Introduction
It is said that 'a week is a long time in politics', but I would say that a year is a very, short time in the Ramblers. It seems no time since I was stood up here being elected as Chair of Godalming & Haslemere Ramblers, and a year has passed already in a flash.
Walks, leading and training
When I was appointed, one of my aims was to help members keep walking for longer, whatever their stage of life or fitness level, and to offer walks of different lengths and speeds so there is something for everyone.
This year we introduced ambles, gentle walks of around 2-3 miles, on a Wednesday morning. The idea came from Edwina, with the first one led by Rosemary and Nicky, back in March. We have had one a month—eight so far. The plan is to grow this to at least two a month in the next programme, but to do this we need more leaders. Perhaps some of you who don’t want to lead a long walk, would be happy to lead an easy 2-3 mile amble.
We have also split the two long Wednesday all day walks, into a medium one of 6-8 miles, and a long one of 8 miles plus. Which means on some Wednesdays there is a choice of 4 walks - amble, leisurely, medium and long.
Last year we offered 278 walks, 9 more than the previous year, but not yet as many as the 289 walks in 2022, when obviously after the lifting of the COVID restrictions, we were all desperate to get walking again.
Of course, all these walks depend on having leaders and I’m delighted to say that we have recruited 13 new ones this year. Thanks to the buddies, who have helped to support them.
Ramblers introduced a new Walk Leader Training approach this year, meaning all leaders have to confirm they’ve led at least 12 walks in the last three years or complete two online training modules. So far, 67 of our 76 walk leaders have done this – this is excellent progress! I know some wondered why this was needed, but in today’s world of social media and litigation, it’s vital that Ramblers can show that our leaders are well-prepared and confident.
So thank you walk leaders for your support in this.
We also held a Walk Leader and Navigation Course in August, led by Jenny Winter and Nick Baxter, attended by 12 of our members plus some guests from other Surrey groups. And in May, nine members attended a First Aid Awareness Course organised by Guildford Ramblers.
WhatsApp group for car sharing
In April, thanks to Paula Shelley, we launched a WhatsApp car-sharing group to help reduce our carbon footprint, ease car park pressure, and help those who prefer not to drive. So far, 14 members have joined—but to really make it work, we need more! If you’re interested, contact Paula or me.
National and Surrey Area
At national level, Ramblers are currently reviewing their governance model, aiming to simplify structures and increase member engagement. For now, local groups and areas aren’t part of this review. If you want to know more, have a look on the Ramblers website.
Our Surrey Area Ramblers AGM will be hosted by Mole Valley Ramblers on Sat 7 February 2026 in East Horsley. This is a good chance to meet fellow walkers and share ideas. All members are welcome.
The Area Committee, like ours, depends on volunteers—and currently needs a webmaster, publicity lead, secretary, and footpath secretary. If any of these roles interests you, please do have a look at the Surrey Area website for more information.
Thanks
I’m not going to go through all the events that we have had throughout the year, as these are covered in the AGM reports and the agenda tonight. I am pleased to say that we are a group that has so many activities—related to walking, social events, holidays and footpath work—that it is impossible to do everything. So if I haven’t been on the walk you have led or the event you have organised, don’t take it personally.
However, I would like to express heartfelt thanks to everyone who gives their time to keep this group thriving. It is incredible how many volunteers we have and it would take too long to thank you all individually. We truly couldn’t do without you.
However, I would like to make a few special mentions.
Jean Harker has stepped down from the social committee after many years of dedicated service. Jean, I’m sure you have lost count of the number of dishes you have washed and the number of cups of tea you have served. We are very thankful for all your work over such a long time.
Maureen Holland and Janet Cole have joined the social committee—welcome to you.
Thanks to all our Committee Members who have supported me throughout the year, especially those standing down this evening after completing their three year stints—Frances Morris, Janet Cole, Sheila Myers and Jude Beautement. Hopefully we will have replacements after this evening.
I would like to especially mention Beila Best, supported by Julia Evans and Jude Beautement. In the same way as it is said 'it takes a community to raise a child', it takes a Beila and an army of volunteers to organise coach trips and holidays, which many of us thoroughly enjoy. Beila is already planning for 2027, having secured volunteers for 2026. We are very grateful to you Beila, you too Julia, and Jude, and all the volunteers who have helped you.
Our 'hidden heroes' also deserve recognition: the footpath secretaries, Ian Wilks and Margaret France, our ten footpath wardens, and the Work Party team headed by John France, who quietly keep our local path network open and walkable.
I’m also delighted that Emma Palmer has volunteered to take on the Publicity role, helping to raise our local profile. Thank you, Emma. Emma is a relatively new member of our group, and is probably not known to many of you, so Emma can I ask you to stand, so that people can see who you are.
Frances Morris finished on the social committee after the New Year Lunch and after over 10 years as the Newsletter Editor, she has handed the baton, or should I say, the pen, to David Hamill.
On behalf of you all, I would like to express our thanks to Frances for her excellent contribution as our Newsletter Editor over such a long time.
Your dedication, reliability, and skill have ensured that the Newsletter was produced on time and to a high standard. The Newsletter is an important link for our members, keeping us informed and connected—and that’s thanks to your hard work behind the scenes, pulling it together.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with G&H Ramblers, speak to me or one of the Committee, There’s a role for everyone.
Walk leader champions
When we were checking to see who had led more than 12 walks in the last three years. Three walk leaders (plus one trusty helper) stood head and shoulders above the rest: Jenny Caddy, Margaret France, supported by John France and David Hamill,. Each has led over 50 walks in that time—and that’s not counting the coach trips and holidays. We’ve got a small token of appreciation for you – thank you for your commitment to walk leading.
A couple more topics and then I will be done.
Losses and recoveries
Sadly, we lost a few of our members and ex-members this year: John Lohrenz, Bill Monaghan, Roger Chaddock, Carol Austin, Brian Gray, and Charles Cockbill. We remember them with fondness and gratitude for their contributions to the group.
Looking ahead
So what of the future?
Next year, 2026, marks the 50th anniversary of Godalming & Haslemere Ramblers! We’ll be holding a celebratory event on Saturday 27 June—details will be in the February Newsletter.
Meanwhile, our regular activities continue at full pace. Our walk compilers are already looking for offers of walks for March–June 2026.
The Winter Walks Programme runs daily from Christmas Day to 2 January – the perfect excuse to invite a few friends to join you on the walks.
Our October Newsletter is packed with details of social events:
the New Year Lunch on 11 January
the Surrey Area AGM on 7 February
the Annual Quiz on 24 February
and the G&H Travel Show on 14 March
And then there is the Spring Break to Kent at the end of May and the holiday to Ireland in September. Booking forms for the coach trips for summer 2026 will be in the February Newsletter.
Finally
As I close my first year as Chair, I just want to say how grateful I am for the support I’ve received from so many of you.
Thank you all for making this group so lively, friendly and supportive. Many hands make light work, if we all share the load, we can achieve much.
Heather Dillon 15 November 2025