NOTICES

1: New members

A warm welcome to new primary members Maria Sanchez and Simon Bown; and new associate members Aaron Jewell, Andrew Ribbans-Opara, Ann Kearey and Matthew Hobson.

2: Notice period for new walks

Walk leaders are asked to give a minimum of one week's notice of new walks so that there is time to put them in the newsletter.

3: The Flower of Suffolk 100

Your LDWA needs you for Flower of Suffolk 100. Friday 23rd May to Monday 26th May 2025

Volunteers needed for Headquarters

This year the 100 is certainly a lot nearer than the Highlands of Scotland.  Our volunteer weekend will therefore be the usual subtle blend of walking, waitressing and of course Wetherspoons.  There might even be an ancient warrior thrown in as well. 

London Group will be helping out at headquarters with general duties, and there will also be time for a Social Walk.

The event starts and finishes at Ipswich School Sports Centre, Ipswich IP5 1DE about 4 miles from Ipswich Railway Station.  There is a regular bus service.

The Flower of Suffolk 100 should be less challenging than many but even so we can expect walkers to be blistered, exhausted, deluded and in need of plenty of TLC.

We may need a few volunteers to help out before the start of the event from 7am to 10am on Saturday mainly with general duties.  We will be free the rest of the day for a Social Walk.

London Group will then be on duty from 10am Sunday morning to 10am Monday morning. This period will be split into 3 shifts so volunteers can catch some sleep. 

Our duties will involve greeting and supporting returners, sorting baggage, helping serve food, clearing tables, emptying rubbish, monitoring loos and showers etc.  Our multi-skilled forces have faced many challenges in the past and I am sure our legendary grace and humour will be a great asset.  What better way to finish the 100 than to be meeted and greeted by our Luverley London Group.  Just hope it isn’t raining!

Now for the practical stuff. 

 Accommodation

There will be a room set aside at headquarters for volunteers, which will be available from Saturday morning until the finish of the 100.  You will need sleeping bags and mats.  Unfortunately, the Sports Centre is not available on Friday night.

This means either travelling up early from London on Saturday morning or finding accommodation locally.   There is a Travelodge in Ipswich.

Transport

I will provide information nearer the time on trains and buses.

Walks

There will be a chance for a Full Social Walk on Saturday following part of the Flower of Suffolk 100 route and exploring a somewhat overlooked but historically interesting part of the country.

Programme

Friday 23rd May

7pm                 London volunteers meet up for meal in Cricketers Ipswich (Wetherspoons)

Saturday 24th May  

10am                           Watch start of 100

11am onwards            SOCIAL WALK  

Saturday night will be free for sleeping

Sunday 25^th May                   Shift 1    10am to 6pm (quiet period)

Sunday/Monday                    Shift 2    6pm to 2am   (busy)

Monday 26^th May                  Shift 3    2am to 10am  (very busy)

(There can be a little flexibility depending on how many of us there are)

 In spite of overnight duties on Sunday/Monday this should be a great weekend away with a chance to support our London group champions.

Can you resist the call?

Please contact Susanne Waldschmidt if you are interested. I will then send out an application form.

susannewoodsmith2@gmail.com

Forthcoming Walks

Wednesday 15th January 2025

A Q to Q Adventure: Queenstown Road to Queensbury

Event Type: Group Walk. 

Saturday 18th January 2025

Haslemere circular

Event Type: Group Walk.