THE RAMBLERS

Registered Charity 1093577

BASILDON GREENWAY GROUP

Newsletter for Spring 2026

Group Committee

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Welcome to the latest issue of our Newsletter which we hope will keep you up to date with events and forthcoming changes to the way the Ramblers operate.

We would like to welcome any new members to our group and hope that you enjoy pleasure of walking with us over the coming months.

Group Committee

Jenny Crocker has been the Treasurer for a number of years and is stepping down at the end of the year. We thank Jenny for her hard work and dedication in carrying out this role. Tom Coleman will be replacing Jenny as Treasurer and is currently shadowing her before formally taking up the role at the next AGM

Ralph Hawtree is stepping down from the committee although he will continue to update the website with details of the upcoming walks. Thank you Ralph for hard work and continued support in updating the website.

There are 2 vacancies on the Committee for Footpaths Secretary and Working Party Coordinator. If anyone is interested in these roles, please contact Peter Smith or Andy Fox.

Summer 2026 Walks Programme

The 2026 Summer programme has been finalised.

The walks programme can be accessed via the Greenway Ramblers website at    https://www.greenwayramblers.org.uk/walks/walks-programme.html

The website is regularly updated and typically shows walks for the next 2-3 months including the Postcode and parking details. It is worth checking the website regularly in case walks need to be changed at short notice due to access issues or unavailability of the Walk Leader.

The Ramblers App shows upcoming walks for our group for the next 4 weeks.

Hopefully many of you are receiving the details via the Whatsapp group, “Strictly Come Rambling”, which Sharon manages on behalf of the group. Details of the next weeks walk are sent out with 5 or 6 days notice with plenty of information including the location and parking.

The London Canal Walk from Stratford to Canary Whary was very popular and Andy Fox has agreed to lead a London parks will later in the year.

Thanks as always to the many members who lead our walks on a Tuesday throughout the year.

Tom Coleman has recently completed the training and lead his first walk in April. If anyone else is interested in becoming a walk lead please contact Peter or Andy.

London Canal Walk

The London Canal Walk was very popular and below is a resume from Andy Fox, the walk leader

“On a pleasant Spring day in late March we travelled to Stratford for an organised Basildon Greenway Ramblers walk to Canary Wharf.

The walk attracted 47 people made up from our regulars and walkers we welcomed from other rambling groups. 

This walk took in some of the highlights of the urban East End.

After navigating the Olympic Park, we walked alongside part of the Lee Navigation and the Hertford Union Canal, passing working locks along the way.

We walked and took refreshments in Victoria Park before proceeding along a stretch of the Regent’s Canal to Limehouse Basin.

Finally, we followed the Thames to Westferry Circus and Canary Wharf.

The walk, which was rarely far from water, taking in three rivers, two canals and a lake was enjoyed by all.’

Walk Leader Training

The Ramblers introduced new requirements for Walk Leaders which came into effect from 1^st January 2026.

All our walk leaders are fully compliant with these regulations.

First Aid Training

The Ramblers negotiated exclusive discounted rates for members and volunteers for a range of training courses.

Peter Smith arranged for training via the Safety First Aid group who provide some bespoke courses for the Ramblers.

The training took place at the Emmanuel Church Billericay on Thursday 22nd January 2026. 10 members attended and the feedback was very positive.

Picture Gallery

A picture gallery is now available on our Greenways Ramblers group website.

This is managed by Stuart who will regularly upload pictures from our walks for everyone to view and hopefully enjoy. Prior to uploading any pictures Stuart sought permission from the membership during the autumn.

Photos are also on the WhatsApp Group/Website and removed after 3 months.

Summer 2026 Coach Trip

This years coach trip is to Thorpeness & Aldeburgh Suffolk on Tuesday 23rd June 2026

The coach will drop walkers in Thorpeness  and a walk of approximately 3 miles to Aldeburgh will be led by Andy & Peter. Non walkers will be dropped in Aldeburgh, a pretty seaside town with a charming seafront, high street, pubs, and a famous fish & chip shop!

Due to the traffic problems we have encountered the last two years there will be just one pick up point this year.

The coach will leave Stock Village Hall at 8.30AM and the return journey from Aldeburgh is 4.30PM.

The cost of the trip including the coach drivers gratuity will be £22

Full details and the booking form have been sent by Stuart Stephen.

Happy rambling and enjoy the Essex countryside.

We are very sorry to hear of the recent passing of Basildon Greenway member John Henton. John was a member of the group for a number of years and regularly led walks for the Sunday Group. We send our heartfelt condolences to John’s family and friends.

 AGM

This year’s AGM will take place on Monday 17^th November in the Pilgrim and Mayflower room at the Emmanuel Church in Billericay.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 7.30pm.