WELCOME -- To the site of the Concerned Ramblers group - not a walking group, although we are all dedicated walkers, but a representative body formed by members of Britain’s biggest walking membership organisation and charity the Ramblers’ Association, at an inaugural meeting in Leeds, in September 2009.
Apology
We have had problems with the site and have not been able to edit it for several days. we will post a report on the
3rd General Meeting of Concerned Ramblers
ASAP
September/October newsletter on
Latest Newsletter page
Our current policy document is on the Summary of Concerns page
and our recent Newsletters on their own pages
Ramblers' Chief Executive resigns
New links with HF holidays Three CR supported candidates were elected to Board of Trustees at
Oxford General Council April 2011
Our "concern" is for the future of the Ramblers Association, to ensure that the actions and structure of the Association are what members want - and to see that motions approved at General Council are carried through - thank you for your support and interest.
To join the Concerned Ramblers and receive all our information direct, or to comment on our policies and publications please e-mail -
Mike Church at church_mj@yahoo.com
We received these messages recently. We think they all reflect the views of members very well.
(Note: we do not publish correspondents' mail addresses)-
As a struggling and disillusioned Ramblers group committee, we would like to give our support to "Concerned Ramblers". We receive your newsletter via our area secretary, Malcolm Dixon, and they always strike a resonance with our views and fears for the future of the Ramblers organisation, particularly the latest one regarding falling membership, gimmicks and failure to give ROW the proper priority. We have also experienced first hand the rather high-handed attitude of Central Office (and Tom Franklin), and their lack of understanding and support on local issues.
There are many ordinary Ramblers members who support you, and what you're doing. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards
Wendy Borman
Secretary
Ryedale Group
East Yorkshire and Derwent Area
Date: Friday, April 15, 2011
Congratulations on the CR newsletter and the sentiments expressed in it. Based on earlier consultations within New Forest Group RA - one of the most active groups in the south, I can confirm that your ideas would have very strong support here.
As an additional point, I attempted to draft a response to the “Liberating”Led Walks consultation document, but it was so full of jargon and potential administrative confusion, as well as been wrong minded in many respects that I failed to complete this task. I wonder if we could ask Central Office not to indulge in so many high-minded projects and consultations, so releasing effort and budget for more practical tasks like reissuing the Ramblers Yearbook and/or the excellent but out of print manual of Navigation and Leadership.
I shall copy this and the CR newsletter to the Group Committee which is very receptive to supporting worthwhile Ramblers campaigns and has succeeded in diversifying the programme a great deal.
John Thackray
From: Helen Barnett
Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 11:04 AM
Message:
I've read your site with interest and growing concern. As you stress, ordinary members are not being informed. There is much I was not aware of, although I regularly read Walk magazine and the RA website. For example I did not know that there had been two changes of Treasurer, possibly the 2nd most important position in the organisation - especially during the economic crisis.
I was aware of the Leeds meeting, but was unable to attend and did not appreciate what the true slant would be. The promotion came over as a cosy little chat with members, just to be seen to listening to them.
I learnt of the existence of Concerned Ramblers through the latest edition of Staffs Area Newsletter, due no doubt to input from Graham. Many fellow members have not read this.
If the RA is genuinely interested in the concerns and to demonstrate that they do want to keep members informed there should be a reference to Concerned Ramblers in "Walk" magazine and then a regular article.
from
Allan Rogers Chairman, Nottinghamshire Area Ramblers
"Congratulations on a well laid out and easy to follow site which I am sure will be followed by a large number of Ramblers from around the country.
It should form a major contributor to getting the message over that the 'Concerned Ramblers Group' is not a rabble-rousing group but is composed of truly concerned members of the Ramblers who want to see a restoration of traditional values coupled with a forward look which will attract new members to the Ramblers."