ST MARY'S RAMBLERS
The origin of the Group goes back to at least 1981 when Bea Radcliffe, who had always enjoyed walking in the Rivington area, began to invite Parishioners to join her. For the next ten years, until ill health prevented Bea from further walking, the Group flourished under her leadership.
 
The Group re-formed in June 1995 under the guidance of Muriel Arkwright, sadly just one week after Bea died. She would have been delighted to know that the Group she had formed was now continuing and again enjoying her beloved countryside
 
The Group had re-formed following a Parish Survey, and met at 2pm on alternate Wednesdays. Later in that year the meetings changed to 12 noon for the winter months.
 
The spirit of that original Group continues today, although the meeting time is now 10.30am on the new car park. An average of 20/25 walkers enjoy the fortnightly rambles, and they always "talk as they walk".
 
The quotation above is taken from an article in the Winter 1996 Parish Magazine written by Muriel Arkwright, from which most of the above information has been taken. Thank you Muriel!
 
The Group tries to provide a walk for people who prefer a shorter walk 2/3 miles every two weeks
Running along side the scheduled walks 5/6 miles.
 
For further information about the scheduled walks please contact Joan or John on 01204 695561.
 
A programme of walks is set at six-monthly intervals. Each walk is usually between 4.5 and 5.5 miles long, and wherever possible a short walk of between 2 and 3 miles is organised for the same day. The current programme is given below and will be updated when appropriate. The programme also appears
on the notice board at both St Mary's and St Anthony's. The meeting place for each walk is St Mary's car park Chorley New Road, Horwich at 10.30am prompt.
 
 ST MARY'S RAMBLERS - SUMMER PROGRAMME
START FROM ST. MARY'S AT 10.30am
Essential Requirements:- Strong footwear, good rainwear & packed lunch (except when pub lunch).
For further information please phone Joan on 01204 695561.
2008 AREA OF WALK DISTANCE LEADERS
(MILES)
Trip to Windermere/Ambleside Astley Village 9am.
8th Oct Coach leaves St Mary's 8.30am: 01204 695561 JOAN
Chorley Bus Stn 8.45am
Pat Stringer and Brenda
22nd Oct Harrock Hill 5/6 01257 792474
Meet at layby near Fairy Glen
David & Joan Patterson
5th Nov High Ridd 5/6 01204 467810

Vera, Mary Hulme and Jackie
19th Nov Haigh Hall 5 01204 468442
0793 110 7908
Christmas meal at The Red Marion Hitchen
3rd Dec Lion, Haigh 1pm 3 Miles 01257 253778

Joan Dixon & Anne Bennett
17th Dec Georges Lane 5 01942 832980

David & Joan Patterson
31st Dec Longworth Clough 5/6 01204 467810

2009 Nellie, Renee & Sylvia
14th Jan Harwood 5/6 01204 694923
07788 625060
Eve & Mary Gregory
28th Jan Turton Heights 5 01204 847051
Parking at the Last Drop 07929 430104
Marian Cheers
11th Feb Hunters Hill 5 01942 832704

Soup and Sandra & Mary Feeney
25th Feb Sandwiches Birkacre 5 01257 249703
at Café 07922 160703
Brenda & Frances
11th Mar Mystery 5/6 01257 482448

Planning meeting - St Mary's Short
25th Mar 10.30am Rosary Room walk 01204 695561 Joan
after
Please note that walkers are advised to ensure that they have adequate insurance cover whilst
taking part in our walks as the Club is unable to accept responsibility for accidents involving any
individual member.

The Group has now introduced an annual membership fee of £1 in order to cover printing and
distribution costs.