Members Autumn Newsletter 2021
Firstly, a huge welcome to all our new members who have joined us over the summer, and I am sure you will
enjoy the fellowship and endless benefits that come from exploring our beautiful Island on foot with MFCG.
It’s been a pleasing summer with a full programme of walks for all to enjoy and, although things are still a little
strange in the world, it is lovely to be able to walk in our groups with a sense of relative normality. I thank all of
you who have made the summer productive with some super attendance numbers.
Of course, all the walks would not be able to take place without the enthusiasm , knowledge and kindness of
our walk leaders and co-ordinators. On behalf of myself and the rest of the membership I thank you; without
you MFCG would not be able to offer such a fabulous and comprehensive programme for everyone.
The committee has continued to work hard behind the scenes to allow carefree walking for all the members,
we always listen to feedback and are always looking for new and positive ways to move the group forward.
The AGM was delayed again this year and took place in May. We welcomed Gill Smith and Peter Corkish to
the committee, and both instantly got stuck into their roles within the committee. Gill is the new Membership
Secretary and has been proactive in creating an easier joining model and Peter has taken on the role of coordinating the twice-yearly walking schedules. Well done to both who are doing a splendid job.
David Leiserach continues to report, meet, and communicate with the DoI and DEFA regarding the
maintenance of our footpaths; a thankless task at times but perseverance has meant that many projects and
repairs are addressed that wouldn’t have been without David’s hard work.
Our online risk assessment form has meant our Safety Officer Pat Mudie is now receiving risk assessments
without having to do much chasing, and she and I thank you for that. Please can I remind all members who are
leading upcoming walks that to comply with our insurer’s requirements each walk must be risk assessed. The
form is available on our website and takes less than 5 minutes to fill in.
We welcomed Brian Beattie as our new President at the AGM; Brian is well known to lots of our members and
will be an excellent ambassador for MFCG.
Jack Verity continues to keep the purse strings under excellent control and along with the committee regularly
suggests options of how the club can utilise the funds available for the benefit of walking on the Island and
how we can improve the benefits of being a member of MFCG. Jack has many commitments and I thank him
for his time, efficiency, and expertise.
Lastly but certainly not least I would like to pass on my thanks to Lesley Parkington our group Secretary, Lesley
is so enthusiastic for the success of MFCG and spends many hours of her time updating the website, writing
out the committee minutes and other numerous jobs, thanks to all the committee, a real team effort.
The website continues to be the best source of information for upcoming walks and events, general questions
and answers, risk assessment/safety info, there is a member only page containing committee and AGM
minutes plus a new online joining page and, of course, the gallery page – WWW.MANXFOOTPATHS.ORG. I
would also like to thank Fiona Vaz who regularly updates the website to keep the content fresh.
The AGM next March will see myself step down as your Chair and the group are looking for an enthusiastic and
knowledgeable member who is will willing to continue to move the group forward and work alongside this
hardworking committee. Please get in touch with me or any other member of the committee if you would like
to get involved.
The last few months of 2021 will see the end of our 50th anniversary year and sadly most of the events that we
had planned had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions. But that has not stopped the committee and we
have a few events planned for next year to celebrate our 51st year instead. More is to come of these exciting
events as details are clarified but you will be swapping your walking boots for dancing shoes!!
The walking holiday was also cancelled this year due to Covid, but the committee are delighted to offer
members of the group the opportunity of a package walking holiday to Northumberland in 2022. The group
size will be smaller, and two departure dates are planned – one with a programme of longer walks and another
with a programme of shorter walks. A comprehensive factsheet with all the details is available and both
holidays will include:
• 5 Nights Bed and Breakfast in Alnwick sharing a twin or double room
• Return sea travel
• Private Minibus transport throughout including local pickup and drop off
• 4 completely different guided walks (all optional) including the barefoot walk across the bay and
guided tour of Holy Island/Lindisfarne with an award-winning local guide
• Group Size 12
• Book with confidence through an Island based travel agent
• Cost £615 pp based on Twin/Double room – Sole occupancy room rate supplement applies
Departures:
Sunday 1st May – Friday 6th May for the short walks Departure (walks 4-6 miles at a leisurely pace)
Sunday 15th May – Friday 20th May for the longer walks Departure (walks between 7-12 miles)
If you are interested in either departure please contact me either by email chair@manxfootpaths.org or
telephone Ken 07624 240430 (indicating which departure you’re interested in), and you will be sent a
factsheet. All booking details will be on the factsheet.
The committee, as mentioned previously, are always looking towards improving MFCG and we are keen to
introduce new walks to attract new members. Leisure time, especially at weekends is valued differently by
individuals and families, so if you have any ideas for a new type of walk, then please get in touch or speak
with a member of the committee.
Over the winter we will be trialling a new walk on a Sunday, which Debbie Broome has kindly offered to lead.
These walks with be in addition to the existing Sunday afternoon walks and will be around 10 miles and
initially held monthly. The walking pace will be fairly quick, and the terrain will include winter hill walking.
Please keep an eye on the website and your walk schedule for more information and start points.
Finally, and although a little premature, the committee and I would like to wish all our members a very Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year full of great walking.
Ken
Chair
Manx Footpaths Conservation Group