Hello all Calderdale Group Members (Primary and Associate)

COMMITTEE PERSONNEL CHANGES

At the recent 2025 AGM, Sandy Gee took over as Chair and I (Neil Midgley) took over as group secretary. Firstly, we would like to record our massive thanks for the work done by Jane Guest and Karen Nash in these positions for the last 6 years. Secondly, we thought it might be wise to introduce ourselves to those of you who may not know us.

Sandy Gee

I have been a member of the LDWA since the early 2010s, initially as a West Yorkshire member until I saw the light and switched to Calderdale, which is, after all, where I live.

I started off run/walking LDWA challenge events and have entered each of the 100s from 2012 onwards with 11 completions and only 1 DNF. I've entered the upcoming 'Flower of Suffolk 100' along with, as it stands, another 7 Calderdale members. However, these days I do more group walks, mostly Calderdale's and West Yorkshire's and, as a result, I have a much better appreciation of all that our area has to offer. 

I had a stint as Treasurer of the N.E.C. and remain Treasurer for Calderdale as well as now Chair.

Neil Midgley

I joined the LDWA in the very first month of its existence in 1972. At that time I was very much into big challenge events such as the Lakeland 3,000s, the Fellsman, North York Moors Crosses, Long Mynd, etc etc. Unlike Sandy, I have never managed a 100.

Heavy involvement in family, work, Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and other outdoor pursuits training took me away from the challenges for a number of years. My main LDWA involvement was then through our National Trail Walkers and Hillwalkers' Registers. The completion of various mountain lists remains my priority.

I only really began joining the social walks a few years ago when my own social walking friends began to fall by the wayside. Similarly, I began to attend Calderdale meetings with the intention, as they say, of 'putting something back'.

We both hope to see many of you on our future walks, including our challenge event, 'The Calderdale Crawl' as participants, helpers or group walk leaders.

COMMITTEE MEETING

The next Committee meeting, open to all, is on Wednesday 19th February, 7pm, at The Drop Inn, Elland, HX5 9DU (Grid Ref: SE111212). The main agenda item is initial planning for the Crawl challenge, but if there is anything else you wish to raise then please let me know.

DENBY DALE WALK - Sunday 9th February

A group of 12 Calderdale, Vermuyden and guest members plus two dogs were led by Jane Guest on a 14 mile circular from Emley around Clayton West, Denby Dale, Upper Denby, High Flatts Cumberworth and Skelmanthorpe. Sections of the Dearne and Kirklees Ways were used but much was on ordinary footpaths through the fields which, mud aside, provided a very pleasant landscape. The weather could have been kinder, especially for those unfamiliar with the area, but it was misty dampness, rather than a downpour, so not too bad!

Points of interest included the Kaye's Millennium Green, a Quaker meeting house, a former isolation hospital, talk of famous pies and the Kirklees Light Railway where, with immaculate timing, the little steam train chugged by us. All this in addition to Roy's generosity when we stopped by his house for a crafty dram (or alternative). Just see what you're missing if you weren't there!

NAVIGATION COURSE - Sunday 9th March (with optional second day on Sunday 16th)

There are still a couple of places available on the Navigation Course to be held at Neiley Pavillion, Honley on 9th March. That day will be mainly centre based but with a few outdoor exercises. The optional second day is to put things into practice should you wish. All for the bargain price of £10 (simply to cover costs). Let me know if interested neil.midgley49@btinternet.com and I will send full details.

That's all for now, Best Wishes, Neil Midgley