Rochdale Ramblers rewarded by Rotary

David Kay, Roy Thorniley and Rotarian Pauline Journeaux and members of the Rochdale Ramblers

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The Rotary Club of Middleton presented David Kay (Chairman) and Roy Thorniley (Footpath and Countryside Secretary) of the Ramblers Association Rochdale Group, with £200 to be used to promote the activities and health benefits of joining the Rochdale Ramblers.

The Rochdale Ramblers was established in December 1994 as part of the Manchester and High Peak Area of the Ramblers Association. The group currently has 231 members and organises over 110 walks a year on weekends and weekdays from easy 5 mile walks for new walkers to strenuous 14 mile walks for the more advanced walkers. Each walk is directed by one of the groups 25 experienced Walk Leaders who ensure the safety and security of the group. In 2012 the average attendance for walks was 19. A packed lunch is advised for day walks and snack/drink for half day ones. Most of the walks are in and around the South Pennine area and are off road in beautiful rural areas, offering majestic landscapes.

Pauline Journeaux, a member of the Rotary’s community team, said: “We are pleased to award the Rochdale Ramblers because they are the unsung heroes of our open countryside. Without their work as volunteers many of the privileges we have to explore our landscape would be jeopardised. We are pleased to recognise their work in the Rochdale area.”

The Rochdale Ramblers participate in more than just walks; they are dedicated to maintaining the footpath network and open spaces of Rochdale. They work with the Councils Enforcement Teams and the general public to report obstructions and damage to footpaths. They attend regular Rights of Way Forums at the Rochdale Town Hall. They support initiatives that enhance the countryside and will campaign on planning applications that affect the countryside and natural environment. In fact last year 8 members of the Rochdale Ramblers surveyed all 42 miles of the Rochdale Way and submitted a report to the RMBC with recommendations.

Asked about what he would say to anyone thinking of joining the Rochdale Ramblers, Roy Thorniley, the Footpath and Countryside Secretary said: “I would encourage anyone to join us on a walk; you will enjoy the fresh air and see more of the great landscapes we have in the South Pennines. You will meet new friends and improve your health and well being, it’s free and safe, and I am sure, you won't regret taking that first step."

Asked about the funding award made by Rotary to the club, David Kay, the Chairman of the Ramblers Rochdale Group said: “We would like to thank the Rotary Club of Middleton for their extremely generous donation to the Group. The Ramblers appreciates how much hard work and effort the Rotary put into raising such a large amount over the festive period for Community Groups such as ourselves. The money will be used to publicise our activities with the aim of encouraging more members of the Community back into walking and improve their health and well being".

The Ramblers Association offer a great way for people to make new friends and socialise. And the walks offer an opportunity for regular exercise getting people out into the fresh air and seeing the nation’s unspoilt countryside.

The Rochdale Ramblers provide a schedule of local walks on their website (www.rochdaleramblers.org.uk). However, for a list of walks taking place throughout the UK go to the Ramblers Association website (www.ramblers.org.uk). So wherever you are in the country you can begin to explore the beautiful landscape of England, Scotland and Wales.