www.whitecliffsramblers.org.uk

2

CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS At the time of writing, Spring is nearly here which will make all your walking days more enjoyable. We have a lovely programme for our coming walks. Do come and join us if you have not already done so. If you have not walked with us before or for some time, some of the shorter walks may be more enjoyable before venturing on the full day walks. We have a number of other special events in this programme, which we hope will be of interest. Our committee work very hard to put this programme together as behind the scenes, there is quite a lot of admin to ensure that things run smoothly. In fact, we have a reputation for being an extremely well-run group as well as being one of the most successful groups in Kent as those of you who attended our recent Kent Area AGM at Littlebourne will have seen. Looking further ahead, our White Cliffs Walking Festival 23 – 29 August 2018 promises to be exciting with new and different walks. Put the dates in your diary. Since Vanessa Griffiths has become our CEO at Ramblers, there is from the beginning of this year, a clearer way in which information from HO is disseminated to members and volunteers. Instead of emails “cascading” down through Areas and

membership officers, there are now only two main ways that Ramblers HO will communicate. Firstly, to all members who have given their email addresses to Head Office, either on joining or afterwards (this will or should be the list that Nigel Cussans holds for all members) Secondly, and only if members request, there are also emails sent to “volunteers” rather than the old cascading method. If members do not want to continue being on this second list, they can request that email contact details are removed by sending an email to: volunteersupport@ramblers.zendesk.com Best wishes for a great walking year. Margaret Lubbock Chairman, White Cliffs Ramblers

3

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES We often receive praise regarding how well run and organised the White Cliffs Ramblers is. This is entirely due to the time, effort and dedication of an amazing group of volunteers. On this page you will find several volunteering opportunities, so why not step forward…! A MESSAGE FROM JOHN POLDEN I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the gift I was given when I resigned from the committee in November. I have enjoyed carrying out several different jobs during my 14 years on the committee and did not expect any additional reward for doing so. I hope that someone else will take on the job of arranging sponsorship and adverts - without this it will not be possible to continue producing a printed version of the Newsletter / Programme. For anyone who has reservations about taking this on, I can assure you it’s not as difficult as you might imagine. I’m happy to discuss the role with anyone in person or by phone and am willing to assist with a handover during the first year if required. Once again, thank you for your gift. White Cliffs Local Footpath Officers (LFOs) have far too many parishes to cover to be able to walk every footpath once a year………Our volunteer Parish Observers can.

Two local KCC Rights of Way Officers could never visit and inspect every footpath in White Cliffs territory.......... Our volunteer Parish Observers can. We would like to recruit a Parish Footpath Observer (PFO), or more, covering every parish. Reporting issues to KCC would be an amazing support to our footpath officers. It would make KCC aware of the negative issues and will help to protect and improve our public rights of way network. White Cliffs territory covers 52 parishes in Dover, Shepway and Thanet. 44 are covered by an active volunteer, with two more recently recruited. We only have 6PFO vacancies left to fill: Dover 4 vacancies: Ash, Sutton, Tilmanstone, Whitfield Shepway 2 vacancies: Hythe, Postling Thanet No vacancies! It’s not difficult and you will be given as much support as you need. Please help us to make it 52/52 Contact averilbrice@icloud.com

4

FESTIVAL COORDINATOR WHITE CLIFFS WALKING FESTIVAL

2019 Our present coordinator, Bev Cussans, will be standing down at the end of the 2018 festival but will still be available to help with the 2019 festival. We are looking for a well organised person to lead an experienced team of former festival coordinators and committee members. The festival is a well-established event with well proven organisational and administrative procedures. The applicant, as well as leading the team, would need good communications and IT skills and have the ability to work closely with volunteers. The coordinator will also interact with a wide variety of local authorities and voluntary organisations in south east Kent presenting an ideal opportunity to look under the bonnet of the Kent area. If you would like to have a chat regarding this very rewarding position please contact Bev Cussans orchards246@yahoo.co.uk Tel. 01304611834 or Les Preston les@skynet4595.myzen.co.uk Tel. 01303 863495. MAP READING AND NAVIGATION COURSE Sunday 20th May 2018 For those new members, or old, who would like to solve the mysteries of map reading, the annual White Cliffs Navigation Course is being run again this spring from Lyminge. It is simple, entertaining and includes a beautifully scenic walk to try out your new-found

skills. The course may even inspire you to graduate to a Walk Leader. But it is suitable for anyone who just wants to crack the code of map reading and know which way is north on their compass. Prior to the day you will receive an email with links to various videos demonstrating essential techniques. We will let you borrow a compass and map and assign you a pre-course Coach to guide you through any techniques or skills that are unfamiliar to you. On the day of the course we spend a couple of hours in a ‘class room’ setting, honing map reading skills and discussing walk leadership skills. In small groups we then walk a 5.5-mile course taking it in turns to lead a section of the course. We are frequently using the compass and map throughout the walk, confirming and embedding map reading and navigation skills. We, of course, have a lunch meal on the way! The course finishes at about 4pm with cakes and coffee at a local pub, followed by the presentation of course attendance certificates. The skills you have learned can be applied to walk leading or enjoying walks with a greater understanding and sense of direction. For those who do want to share their love of the Kent countryside and become Walk Leaders, we will offer to Mentor you throughout the process. If you’re interested contact Les at les@skynet4595.myzen.co.uk and include your name and telephone number or give me a call (01303 863495) if you wish to discuss it further.

5

Date Time Map ref.

Postcode

Walk Miles

(Kms)

Grade Contact

3322. Friday

30/03/2018

09:00 TV600972

BN20 7RX

Eastbourne - South Downs Loop

Meet in Eastbourne at western end of promenade (B2103) by South Downs Way marker post, park near school on left. A choice of following either a 20 mile or 26-mile route. The 20-mile walk goes via the South Downs, Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters and the Cuckmere valley; return on the South Downs Way. The 26-mile route

visits Firle Beacon before re-joining the 20-

mile route.

20

(32.2)

or 26

(41.8)

Fast

3/4

Graham S

01304 367853

3323. Sunday

01/04/2018

10:00 TR158347

CT21 5BJ

Hythe Meet at Red Lion Square - plenty of

free on street parking nearby. Fig. 8 walk,

plenty of pubs and cafés in Hythe.

10

(16.1)

Mod. 3 Richard F

07774 184007

3324. Thursday

05/04/2018

10:00 TR194372

CT20 3TR

Cheriton Meet at the far end of Tesco's car

park. Lunch stop in Hythe, plenty of pubs

and cafés. Two longish inclines in the

afternoon. For those wishing to walk only

in the morning (7 miles) there are direct

buses from Hythe to Cheriton – Tesco.

11

(17.7)

Mod. 4 John Gr

01303 250230

or 07814 786839

3325. Sunday

08/04/2018

10:00 TR262503

CT15 7JG

Barfreston Meet in the factory car park.

Lunch stop - The Black Pig, Staple.

12

(19.3)

Mod. 2 John Gil

07780 679534

3326. Sunday

08/04/2018

10:00 TR288585

CT3 2AQ

Ash

Meet at the village hall car park. RADO.

6

(9.7)

Mod. 2 Ethel

6

3327. Tuesday

10/04/2018

10:00 TR305509

CT14 0HX

Tilmanstone

Meet near The Plough and Harrow, park on

road.

5

(8)

Mod. 2 Darrell

01304 611242

or 07845 123155

3328. Thursday

12/04/2018

10:00 TR204485

CT4 6LJ

Breach Down

Meet in the lay-by. Lunch stop - Elham.

9.5

(15.3)

Mod. 3 Margaret L

01304 831011

or 07720 137465

3329. Sunday

15/04/2018

10:00 TR104544

CT4 7QJ

Chartham Meet on Brice Avenue. Lunch

stop at the Hare & Hounds, Blean or bring

packed lunch. RADO.

12

(19.3)

Mod. 3 David J

01303 269151

3330. Sunday

15/04/2018

10:00 TR079453

TN25 5HE

Wye Downs

Meet Wye Downs car park.

7

(11.3)

Mod. 3 Bob and Alison

01227 771740

3331. Thursday

19/04/2018

10:00 TR009539

ME13 0NZ

Badlesmere Meet at The Red Lion car park

(park on road if not eating at the pub). Fig.

8 walk (6 + 5 miles). Re-start at 13:30

11

(17.7)

Mod. 3 Margaret M-W

01795 843927

or 07964 067915

3332. Sunday

22/04/2018

10:00 TR140600

CT2 7NF

Canterbury Meet in Giles Lane car park,

University of Kent. Fig. 8 walk. Lunch: The

Gulbenkian Café Bar. Re-start at 13:45

12.4

(20)

Mod. 2 Chris B

07855 898234

3333. Thursday

26/04/2018

10:00 TR144439

CT4 6XY

Rhodes Minnis Meet at West Wood car

park - near Sixmile Garage (Stone Street).

Lunch: at The Coach and Horses, Lyminge.

10

(16.1)

Mod. 3 Les P

01303 863495

or 07526 557663

3334. Sunday

29/04/2018

09:45 TR066536

CT4 8BZ

Chilham Meet in the car park. Hopefully

this walk will catch the last of the bluebells.

Lunch stop in Chartham.

10.5

(16.9)

Mod. 3 John P

01304 823705

3335. Sunday

29/04/2018

10:00 TR140602

CT2 7BQ

Canterbury Sarre Penn Valley walk. Meet

in the lower section of the Giles Lane car

park, University of Kent.

5

(8)

Easy 3 Lesley S

01304 825102

7

3336. Thursday

03/05/2018

10:00 TQ919205

TN31 7AB

Rye Meet in front of the station. Station car

park £2.80, all day (correct at time of

writing). Please note, Thursday is market

day in Rye so could be busy. Train from

Ashford or Ham Street. Lunch stop at The

Bell Inn, Iden or bring packed lunch.

10.5

(16.9)

Mod. 4 Andrew

07754 797848

3337. Sunday

06/05/2018

10:00 TR378505

CT14 7LH

Walmer Meet at Kingsdown Road car park

(Bottom of Granville Road). Lunch stop in

St. Margaret's.

9

(14.5)

Mod. 3 Evelyn / Diana

01304 824344

or 01304 372090

3338. Sunday

06/05/2018

10:00 TR307419

CT17 0NZ

Dover

Meet outside the Ark, Noah's Ark Road -

plenty of on street parking nearby.

6

(9.7)

Mod. 3 John Gr

01303 250230

or 07814 786839

3339. Monday

07/05/2018

10:00 TR308567

CT13 0NN

Woodnesborough Meet near the church,

park in car park opposite. The church is

holding a flower festival over this bank

holiday weekend, with refreshments

available. Walkers welcome.

5

(8)

Mod. 2 Darrell

01304 611242

or 07845 123155

3340. Thursday

10/05/2018

10:00 TR126582

CT2 9AG

Harbledown Meet near Vernon Holme

School. Pub stop at lunch time.

10.5

(16.9)

Mod. 2 Bob and Alison

01227 771740

3341. Saturday

12/05/2018

10:00 TR233360

CT19 6NN

Folkestone - Kent Coast Path

Folkestone to Dover. This is a linear walk,

so use public transport to reach the start.

Meet opposite The Burstin Hotel. Bring

packed lunch for cliff-top picnic.

8

(12.9)

Mod. 3 Nigel & Bev

01304 611834

or 07447 936074

3342. Sunday

13/05/2018

10:00 TR320410

CT17 9BS

Dover - Kent Coast Path Dover to Deal.

This is a linear walk, so use public transport

to reach the start. Meet by the Channel

Swimmers Monument (near the Churchill

Hotel). Lunch stop at St. Margaret's Bay.

9.5

(15.3)

Mod. 3 Nigel & Bev

01304 611834

or 07447 936074

3343. Sunday

13/05/2018

10:00 TR184543

CT4 5BL

Bridge Meet near the recreation ground

(Patrixbourne Road). RADO

6

(9.7)

Mod. 3 Ethel

3344. Thursday

17/05/2018

10:00 TQ975297

TN26 2AQ

Appledore / Winchelsea

A venture into 1066 country (Part 1). Meet

at Appledore Station to catch a train to

Winchelsea (at own expense), return walk

to Appledore. Early stop in Rye for 're-

fuelling'. Phone Rhona or Margaret

beforehand re. travel arrangements.

11.5

(18.5)

Easy 2/3 Rhona / Margaret L

01303 258022

or 01304 831011

3345. Sunday

20/05/2018

10:00 TR096504

CT4 7EY

Eggringe Wood

Meet in the car park. Bring a picnic lunch.

10.5

(16.9)

Mod. 3/4 Averil and Steve

01303 892252

3346. Sunday

20/05/2018

10:00 TR066536

CT4 8BZ

Chilham

Meet in the village car park.

6.7

(10.8)

Mod. 2/3 Olive / Jill

01304 823705

or 01304 364856

3347. Thursday

24/05/2018

10:00 TQ958493

TN27 0DL

Charing Meet at the Pett Lane car park - at

the end of the row of houses. Pub stop in

Stalisfield at lunchtime.

10

(16.1)

Mod. 3/4 Jim Bu

07948 149938

3348. Sunday

27/05/2018

10:00 TQ841640

ME9 7SS

Lower Hartlip Meet at The Rose and

Crown. Fig. of 8 walk (7.5 + 5 miles).

12.5

(20.1)

Mod. 3/4 John C

07792 038926

or 01795 841408

3349. Sunday

27/05/2018

10:00 TR237493

CT4 6SF

Woolage Green Meet near The Two

Sawyers – please park considerately on

road, car share where possible.

7

(11.3)

Mod 2/3 Anne and Tony

01304 372814

or 07976 944396

3350. Thursday

31/05/2018

10:00 TR287438

CT16 3DZ

Dover Meet at Kearsney Abbey car park.

Lunch stop at The Crown, Eythorne

14.6

(23.5)

Mod. 3 Lesley S

01304 825102

8

3351. Saturday

02/06/2018

07:30 TR256423 Alkham Valley - Breakfast walk

Meet in car park opposite the village hall.

Breakfast at Alkham Valley Garden Centre.

6

(9.7)

Mod. 3 Joy

01304 825302

3352. Saturday

02/06/2018

08:30 TR161345

CT21 6FB

Hythe Elham Valley Walking Festival. Meet

by Hythe public library. Follow the Elham

Valley Way to Canterbury. Pub lunch +

bring plenty of water. Return by bus from

Canterbury to Hythe at approx. 7.00pm.

23

(37)

Fast 3 Graham S

01304 367853

3353. Sunday

03/06/2018

10:00 TR167394

CT18 8BS

Etchinghill Elham Valley Walking Festival -

Head of the Valley Panorama. Meet

Etchinghill village hall car park (50p). See

EVWF leaflet or website for further details.

6.5

(10.5)

Mod. 3 Les P

01303 863495

or 07526 557663

3354. Thursday

07/06/2018

10:00 TR079453

TN25 5HE

Wye Downs

Meet at Wye Downs lay-by car park. Lunch-

stop in Wye - pubs and cafés

10

(16.1)

Mod. 3/4 Elaine

01233 812328

or 07532 399721

3355. Sunday

10/06/2018

10:00 TR233539

CT3 3JE

Adisham Meet at the railway station.

Lunch stop at The Black Robin, Kingston.

10

(16.1)

Mod. 2 Gavin

07903 456463

3356. Sunday

10/06/2018

10:00 TR288584

CT3 2AW

Ash Meet at village hall car park, if busy

park on road.

6.5

(10.5)

Mod. 2 Jane G

01304 611771

3357. Tuesday

12/06/2018

16:30 TR207497

CT4 6PP

Barham Meet at the village post office.

Drinks and food at the Duke of Cumberland

after the walk

5.5

(8.9)

Easy 4 Jim Bu

07948 149938

3358. Thursday

14/06/2018

10:00 TR064366

TN25 7EE

Aldington Meet outside the village hall,

opposite the Walnut Tree Pub. Free on

road parking but please park considerately.

10.5

(16.9)

Mod. 4 Andrew

07754 797848

3359. Saturday

16/06/2018

10:00 TR378527

CT14 6JD

Deal - Kent Coast Path Deal to Sandwich

Linear walk, so use public transport to

reach the start. Meet at the entrance to

Deal Pier. Bring packed lunch.

10.2

(16.4)

Mod. 1 Nigel & Bev

01304 611834

or 07447 936074

3360. Sunday

17/06/2018

10:00 TR332582

CT13 9QR

Sandwich - Kent Coast Path Sandwich to

Ramsgate. Linear walk, so use public

transport to reach the start. Meet on the

Quayside opposite The Bell Hotel,

Sandwich. Lunch in Ramsgate.

6.9

(11.1)

Mod. 2 Nigel & Bev

01304 611834

or 07447 936074

3361. Sunday

17/06/2018

10:00 TR066536

CT4 8BZ

Chilham Meet in the village car park. Lunch

stop in Wye - pubs and cafés.

13

(20.9)

Mod.

3/ 4

Jim Bu

07948 149938

WALK DETAILS FOR THE AUGUST TO NOVEMBER PROGRAMME TO ANNE AND TONY BY 10TH JUNE, PLEASE.

9

3362. Thursday

21/06/2018

10:00 TQ900184

TN36 4JX

Winchelsea / Battle A venture into 1066

country (Part 2). Meet at Winchelsea

Station to catch a train or taxi to Battle,

return walk to Winchelsea. Lunch-stop in

Westfield. Phone Rhona or Margaret

beforehand re. travel arrangements.

11.5

(18.5)

Easy 2/3 Rhona / Margaret L

01303 258022

or 01304 831011

3363. Sunday

24/06/2018

10:00 TQ775359

TN17 1AL

Cranbrook Meet in the car park (free) next

to the Co-Op. Lunch stop at The Star and

Eagle, Goudhurst or bring packed lunch.

11

(17.7)

Mod. 3/4 John C

07792 038926

or 01795 841408

3364. Sunday

24/06/2018

10:00 TR284694

CT7 9QP

Minnis Bay, Birchington Meet near The

Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie (recently re-

furbished).

5.2

(8.4)

Mod. 2 Anne and Tony

01304 372814

or 07976 944396

3365. Thursday

28/06/2018

10:00 TQ518614

TN14 7SR

Shoreham - Darent Valley walk Meet at

the public car park on Filston Lane. Fig. 8

walk (6 + 6). Lunch: The Crown, Shoreham.

12

(19.3)

Mod. 4 Margaret M-W

01795 843927

or 07964 067915

3366. Saturday

30/06/2018

05:50 TR314407

CT17 9DX

Dover - French Summer Challenge

Meet at Western Heights car park, to

arrange cars. Take the 06.40 (tbc) P&O

Ferries sailing from Dover to Calais. A

circular walk in the Nord Pas de Calais.

Lunch stop at Wissant and finishing with

some shopping at the Auchan hypermarket

and a meal. Please contact leader by June

6 at the latest. Don’t forget your passport!

23

(37)

Fast Graham S

01304 367853

3367. Sunday

01/07/2018

10:00 TR204485

CT4 6LJ

Breach Down Meet in the lay-by. Pub stop

at lunchtime in Elham.

10

(16.1)

Mod.3 Ted

01304 364856

3368. Sunday

01/07/2018

10:00 TR187526

CT4 5HS

Bishopsbourne

Meet near the Mermaid pub.

6

(9.7)

Mod. 4 Colin C

01303 259075

10

3369. Thursday

05/07/2018

10:00 TR158347

CT21 5BJ

Hythe Meet Red Lion Square. Lunch-stop in

Lympne.

9

(14.5)

Mod. 3 Rhona

01303 258022

3370. Saturday

07/07/2018

07:30 Breakfast walk (2 hours)– contact Joy for

details.

Joy

01304 825302

3371. Sunday

08/07/2018

10:00 TR378485

CT14 8AH

Kingsdown Meet near The Rising Sun. Park

on road, space is limited, so car share

where possible. Fig. 8 walk (6 + 5.5). Lunch

stop at the pub. Re-start at 13:45

11.5

(18.5)

Mod. 3 Malcolm R

07990 572191

3372. Thursday

12/07/2018

10:00 TR313410

CT17 9DZ

Dover Meet at the car park on North

Military Road. Lunch: The Valiant Sailor,

Capel le Ferne.

12.5

(20.1)

Mod. 4 Gavin

07903 456463

or 01304 820445

3373. Sunday

15/07/2018

10:00 TR262503

CT15 7JG

Barfreston Meet in the factory car park.

Lunch: The Duke of Cumberland, Barham,

seats on village green for picnickers.

12

(19.3)

Mod. 3 John Gil

07780 679534

3374. Sunday

15/07/2018

10:30 TR377505

CT14 7LH

Deal - Memorial Concert Meet near the

Memorial Bandstand on Deal / Walmer

sea-front. Alternatively, meet at 10:45 at

the car park at the bottom of Granville

Road, Walmer. The walk is followed by The

Royal Marines Memorial Concert at 14:30.

5.5

(8.9)

Mod. 2 Les P

01303 863495

or 07526 557663

3375. Thursday

19/07/2018

10:00 TR215503

CT4 6PE

Barham Meet near the footpath that is on

the road parallel to the A2 (road runs

between the A2 end of Gravel Lane and

Rectory Lane). Lunch stop in Elham - pubs

and cafés. NB: The postcode will take you

to the top of Rectory Lane and is approx.

500m from the start of the walk.

13.5

(21.7)

Mod. 4 Rowena / Helena

01304 614789

or 01304 820445

3376. Sunday

22/07/2018

10:00 TQ680606

ME19 5JG

Birling Meet in the large car park behind

the church. Lunch stop at The Golden Lion,

Luddesdown.

13

(20.9)

Mod. 3 Rob G

07580 039671

3377. Sunday

22/07/2018

10:00 TR038565

ME13 9RG

Selling

Meet in the car park (just down the hill

from the school).

6

(9.7)

Mod. 3 Margaret M-W

01795 843927

or 07964 067915

3378. Thursday

26/07/2018

10:00 TR373452

CT15 6DF)

St. Margaret's Bay Meet near the Dover

Patrol Memorial (end of Granville Road).

Lunch stop at The Chance, Guston.

12

(19.3)

Mod. 3 Ruth T

01304 619968

3379. Sunday

29/07/2018

10:00 TR215431

CT15 7HU

Swingfield Meet at Folkestone Garden

Centre. Figure of 8 walk (6.3 + 4). Lunch

stop at the garden centre. The afternoon

walk is hillier than the morning.

10.3

(16.6)

Mod. 3/4 Averil and Steve

01303 892252

WHITE CLIFFS WALKING FESTIVAL 2018 Thursday 23rd – Wednesday 29th August This year is a special year! It is the 5th Anniversary of the White Cliffs Walking Festival. Make sure you take part in this fantastic celebration of walking with family and friends, by making a note of the dates and saving time for at least one walk. There are over forty interesting, scenic and enjoyable walks for you to choose, including old favourites, those with a new touch and exciting new walks. You will be able to find out more when you receive your Walking Festival booklet by post in early June. If you would like to help with the Festival by being a back-marker, marshal, start of walk coordinator or by distributing our Festival booklets, please contact me. Bev Cussans orchards246@yahoo.co.uk

11

LEGEND FOR THE WALK PROGRAMME EASY LESS THAN 2.5 MPH

MOD. 2.5 – 3.0 MPH

FAST 3.0 – 3.5 MPH

V. FAST OVER 3.5 MPH

1 FLAT

2 FLAT WITH SMALL INCLINES

3 FLAT WITH SOME SMALL HILLS

4 UNDULATING WITH SOME STEEPER HILLS

5 MIXED SMALL AND STEEP HILLS

RADO = Registered Assistance Dogs Only

REPORTING FAULTS ON RIGHTS OF WAY / PUBLIC FOOTPATHS To continue enjoying the network of public footpaths it is important to report any faults on a right of way as soon as possible. Reports of faults can be made:

• Online at: https://webapps.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccesscams/standardmap.aspx By Phone: 03000 417171

• By E-mail: eastprow@kent.gov.uk • By Post: Public Rights of Way & Access Service,

Kent County Council, The Granary, Penstock Hall Farm, Canterbury Road, East Brabourne, Ashford, TN25 5LL.

When reporting a fault please be prepared to give the following information.

• Your name, contact information and that you are a

Rambler

• Location of the problem, e.g. OS map grid reference, path number or a general description of the area concerned

• Nature of the problem and the date that you saw it

WALK AROUND LONDON Saturday. 11th August. We are planning a walk in/around London. The route is still in the planning stages, but we anticipate a walk of up to 10 miles with a bit of sightseeing along the way.

With travel time, the day could take up to 10 hours. If you are interested in joining us please email margaretdlubbock@gmail.com or maglou1@yahoo.co.uk , we will then provide you with further information and try to coordinate car-share journeys.

12

DATES FOR YOUR 2018 DIARY, AT A GLANCE 3rd May: ADRA (French group). Walk from Breach Down, with lunch stop in Elham.) See article in programme, contact Jill & Ted Roche for further info. 20th May: Map Reading and Navigation Course, Lyminge, see article. May 26th/28th: The Cinque Ports Challenge, for details see the Kent LDWA website www.ldwa.org.uk/kent Sat 2nd/Sun 3rd June: Elham Valley Walking Festival, see details of walks in the EVWF programme enclosed. 29th June: Skittles Evening, at the Chance, Guston. Supper £5.00 per head. Please let Anne or Tony (01304 372814) know by 22nd June so that we can advise the pub of numbers to cater for. 13th July: Visit to Shepherd Neame Brewery, Faversham, see article. 11th August: Walk planned in / around London. 10 miles to be confirmed. Margaret Lubbock and Margaret Milsted-Williamson. 23rd to 29th August: White Cliffs Walking Festival: see article in programme. Or go to website: www.whitecliffswalkingfestival.org.uk 26th September: East Kent Ploughing Match, Malmains Farm, near Dover. More details in the next programme. 12th October: Pit Your Wits, Quiz Night and supper at the 5 Bells, Eythorne. With Colin and Rhona: 7:00pm for 7:30 pm 1st November: Tina, the musical, about Tina Turner’s life, Thurs matinee, all tickets currently sold, contact johnapolden@gmail.com in case of cancellations 5th November: White Cliffs Ramblers AGM, St Margaret's Hall, morning walk from 10am, AGM 13.30. 1066 INVASION WALK Margaret Lubbock and Rhona Hodges have plotted a summer-time venture into Sussex to find the 1066 Country Walk, which goes from Rye to Pevensey. We start on Thursday 17 May at Appledore Station (NB well away from the village) to catch the 09.45 train to Winchelsea, ready to walk back on the 1066 Walk via Rye and the Saxon Shoreway over the old cliffs of Stone-in-Oxney. Refuelling possible at both places. On Thursday 21 June we pick up the 1066 Walk at Winchelsea either to catch the 09.19 train to Battle via Hastings or to organise taxis (whichever works out cheaper). Breaks possible at Westfield and Icklesham. Each walk is about 11 or 12 miles. Please contact Margaret (Tel: 01304 831011) or Rhona (01303 258022) by 10 May if you would like to come with us, so that we can arrange transport and give you a final briefing for the first walk. If you can only come on the June walk, please let us know well in advance.

ELHAM VALLEY WALKING FESTIVAL Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd June 2018 Accompanying this Newsletter is a brochure from our friends at Elham Valley Walkers giving details of their walking Festival to be held over the first weekend in June. Once again, individual members from White Cliffs have provided support, advice and assistance to the group organizing the Festival. In the spirit of collaboration, we have included 2 walks from this year’s Festival in our own walks programme. The walks range in distance from one to twenty-three miles and include visits to vineyards, exquisite gardens, charming villages, special woodlands, a fun walk for children and the challenging Elham Valley Way. After each day's walking participants and volunteers are invited to the King's Arms garden, Elham, from 4 to 6pm for a post-walk social event. For further information see: www.elhamvalleywalkers.co.uk VISIT TO SHEPHERD NEAME BREWERY, AT FAVERSHAM. Friday 13 July starting at 6.30pm. The tour will take 80 minutes, with tastings followed by a two-course home cooked supper at £26 per person. In order that we can proceed, we need to have 26 members signed up before Monday 9 April with a cheque made out to Mrs M Lubbock for £26 per person together with your email address for further details. Importantly, please make your own arrangements for your safe return journeys. If numbers are insufficient, we will have to cancel, and your cheque will be returned. Once we have 26 booked, we can make further reservations until two weeks before 13 July as the Brewery can take around 50 persons. Please send your cheque and details to Mrs M Lubbock, Keswick House, Barfrestone Road, Eythorne CT15 4AH. Tel: 01304 831011 OUR WORKERS… John Polden and his trusty team of volunteers have been kept busy this winter replacing out of repair stiles with new gates and fitting new roadside steps. They have been to Alkham (2 gates), Paddlesworth (3 gates and steps), St Margaret’s at Cliffe (3 gates), Nonington (re-site 1 gate plus steps) and Swingfield (1 bridleway gate). We are very grateful to the landowners who have agreed to upgrade from wooden stiles to gates and to KCC, landowners and several generous donors who have contributed towards making this possible.

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Southbank Ramblers (London based) have helped towards the cost of 2 gates in Alkham.

Photograph: Ian Hardingham

They will be visiting the area in June and are planning a walk that will incorporate the new gates. The sites were chosen for their scenic quality and nearby views of the Alkham Valley. Let’s hope they approve of our choice! We would welcome more donations to be able to purchase extra materials. Please contact Averil Brice 01303 892252 or averilbrice@icloud.com

The vegetation clearers were called by the local parish council to clear EE167 in Shatterling, near Wingham Wildlife Park. It was totally impassable. The team reported a very wet boggy section in need of a footbridge to KCC and this was fitted very quickly. The local parish council, who asked for our help were impressed by the speedy result. Another useful path has been brought back into use.

Three fallen trees have been removed from EE365 in Hacklinge, following a report from a health walk leader. The path was totally blocked. The line of the path has been reinstated through a patch of scrub on ER294 near Great Satmar Farm, following a report from East Kent LFO Co-ordinator Roger King. Yellow way marker discs have been fitted, where the route passes through woodland, to assist new walkers. The weather was pleasantly warm and sunny. The path was very slippery and one member of the team, who will remain nameless, emerged with a very muddy posterior! You can see where we work to make a difference….

SKITTLES EVENING On Friday June 29th, we have a Skittles evening at The Chance Guston. John Polden organised it last year and it was very well attended and enjoyable both for seasoned players and total novices. Supper is £5 a head and last year it was a very good buffet. Please support it, letting Tony or Anne know by the 22nd June, so we can inform the pub for catering purposes, 01304 372814 QUIZ NIGHT Colin and Rhona will be our challenging hosts for a quiz night to take place at the 5 Bells in Eastry. The room is free to us. Friday 12th October; 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Your support for both these events would be appreciated as both pubs advertise with us and so help to fund this Newsletter.

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ASSOCIATION DUNKERQUOISE DE RETRAITE ACTIVE (ADRA) The annual ADRA walk takes place on Thursday 3rd May and will commence from Breach Downs. The start time is 10 o’clock but with some flexibility depending on the arrival time of our visitors. The lunch stop will be in Elham. White Cliffs members are cordially invited to attend, hopefully giving some prior notice, to make for ease of catering arrangements. There are normally 50+ French walkers. Jill and Ted Roche PROTECTION OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA On 25 May 2018 the rules governing how organisations collect, store and use your personal data are changing and the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be the biggest update of data protection legislation for over 20 years. So where does this leave White Cliffs and your personal data? As Membership Secretary for our Group, it’s primarily my responsibility to ensure the safe custody and proper use of your personal data, which is sent to me by Ramblers HQ when you join or when you inform them or me of changes (e.g. new eMail address, new postal address). We also hold some personal data if you go on holiday with the Group, or if you attend one of our training courses. In response to the changes, the WCR Committee has

formed a sub-group to understand and assess the impact of the new legislation on Members’ data we hold, and to implement recommendations from Ramblers nationally to comply with GDPR. We will keep you informed as further details emerge. There are several areas of the GDPR legislation which are of most importance to you: We need to ensure that you have given your explicit consent for your personal data to be held and processed by Ramblers and their Groups – it’s not permissible to presume you have consented just because you have joined the organisation;

• You have the right to know the purposes for

which your personal data are used;

• You can request to see a free copy of your data,

which must be provided within 1 month of

request;

• All data breaches must now be reported and

could result in significant penalties;

• You have the right to withdraw your data and, if

you leave Ramblers, a right to be forgotten from

these data systems.

We will be contacting you again to provide more details about the data we hold to manage your Membership and Group activities, and to seek your consent to this process. Nigel Cussans Membership Secretary

THE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN MARGARET LUBBOCK 01304 831011 TREASURER MARGARET MILSTED-WILLIAMSON 01795 843927 GROUP SECRETARY AVERIL BRICE 01303 892252 MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY NIGEL CUSSANS 01304 611834 JOINT WALKS SECRETARY & NEWSLETTER ANNE BRISTOW 01304 372814 JOINT WALKS SECRETARY TONY BRISTOW 01304 372814 GROUP FOOTPATHS OFFICER RICHARD FRITH 07774 184007 SPONSORSHIP/ ADVERTS VACANCY SOCIAL SECRETARY VACANCY PRESS/PUBLICITY GRAHAM SMITH 01304 367853 COMMITTEE MEMBER LES PRESTON 01303 863495 Group officers – non-Committee Members GROUP LIBRARIAN TONY THORN 01303 260955 WEBMASTER GAVIN TREVELYAN 01304 820445

We welcome new walkers, whether they have been members of other groups, walked on holidays, or exercised the dog or ambled down to the shops. However, most of our long walks take about 4 hrs (plus an hour break midway) and we average 10 miles. If you think this is too much for you, start with one of our short walks which take about 2/2.5 hrs and average 6 miles, or arrange to finish your first walk at the halfway point. “All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and rambling is no exception. In spite of the safety of members being of paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important, therefore, that when entering into the activity, each member appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify the hazards associated with it and take all reasonable steps to eliminate or minimise the potential for an accident to happen”. The Ramblers Association is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company registration No 4458492. Registered Charity in England and Wales No. 1093577. Registered office; 2nd floor, Camelford House, 87-90 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TW.