TEWKESBURY U3A WALKING GROUP

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NB   1.   Walkers are requested to carry both their U3A membership cards and their ICE (in case of emergency) cards with them on all walks and strolls.
NB   2.   Members should consider carrying hand sanitizer and a face covering. Members are urged to continue with appropriate measures to minimise covid transmission.
NB   3.    Numbers on walks are as always at the walk leader’s discretion. This may well be limited. This may depend upon a number of factors including any government diktats as well as the nature of the walk, e.g. number of stiles.
NB     4.    Where two walks are offered in a week, if you wish to go on both walks please do not book onto your second choice walk until the end of the week before. This is so that members are not denied a place on any walk by early second walk bookers.

Programme 199 September & October 2024

September 2024

Walks coordinator Hugh after thanking walk leaders for their efforts, then led a discussion on various aspects of walks:- difficulty in filling the walks programme; frequency of walks; start times for walks (normally to be 10.00a.m.); difficulty and length of walks; whether the difficulty of organising a pub lunch was worth it (answer both yes and no depending on location, nature and length of walk; time of year and the pub).
It was agreed that walks would continue to be on a Wednesday or Thursday and that it was important to try and have at least one walk every week.
There had been difficulties with members booking onto walks via the main U3A web site. Ideally members should book on using telephone or email to the walk leader. Calvyn Price was requested to investigate further.
Hugh reported that there are problems with bulk emails to those members with BT Internet email addresses. Work continues to resolve the problem.
Both Sylvia and Hugh were prepared to carry on in their roles but both said that they would only like to do one more year as they were both increasingly burdened with caring responsibilities.
The Christmas lunch, again organised by Calvyn, would be at the Gupshill on 5 December. Calvyn would prefer bookings via the web site and money to be transferred via BACS with reference of WGL Surname. See web site for details, menu, booking and paper booking form download.

It was agreed that walk reports and photos were much appreciated and would continue. Stan Fagg assisted by John Dixon were thanked for their continuing efforts in keeping these records. Stan pointed out that essays were not required; a few lines on: numbers, weather and any interesting facts were sufficient.

Future dates: 11 Nov - membership renewal/open day; 24 Nov- Christmas lights.
We then had tea/coffee and cakes and Stan gave an entertaining slide and music show of the year’s walks. (Report by Hugh, photos by Gillian)

Walk   1647

Wednesday 4 September   6.5 miles   Energetic   Pub Lunch
Meet       The Woolpack Inn, Slad. GL6 7QA Grid SO873076 for a 10.00am start
Contact   Steve 01684 295438 or e-mail stevejanefisher@aol.com the week before.
Directions   M5 to Junction 11A. A417 passing the roundabout at the top of Birdlip Hill. Turn right off the A417 and take the B4070 towards Stroud. Stay on the B4070 and after approximately 6 miles enter the village of Slad. Park on the road by the pub.
Details   A Fisher-Price Walk. An undulating circular walk based on the Laurie Lee Wildlife Way. The walk passes through stunning Cotswold landscapes, nature reserves and hills linked to the Slad Valley. The path has 10 posts each containing one of Laurie Lee’s poems and the whole walk has echoes of his classic book,’ Cider with Rosie’. The walk finishes with lunch in Laurie Lee’s favourite pub, order from the bar snacks menu or restaurant menu on the completion of the walk.
Lunch will be late at 2.15pm.

An original 6 turned into 4 on the day outside The Woolpack in Slad. The weather looked set fair and we presumed we wouldn't need waterproofs. The walk largely followed the established Laurie Lee Wildlife Way, starting at the Woolpack, and taking us through the four local reserves: Frith Wood, Snows Farm, Laurie Lee Wood and Swift's Hill NR with fine landscape and views throughout, especially from Swift's Hill. An enjoyable if tiring walk and a welcome lunch at the Woolpack. Report from Jim, Pictures by Calvyn

Stroll

Tuesday 10 September      Bredon village        10.15 start
Meet       Meet at Bredon Church lychgate for 10.15am; park in Church Street (any sensible place on LEFT side of road) GR 920369
Contact   Noel on 01684 772526 or ngslaney@gmail.com the week before
Directions   Drive on the B4080 to Bredon. After entering the village, take the first left after the blind bend and left again into Church Street
Details   Hear the stories of four people (St Giles, Sargent Harry Cook, Lady Catherine Reed and William Hancock), who influence the lives of parishioners to this day; two in the church and two on the stroll; ½ a mile flat around central village plus (optional) ¼ mile down to river and up to church.
Lunch: Optional picnic in churchyard.

On a breezy autumnal morning Noel welcomed 14 of us to St Giles, leading us with the aid of a medieval-looking key into the vestry where, to our surprise two volunteers, Wendy and Chris, were busy polishing the church silverware.
Snaking our way into the south side of the church, Noel told us the story of the church's humble hermit and patron saint Giles. Then, just short of the choir stalls, we heard the story of Sgt Harry Cook, who would far rather have been battling it out on the cricket field than at the Somme; just one of our 37 war heroes.....Greater love hath no man.....
Strolling into the great outdoors we came to William Hancock's School. He retired here in 1713, bought 1000 acres of land, and used the rental to found the school, thriving to this day. He deserves a posthumous 'Outstanding' from Ofsted, not that he'd want it!
Just up the street we came to Reed's Close. This was set up by a deed of trust in 1611 by Lady Catherine Reed to meet the housing needs of widows with no family support; still in full use to this day.
Winding our way via Back Lane and 'open door' artist Pam Frith, we took a narrow passageway down to the River Avon, and then steeply up the short hill to the church again.
Thanks to Noel for the report and leading the stroll and also Shirley for the photo - SF

Thursday 12 September   4.7 miles   Easy /Moderate      Pub lunch
Meet       Royal Exchange, Hartpury GL19 3BW, Grid 799249   9.45 for 10.00am start
Contact   Hugh    01452 780460 or email candhbennett@gmail.com the week before.
Directions   A38 south, right at second traffic lights onto B4213, through Tirley, left onto B4211 at T junction, left again onto A417. Pub is in Hartpury on bend opposite Ashleworth turn, 2.5 miles north of Maisemore.
   Details   We walk around the edge of Catsbury Hill, past Rudgeley Wood and through the grounds of University of Glos to Overton. Then back through Woolridge Wood. Could be some mud and there are a number of stiles. Please select from lunch menu when booking onto the walk.
   Lunch menu with Hugh and at: https://www.royalexchangehartpury.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Spring-Summer-Lunch-2024.pdf

Sixteen of us, including a few new members, met in the car park at THE ROYAL EXCHANGE at Hartpury from where we had great views of the Malvern hills. The weather was kind - cold but sunny. Our walk took us took us around Catsbury Hill and on to grounds of Hartpury College. The countryside was looking decidedly autumnal, although there were still a few swallows skimming over the meadows. Crossing the A417 we then walked through Woodridge Wood and up to the Over Old Road and then back along the lane to Hartpury where we enjoyed lunch at the Royal Exchange.

Twelve of us left the New Dawn Inn in pleasant weather.
We made our way past some very smart housing resembling an enormous rejuvenated old barn and a Wesleyan chapel ( 1841 ) to Bishops Norton village pond.
Later, after we negotiated the ensuing undergrowth, Shirley bravely raised an electric fence for us to pass carefully & swiftly underneath.
Whilst ascending Sandhurst Hill we were suddenly greeted by a glorious field of sunflowers, and one walker managed a swift half at the Red Lion before it closed - for 6 months. This, after we had admired views from the nearby summit.
Lastly, a welcome lunch awaited at the pub and many thanks to Andrea & Bob for organising it all. (Report from Lesley and photos from Margaret, Andrea and Phil - SF)

Walk   1650

Wednesday 25 September   6 miles     Moderate   Optional picnic or pub lunch en route
Meet       Roses Theatre, Sun Street, Tewkesbury for a 10.00am start
Contact   Meg 07711784228 or email: salterslee@yahoo.co.uk the week before.
Directions   Off Tewkesbury High Street, opposite the post office.
Details   Walk to Church End via the Mythe across fields and tracks, stop for coffee. Then onto Twyning across fields and a short road walk. The guided walk ends at the Fleet Inn. Lunch in or near the Fleet Inn on an individual basis. Return along the river Avon back to Tewkesbury, either individually or with Meg. Mainly flat.

After the recent wet days, this morning proved ideal dry walking weather.
Leaving the Roses Theatre the Mega group of four, crossed St John's Bridge and followed the Avon, taking the higher path through the sheep field and tracks to Twyning Church and the coffee stop. The route continued along tracks, avoiding the puddles and fields to Twyning and the Fleet Inn, pausing to admire the family of swans on the rising water.
Later a heron was seen on the river bank and further on a short diversion taken from a very waterlogged stile, even the sun shone for while on this good mornings walk.
Thanks to Meg for at last getting this walk on the programme. (Report and photo by Margaret)

Walk   1651 Linda has cancelled the walk due to bad ground conditions.

Thursday 26 September   4 miles   easy/moderate   Cafe lunch
Meet       Church Lane, by St Lawrence church, Mickleton, GL55 6RX, Grid 162435 for a 10.00am start. In case there's a funeral, please share cars.
Contact   Linda either email lindawhittaker@mypostoffice.co.uk or 01684 772030. the week before.
Directions   A46 towards Evesham, and turn right before the town, to Childswickham. At the end of the village take the left-hand fork up Pennylands Bank then turn left at the top. Soon at the roundabout on the A44, go straight across (2nd exit onto the B4632 to Mickleton. The church spire is visible as you enter village. Park in Church lane (turn right off the High Street). In case there is a church service, please share cars.
Details   A varied walk, fields, lanes, and woodland, starting with a gentle climb onto the Cotswold escarpment, passing Kifstgate and Hidcote Gardens and through the pretty hamlets of Hidcote Bartrim and Hidcote Boyce. No stiles.
Lunch: Limited space, cafe food but generous portions, outside under cover at Decades Cafe in Mickleton Garden Centre or own arrangements.
'Please choose food from Decades cafe Mickleton on the Internet and scroll down to click on Restaurant Guru. Scroll down after the first two lists if you want a pizza!'

October 2024

Walk   1652

Thursday 3 October      3.6 miles     Moderate/Energetic   Lunch own arrangements, many options locally.
Meet       Beckford Village Hall GL20 7AA Grid 974357 for a 10.00 start.
Contact   Sonia   01684 298409 the week before.
Directions   From Tewkesbury follow the B.4080 Bredon Rd to Bredon and then the Kemerton road to Beckford, VH on the right just past the tennis courts. (or A46 past Teddington Hands roundabout to Beckford on the left. Editor)
Details   There is a steady climb up the hill, which is compensated by wonderful views. The remainder of the walk is downhill to Grafton through fields. We return to and visit           Beckford Nature Reserve along quiet lanes and fields.

report

Stroll

Tuesday 8 October        Croft Farm - walk around the lake
Meet       Meet at Croft Farm water park, GL20 7EE, car park on left of reception,
before the barrier for a 10.30 a.m. start
Contact   Lesley on 07917097286 the week before.
Directions   Take the B4080 Bredon road out of Tewkesbury for approx. 2 miles.
Details   The stroll is around the lake, with one slight incline.
Lunch   Lunch may be obtained at the Lake café which will probably be open, or own arrangements.
Most, if not all, of the stroll should be suitable for a mobility scooter, with some on gravel.

report

Walk   1653

Wednesday 9 October   3 miles   Easy   Lunch: own arrangements
Meet       Cheltenham Racecourse Park and Ride GL50 4SH 10.15 for a 10.30a.m. start
Contact   Barry on 07751170833 (evenings) or by email to bminettsmith@icloud.com the week before.
Directions   Just after Racecourse roundabout on left of B4075 Prestbury road.
Details   This is a 3 mile walk around the racecourse and through part of Prestbury.

report

Walk   1654

Thursday 10 October   7.5miles   Energetic   Picnic   tea in Ledbury
Meet       Ledbury Swimming Pool car park, HR8 2AG, Grid 708377 (£4.30 all day)
Contact   Noel   01684 772526 or ngslaney@gmail.com the week before
Directions   A438 to Ledbury; turn right at main crossroads in town; turn first left at clock tower; turn second right into Lawnside Rd (Swimming Pool car park at end)
Details   Walk from car park at 9.20am exactly 1km plus to station; 10.00 train single ticket to Colwall £4.90. Walk back via Evendine, steep climb to Ridgeway, Netherton Farm, Kilbury Camp, Old Worcester Rd, Ledbury churchyard; Tea at Malthouse Cafe. The going is generally good, but it’s cross-country Herefordshire! Ascent 800ft. Expansive views N.S.E.&W.

For those planning to go on this walk: there will be a picnic lunch en route plus tea/cake in Ledbury at the end of the walk if desired; probably my mistake when I published the programme, sorry.

Noel advises "to wear a smallish pair of gaiters as there may be one or two watery patches after the rain we've had".

I also note that the post code for the Ledbury car park may be HR8 2AE rather than 2AG which is the adjacent Bye Street which leads to Lawnside Road.

report

Walk   1654A

Wednesday 16 October   5 miles         Easy           Pub nearby
Meet       Tewkesbury Nature Reserve car park   Grid 899319 GL20 5FF for a 10.00a.m. start
Contact   Richard.hart13@btinternet.com   the week before
Directions   Car Park is off Tewkesbury ring road at the 1st roundabout from the Morrisons end.
Details   We cross the Nature Reserve and walk to Southwick Farm and back.

report

Walk   1655

Thursday 17 October   4.75 miles    moderate    optional cafe lunch.
Meet       Guiting Power Village Hall Grid 094247, GL54 5TX (honesty box by door) for a 10.00a.m. start
Contact   Linda on 01684 772030 or lindawhittaker@mypostoffice.co.uk the week before.
Directions   From Tewkesbury take A46 to Teddington Hands roundabout and take 3rd exit onto B4077 to Toddington, straight on at roundabout and up Stanway Hill. Fork right just before Ford onto minor lane and continue through Kineton and Barton. Just over a mile after Barton turn right sp. Guiting Power. On entering the village, turn left into Church Lane, and the village hall is on the right.
Details   An undulating Cotswold walk on drovers trails, quiet lanes, through woodland and along Guiting Stream. No stiles. Optional light cafe lunch at The Old Post Office, Guiting Power after the walk.

report

Walk   1656

Wednesday 23 October   4.5 miles   Easy   Lunch own arrangements
Meet        At junction on B4211 with minor road signed to Chaceley/ Chaceley Hole, nearby postcodes GL19 4LX or 4LY, Grid 835315    9.45 for 10.00a.m. start
Contact   Margaret and Sue   email mrmorris@sky.com    the week before.
Directions   Leave Tewkesbury on A438 turn L onto B4211, after garage on left turn left in direction for Chaceley, parking carefully on edge of green.(More details on booking on walk)
Details   The walk is mostly along quiet lanes, taking in Chaceley Hole and Chaceley, there will be 2 or 3 stiles and a gentle climb back to start.

report

Walk   1657

Thursday 24 October   5 miles    Moderate     Lunch own arrangements
Meet       Red Lion Pub, Wainlode, GL2 9LW Grid 849259   9.45 for a 10.00a.m. start
Contact   Ian or Kathy       01684 290542    the week before.
Directions   A38 south, right at 2nd traffic lights onto B4213. Left half a mile before the Haw Bridge and 1 mile to the Red Lion pub. Lots of parking.
Details   Circular walk following the Severn Way south for 3km then left onto Rodway Lane. Left at Brawn Farm and climb onto Sandhurst Hill and Norton Hill before dropping down back to the Red Lion.
Lunch: Sadly the Red Lion pub is seasonal and will have closed for the winter. The nearest pub is the Farmers Arms at Apperley.

report

Walk   1658

Thursday 31 October   5 miles   Moderate/Energetic   Pub Lunch en route
Meet       Stanton Social Club car park, WR12 7NE for a 10.00a.m. start
Contact   Graham & Betty either e-mail graham.mealand@btinternet.com   or phone 01684 649507 the week before
Directions   Tewkesbury-Stow road, B4077, at Toddington roundabout turn left for Broadway, in 2 miles turn right to Stanton; through village, at T Junction turn left, Social Club on the left.
Details   Our walk leaves Stanton past the Mount Inn, and gradual climb up Shenberrow Hill. Turning right through woodland, Autumnal colours of the beech trees should have begun, and follow Cotswold Way along the crest of the Cotswold escarpment with good views. Through Littleworth Wood and on to Snowshill village to order lunch at the Snowshill Arms pub, tables reserved; meals usually prompt as they are used to walkers passing. Returning, we retrace our steps to the meeting of paths, where we continue downhill to Stanton village. Suggest walking poles should be used, as some paths can be slippy in rain.

Notes for Guidance
        Information for all members (revised July 2020)
Group Leader        Walks Co-ordinator                  Treasurer
Sylvia Murdoch        Hugh Bennett                              Tony Barrett
01684 437462                          01452 780460    01684 276960
sylviamurdoch@outlook.com     candhbennett@gmail.com tonyandjenniferbarrett@btinternet.com

Walking Group mobile phones: 07546069085 and 07522958435

Details of all walks and reports can be seen at http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html

Walks are graded to give some idea of what to expect:

Stroll: A short walk at an easy pace with frequent stops. Warning is given about inclines or difficulties

Easy: Undemanding and mainly level with occasional gentle ascents or descents. There may be a few stiles.

Moderate: Some uphill/downhill stretches “ uneven walking“ several stiles.

Energetic: Some longer steep hills and rough ground - may be many stiles.

Please book with the leader of the walk by the date given and arrive in good time before the start to boot-up and order lunch etc. Be sure to cancel with the leader if you are subsequently unable to take part; one of the group phones will be turned on on the morning of the walk so that you can make contact in the event of a last minute delay or you become lost.
Wear suitable shoes/boots and clothing for the walk and do not over-estimate your abilities.
An attendance fee of 50p is charged for each walk attended.
Dogs are not allowed on walks.
Members may bring a guest but the guest must not displace a member if spaces on the walk are limited.
We usually stop for a 15-20 minute coffee-break after about an hour; so, as well as refreshments, something to sit on can be useful on wet ground.

SAFETY POLICY

Walkers

Carefully read the walk description to ensure that you are capable of walking the route at a moderate pace (about 2 miles per hour) without risk to health. Remember that a short moderate walk may be more demanding than a longer easy one.

Dress sensibly. Make sure that you have suitable clothing and footwear for the weather expected. A walking pole or stick can be of great help.

Remember to carry any medications that you might need. There will normally be a coffee stop so carry food, and water, especially on hot days. It is sensible to carry a small first aid kit. A whistle is a good way of attracting attention if you need help.

Follow instructions given by the leader. Keep those in front and those behind you, in sight all the time.

Keep to the route indicated by the leader: do not devise shorts cuts, etc. If you wish to leave the walk, you must let the leader know.

Walk in single file on roads and heed any advice about crossing roads given by the leader.

Be aware of the danger from ticks and hence tick-borne diseases, particularly in the summer months and near animals. Dress appropriately, e.g. long trousers rather than shorts; trousers tucked into boots, socks or gaiters.

Each walker is ultimately responsible for carrying out a personal risk assessment for every walk they undertake.

Carry identification in case of accident: name, date of birth, emergency contact number, doctor's number, essential medications. (ICE Card)

Carry your U3A membership card which may be checked.

Leaders

    Classify your walk as STROLL/EASY/MODERATE/ENERGETIC. Mention any steep     climbs and stiles.

    Aim to carry out a walk-over (with your co-leader) of your proposed route not more than     two weeks beforehand.

    Consider all the points in the national U3A walk leaders risk assessment (attached below).     Take action as you consider necessary.

    Limit your walk to a maximum number that you think you can safely manage.

    Have a co-leader to act as back-marker: count the party at the start and at suitable points during the walk. The back marker needs to know the planned route in case the party gets split.

    Liaise with Sylvia Murdoch to obtain the leader's pack (contains: phone & charger, first aid kit, hi-viz vests)

    Carry the walking group first aid kit; however remember that you may not be qualified to give medical advice. However there may well be a member with medical training and experience on the walk.

    Set a pace of about 2 miles per hour plus coffee and lunch/tea stops. Indicate on walk details if lunch is to be late. Ensure that those finding the pace difficult have sufficient time to rest and recover, even if this is not favoured by more energetic members.

    Carry a map, the group mobile phone (as well as your own). A GPS receiver is useful for pinpointing location. Switch on the group mobile phone before you leave home and keep it on until the walk is over.

    If your walk is along roads where traffic is expected, use the Group yellow vests for the leader and back-marker. Walk in single file and face on-coming traffic except where visibility is obscured.

Ask for volunteers to write a report on and take photos of the walk and forward them to:     stanfagg@btinternet.com.

Having collected 50p from each walker, pass the money together with a note of date, walk number, number of walkers and total to Tony Barrett or Sylvia Murdoch.

General Information

Walkers on the email list will be sent full details of walks every other month. If you require a paper copy of the walking programme, there is a charge of Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£4 p.a., payable at the Walking Group AGM or the Enrolment Meeting. This will be sent to you by post.

Reports on walks already done can be seen at http://home.freeuk.net/stanfagg/u3a.html

We are affiliated to the Ramblers Association and the membership card may be used to obtain a 10% discount on walking gear in most local outlets. Please contact Richard Hart or Tony Barrett if you need a copy of the card.

All walkers and leaders are covered by U3A third party insurance even in the case of negligence, although it is assumed that all will conduct themselves with common sense.

Walk Details

Leaders, when sending details of their walks to the walks coordinator for inclusion in future programmes, need to supply the following details:
    Preferred date; length of the walk; grade, i.e. stroll/easy/moderate/energetic; lunch arrangements, e.g. pub, picnic etc
    Meeting Place with post code and/or grid reference; meet time and start time.
    Directions to the meeting place
    Details of the walk, e.g. outline of the route; type and state of ground; steep gradients;     number of stiles.
    Any special instructions or information.
.

Nearly all the photos on this page have been reduced in size and resolution to save both space and bandwidth. Should you want a copy of any of the photos, Stan would be happy to supply a copy of the original file - just quote the walk number and the photo title.