to The Fellowship, particularly if they cause death or

serious injury. Public Liability Insurance covers our liability to pay compensation to customers

and members of the public for accidental death or injury, or accidental damage to their property,

caused by either you as walkers or as support staff in connection with the walks I have

mentioned above.

It also provides cover for the legal fees, costs and expenses that we may incur in defending a

claim, the costs of attending any coroner’s inquest or fatal accident inquiry, or court proceedings

for any alleged breach of statutory duty that led to the injury or damage.


Wine?


Four Day March of Paramaribo

The official Four Day March of Paramaribo is held annually under the auspices of the Sports Association BVSS. The Association assures participants of proper organization of the march, as it has done for close to 50 years. The rules and standards of the Association are governed by Suriname's rule of law, especially where it concerns safety. In addition, liability and accident insurance is arranged for all participants.

We run the "4daagse" tour on these dates:

• Wednesday April 23

• Thursday April 24

• Friday April 25

• Saturday April 26

Distances: 08 - 10 - 14 - 07 miles.

Starts every day at 17.00

Distances: 15 - 19 - 26 - 13 mls.

Starts every day at 15.00

Promoting 4days walking of Paramaribo during the 4days walking of Nijmegen.

The Suriname wandelmars ( Avond vierdaagse - AVD) is an annual event organized during the Easter vacation in the month April in Suriname. This event which is derived from the Dutch Avond Vierdaagse is about a 4 day walk event mainly to keep the population healthy and moving. In Suriname however the Suriname wandelmars (Avond vierdaagse - AVD) has got an extra reflection of culture and commercial output. Divided into separate groups with their own organization and logistics, the Suriname wandelmars has become an event of fun advertising and folkore. The Suriname wandelmars ( Avond vierdaagse - AVD) has a category for the young and the old.


Four Day March of Paramaribo (continued)

So if your here during April and May make sure you don't miss the Suriname wandelmars which will be held in the streets of Greater Paramaribo or find out if there are other events of your

interesting during your stay in this beautiful country by visiting our events directory.

Every year the “ avond vierdaagse “ ( four day walking march in Dutch ) is held in Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname, South America. Many groups and single walkers will participate. All the groups dressed up for this occasion. They will walk and dance coming next three days. The event attracts a lot of viewers along the streets with different routes on all four days.

Go to this website for more details http://www.exotischereizensuriname.nl/4-days-2014-.html


Well Done!

Well done to all participants in this years Dodentocht 2013.

Members of the BDWF walking in the 2013 Dodentocht included:

Roy Hayward; Paul Williams; Ken Redman; Chris Evans; Amy Waite; Avril Money; Sheryl Lea; Mo Leach; Andy Bodman; Debra Bodman; Daniel Markowicz , Robert Newton and Nigel Young.

If you would like to have a go in 2014, send me your details and I will pass on to the organiser. Herman Boston [email protected] or 07936 390500.


Swiss Army Night March

John Lake, RAFWARMA Transport Adviser coordinates the trip to the Swiss Army Night March. The actual walk will start on Saturday afternoon. Non-walkers are most welcome on this trip. The walk is open to civilian and military participants. As many of you will know, John Lake has coordinated these trips for many years having taken out walkers to participate in the event since 1981. However, good things do come to an end and this is to be the last time that John will be organising the event. Information of the event has always been made and is available on the RAFWARMA web site at www.rafwarma.org.uk (from the home page click on ‘Overseas Events’). The resulting information page giving details of the event and with costs and contact details is copied following this opening. The principle of the walk is having multiple control points and you chose which one you’re going to walk to and then the next and so on until you arrive back at the start/finish point inside the set timescale – used to be 12 hours. You can duplicate routes a certain number of times and you get road-distance points per kilometre for the distance between control points. If your navigation skills are good then the potential is for short cuts to gain more points than the distance walked. However, the added complication is that control points close at different times so beware that they haven’t closed before you get there. The equaliser to age/fitness levels is that you start with a point for every year of your age – nice! You must complete 30km but then it’s up to you. The gold medals are obviously awarded to competitors who get the most points which really are the challenge of high mileage. Full details of the ‘scoring’ system and any variations to the above will obviously be communicated on the Saturday morning of before the walk. Many BDWF members have achieved the distinction of winning these gold medals or appearing on the Roll of Honour. For any further information please contact John Lake via the contact details as shown. Good luck if you decide to take part. Roy Hayward Walker Liaison.


Your Letters

Viborg Denmark

This year we planned our holiday in Denmark. There were two reasons for this choice. We wanted to walk the HAERVEJSMARCHEN at Viborg and we thought it would be nice to explore Denmark. The international walking (IML) was on the 29th en 30th of June, so this fitted perfectly in our walking schedule for Nijmegen. This walking is also a performing ride, so we walked different distances. Wilma and Joop walked 40 km for 2 days and Klaske walked 30km. We had an early start at 5 o'clock in the morning, so we could get used to Nijmegen already. Despite the rain on Saturday morning we had a nice day. We had a wonderful route at the Jutland en in the afternoon the rain stopped en there was some sunshine. The route on Sunday was also great with lots of sun. After two wonderful walking days mostly up hill and down hill we were well prepared for Nijmegen and especially for the third day( de 7 heuvelen) would be a piece of cake for us. Of course we had to take a picture in 'Orange' at the end of the walking.

And Yes, all three of us finished de Nijmegen Vierdaagse this year. For Joop this was the 11th time, for Klaske the 10th time and for Wilma the 5th. See you next year.

Joop, Klaske en Wilma Ludema


Your Letters

“We are pleased to say that Joy and Paul Wade successfully completed this year’s Dodentocht, from 9 to 10 August. Paul says about the walk:”

“It was a great walk with many smiles and few frowns. I am thrilled for Joy. She was only given permission by her knee surgeon to walk without crutches at the end of October 2012, but for no more than 10 minutes at a time. We completed our first training walk for the Vierdaagse on New Year’s day: a massive 4 ½ miles, and built up steadily from then. Joy’s success at the 40km distance at Nijmegen spurred her on to go for the Dodentocht. We truly had only one difficult period, for about 15 minutes leading up to the Control Point at 73km. However, arrival at the three quarters mark injected new strength into our legs, as you can tell from our smiles in the attached photos, and we pushed onward to a happy finish. By the way, I’m pretty pleased for myself, even though some people have teased me that the walk was so gruelling that I was one year older by the time I finished. That’s right, I celebrated the start of my birthday at 1.00 am on the 10

th!”

“The other photo of Joy is on the restaurant terrace relaxing after a sumptuous meal, shortly before walking up to the start point. Unfortunately we do not have photos at the finish because other walkers were coming in thick and fast behind us and the walk organisers wanted to “process” us through the finishing tent and out the other side into the crowds.”

Paul Wade


Forthcoming Events 2013:

September 2013

5th - 8th Great Barrow Challenge. Bury St Edmunds, four days of walking 6 to 26 miles a

day. Www.greatbarrowchallenge.co.uk This walk is slightly earlier this year. Did you know you can enter as an individual or a team!

October 2013

13th - RAF WARMA Winter Walk. http://www.rafwarma.org.uk/

30th - 55th Swiss Army Night March http://www.rafwarma.org.uk/overseas.htm (See at-tached article)

As soon as dates are available for more of the regular walks I shall let you know.

There is also an excellent website detailing walks available in the Netherlands -

http://www.wandelkalender.nl/2013/meerdaagse.html

If you know of other walks that our members would be interested in, please let us know - contact details are at the back of this newsletter.

If you are going on your own walk and would like company please let us know and we will put the word out for you.


Birthdays

Many happy returns to Many happy returns to Many happy returns to Many happy returns to you allyou allyou allyou all

British

1 Stephen Dalton

2 Brian Young; Debra Goodman

3 Josh Williamson

4 Mark Gordon; Bethany Whitehouse

5 Karen Pearce; Claire Newman; Elise Simmons

7 Ciara Sakar; Laura Chapman

8 Jim Nelson; Daniel Nash; Samuel Johnson

10 Ann Worboys; James Phillips

11 Carl Wood; Thomas Noyes

12 David Price

13 Jack McMullan

14 Shirley Delvin; Darren Gray; Dawn

Whitby

15 Jack Cartlidge; Damian Green

16 Christopher Rossiter; Katie Elliman; George Gibson

17 David Patey; Hollie Ricketts

18 Anthony Webber; John Moir; Helen Smith

19 Graham Antrobus

21 Rebecca Garth; Kurt Murfin

22 Hamish Gibberd

23 Ken Redman; Mike Toulouse

24 Brian Harvey; A.H. Goodwin; Jeanne Carter; Zoe Chapman

26 Helen Elizabeth Stewart; Marie Ward; Eddie Everett; Ross Knox

27 Angela Pawlysyn; Sarah-Jayne Wood

28 Nigel Jones

29 Duncan Robertson; Patrick Bracegirdle

Nederlanders

1 Marscha van Turnhout

4 Margreet ten Have

6 Wendy Smak

7 N Van Wooning

8 Harry Bult

10 Rianne Moolhuijzen

12 J Heddes

13 Ben Weststrate

15 Gerrit van der Berkt

19 Sonja van der Hoogt

20 A K M Bourma

23 Jan van Oosten; A van den Braak; Stephan Van Der Last

25 Sylvia Schweig

26 Willy Meer

27 J Heerbeek

29 A Bevers

British Dutch Walking Fellowship

The British Dutch Walking Fellowship (BDWF) was founded out of the BT Nijmegen group in 2003. The club has no political or sectarian interests, and is non – profit seeking. Membership is open to anyone 12 years and over.

As a member, we want to make sure that you get the best from your relationship with us and that means keeping you informed.

Any news items to be included in the next newsletter

should be with Kate by Friday 27th September 2013

Contributions are always welcome. Remember, every member has a voice and this is the ideal medium to have your say

Katie Elliman

Editor


Katie Elliman

26 Blake Court

Trowbridge

Wiltshire

BA14 8WE

Mobile: 07763026369

E-mail: [email protected]

Our email addresses will be changing…

Please read next months edition of The Rambler

for new contact details!

the rambler-september 2013 -...

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