The Berkshire Walkers said farewell to 2016 with much to look back on with no less than three trips to Wales; a week in the north with enough attendees (sixteen) to occupy two cottages; a cold weekend to Brecon in April, while our group was represented by a lone Berkshire Walker to the Young Ramblers Weekend Away in Cardiff. All trips were well organised aided by unexpectedly decent weather in each trip. Not only that, we had an extensive range of walks spread across our region and on occasions slightly beyond. Perhaps a couple of the highlights for us were “Cow Parade” in the Surrey Hills in August and a joint picnic with neighbouring Young Ramblers Groups in June. To add to all that we had our usual range of socials from pub meets to quizzes, punting, wildlife safari and culminating with the Christmas Ceilidh at the end of the year.
So what will 2017 have in store for us? Who knows? The programme is slowing filling up with a Film Festival, games afternoon, pie night, Laser Quest, a few walks now on the programme with one or two weekends away now in the planning stages.
It is up to the members of the group to decide what to include on our programme so please get involved if there is something we should do or need to be doing. Although we are guided by the elected Committee to represent the group there is nothing to stop any individual from getting involved in some small way. Have a chat to any of the Committee on any walk or social with any ideas or suggestions.
We have started the year in fine style with well attended walks on all three weekends so far which has included new members turning up in all instances. Fourteen of us enjoyed the winter sunshine on our first walk of the year from Wargrave. A record breaking 39 attended our designated “New Members Walk” from Twyford despite the dreary weather. A further 21 showed on our Maidenhead to Eton stroll that included a café stop en route and culminated in with a pub social at the walks conclusion. We said cheerio to half the group but the rest of us relaxed and socialised into the early evening and tucked into some group.As the days start to become longer, we start to anticipate the arrival of the daffodils, the bluebells and of course the return of the warmth.
Enjoy your walking.