Joan Martin laments the loss of Barnard Castle Ramblers after decades of roaming the hills and dales, both close to home and further afieldI HAVE been writing reports for Barnard Castle Ramblers for about 50 years and this is the hardest I have ever had to compose.
For the last year or so, the Barnard Castle group of the Ramblers Association, has been struggling to find any new walks leaders. A dedicated few have managed to put a walk on most weekends.
Also, at the annual meeting last year, most of the officials stated that they wanted to stand down at this year’s AGM. There have been several appeals to members since that meeting, both for new people to run the group and for more walk leaders. Sadly, only one person came forward. Clearly, it takes more than one person to run a group.
There was a great deal of discussion by the committee as to what our options for the future were. Several letters were again sent out to the members, stating that if there were not enough people interested in keeping the group going, there would be a “special” meeting on Saturday, September 9, to decide the future of the group.
There was to be only one item on the agenda and that would be whether the group should close or not. It seemed almost inevitable that this would be the outcome, so it was decided to also have a walk and a buffet lunch for a final social gathering.
Several past members had been invited to attend. These included two who travelled all the way from northern Scotland, as well as the only known founder member.
On the hottest day of the year, there were eight members who joined Gordon on his 6.5 mile walk. They had been encouraged to take plenty of water with them. Leaving Romaldkirk, they headed up to the Tees Railway path and walked to Cotherstone. Thankfully, they returned via the Teesdale Way where there was more shade as they followed the river upstream, back to Romaldkirk via Wodencroft.
Ian and I had decided to lead our final walk after about 50 years. Eleven people joined us as we set off about 20 minutes after the others. We also headed up to the Tees Railway walk, for our short 2.5 mile walk. All of our past members joined us.
Therefore, there was lots of catching up to be done. We walked as far as the Balder Viaduct and then turned round, to return back to Romaldkirk.
However, we did find some shade, plus some very useful steps to use as seats, for a refreshing drink.
The heat took its toll as we climbed the last stretch of the line, up to the road. Still we all made it and were soon back at the Reading Room in Romaldkirk.
While we had been out walking, a small band had been collecting food for the buffet, setting out the tables and sorting all the food out. What a fantastic spread, with enough food to feed an army (Well not quite!). By the time we had eaten the first course, several members turned up, just for the meeting. Gordon thanked everyone for attending and welcomed our past members.
Before the crucial vote, Lynda gave details of our finances. It had been decided we would donate £50 to the Air Ambulance and £50 to the local search and rescue team.
We would have liked to give them more, but our rules made £50 the limit. In the event of the group closing, all remaining money would be transferred to the Ramblers Association.
Then came the crucial vote. It was decided that a show of hands was all that was needed and not a secret ballot. The majority of members voted for closing, with a few voting to keep going as well as a few abstentions.
This was a very sad moment as it is the end of an era after 57 years. After the decision had been taken, Gordon gave details of groups that members could transfer their membership to.
Gordon then invited Joan Collier, our founder member, to say a few words. She explained how it was partly initiated by the area and Stan Cardwell had a lot to do with it. (There is a bridge near Bowes, over Sleighthome Beck on the Pennine Way, named after him). Joan explained that our group was the first one to stay at the Gordon Walker Chalet in the Lake District.
As the longest serving members of the group, Ian and I were invited to say something.
I explained that Ian and I had met Joan when the Ramblers did a slide show in the British Legion Club, which was where the current library is now. The slide show was given by Tom Buffey and he showed slides in relation to the building of Cow Green Dam. It was at that point that we got a Ramblers programme and the rest, as they say, is history. Ian has been the footpaths officer for a lot of years and attended many public enquiries about proposed footpath diversions and other environmental issues.
He stressed the importance of continuing to support the Ramblers Association if we want to continue to protect our rights of way. We both thanked everyone for their friendship over many years.
With the business over, it was time to have the rest of our meal. An array of scrumptious sweets were brought out for everyone to enjoy. During the afternoon a rolling slide show was taking place.
Maggie had put together more than 500 photos taken on walks from 2002 to 2023. This is how long the website has been up and running.
It was pointed out that the website would still be “live” until August 2024. I also pointed out that for 50 years I had compiled scrapbooks. They are now in the Fitzhugh Library, in Middleton-in-Teesdale. These give a record of the group from the beginning and can be viewed by anyone when the library is open.
Eventually we all had to say goodbye on what had been a quite emotional day. Never mind, all is not lost.
We have agreed to form a friendly walking group. Members have signed up to be contacted by social media.
We hope to have ad-hoc walks and maybe the odd social event. Who knows? Maybe there will be other people who will want to join us.
