Summer/Autumn 2025

In most of my recent “Rambles” I’ve whinged about the wet weather leading to muddy conditions underfoot. I certainly can’t do that at the moment, after a Spring of sunshine and almost no rain. I was unlucky however on the two recent walks that I led at the end of May; I managed to attract rain and dark cloudy skies. They must have been the only days in Spring with such poor conditions, but the walks were still enjoyable and the company, as ever, was good. I can only hope that we get the BBQ Summer I’ve been expecting for some years, although I do find watering the garden very tedious so perhaps some nighttime rain would be welcome.
In April we had a very successful, well attended AGM, held at The Mowlem for the first time since 2015. There were a couple of motions put forward which generated good discussions on the length of walks and car sharing. Hopefully we can find solutions that keep most people happy. It was great to see so many people in a friendly, social setting with the bonus of great views over Swanage Bay.
I made a plea to attendees, and particularly new members, to consider leading a walk or two to make it easier for the regular walk leaders. I repeat this to you, our Ramble readers. It does not matter if it is a walk that has previously been led by other walk leaders. No one owns the walks!
Following the AGM our committee now consists of:
John Alldritt – Secretary; Brian Arnold – Walks Programme; Jane Hamilton – Social Events; Barbara Pietrusiewicz – Welfare; Eric Scargill – Treasurer; Steve Williams – Membership, and me (Rob Lobley) – Chair.
Lesley Watts continues to manage our excellent website, but she is not a committee member.
Jane Hamilton has continued with a great programme of social events. This year there has been a visit to the Purbeck Ice Cream factory in Kingston and coming up we have a visit to the gardens on the Encombe Estate and a beach picnic at Studland as well as our Christmas meal at the golf club,