Following the funeral of Dave Tomkins we have received the following message from Rita Tomkins.

Welcome to the October, November and December programme of Walks, Trips and Social Events.

Sadly in this programme I must report the death of one of our long standing members, Dave Tomkins. He died at home on the Tueday 23rd of August. Dave is particularly well known to many of our new members as he instigated a series of short 5 mile walks that proved particularly popular and is responsibly for drawing many new members into the Boggies. In his gentle way he touched many lives and will be sadly missed.

As many of you will know Mike Elliott and Paul Ridgeway are taking over the job of walk co ordinators with effect from the new year .

They would welcome anyone who would be willing to lead the occasional walk , there are 100 weekend slots to fill in 2012 so please don’t hesitate to contact either Mike or Paul (07594 577129 – elliottm89@aol.com)

This programme has a couple of provisional entries, rather than delay sending the programme out we have put a brief summary, including start date, contact number and meeting time. We will fill the details in on the web site when they are available. For those without web access please phone the walk leader for details nearer the time.

Our annual AGM occurs early in this new programme on Thursday Oct 13th in the rear room at the Victoria please come along to support your club.  We promise to try to make it as fun as possible! The committee will be available for an informal chat and drinks after the event.  Any feedback on our existing activities and ideas for the future would be most welcome.  We will also be reporting on progress made on previous years charity raising events, please come along with ideas for what we might try to do this year.

Julian

Welcome to the July, August and September programme of walks, trips and social events.

You will see that there are a number of new walk leaders and organisers in our new programme and I hope that you will all give them your support and encouragement in their endeavours.  Now that the group has expanded we generally run one short walk and one day walk every weekend, as well as the weekday walks, even when we are simultaneously running a trip away. To keep up this level of activity does  require a pool of volunteer walk leaders so that the show can stay on the road!  Even so there are a few slots in the new programme that remain unfilled but these were dates when it seemed as if absolutely everyone was away or doing something else.

Another way that we rely on the voluntary support of our members is with transport to and from walks.  Some of our members bring their cars down to the meeting place just to ensure that we have enough spare capacity and no one ever gets left behind because of transport difficulties.  Sometimes their cars are not needed.  Running a car is becoming an increasingly expensive business.  Some members choose to decline the offer of a contribution towards petrol money.  That’s their choice.  However it is vital that we have transport available.  If you would like a contribution towards costs don’t be embarrassed to ask for one.

Julian

COMMITTEE  MEETING  -  A G E N D A

DATE: Monday 9^th May 2011 8pm

VENUE: Fire Station, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable

(1)        Apologies

(2)        Minutes of previous meeting

(3)        Matters arising

(4)        Chairman’s report

(5)        Treasurer’s report

(6)        Membership report

(7)        Correspondence

(8)        Social Organiser’s report

(9)        Publicity Officer’s report

(10)      Any other Business

(11)      Items for the programme

Date:   14.3.11

Ref:     DDWHG-CMA410.03/2008lows can be signed in under one signature rather than opy. n £8.33 per person per night.

COMMITTEE MEETING -  MINUTES

DATE: 14^th March 2011

VENUE: Fire Station, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable

PRESENT: Julian Clark-Lowes, Sue Jenkins, Jackie Taylor, Mike Elliott, Paul Ridgeway, Ruth

Harris-Small, Steve Goss, Joanne Robertson, Peter Jackson, Eila Goss

The meeting started at: 8.10 pm

(1)        APOLOGIES

Colin Meacham

(2)        MINUTES

Minutes of previous meeting on 24^th January 2011 were approved

(3)        MATTERS ARISING

On the question of recording the numbers attending walks/socials etc Julian said we now have a system on the website whereby you can state the numbers and make comments – enter via dashboard, go to past programme (nb Peter tried this & fell at the 1^st hurdle!)

(4)        CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Julian has been working on getting the new programme organised. He had come up with wording for the constitutional changes about the 3 year rule, which he will e-mail to us and we would vote on at the next meeting and for it to go to the AGM. He also wanted to tidy up the wording that committee meetings should be every 2 months combined with planning meeting.

(5)        TREASURER’S REPORT

Colin had sent in the balance sheet and his report. Our insurance was due end of February. There was a letter from the insurers (10.3) saying that it has been extended until 21.3 and they let us know this years’ rates by then. We discussed the nature of insurance cover and our health & safety responsibilities as walk leaders.  It was agreed that leaders should carry a 1^st aid kit (Boggies to provide), a Mobile phone and some water (& a hip flask ?).

(6)        MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Sue stated that we had 86 paid members, 46 individual and 20 couples (40 members).  If someone is a new walker get their name and e-mail addr and forward to Sue.

(7)        CORRESPONDENCE

Sue had an e-mail from Shelah Sargee saying Peter is not well but when recovered he will

come to some socials. She told us about the Flitvale Wildlife Trust meeting on Mon 21^st

March (7.45 £2) at Madden Church Hall about  the Totternhoe Quarry Wildlife Trust.

(8)       SOCIAL ORGANISER’S REPORT

It had been decided that there would be a social event of some sort once a week.

e mentioen the Orbit quiz on 5^th arch, Soe is getting togher a team

(9)       PUBLICITY OFFICER’S REPORT

none

(11)      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Items for the Programme:

We missed out the sponsored walk from the coming programme. Paul will do one on 12^th June and will organise it as a full day’s walk in/around hills south/east of Wendover with the funds to go to the Totternhoe Quarry Wildlife Trust.

Sue said that for the social on 4^th Apr they would provide simple food with £2 charge to cover costs.

Jo talked about the Murder Mystery event on 9^th April.

She is arranging a visit to Crossness Pumping Station on 1^st May when they’re having an open day. £5 admission.

She is organizing the London Open House event on 16-17 September and will provisionally  book 12 for Sat night at a hostel in NW London.

Ruth is to co-ordinate a picnic on 19^th June (Fathers day) at Tottenrhoe Knolls.

Eila has booked Port Eynon (12 beds) in the Gower for Aug Bank Holiday.

Jo suggested Boggies issue guidelines for new leaders/organisers for walks, social etc.

The meeting closed at 9.30.

Next Committee Meeting: Monday 9^th May 2011 at Fire Station Brewers Hill 8pm

Items for the Agenda to be submitted to Secretary

peterdajackson@aol.com 07732 418260

Peter Jackson, Secretary                                                                   Date: 14.3.11

Dunstable & District Walking                                                              Ref:   DDWHMins14.3.11

Hostelling Group

Welcome to the April to June Programme of Walks and Trips. We have had a very successful start to the year with good attendances at all our various events be they social, walks or trips. With spring and summer ahead the 2011 season looks to be a interesting one with trips to the Brecon Beacons, Norway, Bulgaria, The Gower as well as an increased variety of walks and social activities to look forward to.

One of the things that I think make the Bogtrotters stand out from other walking groups is the very varied range of activities that we offer and the variety of walking abilities and backgrounds of our members.  Ours is a group that contains several sub-groups; the short walkers, the longer distance walkers, those who enjoy a relaxed hostelling weekend away, those who like to get away for a more challenging week or so in the mountains, as well as those who attend our social activities. However the great thing is that there is considerable overlap between all these groups, if you are a member of one of them it is easy to join and to take part in any of the others, and still know that you will see some familiar and friendly faces.

It is interesting to see that some members have joined us and initially been uncertain as to whether they can complete a 5 mile walk, but subsequently gain strength and confidence and end up becoming regulars on longer walks and then weekends away.

This is one of our great strengths.  If the pace of a short walk is a little too relaxed for you then there are more challenging options in the programme.  If you are joining us for the first time you might need to come out a few times in order to find your level.  However if on a particular day, you find that you have bitten off a little more than you can chew, you can always expect the rest of the group to be supportive and nurse you home.

This is because the bogtrotters are not just a walking group but also a community of friends.

Many thanks to all the walk leaders, trip organisers, and all our other volunteers who continue to support the group in other ways.

Julian

COMMITTEE  MEETING  -  A G E N D A

DATE: Monday 14^th March 2011

VENUE: Fire Station, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable

(1)        Apologies

(2)        Minutes of previous meeting

(3)        Matters arising

(4)        Chairman’s report

(5)        Treasurer’s report

(6)        Membership report

(7)        Correspondence

(8)        Social Organiser’s report

(9)        Publicity Officer’s report

(10)      Any other Business

The 3-year rule (carried over from the AGM)

(11)      Items for the programme

Date:   24.01.11

Ref:     DDWHG-CMA410.03/2008

COMMITTEE MEETING -  MINUTES

DATE: 24^th January 2011

VENUE: Fire Station, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable

PRESENT: Julian Clark-Lowes, Ruth Harris-Small, Sue Jenkins, Peter Jackson, Eila Goss, Colin

Meacham, Mike Elliott, Jackie Taylor, Steve Goss

The meeting started at: 8.10pm

(1)        APOLOGIES

Paul Ridgeway, Ann Cahill

(2)        MINUTES

Minutes of previous meeting on 13^th December 2010 were approved

(3)        MATTERS ARISING

Peter raised the question of recording the numbers attending walks/socials as it’s a bit random. Julian said he would ask the leaders to put the numbers attending on the website.

(4)        CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Julian thought that the presentation of the new programme looked good and worked well. Thanks to Jackie for producing a monthly programme placed in libraries in Dunstable & HR. She thinks we need to create an image of the organisation i.e. activities and social as well as walking.

(5)        TREASURER’S REPORT

Colin presented the cashflow and will send the accounts to Julian.

(6)        MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Sue stated that on Sep 10, 14 people were on a rollover; next time she’ll put down how many individual and joint/family members. 82 paid members at present. In reality we have a few active but unpaid.

Jackie raised the question of whether couples should be given a discount but the point was made that there are economies of scale with joint members.    A lively discussion followed, but it was decided to leave the current arrangements unchanged

(7)        CORRESPONDENCE

Paul had sent the committee a message about Ashridge and funding for gates in the Cotswolds with his £1,200 raised available for this. We agreed that it’s up to him to decide.

There had been a phone call from the Willow Foundation who had asked us to organise a walk for them to raise awareness of the countryside for 16-40 year olds, Paul and Sue have volunteered to lead a walk for them.

(8)        OUTDOOR ORGANISER’S REPORT

It was agreed not to have this as an item on the agenda in future but for it to be put up on the website.

Dave Tomkins is unable to lead walks for the time being. Don said he’d cover them if able to. There’s the question of the one on 20.3 which needs to end up at Stockgrove Country Park so that people can go on the afternoon walk from there. To ask Paul or John Gabbitass.

Sue said the day on Studham Common was a great success, about 16 boggies attended.

Petra is to be shelved until 2012.

Also Amsterdam has put off.

Eila to organise a trip to the Gower peninsular. On the 2^nd May bank holiday weekend.

Sue was up for leading a walk in May.

(9)       SOCIAL ORGANISER’S REPORT

Eila had a call from Ann saying she was too busy now for this role but Jo was happy to help Eila on an occasional basis.

It was suggested that we ask Christine Brock if she still occasionally wanted to lead a walks in her area.

Peter is to organise a visit to Leighton Buzzard Theatre to see the Black Swan film with Sue and Jackie late March/early April.

He also mentioned the Orbit quiz night on 5 March, Sue is getting a team together.

The dinner at Barnfield College on 10 March is to be been rescheduled (2 March- please confirm?).

It was suggested we have an indoor picnic in April, could be 15th at Chews House.

e mentioen the Orbit quiz on 5^th arch, Soe is getting togher a team

(10)      PUBLICITY OFFICER’S REPORT

none

(11)      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Julian suggested Totternhoe quarry as our Charity of the Year, Sue proposed it and Peter seconded it.  The committee agreed.

Peter suggested we could also consider Groundworks Beds but the question of maintenance for projects was raised. Ruth suggested we could offer volunteers.

Sue mentioned the YHA conference for affiliated groups but nobody had heard anything about it.

She also said that the question of the 3 year rule had been left over from the AGM and it should be brought up as an item on the next agenda.

While on the subject of the constitution Julian suggested considering changing the rules to allow committee meetings to be at 8 week intervals (currently the constitution states they must be at 6 week intervals) .

The meeting closed at 9.30.

Next Committee Meeting: Monday 14^th March 2011 at Fire Station Brewers Hill 8pm

Items for the Agenda to be submitted to Secretary

peterdajackson@aol.com 07732 418260

Peter Jackson, Secretary                                                                   Date: 24.1.11

Dunstable & District Walking                                                              Ref:   DDWHMins24.1.11

& Hostelling Group

COMMITTEE MEETING  -  A G E N D A

DATE: Monday 24^th January 2011

VENUE: Fire Station, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable

(1)        Apologies

(2)        Minutes of previous meeting

(3)        Matters arising

(4)        Chairman’s report

(5)        Treasurer’s report

(6)        Membership report

(7)        Correspondence

(8)        Outdoor Organiser’s report

(9)        Social Organiser’s report

(10)      Publicity Officer’s report

(11)      Any other Business

(12)      Items for the programme

Date:   24.01.11

Ref:     DDWHG-CMA410.03/2008

COMMITTEE MEETING -  MINUTES

DATE: 13^th December 2011

VENUE: Fire Station, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable

PRESENT: Julian Clark-Lowes, Ruth Harris-Small, Sue Jenkins, Peter Jackson, Eila Goss, Colin

Meacham, Mike Elliott

The meeting started at: 8.10pm

(1)        APOLOGIES

Paul Ridgeway, Jackie Taylor, Steve Goss, Ann Cahill

(2)        MINUTES

Minutes of previous meeting on 1^st November 2010 were approved

(3)        MATTERS ARISING

It was thought that the new programme is making good progress.

(4)        CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Julian has been focusing on the new programme. His intention is to make planning meeting less onerous/difficult in the future. He suggested that at each committee meeting we discuss the planning of the new programme. We all agreed that the new programme was a great improvement. Julian plans to show Peter  how to input on the website.

He has been to the Joint Local Access Forum, the question was raised that the Council needs to be more pro-active in co-ordinating volunteers.

(5)        TREASURER’S REPORT

Colin said that our funds are very healthy, the current balance is just under £1,300, the reminder on subs brought in a fair number of payments.

(6)        MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Sue had been asked to send out a reminder on subs. We have gone up from 59 to 79 but not all renewals as some are new members. Not all previous members have yet rejoined.  Someone has suggested a pay as you go set-up but it was generally agreed that if new people want to give it a try they come as occasional guests and when they become more regular they join as members.

(7)        CORRESPONDENCE

None

(8)        OUTDOOR ORGANISER’S REPORT

It was agreed that the collecting of numbers process was a bit messy and the leader of the walk should send in the number to the secretary who will co-ordinate it.  We will discuss this again at the next committee meeting.  It’s not a very high priority though.

16.10  – 16

17.10  - Eila 17

8.11    – 4

11.11  – 17

24.11  – 4

25.11  – 8

2.12    – 5

8.12    – 4

11.12  – 17

12.12  – 16

(9)       SOCIAL ORGANISER’S REPORT

Eila flagged up Rushi on 15.12 and Wetherspoons on 17.12.

We are not only using the Globe also the Pheasant, Victoria and Star & Garter.

We could go bowling, depends on the interest.

Lumpinis was included in the programme

Barnfield College meal – to ask Jo the cost

Sat 1^st Jan walk round HR & Old Red Lion meal t £3.69

(10)      PUBLICITY OFFICER’S REPORT

Ruth to book Chews House for future events.

Eila to put on agenda our ‘social’ event in place of new members meeting around

March.

(11)      ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The comment has been received from one of our new members that sometimes walk leaders are not particularly pro-active in organising the logistics of cars / numbers and explaining procedures when they first come along on a walk. Perhaps we need to encourage leaders to be a little more proactive when meeting and greeting.

We had intended to discuss the “Charity of the Year” at this meeting, but because a number of committee members could not attend – particularly Paul Ridgeway we decided to defer this discussion until the next meeting.

The meeting closed at 9.30.

Next Committee Meeting: Monday 24^th January 2011 at Fire Station Brewers Hill 8pm

Items for the Agenda to be submitted to Secretary

peterdajackson@aol.com 07732 418260

Peter Jackson, Secretary                                                                   Date: 13.12.10

Dunstable & District Walking                                                              Ref:   DDWHMins13.12.10

& Hostelling Group