Colchester Ramblers' 60th anniversary fanfare - looking back at the history of Colchester Ramblers from Derek Keeble
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 12 - 2021 – 2025
2021
Rambler of the Year Margaret Smith
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets
A Pennine Kiss. Pocket sized booklet of a double-crossing of England in the vicinity of the Three Tops Whernside, Ingleborough and Pennyghent
2022
Rambler of the Year June Fisher
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets
Broadly Abutted. Pocket booklet of another crossing of England, this time Weston-super-Mare to Great Yarmouth. A6 size useful as unusual Christmas Cards.
2nd Commendation - I received a second commendation plaque form R A Headquarters via our chairman, for rambling input It was in my name, but I accepted on behalf of Jessie too. What input? My guess is the 21 Trails she released,1971> 2007, plus my provision of health recovery-aid walking events.
2023
Rambler of the Year John Starkey
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets
West of Doggerland. Small booklet of a huge area. Linked linear daywalks around East Anglia plus Kent and East Sussex. Particularly Angle’s Binder from Felixstowe to Hunstanton.
2024
Rambler of the Year Pamela Bradley
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets
Silver Darling Odyssey. British North Sea border chase of herring/kipper phenomenon from Moray Firth to The Wash. Features Speyside Way, Fife Coastal Path, Nothumberland Coastal Path, Cleveland Way’s coastal sector, East Yorkshire Wolds Trail and The Viking Way to Grantham at The Wash latitude. Fold of A5 sheets home production.
Birthday Buggie. I bought a Green Power buggie designed to go off-tarmac. I invited some friends from earlier rambling days to rejoin me for my birthday party walk in Stanway. “Yellow Brick Road” worked well with me by-passing foot-only areas on by buggie - austerely cold. Then we had birthday lunch and I was able to warm-up. In 2025 I am too frail to be on or off any road. Now the buggie is for sale; 1 year old, 183 miles travelled.
2025
Rambler of the Year TBC
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets
12 BLOGS. 60th Colchester Ramblers Anniversary 12 Email blogs. It seemed a nice idea for which I. Have records. It was interesting to separate my Colchester Rambler interlock from my many other outdoor actions. In the end it seems to have become a two-way listing Kennedy style. One a ruptured summary of what opportunities Colchester Ramblers gave us, and the converse listing of what we, especially me, did of nuisance value only for our mentors.
Reciprocity
For me the ratio of membership numbers against the number of leaders was horrific.
Members just would not accept invitations to share their favourite walks. It blunted progress so unnecessarily. I hope my record of reciprocal events shows no debt.
Appreciated Wonder
Kevin Clark, to me aka TIM BERNERS KEVIN joined us when Colchester was in the bilges of Essex Rambling. He did not bail out the sludge, he simply propped us all up in the new world of on-line /communication; so much so that we became the envy of Essex.
Closing Memberships
I am pleased my autumnal leaf of rambling activity will fall whilst I am still a proud member of The Ramblers via my Group-Colchester an my Area-Essex. Jessie and I were life-members: mine will expire a few days before my funeral. Also my memberships of British Orienteering is assured via my Club-Essex Stragglers, and my Region-East Anglia; and of the Long-Distance Walkers’ via my Association-Essex and Hertfordshire; will expire similarly. All the other organisations within my greater Footpath Using organisations have ceased. These others include:-
Spread of Clubs When Events Club When. Events
Hornchurch YHA 1955> 1958 26 NWEexRA 1987>1999. 41
Haverg Folk Dan 1957> 1993. 9 Not Knot 1988>2010 60
Westm Gopher 1960> 1961 17 LSC Blind 1988 >1993. 4
Field Studies C 1961> 1993. 2 10am Strolls 1991 >1992 60
ColRA 1965> Life 481 SEEsxRA. 1991 > 1995 7
British O 1966> Hon Life 122 Health Prom 1991>1992 3
HF Colchester 1966> 2016 164 Adt Ed hmwk.1987>2003 184
WrkrsEd Ass. 1986> 2014 37 TenAmmers. 1992> 2018 60
U of Nottm. 1970>1971 2 TendringRA 1992 . 2016. 91
L D W A 1973> 2008 257 HIllsiders 1994 >2013 75
ChelHF 1976>1992 158 TenAmblers 1996 . 2018 59
Suff R C. 1980> 2001 100 R & CP RA. 1997>1999. 3
Sudb RA 1982>1991 8 MD100 RA 2001> 2011 8
W I Lex+Denm 1983> 2007 7 Tollesb Wlkrs 2008> 2011 21
Clusters ad hoc 1959> 2012. 14 Col N T 2014>2016 3
Blk & Chelm RA 1987> 2003 16 Lawfd Wlkrs 2018>2018. 2
WELCOME ONE
Every Year Lawford St Mary’s Church welcomes us to their Cyclists’ and Ramblers’ Carol Service with the congregation bidding noisily for a favourite carol. I suspect the list of carols is prepared at rehearsal. In our countryside there are not many open welcomes for ramblers like that, and I appreciate the warmth of welcome. The very first Christmas which bent our time-line from BC to AD began with a long distance walk from Nazareth to Bethlehem. If Jessie and I were walking it, we would need a week. Here is a simulation of that distance we did during two Advents.
15 x 8 km loops to Carol Day a m.
Via Lamarsh from Bures Hamlet Via Boxford from Bowerhouse Tye
Via Mount Bures from Bures Hamlet Via Red Barn Dell from Bowerhouse Tye
Via Ager Fen from Bures St Mary Via Pentlow Follly from Foxearth old stn
Via Mount Bures from Sandy Hill Worm’ford Via Cavendsh from Claire
Via Tye Green from Gt Horkesley Rose & C Via Great Martin Wood from Capel u/pass
Via Garnon Airsrip from Sandy Hilltop Via Old Hall Wood from Tattingstone
Via Court Knoll from Lvnhth Brunning layby. Via PitsmereLane from Cornard C Park
Via Langhan Lowlift frin Stratfird Mill Via Leavenheath from Arger Fen
Via FurzeHill Msty from White Bridge Lawfd Via Whersted from Tattingstone
Via Wiston St Mary from Harper Hill layby Via Great Martins Wood from A12 layby
Via Dodnash Wd Bentley from Cattawade Via Clare Park from Cavendish
Via Dazeley Lne from E Bergholt cemty. Via Assington from Arger Fen
Via Stutton Mill from Brantham pylon lby Via Pentlow Ch from Clare Park
Via Hazelshrub Lane from Cattawade Via Dedham Heath from Dedham Mill Lane
Via Mill Hill x 2 from Lawford St M Touchy Cmn> Oh Come All Ye faithful.p.m.
FUMB-NAIL SKETCHES by the hundreds These rough-but-handy sketches have been present in my life since 1949., when in August I realised next tern was Soccer season: but I had left school I was not going back, I was to stay in my post at Witham. No soccer. I tried to join my local Club’s Reserves. “Clear off; we a man’s team, no room for schoolboys”. I found a newly forming Club at Tiptree Heath. They wanted a Hon Sec. I said I would do that too. How were the opposition and the appointed referee going to know where Tiptree Heath played? I devised a simple sketch-map, and it got more notice than my playing power. My pen-name for grahics became Roy Tover. I got involved in local soccer administration. Later I wrote an essay on Democracy in Voluntary Organisations including Sports. When I tired of Secretaryship plus Evening Classes plus Correspondence courses, I tried to regain full-time education. That essay came in handy at the interview for candidates. Rambling, when it happened to me, used the terms Home and Away for rambles within reach from Home, and those that required nights away from home. When the era of Sunday bus travel faltered under the impact of more private cars; ramblers needed to get to a new venue most weekends. Not all of them managed successfully. Cue: my introduction of Fumbnail Sketches. I gave ramble details to the Programme Compiler as normal, but also circulated my own extra twelve-pack sheet of sketch maps; each had a route from a numbered road to the Start plus declaring FIRST STEP times. I was fed-up with ramblers who arrived in time to park; but they needed more time to change from their pyjamas to their rambling gear. Six Sample fumbnails -
WELCOME TWO
The people whom we vote into office at AGMs are our saviours from extinction. We are a voluntary organisation whereby volunteers are monarchs-in-charge Strangely a woman has not graced the chair since 1968. I was delighted to read our Chair’s name was June Fisher. To me it is both exciting and strange. I have had a peep at this year’s AGM Agenda and I think it promises new pathways will prepare our exploration for enjoyment. Just sorry I will not be joining in. So, a warm welcome for June, and may all walkers Keep Happy Feet!
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 11 - 2016 – 2020
2016
Rambler of the Year is John Watts
New Clubs Our Hours Same as Not Necessarily Curley but with less time spent walking.
ColRA Wednesday time slots now quite full with an all-day walk, a morning walk when leaders step forward for them; and now an ultra-short walk to cater for need
Lawford Tuesday Walkers I told our man from Pleshey who regularly did the trans-Scottish Highlands multi-day trek, I was looking for a local walking club that walked slower. than 4 km p h. He recommended Lawford Walkers, his wife’s club, and duly arranged for me to mingle with them. They really were a great club and could never be accused of dawdling. Their speed was the common denominator; 4 km p h. Sadly I thanked them for their welcome and withdrew my interest.
Feb 08 Lawf Tues 6.4 km Ipswich Pipers Vale to Nacton picnic area, return
Feb 15 Lawf Tues 4 kms pre special lunch Dedham Mill Lane, Chilver Warren round
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets University of Essex produces Green Exercise.n3 varieties of walks by Mapjog Remnant. First Fifty Years book about Mapjog’s Interlock with HFColchester formerly HF-CHA. They Love to go A Sauntering Book 1-5 Mapjography Series 122 mixed lines and loop
Reciprocity ColRA with Rambling Slow linears and loops as allowed
May 10 Rock Farm Elbow. Bus Haye Lane Langenhoe Walk Blackheath CherryT bus
June 05 Vega Trio Lexden Floral Trough, Magazine bridleway Scheregate bus
June 15 Colne Valley again Bus Ford Street wa;k CVP to White Colne bus
June 22 Duke Caroline. Bus Lexden Park, Hilly Fields, Colchester Scheregate.bus
June 24 Mid-Farm Scrape Circuit at E W T Abbotts Hall Farm via Scrape Hide
May 24 Norman Cut Bus Rowhedge Walk Hythe Malsters Arms. Bus
June 24 Stanway King Coel Bus stop Grymes Dyke to Brambles Straight Rd bus
July 08 Gosbeck Park Cheshunt Field round by Olivers and Butchers
Aug 9th 6km Byrhtnoth Statue. Bus Maldon Park Rd, Promenade, High Street bus
July 14 bus. Columnbine Centre. Bus Walton walk Naze Tower return to bus
July 12 bus Layer Les Bois Walk Layer Breton Causeway return
July 26 Pebmarsh V. Hall East of Pebmarsh Round. Marsh & Kings Head
July 30 Sandpit Reserve. Copford round St Michaels and Sandpit Reserve
Aug 13 Kitchen Garden. Arger Fen, Spouces Grove crcuit Assington liunch
May 26 Blackheath Fetch. Cherry Tree bus Abbey Fields, Scheregate bus
May 05 Redoubt Call Harwich bus. Walk via Redoubt to Dovercourt bus
Sep 10 Victoria Bateman. Hurst Green round via Brightlinsea tower circuit
Sep 23 Slack Blackwater. Bus Maldon, Prom to Rose & Crown.bus back
Sep 27 Stoodle Doodle. Bus Peldon Strood walk Mersea Hard, Bus from Library
Sep 30 Cook Slow Children. Bus 8 Ash Grn Walk West Bergholt Orpen bus
Oct 28 bus to Col Hospital, walk Highwood’s Fallow Old Ley Walk to Scheregate
Nov 11 Golf Ring. Bus West Bergholt Walk to Jumbo. Lunch Hopital Arms
Nov 19 Bus to Coggeshall fails. Emergency 3 km around Gathering Grounds
Dec 10 Greenstead Library. Salary Book Open Space circuit
Dec 17 Blackheath Prowl Bus Monkwick Walk via Lethe Grove to Blackheath
Last Year’s Rambler of the Year Award gains good publicity for Colchester Ramblers
Via Halstead Gazette January 22nd edition 2016 Which covers Janet’s Lamarsh home.
HOME FOLLOWING Dec 14 Paul Sharp ColRA. Copford St Michaels Pollymath Pianist RR to Toby
AWAY FOLLOWING Feb 22 Sandown Shanklin Shunt behind Jill Green ColRA guest. Whitled
2017
Rambler of the Year Kathleen Pugh
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets These Routes Are Made for Walking Book 6-9 paddler cover 91 mixed lines and loops
Reciprocity with Rambling Slow Linears as Allowed
Little Bentley Wood. Bus Hare Green Gt Bromley Walk Lt Bentley Bricklayers. Bus
Sains Farm. Poplar Grove bus walks Great Totham to Staplers’ Heath bus
Limeswood Kaput. Gt Henny Church. Lt Henny round Woodland access expired
New Club. Our Hours now called “A-sauntering”. Because we needed two hours a time
Jan 17 Coggeshall St Peter. Coggeshall, Tilkey, St Peter’s p.m.round
Jan 24 Extracted Landscape. Bus Zoo, Walk north to Stanway lunch and bus
Feb 06 Pontisbright, Chappel Viaduct, walk boards and Wakes Coln bridge curl
Feb 10 Friars’ Grove. Bus Myland walk Friars’ Grove to Scheregate
Feb 13 Snowdrop Saunter. Copford St Michaels and Sandpit round
Feb 14 Raven Green. Bus Hare Green, walk Lt Bentley wood to Bricklyares’. bus
April 28 Go Goring. Bus Elwes Close Walk Scheregate 7 folk
May 27 Tide Limit Sluice. Bus Albany Gardens. Heated bus problems. Abandon
May 19 Cornard Tye. Bus Gt Cornard, walk Via Tye to Sudbury. Lunch and bus
May 21 Cymbeline Array. Lexden floral trough Charter Wood curl flower meadow
June 02 Glades of Lethe. Bus Blackheath, walk Lethe Grove to Monkwick bus stop
June 09 St Peter’s Pass. Bus Broad St Green, walk Gt Totham Staplers Green bus
June 16 Ryes by Limeswood. Gt Henny, Little Henny Round
June 28 China Bridge. Stisted Church. Golf and Sarcel round.
July 03 Fordham Quilter Green, Colne’s north flank circuit
July 14 Friars’ Meadow. Bus Gt Cornard, Riverside approach to Sudbury lunch/bus
Aug 07 Crankle Climb. Brantham pylon layby to seawall and return
Aug 04 Spring Vale Recoil. Bus Welshwood . Walk north to Ardleigh JdeB hill stop
Aug 11 Blue House Reserve. North Fambridge Ferry circuit via Blue Reserve
Aug 18 Bridge of Nunnery Sible Hedingham, Castle Hedingham round
Aug 28 Silva Secondus. Bus Berechurch Rd, walk cannock Mill to Hythe lunch/bus
Sep 18 Meadow Aspects. Sudbury Station Water-meadow circuit
June 06 Hillhouse Sweep. West Berghol Hall Cooks Mill circuit
July 07 Vale Crosssing. Stratford Church, walk circuit via East Bergholt cemetery
July 23 Isthmus Approach. Bus Columbine halt walks Naze Reserve return Walton
Aug 14 Owl Twist. Pebmarsh, N of school to Cross End, Marsh return
Oct 06 Terside Mingle. Hatfield Peveral, Nounsley round
Sep 26 Setback Saltings. Abbotts Hall E W T Reserve emerging new salmarsh
HOME Following
March 17 Julia Newhouse. Bus Bromley Rd, splendid walk Crockleford to Hythe bus
April 08 Julia Newhouse. Layer de la H V Hall, Chest Wood round
2018
Rambler of the year Regina Mason
Reciprocity ColRA
Jan 01 Cheshunt Footing. Gosbeck Park 17 curl by Oliver’s and Butcher’s
Jan 05 Harmas Line. Gosfield bus to Foley Cornr walk to Gosfield. Drive to lunch
Jan 08 Blind Knight return. Layer St John’s walk a reservoir path to B.Knights return
Jan 18 Finchingfield Brookside. Down east; up west side. Examine B cross bridge
Jan 22 Poppy-Palette. Gun Hill Palette emblem to Dedham Rose. Poppies back
Jan 26 Gorse on Course. Lexden floral trough to Scheregate. Bus return after lunch
Jan 29 Marks Hall 2cartrick to Coggeshall Hamlet’s St Nicholas Chapel
Feb 02 Medieval Search. Stebbing Church circuit via B O A T. Lunch Rayne Swan
Feb 05 Frozen Find. Wormingford Sandyhilltop ciruit via QE1st Hunting Lodge site
Feb 09 Alphamstone Amble. Lamarsh V Hall, Alphamstone curl. Sudbury lunch
Feb 12 Fiddlers’ Rpund. 8 Ash Grn to west side Fiddlers Wood. Heath Rd return
Feb 16 Horsecroft Round. Polstead Pond Martens Lane Bell Hill Horsecroft curl
Feb 23 Lufkin Road. Bus to Hospital, walk Highwood West to Scheregate. Lunch
March 07 Manningtree Ox. Mistley Walls, circuit via coffee stop opposite Ox statue
March 09 Wid floods divert to Hylands park. Writtle round impromptu. Witham lunch
March 12 Chest Wood Curl, Layer Le Bois Chest Wood to Bridge of Oliver round
March 16 Pauline S. Meml. Sible Hedingham Summerfields curl via Hull’s Mill
March 19 Tiptree Centre curl. Bull Lane, Spring Road, back to Tiptree Centre p.n.
March 26 Bures Hamlet curl. Bures St Mary, Mount Bures round
April 11. Wick Sea Wall Breach seen from Finginghoe Reserve Saunter
April 13. Sandy Walk. W.Mersea Seaview Ave to Waldegrave. Return to Seaview cafe
April 20 Chapman Bridge. Fullbridge to Langford & Beeleigh loop
May 07 Dollops’ bluebells. Polstead Cock, Dollops wood, Cherry-Billy curl
June 30 Rope Walk. Brightlingsea Hurst Green, Bateman Tower breakast, bus
July 13 Defa Brew. Bus Rowhedge, walk Hythe. bus to Scheregate’s new cafe
Aug 13 Harkstead Curl. Lower Holbrook inland out; coast in. Brilliant. Teas Stutton
Aug 20 Chanterelle. Bus Hythe, Walk Salary Open Space to Bromley Circus. Bus
Following ColRA
Oct 15 Paul Sharp. Stratford Mill, curl via Dedham Art Centre
Oct 19 Gordon Davis. Donyland Layby walk Ball Chase, Manwood, Haye Lne round
Dec 04 Julia Newhouse. Layer V Hall walk Old Forge Road curl to de la P O teas
Diffusion Ramble Idea booklets
Loneliness of a Short Distance Walker by Mapjog Remnant freely
Talking Ram pocket booklet 18 local half-day ramble route ideas
Double Decade My history off Colchester Hillsiders 1994 > 2013
1st Commendation. Chair John Allcock asks me to join him for coffee. As I sip so he presents me with an RA Commendation plaque for services to rambling. It is in my name but I accept it on behalf of Jessie and myself - we worked as Mapjog, a team of two. Recording unsatisfactory highway fitness-for-purpose conditions, was part of Trail Blazing. I was running 50 > 90 miles per week mainly on public footpaths for fourteen years. It led to much reporting. Maybe this earned the plaque; or that plus my role as Walk Consultant with Colchester Health Promotion?
The surprise 2nd Commendation happened at Wormingford 2022 AGM
2019
Rambler of the Year Jenny Spilane
The Christmas decoration loitered as we feared the worst about Covid. I had one good leg with a replaced hip joint, and the other leg provided hesitant support. The hesitancy finished and so did my walking, even with a limp and aids. I had still 3 rambles on the programmed. I decided to do them from the saddle of my tricycle.
Reciprocity with Rambling Slow Linears as Allowed
Saddlesore 1 Prettygate gather walk to Stanway Fiveways bus
Saddlesore 2 Cunobelin car park Stanway around Cheshunt field via Butchers Wd
Saddlesore 3 Mistley Park Manningtree Mistley Towers Manningtree
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets
First TenAmbles 18 events with Mapjog leads 1996 > 2000
Twenty-first Century TenAmbles 30 events with Mapjog & Remnant leads 2001>2019
Early Thursday TenAmming 21 events with Mapjog leads 1992 > 2000
New Century TenAmming 25 events with Mapjog & remnant 2001 . 2019
East of Bergholt. 2 dozen half-day local ramble ideas with Not the Blackheath Knot
2020
Rambler of the Year Brian Earey
Diffusion Ramble idea booklets
West of Bergholt 2 dozen half-day local ramble ideas with Not the Blackheath Knot
Routed Afoot to Scholar Green. 38 linked linear routes Great Totham to Cheshire
SHIELD
The Jessie Keeble Memorial Shield for Colchester’s Rambler of the Year Award. Chair Boyd French steered the first Colchester Rambler of the Year selection, ready for the award to be presented at the 2010 A G M. Roger Roberts received it. Somebody took a photograph of his reception of the Shield. Roger, a double doctor, Ph D and D.Sc, obtained a copy of that photograph, framed it and delivered it to me as a token of his appreciation at being recognised for his input to an organised group activity. Confirmation of the Award’s usefulness I thought.
Congratulations from me to all annual holders reflecting a range of inputs needed.
I hope the appreciation of future input efforts will continue to be marked.
Keep Happy Feet
Derek Keeble
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 10 - 2011 – 2015
2011
Rambler of the Year Mags Hobby
National SAMARITAN’s Conference One-off Sponsored Marathon; Nayland
ColRA Short Slow Routes Not Necessarily Curly
RECIPROCITY ColRA Ironlatch Key Stanway Halstead Road to Lexden via Fordham Heath. Margery Allingham Core: Chappel board walk + Wakes Colne Curl. Liston Lope Long Melford round via Liston & Borley. Counter Line. Salcott Cross, Ship Ahoy, Tollesbury Square. Bus backup. Cunobelin World bus Layer Les Bois, Bridge of Oliver, Stanway Live & Let Live. Curly Strand. Ramsey Stourwood via Copperas Bay hyde. Wed back Bus. Bus Layer Les bois, Blackheath, Lethe Grove bus stop. Crockleline bus Great Bromley Island, walk to Hythe bus Stonefield Line bus Fordham, Aldham, Marks Tey Red Lion bus.
2012
Rambler of Year Kevin Clark
AWAY ColNT Sandling on Deben Sutton, Methergate Quay Slippery round to pub lunch
Reciprocity ColRA 79th Birthday Heckford Angel, Claypit Copford round impromptu. Gooch Line Wivenhoe Stn to Colchester Scheregate bus backup. Lethe Langenhoe Line bus bus Bourne Road, walk Langenhoe Lion, bus to Colch. Braiswick Line Bus Horkesley heath walks to Colchester Hospital Arms. Fen Tiger Leavenheath bus, Arger Fen, Assington bus. Page Lane Crunch. Bus Rowhedge walk Fingringhoe, Langenhoe Haye `lLane bus. Norman Cut Bus Hythe Walk to Rowhedge bus Colchester. Hinterlink. Bus Tendring Chapel Lane, walk Bradfield Heath bus Colch. Rodbridge Line Rodbridge to Foxearth & Long Melford, bus to Rodbridge. America on Ice Bus West Bergholt Walk Horkesley Heath to Highwoods Square bus. Chanterelle Maze Highwood E carpark. Brinkley Meadow curl. 6 km. Brickwall Line Bus Birch St Peter, walk to Stanway Fiveways bus. Tollgate Line Bus Stanway Swan Green, walk Fiveways bus. Kirby Line Train backup Kirby Cross Station. Frinton, Walton on Naze Stn Chigborough Curl Heybridge Basin Chigborough Reserve. 6 km curl. Gosbecks Line Bus Layer Les Bois, walk Cambridge Green Colchester. Curly Binocular EWT Reserve Abbotts Hall Gt Wigboro. Squall at old Barge Quay. Nethercourt Curl Bus Butler Road. Halstead Rural curl. Sixpenny Birdwatch. Wivenhoe Rosabelle Park to Sixpenny Brook Round. Titus Muscle Myland Cock Green bus. Walk High woods to Scheregate.
Home following Julia Newhouse ColRA Line Lawford > Mistley Thorn 8 km. Roger Roberts ColRA Messing Wood. D whittles off. Roger Roberts ColRA Bures St Mary towards Lawford. D whittle Horne Street Langham. Paul Sharp ColRA Merlin Wall bus Gt Totham N Walk Tiptree Ship bus Colch. Paul Sharp ColRA Stonefield Line bus Fordham, Roman R Bridge, R Lion M.Tey bus. Paul Sharp ColRA bus Langford Walk Heybridge Basin to St Andrews bus. Paul Sharp ColRA Conyfield Curl. Messing SW veering through Pods Wood
2013
Rambler of the year. Gordon Davis
Publications Double Decade of Hillsiders. Mapjog’s interlock with them 1994 > 2013. Amanda Line Deputy Ed Freeby circulated in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Vintage Magazine circulated to Age concern local members
New Club Walking Breaks Roy Twort NE Esx. Coach East Yorks Wolds. Lexden St Leonards’ Walkers c/o Cedric Loxley Fiddler Line - Eight Ash Green - Fordham
AWAY Leading Rhododendrons Galore. Train Welbourne walk Sheringham GED
HOME following Paul Sharp ColRA Eight Ash Green West Bergholt round. Ruth Melling. ColRA Bradwell St George’s Day to Kelvedon Dragon pub 2ct. Julia Nehouse ColRA bus Parsons Heath, Crockleford heath to Hythe bus.
Reciprocity ColRA Buskins + Donkey curl Stanway and St Mary’s snowdrops in Birch dep for JN. Polstead Curl Polstead Pond, Rockhall, Scotland Street Round. Colne Valley linear bus White Colne, walk Ford Street Aldham Q Head
2014
Rambler of the Year Paul Sharp
New Club Colchester Alzheimer Group Angela McVitie in Highwood Park. Walks for Well Being; Braintree hub. Julia Portway, Memories to Christmas Field.
Reciprocity ColRA Bobble About Bures. Both West Bures villages curl from Bures St Mary
Nudge by Nayland. Nayland Wissington Nayland round. Mooch in Messing. Messing Corner curl in conyfield and Pods Woods. Holly or Mistletoe? Lexden 3hr carpark curl via Ironlatch Lane in Stanway. Greylag or Jay? Cattawade picnic west to Willy Lott’s curl by Orvis Farm. Constable Linear. Bures St Mary Mount Bures Wormingford bus backup. Spouse Grove Curve Arger Fen curl within both side of road and brook. Garnon’s Airstrip. Wormingford community Centre curl to Crown. Leland Ring. Harper Hill Reserve carpark around Nayland roam area curl. Kindergarten Dunk. Bus Cornard, walk east 7km to Assington bus stop
Fossett Line. W Bergholt Treble Tile, Fordham Forest, Wormingford Crown
AWAY Following Paul Sharp. ColRA Lawford, bus backup to Mistley Thorn bus stop. Ruth Melling ColRC Mersea Cross to Blackwater Pearl on to bus stop. Paul Sharp. ColRA Colchester Hole in Wall to Lexden for Chariot Site. D whittles. Paul Sharp. ColRA Birch St Peter, Baymill, Stanway Fiveways. Bus backup. Paul Sharp. ColRA Copford St Michaels Christmas lunch Stanway Toby Carvery. Gordon Davis ColRA Away train to Sherringham bus Morston walk Blakeney bus
2015
Rambler of the Year Janet Penfold
Publications. Lexden St Leonard’s 24 Walks
Reciprocity ColRA Redshank or Brentgoose. Wivenhoe Rosabelle to Sixpeny Brook curl. Hullbeck Regeneration. Arger Fen Leavenheath, Assington Bures internal coil. Moorhen and a Dam. Heybridge Basin Chigborough Reserve. Curl.
HOME following Paul Sharp ColRA Stratford Mill over Brett Box & Stour circuit. Gordon Davis. ColRA Linear Langenhoe Lion, Lethe Grove, Earlswood Way East bus. Gordon Davis ColRA East Mill, walk Lower Park to Lexden trough bus stop. Julia Newhouse ColRA North Colne Flank Excellent trawl via Fen Hill. Julia Newhouse ColRA. Langenhoe, Fingringhoe, Rowhedge bus back up
Home Leading Peewit or Blackbird? ColRA. Tilkey Tunnel, Marks Hall round. Ivy or Mistletoe? ColRA. Halstead, Broaks Wood round. Brent Goose or Redshank? ColRA. Wivenhoe Rosabelle Sixpenny brook round. Polstead Curl, ColRA, Polstead Pond, Scotland Street curl. Ponds under canopy, HF Col. Messing Conyfield, Pods wood circuit
Series Leading Home Colne Valley Path, bus backup. Poor responses for local scenes. Jumbo, W.Bergholt, Eight Ash Green. Bus backup. 8 Ash G via Fordham to Ford Street, Aldham. Bus backup. Aldham to White Colne bus backup. White Colne to Halstead Rural curl. Halstead Rural circuit through Halstead Town. Halstead Town to Sible Hedingham bus back up. Sible Hedingham to Great Yeldham, bus backup
Series Leading AWAY. National Trail: Norfolk’s Coast with nil response. Maybe because it was necessary to arrange own accommodation. Burnham Overy Staithes to Wells Hopper Bus frontup. Wells by the Sea to Morston, Hoper bus linked. Morston to Cley next the Sea with Hopper support. Cley next the Sea to Sheringham again using Hopper support. Sheringham to Cromer and Felbrigg National Trust on way home.
Following Malcolm & Thelma B Ammers East Bergholt Curl to Flatford D whittles to Red Lion.
Richard & Mary B, Ammers. Tollesbury, Shinglehead curl. Sailing Club lunch. Gordon Davis, Col RA. Langenhoe Haye bus to Berechurch Bends VC bus. Paul Apex Wlkg Brks. Halstead round. D whittles to Orienteering interest. Bernard & Jean P, Ammers. Wickham Bishops, Mope Lane curl to Chequers. Allen & Jacquie M Wlkg Brks. Bradfeld, Wrabness curl, I whittle
Julia Newhouse, ColRA. Excellent Colne Flank exploration. Bernard & Jean P, Ammers. Little Tey, Great Tey curl to Kings Arms lunch. Julie Newhouse, ColRA, Langenhoe, Fingringhoe, Rowhedge. Bus support. Paul Sharp ColRA. Stratford Mill, Higham, Low Lift, Stratford round
Gordon Davis ColRA. East Bay bus stop to Lexden Park bus stop
Away Following Mick Sutton Wlkg Brks Thixendale Round D whittles from Wharham Percy.
Kate Peldon Wlkg Brks Market Weighton. D tails off at Goodmanham.
With Ricky. Walking Breaks coach driver. Impromptu explorations afoot in East Riding
Brampton round from RSPB Reserve indoors and cliff tops. Fridaythorpe Norman church. Wetwang fracking scare. Flamborough Head North to East atop the white cliffs. Kirkham Signal Box Invitation and fascination + signalbox wildlife. Gordon Davis, ColRA Train + Poppyline to Welbourne. Walk Sheringham train return.
These listings are but one person’s recall of nearly sixty years. They whittle down to
What use did Derek make of the opportunities Col RA made for him? and how much of a
nuisance was Derek to Colchester Ramblers with his assorted way finds?
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 9 - 2006 - 2010
2006
Reciprocity - recall our first RA lead - 40 ago. Daisy Meadow curl via Maldon Prom
Sunday Besum Saver bus to Mersea Cross, walk via Hard to Peldon Strood. Bus.
Series of RA Area’s Bus back-ups. Peter Kay promoted. Bus 78 to Thorrington Gatehouse, walk to Wivenhoe, return by bus. Bus 105 to Hare Green, Great Bromley, walk via Wivenhoe to Colchester St Botolph. Bus 75 to Smythe Green L. Marney, walk to Fox Tavern Layer de la Haye, bus return. Bus 88 to. Rose Green Chappel, walk via Fordham to Colchester Jumbo. Bus 67 to Peldon Strood, walk via Langenhoe Lion to Colchester Scheregate.
PUBLICATIONS Connoisseur Seawall Saunters in Essex by Mapjog freely distributed
HOME Following Janet & Graeme Baldock Coggeshall, Pattiswick. Whittle. Arthur Cattermole bus back-up Lavenham, Long Melford, Sudbury trawl. David Cullington Little Horkesley Beehive 8 km rosie. Ian & Linda Hyde West Bergholt Eight Ash Green 8 km loop. Nick Allen Fullbridge to Wickham Bishops for soup & crumble sponsored lunch. Julia Newhouse, ColRA Nayland - Leavenheath 8km curl. Jean & Ron Wilson ColRA Stutton Gardeners Arms 7 km round. Jim & Wendy McWhirr ColRA, Gosfield to Fennes curl 9km. Mags Hobby ColRA Lexden Carpark 8 km curl via Fordham Heath. Colin Jacobs Essex Way linear BBC Essex Boxted Langham Bell-ring to Dedham Sq. Janet & Graeme Tollesbury to T.D’Arcy curl, ColRA well prepared: poor attendance. Jim & Wendy McWhirr ColRA Great Tey Essex Way Chappel return.
HF Holiday half-days Malhamdale 2xPenine Way 2xDales Way 1 Ribble. all Jan Bond
Reciprocity ColRA Bank Hol Eight Ash Green, Hillhouse wood 8km curl. BBC Essex Way linear Ford Street via West Bergholt to Boxted mass walk. Dep leader.
AWAY Following Kevin Clark stretch of legs around Orford after breakfast aboard the Lady Florence en route Orford beyond Slaughden return. 16 km afloat.
2007
PUBLICATIONS Quiet Trail Blazer. My record of Jessie’s Life Long Trail Mission
Reciprocity ColRA, Wed am Joy & Love Marks Tey to Wakes Colne. whittle: Linda. Essex Area Bus 70 to Coggeshall Walk via Great Tey to Tollgate. Essex Area Bus 93 to Stratford Mill Walk to Myland tower. Bus stop. Grass Reason Curve. Birch Mill Green, Layer Marney, Birch Caper Lane bus stop linear. Regale Our Footpaths Linear Holton St Mary to Stoke by Nayland 14 k linear. Second Easter Snowslide. A Eight Ash Green Curl via Hillhouse Wood 9km. Langham Mere, bus Stoke by N, Withermarsh Green, Stratford 10km bus Colch. Ransome Soles 8 km curl Tiptree via Layer Marney, extract Winstree Layer.
HOME following Julia Newhouse 10 km curl Layham, Reydon Wood veering. All new paths for me. Meriel Emson. Wivenhoe, Alresford round. Too pacy for me. Sit bemused, then return. Bob & Pat Bunn. Shotley Peninsula 8 km. Whittle by bus. Nick Allen 10 km round Layer Breton, Layer Marney curl. Mags Hobby West and East Mersea round 8 km. Janet & Eddy Penfold rail backup Bures Hamlet via Loveney track to Chappel Stn. Vic & Linda ColRA am only B1025 layby to Copford whittle. Linda Curtis ColRA pm Wed Wakes Colne to Bures Hamlet. Train return. dep for DK. Whittle = I pare a km or three off the leaders’ route for self-use.
Death Us Did Part. My love remains; now angry, frightened, disorientated., confused and know only how to walk, but not as far nor fast as hitherto. Best medicine seems to be little and often outdoors with companions, enjoying countryside and exercise.
Home following continues Bob & Pat Bunn, ColRA Cressing Temple, The Willows round 11 km whittle. Jim Catchpole, ColRA Chappel Earls Colne veering 8 km whittle. Roger Roberts, ColRA. Bures from Assington 7 km whittle. Colin Lawson, ColRA. West Bergholt to Ford Street whittle by bus. Jean & Ron Wilson, ColRA Oyster Reach. Freston, Wherstead curl 14 k. Roger Roberts, ColRA Danbury Sandon retire. Alan Sievewright ColRA Gt Bromley, Manningtree Round. Graham & Sally Welham. ColRA Levenheath, Stoke by N ant-clock curl 7km. Vivienne Marshall ColRA Earls Colne runway, Chappel lunch retire. Janet & Eddy Penfold ColRA 10 km curl Sudbury, Bulmer Wickham St Paul. Janet & Graeme Baldock ColRA. Tollesbury, Tolleshunt D’Arcy round. John Wright, ColRA am only Lawford’s Station touchey Common curl. Harebell seen. Derek & Ruth Halls ColRA 10 km loop Bures Hamlet, Wormingford. Whittle. Nick Allen ColRA line Fullbridge to Wickham Bishops. retire after soup & crumble. Trevor Atkins ColRA 9km Chappel station, Fordham retire. Kathleen Pugh pm only Martlesham Fynn vale loop via Bealings. Dep for Arthur C
2008
Wanderlust Sequence Speyside Way luggage forward; consummate service. Moray Firth coast to Aviemore in Cairngorm foothills. Fly Inverness Brian completes his last British National Trail - a wonderful quietly held record by him.
HF Holiday Bourton on the Water. Linda Mannaton Richard Holloway etc in Cotswolds
Series East Suffolk Rail Walk by Ips RA & Roger Wolfe. Lowestoft to South Oulton Broad, to Beccles, to Brampton, to Halesworth, to Darsham-Yoxford, to Saxmundham; To Campsey Ash-Wickham Mkt, to Woodbridge, to Westerfield, to Ipswich Stn. Train backup. Straight through. No changing at Ipswich this year.
Series Publications. Essex Area Update carried 5 Daredevil Cyclist Geri Atrick walks Geri rides to High Ongar. walks via Fyfield to Willingale. extract Essex Way. Geri rides to Gt Chesterford, walks to Saffron Walden. Byrhtnoth’s Last Visit. Geri rides to Goldhanger walks to Heybridge Basin. Thurstabubble Redhills. Geri rides to White Notley walks via Cressing to Witham. J Ray Way. Geri rides to Little Baddow walk to Danbury Sports. Caeseroamagus
RECIPROCITY COLRA Chigborough Drape. Heybridge Basin. Chigborough Reserve round 8 km curl. Pilcox Holland. bus Tendring walk Lt Bentley Great Bromley, bus to Colch 10 km line. Strewn Bluebells. Lawford White Bridge, Ipswich Station 16 km line. Train return. Botter’s Rush. Little Baddow Tofts Chase, Nounsley ford circuit 8 km curl. Regular is Good bus Capel St. Mary walk Bentley to Manningtree bus Colch 8 km line. Regret Not 8 km curl Halstead via Halstead Rural. Wedlock over Tofts 8 km Curl Little Baddow, Woodham Walter Common Rodney hub.
HOME FOLLOWING Jim Catchpole Tollesbury Curl via Shinglehead Point p m only for me Charlotte Hood Sudbury, Chilton, Long Melford whittle by bus
NEW CLUB TOLLESBURY WALKERS Operated by Margaret Shove known since 1957 Bill Western. Curl Eight Ash Green West Bergholt Treble Tile 9 km. Jim & Wendy McWheir ColRA Wickham St Paul, Belchamp Walter round 11 km
2009
AWAY Leading from Scarborough ColRA arr Julia Stoupe to Conquer. Bus Fylingthrope, walk Boggle Hole, robin Hood’s Bay bus to hu Lockton Dusk Fini. 16 km curl via Hole Horcum & Stape Forest. Scarborough hub.
Publications Beyond the Aisle A detailed list of our ramblers. Fuller than this one! Fantazia Country Walks 366 mixed ability rambles for any year to come. Wash<>Channel Project cobbled together. Take a Bus for a Walk Around Colchester if you find a reliable bus timetable.
RECIPROCITY ColRA Ginkgo Tree by Tower 6 km loop from Smythe Green, Layer Marney via L M Tower Ginkgo. Threat of Storm. 8 km Dedham Mill Lane via East Bergholt curl. Centuary Layer 6 km loop from Messing B1022 Corner through Woodland. Stile-less comfort. Edwardstone winding Woodland double zone. 6 km curl. Wakes Hall Bridge Repair 6 km linear Aldham via Wakes Colne to White Colne. Stour Valley Path clear. Thorington Street curl Polstead Green. Halstead Rural. 8 km from Halstead Town bus stop by the Ginkgo tree. Quilter Green Forest. Fordham young trees forage. 8km loop. Sixpenny Brookside Two-sticks Wivenhoe Rosabelle Elmstead bend curl 8 km. Mooratsveer Dedham Mill Lane, Langham St Mary Church circuit 6 km curl. Pierless Railtrack Tollesbury Shinglehead Point loop 9 km. First Raindrop at Last stride. 8 km linear bus T. Knights,L Marney, Tiptree bus. Sunlit Reedbed Delight 8 km curl Brantham pylon layby via Seafield Seawall. Confluence of Effluence. Aldham Church to Little Tey Broad Green 7 km line. Kingsland Lane trawl. Leavenheath Honey Tye 6 km round. Spuds by the Scrape. Thorington Street bus Langham, Stratford bus 8 km line. Curl of Aggregate. 8km Barham Pesthouse, Claydon Round Tidy Husbandry 7 km Aldham Church bus Little Tey, Salmon Lane bus.
Home following Margaret & Vic Smith, ColRA. Hythe Greenstead curl 8 km Sir Bob MP guest. Lotte & Mike Sherman ColRA East Bergholt East End pm only Touchy Comm
2010
Re-assessment of performances
Adjustment to living alone were completed after I had a hip replaced early 2010. Hobbling about on crutches enforced a re-assessment of my needs. In 1961, when I was a new resident of Woodford, then in Essex, I was a soccer player. I had no club, no team-mates, no pitch, neither opposition nor referee. Retirement was easy Orienteering, a better hobby, replaced soccer. I grew ever-more enthusiastic about my new fitness-demanding interest. In 1984 when health problems with my thyroid gland forced further retirement, I simply cut myself off from all mention of the sport. Jessie supported me by getting to the daily post first and diverting orienteering matters from my orbit. Now in 2010 I needed to retire again. The biggest ramble driver; Jessie’s Trail Mission was complete: (except it needed expert presentation still.) Another driver, Recipricity was not in debt. Path Wardenship alone was not attractive. I resigned from both my regular jobs because I wanted Exercise and Companionship in the Countryside in small frequent short and slow events, That is not provided. So I set my stall, and advertised my short slow products free of charge. People joined me, and they kept coming in waves. Any leader will do as lomg as it is not one of them. Suits me. I was able to select my countryside knowing exercise and companionship would ensue.
2010 continued
There is a need in the community for such walking, and with help from Colchester Ramblers, The Tendring Ramblers, Tollesbury Walkers and the Tenammers it all proved useful. With better advertising it could become contagious until folk join me in the house-bound brigade. Ability to enjoy leading is in short supply.
Feb 02 Adrian R transports me to Colchester Hospital for left hip replacement
0ct 15 JESSIE KEEBLE MEMORIAS SHIELD handed over to Colchester Ramblers
HOME LEADS. Jan 2nd Not the Blackheath Knot 8 km Chigborough Pochard Curl from Heybridge Basin. Retire to Goldhanger Chequers for lunch 26 folk. Apl 22nd Amblers 5 km curl for 2 from Wickham hub. Bus Gestingthorpe, walk. Wickham St Pauls Victory lunch for 17 arr Roy & Mary Cottee. Apl 29th Amblers. Little Baddow 5 km curl alone within Blakes Wood. Generals’ Arm lunch for 17 arr Anne Squires. July 02nd HFCol Evenstroll, Arger Feen 9 folk 6 km curl dep for RR. July 15th Ammers 7 km loop Chigboro.Wharf, 15 turnout. Linch Jolly Sailor. July 29th Ambler 7km curl Notley Park. 17 foll dine Welsh Princes. Aug 21st NTB Knot 7 km curl Hillhouse Wood.21 folk dine at White Hart West Bergholt. Nov 15th Roger Roberts proclaimed Colchester Rambler of the Year at Col RA AGM.
HOME FOLLOWS Jan 17th Dougal U of CNHS guest 3 km in freezing fog. 8 folks, one of whom retires early. 27th Jan Col RA Fingringhoe. Gordon Davis lead to Ann chamberliand home-cooked lunches at her Gordan’s. 1 male waitress wore a stretched apron! May 06th Ammers, Copford Alma curl via Garden Centre where I join 11 for last 3 km. May 12th TendRA. Tendring. 7 km curl V. Hall > Gravel Wood bluebells return. Cliff S + 18. May 13th Ammers Sible Hedingham Wheatsheaf Pat Beavan’s 7km curl d. Whittles Kirby. May 14th TollesbW. Messing School, Pods & Conyfield Woods 7 km Josie A. May 18th HFCol Ann Chamberlain 7 km loop. D + DB whittle South Green, Fingringhoe. May 19th Ambler John & Pat P Hintlesham George 7 km curl College Wood. D. whittles. June 10th Ambler Hazel F. & km Leavenheath hare & Hounds. D whilttles Cock Street. June 17th Ammers Bernars & Jean T.D’Arcy 8 km QuinceRound no whittling: drift off rear. July 21 st ColRA Paul Sharp. Goldhanger Chequers. D p.m. whittle with Ruth M 4 km. July 22nd Ambler Diny M, New Times Tiptree. Whittle by drivinf for 3 km curl on Heath. Nov 11th Pat & John P. Amblers East Mersea Walk whittled to 5 km. Dine Dog & Partrid. Dec 09th Ammers 7 km loop Tudwick from Tiptree Ship base. Meal arr. M&JimC
NEW CLUBS Since 2007 I have down-shifted gears regularly as disabilities have mounted,If 4th gear was a rosie - between meals 8 km loop - then 3rd gear would have involved planning shorter walks in the same time pockets; and 2nd gear reducing the time and therefore the distance even further. Tenam starts relegated to tenthirty first-steps etc. Anything less than my 1st gear would not be worth putting boots, and travelling. Weekend Walking has dwindled; replaced by heavier midweek programming Rambling remains good exercise, is the best available countyside, and with good companionship. Path Wardening is quiet because scope of activity narrowed by repetition of events
AWAY WALKING off limits due to disabilities, Restricted to whittling home events. COACH, RAIL & AIR Travel HOLIDAYS are finished VALENTINE (Feb). BARNABAS (June)) & LUKE (Oct) WANDERLUSTS also off my limits, as is two-car trickery, successful on a hundred days or more garnered by Colchester and Tendring Rambling groups’ programming.
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 8 - 2001 - 2005
2001
Foot & Mouth Disease Highway Restrictions in Force
Reciprocity ColRA Stour Valley Path to Bures. 13 km from Bus Sudbury, walk Bures, bus. St Nicholas’ double boomerang. Coggeshall Esx( alf) Way Chapel. W & NE loops. Thaxted on Wednesday 7 km loop counter clockwise via Bardfield End Green. Essexcellent Winter Walk 14 km Penyhole Fleet peninsula from Salcott Cross bus stop. Pieces of Eight. 8 km Heybridge Basin loop from Maldon Fullbridge bus stop. Lock & Barrel. 8 kms Loop around Sandy Point from Frinton Gates bus stop. Washed and ironed by Tide sandy beach okay. Walton Station to Frinton return. Frinton Station. Promenade to Walton return by newly washed and ironed beach. Unrestricted Promenade Harwich Lighthouse prom to Dovercourt return by urban paths. Fractured Flitch 18 km bus backup. Walk Takeley old station lunch in Great Dunmow
Rejoin Fltch Way in Little Dunmow and proceed to Rayne bus stop. Jammed ticket dispenser, Wed 9 k curl from Holland Haven via Burrsville. Ramblers’ Floral Dance. Prittlewell Station, Chalkwell, Westcliff, Prittlewell flowers. Wed return Road “closed” walk Thaxted to Debden Plough. Return bus ex Cutler Grn. Myland Pleasure Chase Wed 11. High Woods loop via Myland Chase and Hythe. Wadham Witham Effect. 7 k Loop Powershall End from Witham south. Gibberd’s Walking Offer. 11 km loop from Harlow old town via New Town. Backwater Blackberries 9 km loop from Walton via Cormorant Creek. Sunshine on coastal Rails. Train to Clacton Walk to Frinton, return by train. South of Kone Vale 13 k loop from Sudbury Station via Gt Henny Swan. Extended Urban Follies. Bus Stanway Fiveways, walk Hythe & Wivenhoe, bus return. Chelmer Can Walk Wed 10k loop from Chelmsford Cathedral via Dickens & Admiral Pk. Lighthouse Sweep Wed 8 k Harwich prom to Dovercourt and back via Hangings.
Calm Copperas Bay Wed pm Ramsey Stour Wood, Loop in Copperas Bay hide. Coneyfield Caper 13km Wed loop Messing Wood to Layer Breton Hare & H return.
Sunday Saver Col RA Mansell Way 4, Flitch Way 4. 8k linear. Braintree to via Rayne halfway to Panfield. Busback
Winter Fest Series Col RA Sixpenny Fest Sat 9 km loop Wivenhoe KG carpark loop via Elmstead raibridge bend. Aim-off Middlewick Boxing Day 9 km loop from Hythe via Birch Brook & Rowhedge. Wood & Water Fest Thur 8k loop B1025 layby via Marriage of Fingringhoe confluence. Double Boomerang Fest Sat 17 km from Colchester North to Highwood and Lexden. Waterworld Fest 15km loop from Heybridge Basin via Maldon and Mill Beach. Cudmore Fest Mon 7k loop from East Mersea Park via frosty frontage by the sea
Trails Mission Maltwix Rounds. Friary Witham-wards loop from Maldon & Plume Round Bicknacre-wards from Maldon as one united 2001 trail from 1966 & 67 creations.
Publication Essex Courier release last of 101 short walks Abound An Edge of Essex
HOME Following Ian & Linda Hynf West Bergholt round via Fiddlers Wood. Ruth Melling Wormingford in snow - newly opened permissive Stourside splendour. Jenny Neal Cattawade, Stutton curl via Seafield Bay
Away Following Janet Bollington WI Denman College 2 days on Ridgeway National Trail
2002
All clear FMD
Reciprocity ColRA Mistley Furzehill Forage 7 km Wed loop from Manningtree Riverside. Skirting St James 7k Wed loop from Halstead via Greenstead Green. Closer Look Layer Brook 10 km loop from Layer Breton Heath via Tower permissive. Escape Flooding Wed 13 km Gun Hill Thorington Street Rose curl. Christmas Day Stretch of Legs 8 km loop Lamb Cross via Fordham Heath. Marine Reserve East Mersea 7k curl via Fenn Farm
TRAILS Mission WHAMBLAB EXTRAVAGANZA network released. 43 km loop via 8 parishes with Roding suffix name; plus, Canfield, Shellow Bowells & twin-church Willingale
HF Holiday Freshwater Bay Isle of Wight with HF Col. Chief leader Gerald Barnet with Ken Tilford and Liz Trynor support. Coach support Colchester to Colchester
Home Following Jean & Ron Wilson Wissington, Lt Horkesley round Louise Howell Health LEAP curl Turner Road for Derek after his spell in. hospital. Julia Newhouse S E Colchester round Wed. David & Linda Curtis Tiptree Heath 16 km curl via Little Totham Swan
2003
Reciprocity Col RA NewYear Day Hythe Footing Switch via Crockleford Heath 11km. Frozen Wed Frolic 8 km curl Finchingfield, Lt & Gt Bardfield 8 folk. Admirals’ Pieces 8 km Wed loop from Little Baddow Tofts Chase via Lingwood Cmn. 20th Anniv of Wed Walks, 8 km loop Lt Horkesey Beehive via Wormingford Rectory. Up Burstall Rise Wed 8km loop Bramford picnic via Burstall 18 folk. Wriggle right at Wrongs 14 km loop Gt Cornard Park via Sudbury lunch. So Long lovely Saltings. 8 km linear Kirby Cross Stn, K le Soken. Frinton Stn. Paigle Patches 9 km loop Good Fri. Sudbury, Bardfield Bridge counter-clockwise. Twin Creeks 9 km loop E. Mon. South Woodham Park veering via Fenn Creek. Green Valley View Wed linear 9 km Wakes Colne Stn via Loveney Track to Bures Stn. Essexcellent Summer Nettle Bash linear Tiptree 15km via H& Hounds to Bounstead. Festive Flowers 7 km Evenstoll loop Bures St Mary via Mount Bures Church flower. Crumpled Horns 8 km Evenstroll loop from Chalkney Wood via Golf footbridge. Marney Evenstroll 7 km loop via Hayes Green Rampart from Layer Marney Tower. Pause by Poors Piece 16 km double boomerang Danbury to Lt Baddow loop + Cmn. Seawall Ore Bit 17 km loop from Marsh Farm Sudbourne via Orford. Flybury Confluence 16 km loop from Boyton via Hollesley seawall and forest. Dash of Debenside Wed 13k linear Trimley St Mary, Debenside Victoria to Felixstowe. Immitative Percy Recall 16km linear Derby Rd Stn Ipsw to Rushmere & Westerfield Stn. Kissing time; Of Gorse.18km Sat loop from Kesgrave via Little Bealings. Delectable Dodnash Wed 8k loop Brantham to Bentley return. Phragmites & Mudflats Sat 15k loop Melton via Martlesham. Twist right by Wrongs Wed 14km veering loop from Cornard Park via Sudbury. Methersgate Hoo Sat 15 km loop Veering from Bromeswell via Sutton Heath + Hoo. Nightjar Country Sat 16km veering loop from Tangham Forest Farm via Shottisham. Knarled Concern Sat 9km loop veering from Bures Hamet via Alphamstone.
Publication Braintree Outdoor Pursuit Club publish Edgar’s Church FIELDS Walk in 8 fields (eg Gos or Pan) NW Braintree collated by Megdalah Cooper & Roy Tover
Five Family Forays from Lexden St Leonards for extension fund input
HF Holidays HF Dovedale Jne Canals and Longboats under scrutiny Pat Crecraft. HF Dovedale Aug Every evening at Buxton Opera House Gilbert & Sullivan Fest. HF B-on-the-Water for Christmas Walks in Cotswolds with Anne Harrison, Irene Elbon. HF Selworthy north Exmoor walks with Brian Argyle & David Chapman
Wanderlust Sequences Sandlings Way 2ct Blaxhall to Thorpeness to Dunwich Forest to Southwold. F1. Heart of England Way 10 days Bourton-on-the-Water to Bourton-on-the-hill, to Mickleton, to Bidford on Avon. to Moreton Baget, to Baddersley Clinton, to Hollyberry End, to Hurley, to Weeford, via Lichfield to Gentleshaw, to Milford Cannock Chase F1.
Home Following Denys & Ginny Pryor. Gun Hill curl to Thorrington Street. D retires. Mick Orford. Coggeshall Bradwell Marks Hall round 20 km Wed dep for Viv M. Peter Kay. Bank Mon Sudbury Round via Wickham St Paul. D retires. Roger Roberts. Bures to Assington, Wed ride return for me. Judy Nelson. Christmas Curl Lexden Golf Club Middle Mill worthy quick march. Colin & Jacquie Jones. Harkstead to Pin Mill circuit Wed.
2004
Reciprocity Col RA NewYear Day Cymbeline Footing Hilly Fields Lexden via Middle Mill. Juxtapose Wonder 8 km loop from Tattingstone Wonder picnic via Stutton. Staverton Oak Sat 16 km loop from Wantisham via Chillesford Froize Inn. Keen Wayfinding Sat 16 km loop from Blaxhall Common via Chillesford. Known 1704 Canal Sun 8km loop from Dedham via East Bergholt to Cattawade. Farewell after Threat. 16km Wed loop from Bulmer Tye via Wagon & Horses Sudbury
Publication Alternative Green Corridor routes given Rail links Ipswich to Bromley by Bow
Wanderlust Sequences Viking Way North in nine days days. Carlton Scruton to Wellbourne, to Canwick, to Bardney, to Woodhall Spa, to Fulletby to Biscothorpe, to Walesby to Clixby, to Burnham, to Barton-on-Humber by Kingston upon Hull. F1.
Suffolk Sandlings & Coastal mixed linked circuits Ruth M i/c accommodation Sat am Westrow Ring via Slaughden pm Meare Ring via Thorpeness. Sun. Bracing Belt Thorpeness via Sizewell. Mon Aldeburgh Hazelshrub, Sailors’ Path via Snape. To Seashell statue. Tues Kenton Hills Sizewell, East Bridge Curl. Wed Avocet Safari Eastbridge, Dunwich Heath, Westleton Walks counter-clockwise Curl. Thur Dunwich Lunchwich, Dunwich Forest to Walberwick Pump veering Dunwich Bridge. Fri Of Blyth & Boats veering Walberswick Tinker Bridge Southwold ferry loop.
Path Wardenship After 5 years dealing with the sector Sudbury St Gregory to Gt Henny St Mary, I swapped wards to do Withermarsh Green to Stratford B1029 bridge instead. Layer Marney parish paths still under my watch. Exit onto B1022 improved temporarily.
Home Following Kathy Pugh, Cunobelin Park to Layer Breton return Wed. Mike Richards Guest leader. Wed Pleshey round via Good Easter. Ted Green Guest Leader. Wed Great Dunmow, Horam old village round. David & Linda Curtis. Lawford St Mary Dedham round. Barri Livermore. East Mersea Shop Lane Round. Gordon Davis Brightlingsea counter clockwise curl. Roger Roberts. Wed Butley Oyster Round Wed. Ted Kirkby. Wed Stanway Cunobelin Park to Birch Lake return. Jim & Wendy McWhirr. Bank Mon curl Tiptree, Layer Marney. Roger Roberts Wed Glemsford loop via Hartest Crown - good paths. Julia Newhouse. Wed Leavenhouse Honey Tye Circuit via Ager Fen. Mags Hobby. Wed Langham old A12 cutoff to Dedham circuit. Roger Roberts. Wed circuit Lavenham circuit via Two Bridges. Alan Sievewright. Sun Raydon Old Station loop via Hadleigh. Alan Sievewright. Wed Nayland Harper Hill 16 km loop via Bures Hamlet. Jim & Wendy McWhirr. Wed Hatfield Peverel loop via Little Baddow. Ian & Linda Hynd. Langham School veering loop via Stratford St Mary. Janet & Eddy Penfold. Wed Castle Hedingham curl through Wickham St Paul. David & Linda Curtis. linear 8 km Alresford Station to Great Bentley Station. Julia Newhouse Wed. 9 km round from Hartest Crown. Graham & Sally Welham. West Bergholt 8km Eight Ash Green curl. Janet & Eddy Penfold. Bures St Mary Wed curl via Pebmarsh Lake. Colin & Jacquie Jones. Christmas Wed Lunch Freston Boot loop via Pin Mill. Julia Newhouse. Wed Chappel Station Wakes Colne Crepping Hall round 10 km.
2005
Publication DODGE AROUND DENGIE route from Southminster via Purleigh released. SEAXE 20 Expedition training (DofE) walks for Girl Guides completed.
Series of Linears on Ickneath Path Way. Knetishall Heath to Elvedon Clump; to Tuddenham; to Ashley; to Willingham Green; to Linton; to Chrishall Red Cow
Home Following Anthea Stone. Layer Breton round Wed. Colin & Jackie Jones. Wed White Colne Vill Hall loop via Earls Colne Bird in Hand. Jim & Wendy McWhirr. Wed Great Totham via Great Braxted Curl. Vivienne Marshall. Coggeshall Curl; via Pantlings Lane 9 km a.m. only for me. Kathy Pugh. Stutton Centre curl 10 km via Holbrook Bay. Alan Sievewright. Wed. Dedham Heath to Ardleigh curl. Gordon Davis. Tollesbury Woodrolfe Green circuit via Pier remnant 9 km. Roger Roberts. Barham picnic site Wed coil via Needham Market. Jim & Wendy McWhirr. Panfield - Great Saling 9 km curl. Denys & Ginny Pryor. 8 k curl Gun Hill to Thorington Street whittle. Nick Allen. Pebmarsh Wed pm curl via Valients. Mags Hobby. Danbury, Lt Baddow 8jn curl. Susan Cooper. Bnk Hol Little Horkesley Beehive Southwards curl off Vinnese Road. Jean & Ron Wilson. Wed Stutton Gardeners Arms loop via Holbrook Bay. Ruth Melling. Wed 10 k round Colne Engaine to Pebmarsh return. Barri Livermore. Wed Copford & Easthorpe Circuit. Janet & Eddy Penfold. Assington Wed Bures loop
HF Holiday Brilliant bird watching 6 days with Steve Bullen from Alnmouth Hub
Wanderlust Sequences. Saxon Shore Way. 2ct. St Valentine Week 1 Gravesend to Cooling, Cooling to Upper Upnor. 3 Upnor to Lower Twydell, Twydell to Iwade 5 Iwade to Murston, Murston to Oare Point, 7 Oare via Faversham to Graveney. St Barnabas Week Jne 8 Graveney to Reculver, Reculver to Plucks’ Gutter, 10 Plucks Guter to Sandwich, Sandwich to St Margaret’s Bay, 12 St M Bay to Capel le Ferne. Ferne to Lympne, 14 St Luke’s Autumnal week 3 Oct. Lymne to Ham Street 16 Ham Street to Rye, Rye to Hastings. Switch to 1066 Walk. Hastings to Kent Street, 19 Kent Street to Brown Bread Street. Bread St to Pevensey, 21 Pevensey to Beachy Head
St Luke’s week completed without Derek victim of gout. Brian Riley deputised
Thanks Brian. We will be your minders when you do the Speyside Way.
Derek Keeble
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 7 - 1996 – 2000
1996
WANDERLUST SEQUENCE COL & Tendr RA. 4 days Angles Way Eartham, to Becccles, to South Oulton Broad, to Fritton,to Gt. Yarmouth. (2ct=two car trickery). Avon Towpath 2ct. All-Cannings, to Seend, to Hilperton, to Freshford, to Camerton. West Mendip Way 5 days 2ct Weston s Mare, to Loxton, to Shipham, via Burrington to W Harptree, to Camerto.
Home Following Peter Rendell Coggeshall - Stisted Sun allday.
Essex Area Jim Woodcock Ken Rydings. Ron Pigney, Colin Jacog, Les Jessen all Essex Hundred
AWAY Following. SAGA Guernsey John & Peggy Atkins He did not gain our confidence
S.Devon Area Diane Kerswell, Joe Bradford Alan Cook, Mike Soper, Stan Voss Dartmoor etc
TRAIL Mission Chompsfod Yellow Butterfly Flit 126 km around Distrrict border from Pleshey guide made available. Taken from Sally-Tina Bartholomw file at Mapjog.
Home Leading Sat evenstroll pre-booked MoD places on Foulness Island. Wed all-day AWAY linear 2 ct Phil’s Parkering. Tuddenham, Gazeley, Ashley. Along Icknield Way
1997
Publications 30 Ways for Liz Cudmore and Not the Blackheath Knot. Half-day coils. Five Family Forays around Abberton St Andrew. Free circulation from Mapjog. Best 31 Pub Walks in Essex published by Sigma Leisure, of Wilmslow Cheshire
Wanderlusts Col & TendRA. 5 days Weavers Way Gt Yarmouth, to Halvergate, to Potter Heigham, to Hickling, to Honing, to Aylsham, to Cromer No King Charles 111 coastal path then available. 9 days Dales Way. Bowness via Dent & Pennine Cross for Ilkley
Home Following Murdo & Margaret Burnett 8 k Fordham Heath round. Essex Area Ron Lockhart Canfield, Takeley, Great Easton part Essex Hundred. Peter & Marjorie Putnam, Great and Little Wigborough all day curl. Adam Gratton FWAG guest Little Waldringfield evening tractor ride. + 2others.
WAKEFAST Fullbridge Tesco breakfast after 6km loop via Heybridge Basin
Away Following Harrowgate RA Area in Yorkshire Dales. From Nidderdale. Brian Clarke, Eric Taylor, Steve Cobb, Alan Storer, Ann Wadd, all Master Ramblers, excited our week
R A Holidays David Ormorod leader from Vancouver, Manning Park, Jasper and Banff venues in Canadian Rockies. Extra pre bfast bear seek + 1 evenstroll beaver-watch
TRAIL Mission Canon’s Canter to Bury pilgrimage for about sixty folks. Helped with Mapjog route Chelmsford Cathedral to Clare Castle Park 42 kms.60pop P C Wood file
1998
WanderlustCol & Tend RA. Kent’s Stour Valley Way (not Path) to Pegwell Bay via Canterbury 2ct. Peddars Way 2ct Holme-nextthe-Sea, Fring, West Acre, South Pickenham, Hockham Heath, Knettishall Heath 5 days. Weald Way 2ct 4 days Beachy Head, Wilmington, Chedingly. Five Ash Down, Withyham.
AWAY Following R A Holidays George O’Yorke leader covering most of Minorca. Birds & Flowers H F Col at Alnmouth, Keith Peasy 2, Philip Bromley and Mary Spendlove 1 lead each
HOME following Pamela Bradbury. Coggeshall sidewalk quiz do-it-yourself effective tour
WAKEFASTS (Composite notices) Manningtree Station Cafe breakfast after Seafield Reveille from Brantham pylon layby round via seawall. Woodrolfe Reveille breakfast Val’s Cafe Tollesbury after 8 km Round by Tollesbury fleet. Erosion Gobsmack Parade Cafe breakfast after tour de Walton Naze at Sunup. Sheer Peer Gynt Texco Hythe breakfast after foglift at Colne-Alres Creek confluence round. Plover Chick’s Escape Gt Bentley Little Chef breakfast after 8 k m curl via Wrabness Beach. Sweet Dawn Mustard Gt Bentley breakfast after Seawick Sands round St Osyth Superb Sunrise Gt Bentley Lt Chef breakfast after Holland Have 8 km curl. Island Wakefast 8 km curl from West Merseas Seaview carpark towards East Mersea. No breakfast venue suitable for attendees, so we scattered for not so social breakfasts. Early Worm Fetch. Hythe Tesco breakfast after Brghtlinsea-Alress ford round. Early Old Hall Call. Salcott Street curl via Curlew Cottage tea and toast. Mudflat Wakefast East Mersea Village Hall curl via Cudmore Grove. Scatter for breakfast.
Reciprocating ColRA Sat pm Crockleford Line, Bus Elmstead Walk Beehive to Hythe
Sunday Saver ColRA bus Thaxted, walk via Gt Bardfield to Shalford George bus Colch.
1999
Wanderlust Sequences Weald Way two car trick, Withyham, to West Tunbridge, to Claygate, to Mereworth Wood, to Trosley to Meopham,to Gravesend. Norfolk Coast National Trail, 2ct Hunstanton Lighthouse via Holme to Burnham. Deepdale, to Wells-next -the-Sea, to Stiffkey, to Salthouse, to Cromer again. 3.SW Peninsula Way. Weymouth to Lulworth to Kimmeridge to Swanage to Poole Bay 2ct. F1/
TRAIL Mission Medieval Mingle 206 km triangular route Mucking, Ugley, Messing, Mucking corners released as Mucking Ugley Ways through Messing, Essex from Anita Towtham file. Later re-presented as Medieval Mingle with a route deviation via Stebbing’s Medieval gems, rather than repeat Thaxted’s which appears in Byrhtnoth’s Last Visit. See Matching’s Marriage Feast House en route. It draws tourists to Essex.
HOME Leading Sat. Double boomerang, Melhouse Mistiness, Woodrofe Green loops to Rolls Farm and to Shinglehead Point. 18km. Brent Geese Calling linear. Muster Maldon, bus Maylandsea, walk Maldon Lasso Essex 14 km. 21 folk. Tardy Tendring Edge Linear. Train Lawford walk via Bromley Cross to Wivenhoe, train. Ship Ahoy Sat pm linear Bus Tollesbury Square, walk Gt Wigborough Corner bus to Colch. Handicapped guests Sunday Saver Bus to Langenhoe Lion, walk MMM to Colchester North 9 k 8 folk.
Essex Area Dagnet loop prescribed. My first Area invitation to lead. Muster Black Notley, lunch Silver End, curl back 20 kms 32 folk. Gordon D as red-hatted backmarker.
Seguence Wash<>Channel Princess Pocahontus Gravesend, ferry to Tilbury, Walk to Coalhouse Fort linear 6km Reedbed Respite. E. Tilbury Mucking to Corringham linear Rich Pasture linear. Corringham to Vange to Pitsea old Church to Canvey Island
Winter Festival Series St Stephen’s Switch 8 km loop Donyland B1025 layby Rowhedge Cold Birch Lake 8 km Cunobelin Way. Olivers, Lake, Bay Mil. l back to Stanway.
2000
Wanderlust Seq. Kennett Towpath 2ct All Cannings to Savernake to 2ct Hungerford, rail to Newbury, rail to Aldermaston, rail to Reading, Thames- Kennett confluence Horseshoe Bridge. Staffordshire Way 2ct. 2ct Mow Cop Cheshire border to Rudyard Lake, to Wetley Rocks, to Denstone, to Uttoxeter south, to Colwich, to Penkridge, to Breewood to Seisden to Kniver Edge on Worcestershire border F1= Formula One 2ct performances
New Club ColRA Wednesday Walk every Wednesday prompted by Derek Keeble. Suffolk Way; Flatford via Lavenham to Lowestoft in Series by Peter & Marjorie Putnam. Five Ways from Five Ways lead by Barri Livermore. Size Matters; Great & Little, Maplestead, Totham. Horkesley, Bentley. Etc also by Barri L
SouthWest Peninsula Path across Devon Hams’ inlets 2. Plymouth to Wembury Noss Mayo to Mothercombe. Wonwell to Bigbury. Bantham to Marlborough. Marlborough via Salcombe ferry to East Prawle Windy Point. Prawle to Slapton Sands. Slapton Sands Dartmouth bus
Thames Path coach backup, Cirencester hub. David Kirby leads 4 days with Tend RA. Oxford Rink to Newbridge 24 kms to Kelscott 23 km to Cricklade bootless 23k, to Kemble’s Thames Spring terminous. Social meal then coach to Essex
TRAIL Mission Tour de Braintree District. Jo of Sturmer is afraid of Fundalmentalism in Bocking, so tours Braintree’s Boundary via Hatfield Peverel, Feering and White Colne en route to Bures for Christmas, and later closes the loop to Sturmer. From Sally-Tina file
PUBLICATIONS Five Family Forays for Tiptree United Reformed Church adjustments aka Goodman Green 1777. Freely from Mapjog. Essex Courier based in Billericay carry 101 episodes of what they called Keebles’ Essex, a veering version of Lasso Essex
HOME Following West Bergholt pm round with Denys Rendell. All-day walk with train back-up from Braintree with Kevin Clark. All-day Wednesday in Easthorpe checking paths with Barri Livermore. John Wright a m sector of Layer Breton Walk. Sun a.m, walk with Brownies, Guides and Wendy Scriven in Boxted and Horkesley.
Reciprocity Col RA Wed 8 km Mind the Gap. Cudmore Grove Circuit via Fenn Farm. Glenn T Memorial linear Bures Gt Henny, Sudbury 13 km rail return. Gainsboro Resource. Linear 14 km Marks Tey to Bures Hamlet train return. Blackwater Trail 10 km linear. Maldon Fullbridge to Witham Stn, 2 car trickery
H F Abingworth Holiday (with HFCol) Leaders David Lovett, Maureen Mackman, Terri Cole and Tony Collins share leads on The Weald and South Downs.
Sunday Saver Bus to Lt Bentley Bricklayers’ Arms Walk via Weeley Thorpe le Soken, bus back. Roman River Zolne. 3 events ColRA. Crescent Aldham, 8 km linear bus Broad Green Walk Aldham to Marks Tey, bus Heckford Hike 8 km linear bus Stanway Swan. Birch, Layer de la Haye B1026 bus John Brunning Way 9 km linear Layer Les Bois to Fingringhoe to Rowhedge bus.
Simulated Advent: Nazareth to Bethlehem equivalent distance 15 events ColRA Hard Tea Ramble 8 km bus Mersea Fox walk Peldon Strood, bus return Upgrowth Tea Ramble 8 km bus to Peldon Strood, walk Pete Tye, Langenhoe Lion. bus. Red Flag Diversion 8km linear bus Langenhoe Lion Walk to Rowhedge, bus back West Donyland Switch 9km linear bus Rowhedge,walk. To Layer Les Bois B1026 bus Layers Crossed 8 km linear Layer Les Bois via L.Breton to L.Marney Smythe Green, bus Fungoid Whiff 8 km linear bus Smythe Green, Messing, Easthorpe Lt Domsey bus Roman River cross 8km linear bus Feering, walk lt Tey to Rose Green Chappel bus Watershed Wander 9 km linear. Bus Rose Green Walk Gt Loveney to Bures Hamlet, bus Flood Risked 9 km linear. Bus Mount Bures B1508, walk Gt Horkesley Rose & Crown, bus Round Rivers Hall 8 km linear Gt Horkesley Church to Langham, Gun Hill, bus Bus 93 double. Bus to Stratford Mill, walk Dedham R & Crown, to Gun Hill again for bus Driest Link 11 km linear bus to Gun Hill, walk Langham Shepherd to Highwood Sq. bus Charter Wood 8km linear bus to Highwood Sq. Walk to Stanway Tollgate, bus return Alma Menu 8 km 17meals await. Copford Alma loop via Tollgate.
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 6 - 1991 – 1995
1991
Reciprocity All-Sund Around a Reservoir. Pete Tye Comn clockwise 20km 6pop. Thur Evenstroll Flag Wave. Brightlingsea Prom counter c/wise by Crocky Grove Curl
RAPIDLY from Ipswich Sat Train to Ipswich fast 32 kn via Lawford’s Stn > Colch.Nth Sequence Essex Way. Coopersale Epping, Toothill, Chip.Ongar, Willingale linear Essex Way Stagden Strides. Willingale Good Easter & Pleshey > Lt Waltham linear Essex Way Fuller Street. Lt Waltham, Fairstead Sq & Compasses, White Notley linear Essex Way Parallel Stane St. W,Notley, Bradwell > Little Tey Broad Green linear Essex Way Lt Tey. Broad Grn, West Bergholt Sun C. Wood, Honey Tye linear. Essex Way Finale. Great Horkesley, Langham, Dedham Royal Square linear
Series Sat. Maria Marten. Stoke by bus Walk Polstead, Boxted, Colchester Nth. Sun Mehalah Sharland. Colchester Nth Stn Langenhoe Lion, Peldon Strood. Bus back
TRAIL Mission Byrhtnoth’s Last Essex Visit’s hypothetical 86 k detail route released
Publications Five Family Forays from Lawford St Mary. Gifted for extension fund
Home Following Mags Hobby Fri evenstroll Virley loop via Gt Wigborough
AWAY Guest Leader 71 Europeans from Triple-linked Colchester as hosts + Avignon and Tarragona + Wetzlar at Consett YMCA. Derwentside RA Group’s Jenny Christie leads our opening 14 km ramble. David & June Kirby did the rest. The use of the YMCA coach was comically smokey, but it got us there eventually. One English lady saw herself as a magnet for any man made of iron filings. She almost won the best friendship award. When she got home, she found a Consett Frenchman in his car by her gate. He had gleaned her address during the week and he struck when she was lonely. Next day there two disappointments. His wife arrived and took him back to France. The Award adjudicator disqualified the English woman-French man friendship as “too late”.
CHA Holiday Cromer Mike Howard leads 5-day Norfolk Coast Walk wild flower seek
CHA Holiday Whitby close to Abbey. John Whittle leads 3 Yorkshire Moors Walks
1992
New Clubs Tendring Group now stands alone having liberated from Colchester Group. Rochford & Castle Point now also solo on own feet aparted from SE Esx Group.
Col RA Wednesday Walks become fornightly with John Purser at the helm. Tenam Recovery Strolls Thurs am listed in all local medical surgeries. 60 events. Field Studies Council Flatford guest weekend course Hadleigh railbed ramble.
Reciprocity ColRA SORTE. Stanway Fiveways to Birch Lake Return. Sat p m. Sat pm Numbers Reduce. Fordham Bridge, Hillhouse Wood Loop 19-2=17 pop
Guests LSC Blind Colch North to Half Butt & WBergholt SC+GT save overweight bod
Series Stour Valley Path Rowley Corner, Stetchworth, Little Bradley all day Sat SVP. Little Bradley Mon Little B, Keddington Barnardiston Arms, Stoke by Clare. SVP Glem Cross. Stoke by Clare, Cavendish, Long Melford Green bus backup SVP Liston Line. Long Melford, Sudbury, Bures Hamlet Two Teas. Bus backup SVP Snowdrops bus to Bures Walk via Nayland Anchor to Stratford St M Mill bus Colch Sixth Snowdrop Hop. Bus to Stratford Mil, walk via Cattawade to Wrabness bus Colch.
WAKEFAST Sat 7 am breakfast at Parade Cafe after 8 km courl around Walton’s Naze
WAKEFAST Sat 7 am breakfast at Coggeshall Clock Cafe after walking Dick Nunn’s curl
WAKEFAST Sat 7 am breakfast at Tesco after 8 km loop off St Andrew’s Avenue
WAKEFAST Sat 7 am Toast at Tollgate afterwalk curl around Copford St Michael’s
WAKEFAST Sat 7 am breakfast at Two Teas Bures Hamlet after curl around Clees Hall
Home Following Keith Webb Great Totham extended Langham round
Publication Colchester Health Promotion publish Rosy Hart design on WALKABOUT. Crowood Press of Ross-on-Wye publish 100 walks in Essex; file name Antia Towtham
1993
Home Following Peter & Molly Jones. Hintlesham to Whatfield return. Chelmer Hike 42 kms from Purleigh. Annual Kevin Ascot event. Derek Letch. Hanningfield sector of Essex hundred. 18 k linear. George & Ivy Hood. Regents Canal Limehouse to Paddington
TRAIL Mission Hinckford Path Care loop in Belchamp Brook catchment opened. Circular from Bulmer and enclosing Castle Clare and Castle Hedingham
NEW Club Thurs am Ammers relace Strollers Repell medical recovery Invitations. All membership attends often, and is on the rota to Lead = approx twice per progamme
HF Holiday Brecon Beacon Dick L. Colin H and Anne Harrison share the 5 Brecon Walks
Wanderlust Sequence Icknield Way Path. Ivinghoe to Knettishal Heath 10 days
Wakefast Sat7 am Witham Starburger’s bfast after Falkbournne Blunts Hall curl
Wakefast Sat 7am Braintree baby in papoose 8 km curl West of Bocking
Wakefast Sat 7 am breakfast E.Colne Drum after Peb Reveille in fog
Wakefast Sat 7am breakfast at Maldon Tesco after Curliing Tye Green curl
Wakefast Sat 7am breakfast at Salisbury Hotel after Reed Hall Abbey field curl
Wakefast Sat 7am Birchwood AJ Cafe after Anglers’ frosty Low Lift to Withemarssh curl
Wakefast 7 am breakfast at Bentley Lt Chef after Pitscape Round from Hollybush Hill
Wakefast 7 am breakfast at Chef’s Choice after Claypit Copford-Birch round
Wakefast Foxtrot breakfast 7 km breakfast at Rivenhall Lt Chef after Leaping Wells round
Wakefast Naze Reveille 7 am breakfast at Walton’s Parade Cafe after Tour de Naze
SUNDAY SAVER bus to Billericay. Walk Herongate to Brentwood. Bus to Colchester
1994
Wakefast 7 am breakfast at Feering Lt Chef after Chedingsale loop via Messing
Wakefast 7 am breakfast at Rivenhall Lt Chef after Isham Curl from Wickham Bishops Mill
Wakefast 7 am breakfast Maldon Tesco after Mount Motet Braxted curl from Gt Totham Nth
Wakefast 7 am breakfast Val’s Cafe Tollesbury after Shinglehead post dawn storm curl
Wakefast Wellies at Dawn. 8 am breakfast Lt Chef after Braxted Park Wall Lasso
Wakefast Archaeological, breakfast at Sainsbury after Birch Lake check from Stanway
Parish Fieldpath Watch reports to Kevin Ascot re Great & Little Braxted
Trail Mission West Tendring Marathon 58 km update detail released from Mapjog’s Raymond Elkard file. Lawford (Manningtree Station to Wivenhoe Station to W Colne Stn
1995
Sunday Saver Bus to Langenhoe Lion; walk MMM north to Colchester N. Bus to Harwich Lighthouse; walk Essex Way to Great Oakley Square; bus Colch. Bus to Clacton Pier; walk Lasso N E to Walton on the Naze Bus to Colch Inpromptu
Publications 16 Essex Rambles published by Countyside books of Newbury
NEW CLUB Hillsiders. Derek & Marion Riches, former providers of HFCol’s hotel holidays organised their invitation week in Hillside Hotel, Ventnor, and after a happy week, called the new club Hillsiders It lasted for two decades. Three Hillsider holidays are rated amid the top ten of my lifetimes. When ColRA Secretary Jessie received requests from ramblers for local East Anglia Walk leadership, her committee firmly said “NO”, Jessie saw sense in the request and told The Riches of the cunning scheme. Hence: At Babbacombe South Devon RA Group provided leaders all week. Likewise, Harrogate RA introduced us to The Strid and other notable Nidderdale area delights. Swanage week was magical with East Dorset RA showing Purbeck’s finest landscape. All these guest leaders where I dub as Master Ramblers.
AWAY SERIES 22 Limey Dales gave plenty of self-steer walks backpack B&B in the Dales of The Peak District. One B&B house conveniently ran a taxi service and plenty of advice about village histories, including deadly plague-hit villages of the 1775 era.
WANDERLUST 5 days Seq Angles Way Knettishall Heath to Earsham by Waveney River.
HOME FOLLOWING Ips RA Guest lead Dick Leech Capel St A ferry counter-clockwise.
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 5 - 1986 – 1990
1986
Publications Walkers’ Way East Anglia Daily Times 6 per annum > 2003. Afoot in Essex Countryside (Letchworth file) roughly monthly for 4 years
Home following Wally & Audrey Webb Coach Ramble Fleam Dyke + Via Devana, Cambs. 2. Jean & Jim Collins, Wakes Colne to Bures Hamet round midweek Avril Waller Foxearth Pentlow Round Sun half-say. Roy & June Woods, Evenstroll Aldham Ford Street Round.
David Cullington, pm only Hadleigh Essex round
Reciprocity ColRA. Riverside First Footing double boomerang WBishops and Rivenhall
from Witham. Small Bridge bypass, Sunday a.m. Bures St Mary Wormingford loop
Mount Bures Hamlet, Wednesday double boomerang from Bures St Mary. Midweek Frolic. Circuit from Frinton Front via Gt Holland Wednesday 12 km. Horkesley Gavotte Sat All-day bus front-up Nayland Bear St to Colchester North. us Let Down. Start switched Stratford to Col Castle and impromptu circuit. Sun all-day Woodham Walter double boomerang to Langford and to Nounsley.
Wakefast Capel St Mary breakfast after Dodnash 8k loop.
Away Wanderlust David Cullington leads 5 day links in Derbyshire Tour from YHA.
1987
TRAIL Mission. Winstree Layer 44 km loop Tiptree Heath- Hythe (L S Taylor file). Dozen Colchester Country Pub Walks [published by Connor & Butler, Colchester.
Away Wanderlust Luggage forward. Main-Donau Weg 6 days Rothenburg to Dinklesbuhl
NEW CLUB Blackwater & Chelmer Group R A (Ingram type loan). Ipswich Ramblers Group Roger Wolfe coach day-trip to Peddars Way.
Home following Alec & Brenda Chilman Wednesday Nayland & Soke Round. Gill Pullen Evenstroll Messing About. Suzanne & Susan Shalford, Bocking Sunday. Stan & Myrtle Reed, Brantham Bentley Dodnash Round Sunday all day.
Rapid Round Tiptree to Blackheath and back 32 km quick pace aka Winstree Layer.
Sunday Saver In Search of Panthead. Bus Col to Panfield Walk to Ashdon bus Colch
Reciprocity ColRA Sherburn Return. Wed 13 k Cattawade Flatford Dedham Lawford. Bures Balanced Wednesday double boomerang Bures St Mary Hamlet & Mount loops. Prospect Parkway. Kirby Cross double boomerang Sunday le Soken & Sandy loops.
1988
TRAIL Mission Walking in the Essex Colne Zolne; (Kai-Lotte Remliff file). Dozen Essex Ramblers published by Countryside Books, of Newbury.
NEW CLUB NW EsxRA Group RA Braintree Hub. (Ingram style loan).
ABROAD 14 day at Soll Austria Thompson holiday package. Self led.
Rapid 32 k Sunday loop. Puddly Mud Crawl from Coggeshall clockhouse
Home following Ann & Robin Heath Earl Soham Round Sunday all-day. Jane Philpot, Sunday all=day Shotley peninsula round. Janet & Eddy Penfold, Lamarsh Round Sunday. Jean T Sunday St Osyth Round. Extra Boose. Sunday Earls Colne double boomerang; Peb Brook & Swancombe loops. Essex Area Wednesday all-day Marvellous spring curl/ 21 k 34 folk Gun Hill > Lt Horkesley. LSCBlind guests Sun All-day Manningtree station, Flatford round 8 k 17 folk + dogs. Uncrossed in Mistley. Wed 8 k from Manningtree via Mistley to Lawford. Sloe Broaks Sun a.m. Halstead circuit via Broaks Wood Cutmaple. Beryl Sewell Memorial 13 k Her creation. Bus Elmstead Mkt walk to High Woods.
Wakefast Sat Feering 7 a.m. breakfast after Messing Kelvedon loop.
Sunday saver Bank Mon18 k bus to Good Easter walk to Lt Waltham. Bus to Saffron Walden Walk to Ashdon, bus direct to Colchester. Garnet Wood. Bus to good Easter walk to Lt Dunmow bus Colc.
1989
TRAIL Mission Puddly Mud Crawl (Kai-Lotte Remliff file apologies to Burl
Ives). Have A Go! Fortnightly in Essex County Standard for 4 years
New Club SWISSHIKE Lawrence Smallwood near Dudley Staffs, Meiringen Holidays. H F Bohinj. John Tickle lead about 5 of our 14 walks in Slovenia.
Home Following. Area Velta Bull Debden linear all-day Sun. Marie Napier guest leader Dedham Carol morning walk.
Away Following CHA Glaramara Bill Joyce 2 Borrowdale day, one icy. Swisshike 10 walks in amidst Alpine mountainsides.
Rapid Ramble. Maldon Thaw loop via Witham ad Heybridge Basin 32 km.
Reciprocity ColRA. Guests LSCBlind Meet Alresford station 11km loop via Wivenhoe. Fri evenstroll Upon Prentice Seawall. Tollesbury Square muster loop Rolls Farm. Fri evenstroll Skinners’ Mistree. Manningtree Mistley Lawford round. Sun all-day Little Holland Grope in Mist. H.Haven Lt Holland round10 km 20 folk.
Sunday Saver bus to Chip/Ongar walk to Hatfield Heath bus back to Colchester. Bus to Hedingham walk to Cavendish bus back to Colchester. Bus Saffron Walden for straightforward counter clockwise curl. Bus. Bus Weeley Heath. Walk to Little Oakley. Bus to Colchester.
1990
Trail Mission Hinterland Marathon (Martina Stow file).
HOME FOLLOWING John & Ann Purser. Wednes Earls Colne circuit. Essex Area Norman Skinner all day midweek Moreton Ongar linear. Essex Area George Farmer all day Stock>Fryerning all-day linear midweek
Away Following Bob Sloan Brittany Series pf 5 all-day coach walks. Rennes hub
Reciprocity ColRA Beside Lawling Creek Sun am 8 km 27 folk Steeple Maylandsea curl. Sun pm Upon Wick Seawall 8 k 25 folk Tollesbury Woodrolfe Green curl. Evenstroll. Hangings Evenstroll Harwich St Helen’s Green Dovercourt Bay loop. Guests LSC Blind Pretty Lady Blind Date Cressing Stn Ranks Grn White Notley Stn. Cut-throat Evenstroll Elmstead Bridge Crnr Alresford Loop.
Wakefast Tringa Alert Breakfast at Bentley Little Chef after 8 km Jacques Bay Walk
RAPIDLY in Hinckford Sudbury > Belchamp Walter clockwise heavy rain 32 km 34folk
Sequence Barge-mate reversed linear buses or two-car trickery JJ Ips > Leigh on Sea
Wednes am Chantry Cut Ipswich Station. Sproughton. Hintlesham George
Wednes pm By KeebleGrove Hintlesham Aldham. Hadleigh Magdalen St
Thurs q m Shelley Shuffle Hadleigh Shelley Stoke by Nayland
Thurs p m Stour-lip Terrace Stoke Nayland Wormingford
Fri Good am Wet in Wormingford Wormingford Mount Bures Wakes Colne
Fri Good pm Drenched Florie Wakes Colne Flories Lane Coggeshall clocktower
Sat am Silver Arms Coggeshall Western Arms Witham Station
Sat pm Ultimately Ulting Witham W.Bishops Mill Ulting Does’ Crnr
Sun am Lingwood Hoe Doe’s Corner Ulting Hoe Mill Little Baddow
Sun pm Three-Field Pause Generals’ Arms Hanningfield Battlesbridge
Estr Mon am Wheatley Wood Rettendon Rayleigh South Benfleet
Estr Mon pm Thunderley Glen Combe Wood. Castle Park Leigh-on-Sea Cockles
AWAY Wanderlust our second luggage forward package with Russel Hafter. Train to
Diessen, Oberammergau, Fussen in 8 days following Kronen Ludwig Weg
Overview
My fear is the 12 bogs will prove to be over-much. My plan is for an annual
review of Colchester Ramblers’ history that I knew about. I have added a few items of my
interlock with kindred organisations to give an idea of why I was not a one-club man.
The danger is that it will read like a list of Village names harnessed to a lists of
leaders’ names. My hope is that you can recognise some of the fabulous people, know
the juxta-locations of the villages, and can visualise the landscapes trod in their vicinities.
Remembering names is a problem for a person with his 92nd birthday coming just
a few days after Colchester Ramblers’ object birthday. Many names are inaccurate.
Phil Brew’s ramble operandi, whereby he keeps up with the peleton yet manages
to collect 30-50 images in his camera, to distribute by Email, would arouse better recall.
Camera technology to allow this is here. I have seen solo walkers on Tv showing
off features of their route from a 360degree scan camera. Excellent.
One soloist, Lady Hapless, did a magnificent Wharfedale length from Kettlewell to
Coniston. She walked the road with a dry-stone wall either side above camera height. We
saw walls a-plenty. Just over the east-side wall was a public foot-path (Dales Way Trail)
on higher ground affording a spread view of the magnificence, including Coniston Pie.
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 4 - 1981 – 1985
1981
Trail Mission - Thurstabubble Redhill saltseekers’ circuit Heybridge-Tollesbury released.
Recruitment - Booklet of 9 cross-country training jogs. Freely distributed.
New Club - Essex & Herts LD Walkers. Blackwater Marathon Heybridge > Salcott retire.
Reciprocity CoRA - Thurs evening stroll Woodrolfe Green Shinglehead Poppybank loop.
Abroad - Austria, D coach Gt. Britain & NI U21 team at Villach Volksport Stadium, Graz Night Relays with Vienna Tv present, & Bad Leonfeldon. O event near Iron Curtain 2 Camping in Norway Walking and Orienteering. Last camp. Tent converts mobile office
1982
Reciprcity ColRA - First footing Diverted by flood to Pattiswick>Coggeshall loop
RAPID - Hythe station clockwise 36 k loop via Beacon End - Live & Let Live
Abroad - D to Sweden investigating school orienteering procedures. Takes findings on lecture tour of Essex, Suffolk. Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire 2 years
Home Follow - Vic & Lyne Barnes Sunday all-day circuit Great Bentley Hollybush to their garden lunch at Point Clear, and return. Susan Cooper Special. A farm tour on tractor trailer around Fennes Farmland. Margaret Sutherland Sat pm Dovercourt Round including Harwich Redout. Rain
HF Holiday - Rita Gosforth leading 4 Snowdonia Walks from HF Conwy
1983
Trail Mission - Lasso Essex route appears as Abounding an Edge of Essex
New Group - Jessie walks with Sudbury Group Cliff Willson in Nayland
Reciprocity ColRA - First Footing Hythe station Wivenhoe Rose & Crown back to Hythe.
Train Thorpe le S. Walk via Gt Oakley to Wrabness, train to Colchester. Wednesday lead Mistree Twelve. White Bridge Mistley Manningtree Twist. Upper Blackwater Line. Bus Braintree walk via Stisted to Wakes Colne Bus home. Sat p.m. Daisy Meadow. 11 k 18 folk loop to Maldon Prom teas. Wall out: Towpath in. Robinsbrook Wednesday. Coggeshall, Patttiswick compasses loop. Great Holland Hike Wednesday, Frinton Greensward Gt H Ship, H.Haven loop.
Home Follow - Boat trip aboard Nemo from Brightlingsea to Bradwell, Walk to St Peter’s and back to quayside. Last ramblers board as Nemo touches ground and shudders off. First Wed ColRA led by Reg Cheek from Chappel Swan loop via Challkney. Hooray.
CHA Holiday - Bill Joyce leads 4 walks in Borrowdale from CHA Glaramara. Ice axe need.
HF Holiday - Cheryl Corach leads 3 autumnal Snowdonia Walks from H F Conwy.
Wanderlust sequence - Car at Leeds. Train to Alnside 8 days walk Coast to Coast to Whitby. Coach to Leeds. Drive home.
1984
Recruitment - Shire Books of Princes Risborugh publish 16 Discovering Walks in Essex. Wardenship - Derek wins East Anglian H42 Galoppen again and announces retirement. This robs rambling of the 240 ramble routes I was running a year with associated fit-for-purpose findings sent to Area Footpath Secretaries.
Area reformation - Bye bye S A R A and thank you. Jim King still our path-watcher. Now Essex is deemed to have enough vigorous groups to form its own AREA. Is an area layer of command necessary? Looked from below, perhaps not; seen from above its a YES.
Reciprocity - Slosh from Colne to Stour. Colchester North to Bures Hamlet, train return. Lower Chelmer Falls Wednesday 13 km Maldon, Woodham Walter circuit. Mount Trey Wednesday 13 km Bures St Mary double Boomerang. Island Mystery Sunday 14 km Great Bentley, Brightlingsea Anchor loop to Hollybush. Storm Chase Saturday 18 km Mistley, Wrabness, Dovercourt Bay. Train return. Rodbridge Ramble Wednes. 9 km loop Rodbridge to Sudbury Quay return. Astride Beeleigh Wednesday Maldon Woodham Walter Round. Beyond Cudmore Grove Wednesday 11km Cudmore Grove to Rewsells Farm loop. Christmas Toddle 14 km 26 folk Halstead to Gosfield Kings Head return.
Home Following - Joan Dixie Saturday evening Alresford. Cockaynes Round then meal. Boxted All day loop with Graham & Sally Welham. Peggy Baker at Bakers’ Arms Harkstead on coastal loop from Holbrook Bay.
HF Holiday - 4 Cornish Coastal Walks led by Patrick Ponsondine of Penzance
Wanderlust sequence - Train to Lowestoft Walk 4 days to Harwich. Train home
1985
Trail Mission - Details of Maria Mehalah Macabre (Martina Stow file) made known.
CHAIR - Nearly macabre. It’s our 20th birthday and the 3rd Chair lasted 14 instead of 3 years. My theory is that he was frightened by The Ramblers’ democracy, so just ignored ‘em. I’ve never heard a complaint about him. He smiled through a lovely Margaret & Murdo Garden party send off, just as he had when opposing Wednesday Rambles needs.
Reciprocity - Windy first footing from Tollesbury intending to reach Salcot, but seawall tops are not habitats to resist wild gales, so we abandoned to invade The Hope Inn. Half Butt Cross. Wednes Lexden Lambs Cross to Horkessley Heath Half Butt return. Totham Trot Bank Monday. Great Totham, Heybridge Basin return. 40 walkers too many. Cudmore Evening stroll East Mersea Round Stone Point. Evening Crossover. White Bridge muster Lawford, Manningtree Mistley roam. Donyland evenstroll Donyland Wood to Rowhedge and Fingringhoe Whalebone loop. Bridge of Oliver Evenstroll guest club LexWI Brickwall Farm, Layer return. Service Tree pilgrimage Wednesday 13 km Coggeshall to Pattiswick compasses return. Golden Fulfen Sunday 16 k Saffron Walden, Newport, veering. Foray to Falls Sunday Woodham Walter to Beeleigh and Langford return. 16 k double boomerang Sunday Off Harper Hill Wiston & Lt Horkesley loops. Sat pm 16 k curl from Wrabness Church via Stourwood to Great Oakley return. Sat pm 16 km from Horne Row curl via Blakes Wood Little Baddow.
Home Following - Helga & Gordon Daisley Sat evening Feering loop. Ragged robin Jenny & David from Stanway Kingsford to Layer Mill tour of mushroom tunnels & return
HF Holiday - Christmas on Devon Hams coast/. Warren Kalm leads two walks, and Ernie Straw arrives to lead two more, all from HF Thurlstone Sands
A Ramblers’ Group is a collection of Rambling Clubs
How many have we got in Colchester Group?
Different Clubs will spring from different needs in society as well as sorts of ramble. So far we have sampled
1. The basic rosie between meals loop.
2. The All-day Sunday loop.
3. All-day Sunday linear.
4 Midweek occasional.
5 with guests, maybe disabled e.g. blind.
6 a linked bundle of routes separated by dates.
7. Rapidly paced rambles 6 km p h up from 4 km p h norm.
8. Saturdays.
9. Summer Evenstrolls
Composite listings.
The ramble format ring-a-rosies is challenged by new-fangled ideas like Rapid Pacings, Wakefasts aka social breakfasts, & Sunday Savers.
All three might appeal to a few members in each club, so I tried Composite programming. It means a ramble appeared, with same date and time, on more than one club’s lists.
All three types have proved popular, but are now failures because all three have discontinued. Please tell me if that is not the case.
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 3 - 1976 – 1980
1976
Another First Footing. Colchester Castle to Ardleigh Fox & Hounds, Loop Kay Needham Hurst set our follower’s ball rolling with a Saturday rosie from Welshwood Park, followed by teas at her house. Her husband joined the tea party, reckoned he did not understand walking.
Newcomers to Layer, Mike & Joan Lattimer lead a couple of rosies, both from Layer de la Haye.
I have got an additional job; providing illustrated texts of walks for publication. As a chap who covered about 6 ramble-lengths per week with orienteering training that should be okay with a dictaphone recordings.
I was off to Cromford Mill Conference Centre by Sherwood Forest for an all-British Coaching chin-wag. Next day I was an early starter in nearby Clumber Park forest. Afterwards as I departed, I was top of the leaderboard, but there were still 50 more runners to finish. Result on Thursday by post. On Monday a fellow Essex Straggler orienteer, now working for the Yorkshire Dales Country Park phoned to say Clumber Park winners were broadcast on Calendar - the Leeds early evening regular programme. One mentioned was Derek Keeble of Essex, Yipee. Next Sunday I badly injured by foot, and it took four years to struggle back to that Clumber Park form. No running, no rambling, nor dancing. My plight was shared by Jessie. We re-constructed our life style. Our hobbies remained the same. The extra bits which were more like work than pleasure, were separated as Mapjog. Whilst non-competitive I tried coaching, was soon promoted to regional coach, coaching coaches, and in 1980 appointed a National coach for Great Britain and Northern Island. We shrank from the ColRA scene because I was busy with a lecture tour of East Anglia, and Jessie was satiated with her Wednesday rambles with Chelmsford HF.
Blake’s Wood Blaze. Little Baddow, circuit from Danbury’s Horne Row.
Another Saturday we did Butlers’ Puppy Walk a 16 km circuit from Sudbury via Wickham St Paul. That midnight found Ted Kirkby leading a dawnfinishing circuit of Mersea Island clockwise, raising money for R N L I. Good experience until Suffolk Rambling Club head-hunted me to lead and to puff variety in their Sunday prog. Sundays were precious though choked.
Autumn contributions were 3 Via St Peters, a rosie from Witham to Wickham Bishops and Little Braxted 4.Forage by Frinton an all day loop from Frinton to Holland Haven and Gt Holland. 5. Old House Bell House loop from Brickwall Farm around Stanway & Grymes Dyke. Very cold for new walker, blind Nigel Asher. Who did about 36 rambles with us over 4 years.
1977
Sat p.m. 12km walking Boxed Streets circuit from Stoke by Nayland village Hall. 2. A second Sat p.m. circuit from Wrabness Church using Ramsey path 8 to Gt Oakley Craft Centre tea and return across Tinker Street 3 Boxing Day routine. Brickwall Farm, Olivers, Donkey & Buskins, Bay Mill, Butchers Wood to Brickwall Fam, Stanway.
Onich CHA on bank of Lock Leven for two weeks. Jessie is leading a group of walkers in a White-Out with a Glen Coe map unseen until a few hours ago. She piloted her party back safely. I had married a heroine. Andrew and I were spread one each in two parties with experienced leaders. When my leader declared a return to base I stepped in to his footsteps as if I was a servant to his King Wenceslas act. Andrew did something similar with his leader. All safe.
1978 ColRA 1, First Footing Myland Welshwood 21 k loop from Castle Crescent Colchester Myland to Ardleigh Fox Street Fox. 25 folk close loop. 2 Feb Sat afternoon linear. Layer Marney White Horse by bus, walk via Messing to Kelvedon Tavern. Bus back. Summer Sunday Bures Hamlet to Twinstead Gymkhana Refreshments to Sudbury Station. Train to Bures.
Colin Brown’s Spectacular approach to the Blackwater Valley from Coggeshall. To Bradwell turn right for Stisted for lunch. Parade east to Marks Hall, joined by parish Councillor Phylis Wood who explained the new plans for the big House and garden complex. Long Limp
No training runs. Limp around Abberton & Langenhoe reporting blockages etc.
1979
COLRA Sat Evening Brantham, Mistley, Manningtree Lawford Twist Pylon Coach Ramble. Castle Hedingham, Belchamp St Paul, Sudbury coach. Renee & Peter Chits Hill rosie John & Margaret Dowding all day Terling Fairstead Witham Rivernhall; 2 Sat half day Alresford with Rose Clarke. With Chelm HF. Sat rosie with Fred Baughan, 4 Sunday all-days with Elsie Cook, and 5 Madeline Hook at Kelvedon and Mersea Island respectively. Wednesday half-day at Hatfield Peverel with Bill & Doris Ashcroft HF Chelm
Dawn Holcombe 4 days on Dartmoor from CHA Dawlish. Bryn Corach 3 days in Snowdonia from HFConwy. Six day Race in Switzerland - Derek & Andrew Essex Stragglers; Jessie Team Manager. Excellent
1980
First Footing Ironlatch Half Butt guests Tom & Len SRC. Lexden to Horkesley Heath return. Tea with Chas & Gwen. Sat Curl Rhododendrron Walk. Horne Row to Little Baddow curl. Sat pm 16 k curl from Wrabness Church via Stourwood to Great Oakley return. Sat pm 16 km from Horne Row curl via Blakes Wood Little Baddow
NE Camuplodunum Mon. SW Camu Tues. SE Camu Thu. N E Camu Fri. National Footpath Week otherwise ignored by ColRA.
Sun 6 kmph 36 km Cam curl from Hythe Station via Beacon End. Constable Beat route released. 30 k Middleton to Mistley. Col RA Gt Tey Survey, gust club GTFpath Preservation Soc. J&B Barnard Mersea Island Clockwise 22 km RNLI. Sponsoring. Slip Lyons leadership. Coach to Tring, seven days walk to a Midsummer Norton wedding. Andrew drove to the wedding, and returned us home next day.
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 2 - 1971 - 1975
1971
Nottingham studies stopped in June. Home-coming celebrated with a Wednesday-to-Wednesday holiday at CHA Westward Ho! Travelling was less congested. Wesley Torridge’s walks in North Devon and Bude were exhilarating. Our summer was dedicated to making an orienteering map of Rendlesham Forest with the okay from the Forestry Commission. It was the first for the new East Anglian Orienteering Region, of which I was co-founder. Jessie’s rambling needs got diverted as walks in a Suffolk Forest.
1972
I got to a course on Map-making in the Forest of Dean; - continuous walking. HF Holiday We grabbed a holiday in Colwyn Bay and climbed Moel Fammau and at home son Andrew walked with Stanway Residents’ Association in Stanway.
1973
Path wardenship now included Abberton & Langenhoe as well as my 28 or so training runs each month. No more regular Clacton cliff ramp runs. I did local midweek walking with Chelmsford HF member Frank Collis in his favourite Brett Valley area. No Colchester RA attractions for us.
1974
Ordnance Survey Goes Metric. All change, food, money, quantities, maps. m.p.h. to kms per mm, and Contour layering at 5 metres. Essex Bunroe now 147m. Following Mary & Tom of Clacton contributed a Brightlingsea Walk with plenty of Flag Creek charms.
Susan Cooper surprised us with a rare Totham Plain countryside probe. Following Ernest & Fiona Rudd organised a coach trip to Aldeburgh. Good for ramblers to get to know one another; team building whilst travelling. After 6 years with a Rudd at our rudder we seemed okay. Since, when Jessie was Honorary Secretary, I noticed a fall-off with structure and determined development. Without any planning, my life-style changed. By twice rejecting Suffolk Area’s offer of 6 contribution-spaces per annum in our regional newspaper, they ColRA qualified for a John McEnroe type rebuff. I added writing to my Roy Tover sketch-map work, to support Jessie’s minority position by offering my standard run “Frinton Frolic” as a walk. One walk would do; I thought no editor would want it replenished. Wrong. My contributions continued until I surrendered in 2003.
My long slow distance jog came under scrutiny by Jessie. At our new Lexden home I had forgotten our Trail mission. She remembered with. “It needs a discrete name” From experience I knew one needed at least one pea to link the eight changes of scenery-texture around Camulodunum in a day. Careful placement of the pea gave us CAMUPLODUNUM. Apt and discrete. Two trips to Danbury Park were ramble related. At one I met the Duke of Edinburgh on his inspection of Award Action in Essex where I was busy with expedition training advice. I hosted the 1974 Music Camp, when I planned nature rambles for young camper-musicians when not rehearsing.
Jessie went to Denman College for a rambling course on pre-historic monuments along the Ridgeway. She thoroughly enjoyed her weekend with an academic edge. The College was given to the W. I. by Lady Denman who was the daughter of Sir Weetman Pearson, member of parliament for Colchester who gave us our Castle Park. Good for trees too. My privilege to lead a Beryl Sewell Memorial Walk on her own favourite route over Cheshunt Field to Birch Lake and back, well. attended. “Go to Birch Lake,” she wrote in the Standard, “and see the herons in their tree-nests”. Nine years later I obeyed her, and herons were busy nesting still.
1975
As we start our 11th year we should have our 4th Chairman in position, but Chairman number three was hanging on stoically. I am critical about Reg. I liked him as a colleague. I admire him as a ramble-leader - he is one of only six people. whom I have walked behind on more than thirty occasions - but I could not respect his nihilistic lean towards keeping us as a single Sunday club group. His concept of community service and The Ramblers’ role therein. seemed null. His strongest asset in my estimation was his landscape selection. Those 34 walks I did behind were on the north shore of the Blackwater estuary famed for its Celtic fire remains from extracting salt by evaporation as happens still at Maldon
Salt Works; 2. The Naze of Walton and the extremity of Saltings across Hamford Water.
Our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I think Reg got there first. He led an annual first Sunday in May Walk viz: - Bus to Stratford, Walk to lunch, then on to Bures St Mary for bus to Colchester, or to Bures Hamlet for a train to Marks Tey.
He appreciated the South flank of the Colne Valley which contains Chalkney Wood.
He liked the walk north from Manningtree in Essex, slicing through East Bergholt East End to Bentley and Capel St Mary back to Manningtee. To me his outstanding selection 6 was Little Maplestead. Among literary experts in some U S
universities there is school of thought that Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night Dream belongs to the scenery of Little Maplestead. I love it too, and have walked it to bits Lobby Winnings Rambling was getting easier. We used to see finger-post clues that paths existed. Where to? By cycling around blocks of cultivated land we found possible endings. Then, having stepped off the hard road you had some idea of which way the path went. The metric map cleared those problems; not because of metric-fixation but by The Ramblers’ alert lobbying in Parliament. It Included “rights-of-way on maps, please.” They were included on splendid bigger maps at scale 1:25,000 scale, and still with a 1m square grid overlay.
Thanks, from this orienteer to The Ramblers and Ordnance Survey.
Doug Curtis led a Sunday tramp in the Colne Valley to Chappel I asked Guider, Librarian, Orienteer, Councillor Phylis Cox if she could lead a walk in Hedingham for ColRA. She did better than that. A bevy of her girls relayed the lead sector by sector, in a circuit via Poole Street. Simultaneously more girls were preparing Sible Hedingham Parish Room for our refreshment. It was part of their Hostess Badge-work. I gave them all a Distinction in my departure speech.
HF holiday We took an extended family for a week to Monk Coniston. The Lakeland autumnal colours were inspiring and the walking was as good as it gets, with sumptuous choices.
Colchester Ramblers 60th Anniversary Blog 1 - 1965 - 1970
1965
One December ramble. County Standard Newspaper cover event with photo of a dozen folk in boots hoofing towards Maypole Green.
1966
Beryl alerts us to a ramble in Maldon, where we lived. We joined them. Ernest Rud was in the peleton; he told us about HF holidays, and when an angry red-faced landowning hooligan assaulted us, he dealt with the situation with calmness. He waited for the torrent of expletives to cease, then eased in by answering all the points made,
complete with corrections. The assailant remembered his hunger and sped off..
1967
HFCol We were formed late 66 and their first ramble was January 67. The two new clubs had a common problem; lack of leaders. They agreed to share leaders during 1967.
Separation from socialists proved unworthy and unnecessary. We did the joint walk with leader George and lunch at Fingringhoe Whalebone and many pairs of muddy boots aligned outside the door . A cleryman from St Andrews walked across and asked us if it was still a pub, ‘Could be mosque now’, he mused.
The next combo was Reg’s, Adroitly to Wave Bridge Heybidge on a bus. Walk to Mill Bach Hotel lunch. Walk on to Tollesbury bus shelter from heavy rain until bus arrived for carriage to Colchester.
Our third combo was by Marjorie Elder, like Reg Cheek transferred from ChelmsHF to one of the new Colchester clubs. Her walk too was linear from Messing Corner B1022 to Layer Breton Heath’s pub onto Shrub End Church terminus.
Linear walks resumed with Reg Spurgeon inviting us to Gosfield Lake, Sible Hedingham White Horse, and Castle Hedingham Caxtle bus stop finish.
Our turn to lead. We nominated Hatfield Peverel Duke of Wellington as the muster point, Little Baddow Rodney for lunch, and Tom Tit Lane bus stop in Woodham Mortimer for a bus to Hatfield Peverel either via Maldon or via Chelmsford.
1968
Fiona completes three year as Chair. Ernest, her husband takes the reins Now living in Clacton on Sea, we can loin ColRA events more frequently.
Southern Area Rail Event emptied a train load of ramblers on Kirby platform. They went off on a linear; us in tow. We knew not where because they were too quick for us with our toddler, so we bade Good-bye to Rear Charlie and carved our way back home.
An elderly Dorothy Tye contributed an appreciated rosie by Pebmarsh.
Public Footpaths’ Watch. I was keeping Jim King busy. I covered a lot of paths solo and being an orienteer I knew where I was when I was obstructed and could make a coherent report.
I felt able to take a blind person with me when I rambled. I agreed to a monthly Sunday appointment. In practise the Sundays we agreed sometimes clashed Orienteering events hurriedly announced. The remedy was to ramble on Saturdays. The town rocked with laughter at the suggestion. “We cannot walk on Saturdays, because we never have”. I let them have their fun and went ahead with a monthly Saturday ramble suitable for escorted blind people. They were successful and new lists were included in the next R.A programme.
1969
Another Southern Area Rail event started from Halstead heading for Colchester, on Thursday. I met them and enjoyed being with them to Rose Green Chappel where I caught a bus back to work. 6 sorts of rambles so far.
Arthur & Vera walked a trombone Hythe to Thorrington. I did half of it.
For a holiday we tried the CHA at Eskdale Cumbria. Very similar to HF.
Sister Barbara led a splendid a Home Rosie at Fingringhoe.
1970
Not much on the menu for Tendring dwellers. We were busy with orienteering and found pockets of rambling elsewhere. Creating Trails was our motive. We had no idea how or where.
Knowledge of East Tendring might be useful. 13 joined us on a train ride to Wrabness, a walk via Great Oakley to Thorpe le Soken, train to Colchester.
We decided to gather information from ramblings and start Trail building as and when we could proclaim a route. The edge of our country was too much for novices. A sitting duck was the one N A O B we shared with Suffolk.
When in the Lake District sometimes just one more step up of 20-30 cms can bring a great change of scenery. How do we get step-ups in Essex? Drainage wise, Essex is beset with west-ish to east-ish river flows - Stour, Colne, Pant-cum-Blackwater, Brain, Chelmer, Can, Wid. Crouch, Roach and Thames, Their watersheds were slender but effective. For our Start we tried Hadleigh in Essex
from a route from Hadleigh in Suffolk, crossing the corduroy effect of the watersheds and drains. We liked it.
There was no money for printed publication, so we let the route be known, without much presentation. Later, 1989 our Hadleigh Hadleigh Way was reversed, pushed back a century to 1889, slightly extended at both ends, to become Jonathon’s Journey. Jon was born by Ipswich dockside, had scant education, loved the barges and was in turn a nuisance and a helpful friend to ship’s crews,
and weekly carriers from Ipswich’s surrounding communiities.
When, in 1889 Jon grew muscular power he got a job as mate on a Thames Barge.. On his third voyage he fell out with is skipper and left ship at Leigh on Sea to land-lubbered his way back to Ipswich. We know not a lot about his journey, route, nor sustenence; just enough to make six cliff-hanger inputs for our Suffolk Area allies Regional Newspaper Supplement.
To ColRA we volunteered a Sunday Loop - Weeley to Thorpe-le-Soken and frosty return . Frost won.
A ColHF coach Trip to Woodbridge had an optional walk to Bardsey for which I was the only comrade for leader John.
Alresford Parish Council decided to see where their footpaths went, and invited local local ramblers. We responded.
Then it was holiday time CHA Eskdale again in August and Staintondale, Yorkshire Moors camping with Havering Folk Dancers in September.
In October I left my family in Clacton whilst I lodged in Nottinghamshire for 9 fortnights, returning to Clacton for 9 of the weekends. On the others I tried 2 rambles in the Peak District and 7 orienteering events, all with Students aplenty.
Path Wardenship in Essex got a rest from all my twelve synonyms.:
Willis C, Walter D U, Anita T, Justine W, Martina S, Laurence S T,
Kai-Lotte R, Percy C W, Sally-Tina B, Megdelah C,
Raymond E and Roy T
Derek Keeble
Inaugural Open Meeting for Colchester Group of The Ramblers - A dark Sunday Evening November 7th 1965
At Colchester’s Youth Hostel, by East Bridge over the River Colne, 3 VIP guests included Rev T. Arthur Leonard, founder of Holliday Fellowship and Countryside Holidays Association Guest House operations. The author of The Pennine Way opened earlier 1965 - Tom Stephenson -Secretary of The Ramblers and Baron Ritchie-Calder a writer about the scientific world, an outdoors man, and frequent broadcaster on the BBC Brains’ Trust radio programme.
They left leaving three gifts of Aspiration, Resilience and Joy. Also present was Southern Area’s Path Warden for Essex, Mr Jim King of Barking About thirty > forty other interested folk attended, but experience of Rambling was in short supply. It was an exciting meeting.
The fuel for this came when Mrs Fiona Rudd, settled in her recent Maldon Road, Colchester home, looked around for some social rambling. Her husband, who was among the first cohort of academics at the soon-to-open University of Essex, was happy but she was not amused by being denied ready rambling. The stalwart endeavours by a Miss Beryl Sewell to promote an indoor swimming pool in Colchester, to preserve the natural history of The Roman River Valley, and writer of walking routes with wild flowers on display, caught Fiona’s attention. Together they campaigned for The Ramblers to create a Group in Colchester, Essex. They needed to provide evidence of local support. This they did, and boldly arranged the Meeting.
Quite rightly, the Meeting voted these two midwives - as I called them for their thorough nurture of the new born social cluster - to the posts of Chair for Fiona and Honorary Secretary for Beryl. Jim King was poised to remain in post. Their territory covered not only Lexden & Winstree, but all of Tendring District too. It was agreed to have one ramble in the next month (December) and 11 more Sunday rambles leading to the next November’s Annual General Meeting.
The Ramblers Association began in January 1934. The two Rambling Holiday organisations developed by the Reverend T. Arthur Leonard at the end of the nineteenth century also encouraged local groups, so that people who enjoyed a
walking holiday with them could keep walk-fit ready for next year’s holiday. In the industrial homeland of Arthur Leonard’s enterprise folk were loyal to either the Holiday Fellowship or to the Countryside Holiday Association, but not to both. In Essex the two similar formats were seen as one huge opportunity and Clubs in Ilford and Chelmsford for example were HF & CHA Clubs, as was another at Ipswich. Colchester was about to join them.
Why do I mention this? Well my theory is HF-CHA enthusiasts in Colchester, were horrified to find their hobby organised locally was connected to Tom Stephenson whom they believed was a savage socialist. Our gutter-press so discredited
a robust Westminster lobbyist, keen to have National Parks and National Trails with access to them. Suddenly Colchester had two walking clubs.