This year seems to have been a year of responding to consultations relevant to walking and the aims of our Society. These have been brought to your attention in previous editions of our newsletter. The most recent consultation is on "Discovering Lost Ways". This project led by Natural England requires that any rights of ways not currently shown on the Definitive map are added to it by 2026 or they will be lost forever. Claiming a right of way and getting it onto the definitive map is a long drawn out process and requires evidence which is often difficult to gather. If the project proceeds I will be asking for some help if we are to achieve the 2026 target in our area of interest. In responding to the consultation one of the questions I had to answer required me to say what I envisaged as a good experience of a day walk with friends in 2020. I said "my ideal situation would be a circular route taking me through a variety of landscapes with no walking on tarmac and where rights of way are clearly marked and in good condition." Do you agree? If not send the editor your answers.
Some lost ways are potentially much more useful than others and I would certainly wish to concentrate my efforts on those. There is also an argument for spending the project money on maintaining and improving what we have. This is awaited with interest by your committee and by Rowan Brockhurst our Footpath Secretary in particular.  There is no guarantee of funding so some volunteer labour may be welcome.

On a lighter note why not join us playing skittles at Cranborne.  Details in Waymark No 134.  Our first session was good fun and enjoyed by all even those who were only spectators.  No skill is required.

Our spring walking holiday is at Crantock Bay from 27th April-1st May.  Over 40 people have booked but the hotel still has a few rooms - sea-view doubles and non sea-view singles.  There is plenty to do even if you dont want to walk.  For further information contact Ruth

Our Christmas raffle money and some from last years summer lunch has been used to purchase 2 "bricks" engraved with the name of our Society to be part of the Walk of Words at Durlston Country Park on the Jurassic coast near Swanage.  Our words can be viewed on the Durlston website www.durlston.co.uk and in the visitor centre.  The revamped Castle is due to open in 2009.

Don’t forget the AGM on 31st March.  I hope to see you there.

And finally here is an interesting website for you:

Ruth

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