The weather since the beginning of April has affected the numbers on our Group walks, let us hope we can now look forward to a decent summer. We are planning to extend our walks programme further by scheduling a circular walk every Wednesday but we can only do this if we have volunteers willing to lead these walks. I would ask all members, particularly those than join our shorter walks, to consider leading a walk; it need only be 4 – 5 miles and could be a route that you already know well, so that map reading and compass skills would be less important. Surrey Area will shortly be hosting two walks leader workshops, organised by East Surrey Walkers, to encourage groups to recruit more leaders and we are pleased that several of our members have asked to attend.

Our recent Group Weekend Away in Norfolk went very well, due to the excellent organisation by Adam. The walking was good, even though it was very different to the hills of Surrey and Kent and it was interesting to walk through a constantly changing landscape.

The next quarter's walks programme features several walks that I hope you will make a special effort to attend. On Friday 13 July we will be trying the idea of an evening short walk followed by a pub meal; numbers are limited for the meal so please book early if you want to come. On Sunday 26 August we will be having our annual BBQ and once again Di and John Nathan have kindly agreed to host this. On Saturday 22 September we will be having a London walk in conjunction with the London Open House weekend. The plan is for a City of London walk, visiting places such as the Lloyds of London building, the Gherkin and the Bank of England as well as wandering through some of the less well known streets and alleyways in the City.

Ken's Krew has recently been replacing stiles and generally improving public footpaths in the Felcourt area. If you are interested in joining us (male or female), please get in touch with Ken Clare (0208 657 6304). Those of you in the Hurst Green area may have noticed that after three years of campaigning, we have finally managed to get Surrey C.C. to improve the footpath that runs behind Coltsford Mill, much to the delight of local residents.

If you are planning a holiday with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays this year, please do remember to tell the company that you are a member of East Surrey Walkers, as the group will then receive a payment of up to £30, which we can use to support walking in our area.

I am sorry to advise you that Margaret Purdie died recently. Some of our longstanding members will remember Margaret who was a member for many years and was at one time Membership Secretary. About 4 years ago she transferred her membership to Croydon Group upon moving house. A Thanksgiving Service was held at Sanderstead Methodist Church at which East Surrey Group was represented.

Finally, a special request: if you plan to join a walk, please do arrange to arrive 15 minutes before the start so that the walk can start promptly. It can be frustrating for the majority if they have to wait whilst a late arrival puts on boots etc. I appreciate that there can occasionally be delays in the journey but these can usually be overcome if sufficient time is allowed.

Enjoy your walking!

Tony Pearson
Chairman
June 2012