On 24th September before the walk in St George’s and Priorslee Lynne Kay , our Walking for Health Coordinator Telford &Wrekin ,presented Walk Leader Certificates to Alexis Falconer and Chas Grewal. Congratulations Alexis and Chas. After the presentation all enjoyed a lovely walk. They walk at 10.30 am every Thursday from the car park behind the cricket club in St. Georges.
Walking for Health nationally has confirmed on September 10th, that we are exempt from the rule of six. See https://www.ramblers.org.uk/coronavirus
To quote from the email received
We are very happy to confirm that Ramblers Walking for Health walks can continue to organise led walks for up to 30 people, as long as they follow the guidance to restart group walks in a COVID-secure way.
Remember, there is no pressure to restart groups walks until you feel ready to do so.
Why does the “rule of six” not apply to the Ramblers group walks?
Ramblers and Walking for Health organised group walks are categorised as ‘outdoor physical activity events’. These are exempt from the latest restrictions, as we have already met the protocols, and put extra measures in place to reduce the risks of COVID-19.
We are holding a walk leader training on October 15th. This will be via Zoom, and will be followed by a demo walk on a date to be arranged. To book a place please see our training page.
Most of our walks are running again in a socially distanced way. The Town Park walks are the only ones that haven’t happened yet, but the committee have stepped in (literally) and have a temporary rota to restart the Friday walk from September 11th. Normally the restriction to 30 people is not a problem on our walks, but they have had to split the Shawbirch walk into 2 walks on occasion. Here are the Apley walkers showing how to socially distance.
We are pleased to be able to tell you that most of our walks will restart next week (from August 10th).
The exceptions are : Stirchley which will restart the following week (Tuesday 18th) and all the Town Park Walks. (If you are using a printed programme please note that the Oakengates walk was cancelled some time ago.) (Edited: originally we thought Horsehay was not starting on the 11th)
The group size is limited to no more than 30 (Legal requirement, but all our walks are normally below this)
As a walker you will be asked to confirm that you and nobody in your household has a fever, a new persistent cough or an altered sense of taste or smell and you and all your household are not self-isolating. You will be required to observe social distancing (see photo) and we recommend that you have both a mask and hand sanitiser with you.
The leaders are really looking forward to seeing their walkers again, but please only come if you are comfortable with the situation.
Last week our chair issued this letter to walk leaders and walkers. If you are desperate to walk with others, it is possible for up to 6 people to walk, socially distanced. For us, limiting to 6 is impractical. Other local walking groups have restarted in a slow way, so take a look at their websites. You could also phone your walking friends and arrange to meet somewhere (but not travel together) .
We have been sent this by our friends at Telford Senior Citizens Forum suggesting that we pass it on.
“There are people in Telford offering to do shopping, taking the money but not returning with the goods. Please only trust people you know well and pay on delivery “
Click here for the latest newsletter from Steve our chair, this is about self help measures and helping each other.
We will send regular updates via our email list, the sign up form is here .
We have also set up a WhatsApp group, if you would like to join please send a text, containing your name and asking to join, to the Walking for Health -Telford & Wrekin mobile phone. The number is on our leaflet.
Things have moved very quickly. We have now had this from Walking for Health.
“Decision
From Wednesday 18th March we are suspending all Ramblers Walking for Health activities – including group walks, social activities and other meetings. All these activities must stop until further notice and at least until the 31st May, subject to further developments.
We have also asked the Ramblers Groups and Areas to do the same.
Updates
We will keep you updated with the latest information on our response to the covid19 virus on https://www.ramblers.org.uk/coronavirus “
We wish you all well in this difficult time.
We are very sorry to announce that Jim Cox, one of our walk leaders, died on Saturday March 7th after collapsing while acting as a marshall at an LDWA event the previous Saturday. Here is Jim, extreme right, at our AGM in 2019. A very experienced walker with an intimate knowledge of the Granville, Jim had recently enriched the leading team at ASDA Donnington Wood . His contribution will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family.
