East Surrey Walkers  

Bluebell Walks

Well, as we all know, the bluebells were late in coming this year (and unusually early last year). This meant that the scheduled bluebell walks were somewhat lacking in their advertised feature, so an extra walk was added to the programme at late notice for the Bank Holiday Monday, starting in Staffhurst Wood. Tony led the way, and 31 keen flora-lovers joined him! Thankfully the bluebells were in excellent form, and at last many members were able to enjoy them, as seen in the picture below.

New Paramo Shop

As the manager of the new Páramo shop in Wadhurst, East Sussex, I wanted to get in touch to introduce myself and also let you know about some special offers we have available for you and your members. Páramo makes a wide range of waterproof, breathable outdoor clothing for all activities that can be used all year round. All our clothing is ethically produced, the majority being made in partnership with a charitable foundation in Colombia.
To find out more and to see our full range visit our website: www.paramo.co.uk We would like to extend a 10% discount to all of your members who visit our shop, when they mention they are part of the East Surrey Walkers or can provide a members ID.
There are numerous other offers in the shop that will be running throughout the year which are always worth taking advantage of.
Our opening times are Tuesday to Saturday; 9:30-18:00.
If you’d like any more information then please feel free to get in touch. Otherwise, we look forward to inviting you into our shop.
Best wishes, Tom Snee, Manager, Páramo Wadhurst Shop, 1 Central Parade, High Street, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6AH 01892 785634 www.facebook.com/ParamoShopWadhurst

UK Summer Holiday 2013

Our 2013 UK Holiday will be to Exmoor on Saturday 29 June for 7 nights and we will be staying at the HF Holidays country house at Selworthy.
The cost will be £603.25, which includes bed, breakfast, packed lunch and 4 course evening meal. Accommodation still available comprises twin en-suite rooms, if you are on your own we may be able to arrange for you to share. We will be organising our own programme of easier and harder walks.
The HF House at Selworthy was built in 1779 and for many years was home to the Acland family. It is now leased from the National Trust, which owns the extensive Holnicote Estate. It lies just at the foot of Exmoor and there are plenty of good walks from the house or further afield.
Please contact Tony Pearson (tony2.pearson@btinternet.com) if you are interested.

Autumn 2013 Holiday

Departure Date:Saturday 14 September 2013 from Gatwick. 7 nights, return Saturday 21st
Destination: Hotel Bacchus, Baska Voda, Croatia - this is 4 star modern hotel situated beside the beach in the attractive harbour village of Baska Voda. The hotel has 27 en-suite bedrooms and has a spa pool and sauna. The holiday includes breakfast and 3 course evening meal. Price: approx. £730 per person including flights for a double room. -For sole occupancy = additional £20 per night, sea view room = additional £10 per person per night.
Holiday Company: HF Holidays. www.hfholidays.co.uk/holidays/dalmatian-coast
Walks: HF offers 2 guided walks each day, except free day.

• Easier walks of 5-6.5 miles, up to 1,100 ft. of ascent, including to nearby resorts of Brela and Makarska, to botanical gardens at Kotisina, and boat trip to island of Brac.
• Harder walks of 7-10 miles, up to 2,200 ft.of ascent, including elevated path to Makarska, canyon of the Cetina Gorge, island of Brac.

Note - transport to and from walks = approx. £65 per person extra.
Free day: you may wish to visit the medieval city of Split, the waterfalls of the Krka National Park or the UNESCO city of Trogir.

Bookings are now closed.

Chairman's Chatter - March 2013

National Trust Car Parks

It has recently become apparent that the NT may be changing their policy on car parking. Parking for NT members is always free, provided you display a current NT sticker in your car. Non-members may be required to pay a fee, and where possible we highlight this in the walks programme, but sometimes the terms may change, so we suggest non-members of the NT always come prepared to pay. Typically the charge is £2 for the day. Some car park pay-and-display machines accept cash, but the NT now seems to be moving to payment by mobile phone and credit card.

Ramblers' Coastpath Campaign

Ramblers' coastal campaign (previously known as “Coast for Most” and “Claim the Coast”) has a new name and logo – “One Coast For All – Campaign for the English Coastal Path”. Recently, as part of the red tape challenge, the Government announced proposals that could dampen the dream of a route around England’s coast. We have launched a petition to call on the Government to fulfil its duty to create a proper coastal path (with sea views and “spreading room” in case of erosion) sooner rather than later. We are hoping to get 10,000 people to sign it, if you have not already, please sign the petition here.

If you or your group use Twitter could you please spread the word about the campaign: "@RamblersGB #OneCoastForAll campaign to save the English Coastal Path: http://bit.ly/GFAS7z"

Past News items can be viewed here.