The Rossendale Rambler

In November 1997, we held our third AGM. "Reg" Rattan, our temporary chairman had his appointment confirmed as permanent. Sheila Goggins was elected as Treasurer but due to my inefficiency, I have continued doing the Treasurer's work all year. Walter Waide was re-elected as Footpath /Publicity Officer and Joan Breeze, Frank Driver, Keith Pickup and Richard Sumner were re-elected to the Committee. Brian Smith showed us the remainder of his Rossendale Way slides. Richard Sumner was presented with the "Best Walk" certificate for his Moel Siabod outing.

In December we had our Christmas meal at Nino's organised by Joan Breeze. We took part in the Festival of Winter Walks with a 13 mile circuit of Pendle Hill from Sabden on the 28th. Several people from other groups participated including a man from Gloucester.

In January, Keith Pickup arranged a repeat of the previous year’s 7 mile Heptonstall walk and pub lunch. This looks like becoming a standard feature in our festive programme. The walk on the 25th, the Rawtenstall Round led by Reg Rattan, achieved the highest turnout of the year - 23.

February was a quiet month. We held a Committee Meeting and planned some events for the future, but, apart from the programmed walks, nothing else happened.

In March, the Spring issue of the Rossendale Rambler was published, our first bumper six page edition. Jim Rostron showed us his excellent slides of Scottish mountains on the 17th and a hiking goods dealer (Whistler) demonstrated his products. Jean Johnson was co-opted as our Countryside Officer. The Rossendale Group went on the Internet with a web site which sets out our walks itinerary, with photos and pen pictures of the officers and descriptions of walks leaders and their foibles.

In April, we had an additional walk on Good Friday led by Jim Rostron. Alan Johnson, Frank Driver, Richard Sumner and Walter Waide met as a sub-committee to discuss and produce comments on the Government’s Access Consultation Paper.

May was memorable for our bunkhouse holiday in Scotland, which was reported fully in the Summer issue of the Rossendale Rambler.

In June we took part in Family Rambling Day. Walter and myself organised a 4 mile walk round Irwell Vale which included the traditional treasure hunt. The wet weather, no doubt, reduced the numbers for only one family with two children turned up. With 3 prizes each, the children went home happy.

Complaints were rising in July about the proposal to site a monument on Musbury Tor to celebrate the millennium. We passed the matter to our Countryside Officer and shortly after the idea was dropped.

In August we had our first Saturday walk "to test the water". Clearly, it was no one's cup of tea. Fortunately I took my dog along so I had some company on the Whitworth Round.

In September, we had our meeting to arrange the 1999 walks programme. Walter and I had a recruitment drive at the reception for the Round the Hills walkers and, with assistance from Graham Fletcher, gave out 400 leaflets. I received three enquiries, one of which has resulted in a new member joining our ranks.

I thank all the Officers and Committee for their work and support during the past year. Whilst I would not normally single out individuals, Walter deserves a special mention for the continuing high quality of the Rossendale Rambler and the consistent reports in the Free Press.

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