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 191 December 2023, & January, February 2024

December 2023

Walk    1596 Unfortunately Richard and Sonia have decided to postpone their walk planned for tomorrow. The ground conditions are too poor after the recent bad weather.

They plan to offer the walk again in the new year.

Wednesday 6 December     3.7 miles easy/moderate   Option of Croome canteen for lunch.
Meet        Croome NT Park car park WR8 9DW Grid 886452 for 10.00 start.
Contact    Sonia and Richard 01684 772917      the week before.
Directions    A 38 north from Tewkesbury to the new roundabout near Upton. Turn right onto A 4104 and follow the brown signs to Croome.
Details    It is not necessary to be an N.T. member to join this walk, to park or to eat in the canteen. We will be following footpaths on the outer ring around the Parkland. There is one short incline and may well be mud!!

report

Christmas Lunch

Thursday 7 December
Gupshill Manor 12.00 for 12.30pm. (Pre booked with Calvyn)

The Walking Group held their Christmas lunch at the Gupshill Manor on 7th December. It was well attended by 54 walkers including some of their partners.

Sylvia, the Walking Group Leader, and Iain were unable to attend so Hugh spoke at the end of the meal. Firstly he thanked Calvyn for organising lunch (with booking via a new webpage) and thanked the staff at Gupshill. He then thanked Stan Fagg assisted by John Dixon in maintaining the walk website with details, reports and photos of walks. Calvyn was thanked again for putting details of the walk programme on the main Tewkesbury U3A web site. Hugh went on to say that our walks have been well attended with up to 40 members walking in some weeks. Highlights of the year included the walk on the Camino de Santiago completed by 14 pilgrims

Then Hugh, and also on behalf of Sylvia, offered a particular thank you to all our walk leaders. Without their ongoing contributions we would not have a walking group. He then implored members to offer more walks whenever they can. In conclusion we are looking forward to good walks in 2024, and Hugh wished us all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Walk    1597

Wednesday 13 December        3.5 miles    Easy        Pub lunch
Meet        The village green by the cricket ground at Frampton on Severn GL2 7EP. Park around the Green    10.15 for 10.30a.m. start
Contact    Barry on 07751170833 (evenings) or by email to barryms1942@gmail.com
Directions    M5 to J13; A419 northwest to A38, turn left (south west) for 1km, turn right onto B4071 to Frampton.
Details    We walk around the lake and Frampton village. Pub lunch at the Bell by arrangement with Barry.

             Tenovus; no, not the charity shop... u3a walkers met up on a not so cold day at the Bell Inn in Frampton on Severn. After welcoming a new member, Anne Gardner to the group, Barry led us on a stroll down the longest village green in England.
          Hardly had we 'got going' than we were enticed by the scent of spices in the air, in layman's terms: mince pies, into the cafe on the green, 'Ley Bistro'.
          Part Two of the stroll took us along a rather mournful looking avenue of old horse chestnut trees. Wouldn't we be after 186 years? (Think: Queen Victoria) This led us to St Mary the Virgin's Church, over 700 years old and full of kneelers depicting aspects of life in the parish.
          Refreshed, the stroll turned into a walk as we crossed over the bridge and strode for 2 kms along the Sharpness Canal; Forest to the left of us, Wolds to the right, and so down the lane back to the Bell Inn. Here, we enjoyed a hearty lunch, while for 'afters' Noel was kindly presented with a large mince pie, a lighted candle in it's centre.....worth waiting 80 years for!
          Our thanks go to Barry for an interesting and almost mud-free walk, (takes some doing these days), and to Margaret for refreshing our memories with her blend of red, green and blue images..... colourful was the word I was looking   ( Thanks to Noel for his usual entertaining report and to Margaret for her photos - SF)

Walk    1598 Unfortunately John is unable to lead this walk for family reasons. The walk has been postponed to February and will reappear in the walks programme in due course.

    Thursday 14 December    5 miles   Energetic        Lunch own arrangements
Meet         Haresfield Beacon NT car park (pay & display)   GL6 6PP   Grid SO832086 What3words: retail.quoted.paused    9.45am for a 10:00am start
Contact    John and Sylvia    01684 437462   the week before
Directions    No easy route, John suggests taking A38 to Longford, Straight across roundabout. Left at next roundabout onto Estcourt Road to Wall’s Roundabout. Exit onto Eastern Avenue. Continue along Eastern Avenue, Finley Road ( A38 ) and Stroud Road ( A4173 ) over M5, through Brookthorpe to Edge. In Edge just after Back Edge Lane turn sharp Right onto Edge Lane, shortly after take a sharp Left onto Edge Road. follow the lane for some distance the take a right onto Haresfield Lane to Harefield Beacon Car Park. Note: probably easier to use a the post code and a satnav.
Details    An energetic walk on good even track to start with, then a stretch of downhill on rough uneven track, with a long gradual climb on the way back on grass, heading back to the start. 6 styles, one tricky one with no step. Good views.

report

Walk    1599

Wednesday 20 December        5.4 miles    Moderate    Pub Lunch
Meet        Apperley village hall car park GL19 4DP 9.30 for a 9.45am start
Contact    Hugh    01452 780460 or candhbennett@gmail.com the week before
Directions    A38 south, second traffic lights turn right on B4312, second turn on right to Apperley, Village hall on right after 400 metres.
Details    A mixture of country lanes, footpaths and tracks to the north east of Apperley and Deerhurst. One short steep climb, otherwise generally easy. No stiles apart from the last part, where there may be five, one or no stiles depending on the route I choose (any preferences on the day please). The route may be varied if floods are present.
Lunch at the Farmers Arms, Apperley, GL19 4DR. Pre order off lunch menu at https://farmersarmslowerapperley.co.uk/food/ when booking walk with Hugh.

Twelve of us set out from Apperley Village Hall on a cloudy but dry day. Hugh’s route took us on a circular walk which avoided the remains of recent flooding with not too much mud. We followed the road from Apperley to Deerhurst Village and then crossed fields to dryer, higher ground where we had sight of two deer running across a distant field and good views all round and to May Hill. We then followed lanes, footpaths and edges of fields to the road to look back at Deerhurst Church and stopped to admire a giant snowman made of painted tractor tyres. The road then took us back to collect cars and drive on to the Farmers Arms for a good lunch.
Thanks to Hugh for such an enjoyable walk. (Thanks to Sally for the report and Margaret for the photos - SF)

Walk    1599

Thursday 28 December    5 miles approx     Easy/Moderate         Pub Lunch
Meet        Duke of York pub Berrow. WR13 6JQ GR 782354 9.30am to Order Food
Contact    Graham & Betty 01684 594331 or Email: graham.mealand@btinternet.com between Thursday 14th December-Thursday 21st December only.
Directions    A438 Tewkesbury-Ledbury Rd for 8 miles to D of Y pub, Berrow, on left. Order Food from 9.30am. Share cars to travel to Hollybush car park (continue on A438 for approx 2miles, car park turn right on brow of hill) where Walk Starts 10am.
Details    This Annual walk, known as " The Pudding Buster”, is familiar to most. The southern end of The Malvern Hills is quieter, walking is gentler, not climbing over summits.
It takes us around Ragged Stone Hill & Chase End Hill, through Bromsberrow Estate, stopping for coffee & Christmassy treats, returning via Bromsberrow track, before short uphill stretch back to cars. We then return to D of Y pub for our 12.30 lunch and (wait for it…) Musical desserts! Recommend Walking poles in case of glorious mud.

It was with fingers crossed and one eye on the weather that 20 of us set out once again to lose a few pounds in the nether regions after Christmas 2023.
( Although these good intensions wiould be ruined when we got back for lunch at the Duke of York, Berrow after our walk!)
Our route, well known to the group took us south along the side of the Malverns Ragged Stone Hill towards the tiny , forgotten hamlet of Whiteleaved Oak.
Here the noticeboard raised a smile as it mis- informed walkers how to find the Whiteleaved Oak itself which used to attract would be druids annually to leave
their momentous in it’s branches- before, sadly. it was vandalised.
Coffee was taken ( for those who braved the sharp wind) on the trunks of slain oaks at the southern end of Chase End Hill on the Bromsberrow Estate, Fortunately
our return walk found shelter from the wind as we trekked along lunch wards using a sheltered path back towards the Hollybush Car Park. The walk completed It was now time to meet our other 4 non walking friends Ian &Sylvia, Betty and George as we all put on silly hats.
After a hearty lunch we listened to a moving Christmas story presented by Noel and then joined in rousing choruses with music provided by our very own Ian & Kathy to complete our enjoyment of yet another Pudding Buster. HAPPY NEW YEAR !! (Report from Graham, and photos from Terry, Phil and Graham - SF)

January 2024

Seventeen of us set off from Croome car park on a cloudy morning after a frost, not the brightest day of the week, although we did see the sun briefly later. Sonia had information and anecdotes along the route, about Croome Estates and the people who lived and worked there, which made the walk very interesting, and there was a lovely view over the lake from Park Seat where we had our coffee break. Those with arthritis or feeling fragile were allowed on the seat first, which pleased me! There was lunch to look forward to afterwards in the canteen back at Croome. This was my first group walk after a long break because of ill health. Sonia introduced me at the start and everyone was very friendly; I look forward to my next walk.

( Thanks go to Linda for her report and to Margaret and Terry for the Photos - SF)

(Thanks to Noel for his usual most literate report, and to the ever reliable Margret for the photos - SF)

Details The paths will be wet and slippery so the route may be adjusted if yet more rain has fallen. To make it a circular route, we proceed towards the hill, pass by the turn up the tarmac road to Lalu farm and then right along Pigeon Lane. After the 2 cottages and barn we turn left up the stoney land and past barns where the path opens out into farmland. We continue to the Scots pines and rest for coffee at the bench at the escarpment woods. We return to the pines and turn right. The track here is always muddy so care must be taken. Eventually we join the tarmac road to the BT tower and continue to the crossroads and turn right, pass Lalu farm and finally reach the summit stone. If fine we can have an early lunch or at least a snack. We then return to the crossroads and down the road to Overbury.

February 2024

Thursday 8 February                 5 miles    Mod/Energetic   Pub Lunch
Meet                 The Wyche inn, Upper               Wyche, Malvern, WR14 4EQ GR 770438 9.30am to Order Food
Contact             Graham & Betty                Tel: 01684 594331 or email: graham.mealand@btinternet.com the week before.
Directions         A438   Tewkesbury-LedburyRd, Turn left A449 at Malvern Hills Hotel, 2.5 miles towards The Wyche then turn right on B4232 with roadside parking nearby.( The Wyche Inn is at the top of the hill on B4232 just round the bend on left.)
Details               From the Wyche, walk on lower slopes on the eastern side of the Malverns to British Camp, returning on the lower path on the western side, back for lunch by approx 1pm at The Wyche Inn.

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.