Sheffield Visually Impaired Walking Group

Opening up the South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire countryside to Visually Impaired People in the Sheffield area

Newsletter May 2008

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Wednesday, 21st May, 2008

Our A.G.M. this year will be held at the Shoulder of Mutton pub at Worrall, where we will have the place to ourselves. The meeting will be followed by a carvery, cost £7, starting 1.45 - 2 p.m. The Executive Committee decided on this plan to give a chance for our Wednesday ramblers to attend, but we apologise to those in employment as you are cut out - just can't suit everybody! We always had over 40 people at our evening A.G.M.s so let's see how many of you can come this year. We need to know how many will be having the carvery as we must have a minimum of 25 people but partners and friends are welcome to join us. No none-members voting at the meeting, however!

If you are coming by bus (perhaps you would prefer to come by horse or bike) we will meet in the Sheffield Bus Station by 11.45 a.m. to catch a 12 noon bus. John Bater will then lead us around the corner and up to the pub where, refreshed by a drink, we hope to start the meeting by 12.30 p.m. We will have the usual reports from the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer, followed by elections to the Committee. There is an Executive Committee meeting on Monday, 12th May, so let us know if you have any burning issues (no burnt toast, please).

STONE WALLING DAY 6TH APRIL

In spite of dodgy weather reports and those who did not appear, some of us had an excellent day and Mary Collins (Sunday guide) won the trophy cup. We did not have enough people for teams but Mary will be a tough one to beat. The only bad weather we had was a delightful snowfall, when large flakes drifted down. Thank you, Ann and Jack Allen for organising this event and we will thank your son for providing the cup and getting it engraved - Mary is the first on it!

We wish to organise another stone wall building day in September, when people can try to win the cup from Mary. We propose Sunday, 14th September, but if anyone knows any reason why we should not have it then, we can change to one week later, to 21st September. Please let Betsy know if you wish to come but find any difficulty with 14th September. Remember, you don't need to know how to build a wall - Jack and Ann teach you throughout the day. Just have fun.

DIARY

Monday, 12th May Executive Committee Meeting

This is booked for 1 p.m. at the Society for the Blind, Darnall. Could those coming by bus meet at T.J. Hughes by 12.15 p.m., at the door facing the tram. We will then go around the corner to get the No. 52 bus.

Please let Betsy (234 1271) know if you cannot come, and let her know if you expect to come on the bus. If you change your plans at the last minute please ring Betsy on 07974 786016.

Wednesday, 14th May - regular Wednesday Ramble

We meet in the Sheffield Bus Station by 9.10 a.m. to catch the No. 218 bus at 9.35 a.m.(Platform B5) This is an 8 mile round walk from Bakewell. As we have more VI people coming out these days, can as many guides turn out as possible, please. We expect to catch the 4.30 p.m. bus back.

Sunday, 18th May - regular Sunday ramble-early due to Spring Bank Holiday Details at the end

Tuesday, 20th May Short walk with Dorothy

Dorothy has suggested this date as a possibility and we will contact her nearer the time.

Wednesday, 21st May Annual General Meeting

Thursday, 5th June Walk with Peak Park Rangers

Nearer this date please ring John Bater (233 4080) for details. We expect to leave on the 9.14 a.m. No. 273 bus as usual. On our last walk with the Rangers we climbed towards Derwent Edge through the most beautiful snowy landscape. It was a winter wonderland. Let's see what Spring brings!

Sunday, 8th June - Special Public Ramble

John Bater is leading this walk through the Loxley Valley, describing details of the great flood. We are running this as part of a Health Authority programme and all members are invited. It may be only 4-5 miles long but if we put 'the public' on the bus home we may be able to continue the ramble.

Sunday, 15th June - Annual Motorcycle Ride

It is important that we know who is coming to ensure enough mini bus transport. Please let Betsy know if you wish to come (234 1271) At the moment we believe the following have confirmed: Betsy, Colin, George, John B.,Kimberley and Peter J., Beverly, Mary C., Sadie, Claire, David K., Ken B., and Jonathan H. Who else is coming? There are plenty of guides so VI members need not worry. More details next month.

Sunday, 13th July - Ramble up Kinder Scout With Mike Jackson

OUR HALF MARATHON RUNNERS

Last Sunday our three runners successfully completed the Sheffield Half Marathon. Derek Taylor, a Wednesday guide, completed it for the 23rd year in 2 hours 40 minutes. Mick Charlesworth, who has no sight and was tied to an experienced runner, sailed through in 2 hours 55 minutes. Ann Allen, who is partially sighted, ran at the side of her son and at a steady non-stop jog she came home in 3 hours 8 minutes. Jack Allen pushed his grandson in the Fun Run and then was exhausted chasing him around while they waited for Ann to finish. Congratulations to all of you. You were fantastic and we hope that you were not stiff for too long. Running is a very different matter from rambling.

NAME BADGES AND SMILEY BADGES

New members to the Group may wonder if they get badges. Yes, we like everyone to have both a name badge and a smiley badge. Betsy has a supply of smiley badges - green for VI members and yellow ones for guides. They cost 50p and are excellent for identifying who may need assistance, and who is a guide - providing they are worn where they can be seen.

Regarding name badges, we order these in batches and we apologise to two members, Barbara and Kimberley, who have lost theirs and are awaiting replacements. Just at the moment, however, we have had an influx of members but we don't order badges until we are sure people will stay with us - badges are expensive. However, if you have lost your badge or are sure you will stay with us, please ensure that Betsy has your name and we will put in an order soon. Make sure she spells your name correctly!

SUNDAY, 18TH MAY - REGULAR SUNDAY RAMBLE

Leader: Peter Cutts Meet: Castle Square tram stop by 9.30 a.m. to catch the 9.44 a.m. Halfway (blue) tram to Birley Lane. Our leader, Peter, will meet us there.

We will go into the Moss Valley via Ridgeway and up to Troway on the opposite side, and walk towards Herdings, where we can get a bus or tram. This is 6 - 7 miles and should be reasonable for dogs. Those coming please ring John Bater on 233 4080.

See you soon, Raccoon - and definitely at the A.G.M.!

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Contact:
Betsy Wilson [Chair]
0114 2341271
info@sviwg.org.uk

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