The Happy Wanderers

The following people reported to Hallmark on behalf of The Happy Wanderers:- Barbara & Ray Thompson 4, Norman Tyler 4, Laura & Colin Callaghan 2, Ted Janes 8 Carole Hanna 7, Sue Morris 10, Vera Solman 1, Ray Hewinson 4, Derek Glyn Jones 1, Frank Glenister 2, John Hanna 2, Marion Hazell 2, Shirley Billsborough 1, Ursula Glyn Jones 1, Liz Southon 3, and Ginnie Brurdinell 1. click Norman & Bette Tyler, Colin & Laura Callaghan, Ted & Jean Janes, John & Carole Hanna, Peter & Sue Morris, Alan & Vera Solman, Ray & Sylvia Hewinson, Derek & Ursula Glyn-Jones, Frank & Dawne Glenister, Les & Marion Hazell, Vic & Liz Southon, and Roger & Ginnie Brudenell for more about Norman, Laura & Colin, Ted, John & Carole, Sue, Vera, Ray, Derek & Ursula, Frank, Marion, Liz and Ginnie.

Hallmark February 2025. Unfortunately since our visit to Swanage in early October, we have only been able to have one walk as the weather has been so wet and cold. We are hoping for better things as the year progresses.

We did though manage to have a very enjoyable mulled wine and mince pie get-together between Christmas and New Year A few people walked beforehand but the majority came straight to the social gathering. It was good to be able to wish each other a Happy and Healthy 2025.

Our AGM will be held in the Village Hall on Sunday March 23rd at 11am. We would love to see some new faces to swell our membership as our numbers are getting smaller due to people moving away and all of us getting older! We are very friendly and welcoming.

Hallmark December 2024. By David and Helen Cliff. The Happy Wanderers reconvened for a two-night break from 6th to 8th of October, returning to Swanage – a favourite destination. The size of the group has sadly diminished over the years, but the 16 that made it took the best advantage of what the area has to offer.

On the afternoon of our arrival a small but determined group set off from the car park at Studland to walk to Old Harry Rocks, along the Southwest Coast Path to the top, along part of Ballard Down and back to Studland. Although we had to cope with a 15-minute squall, we enjoyed wonderful views across to the Isle of Wight, Swanage, Poole Harbour and beyond.

Due to the weather, the rest of the group lingered over lunch and relaxed at the hotel.

On the following day, we drove to Lulworth Castle, which dates from the 17th century and is the seat of the Weld Family. lt was almost destroyed by fire in 1929, but superbly renovated thanks to English Heritage.

The weather cleared in the afternoon and a small but select group left Worth Matravers for a five mile walk that took in the dinosaur footprints close to the historic Priests’ Way, a descent to Dancing Ledge (the site of historic quarrying), along the southwest path to Winspit and up the track back to Worth Matravers. One or two took advantage of the hospitality of the historic and quirky Square and Compass pub!

The non-walkers took the time to visit the pier (with its Happy Wanderers plaque from 2012), or stay at the hotel to play Scrabble, read or just relax.

As always, The Pines proved to be the perfect base for a group visit like this, with its fine clifftop location, excellent hospitality and a friendly atmosphere. Despite the weather, we all enjoyed the break and the range of activities – including walking!

Hallmark June 2024. Report by Liz Lewin.

The Happy Wanderers AGM which is one of the important dates in our programme, was held on Sunday March 24th. There were 26 members present which was most encouraging.

The Chairman, Roger Walker had previously announced that as he was moving away from the area, he would be stepping down from the role. Very fortunately for the club Chris Boll agreed to take on the role of Chairman. The secretary, Liz Lewin and the treasurer, Peter Clee were prepared to keep going in their roles for another year. (click Chris & Stella Boll and Ronnie & Liz Lewin for more about Chris and Liz)

The rest of the business was quite straightforward and we ended the meeting with a drink and some lunch before some of us went on a local walk from Kiln Lane.

We would loveto have some new mebers. I can recommend us as a friendly and welcoming group who meet once a month on the 4th Sunday of the month. WE usually walk between3-4 miles and finish at a pub for lunch! Please come along!

Hallmark February 2024 . Report by John Radford. The New Year’s Eve walk was certainly exceptionally soggy in the mud following all the rain that fell in the previous week. We were very lucky not to get rained on whilst we were walking, and there were some wonderful views. I had hoped to catch the short lived rainbow that lit up the sky on the horizon on this view, but it faded away too quickly.

Have you ever thought about joining this group? The average age of the walkers is hitting the ‘senior’ bracket and we would enjoy the company of a few younger members.

As you will have seen in the articles, we go on some very interesting and varied local journeys on our walks as well as our annual weekends away toy explore and enjoy other attractive and interesting locations – usually negotiating exceptionally low rates and the relevant hotel we base ourselves in.

June 2024. AGM at the Village Hall

A few days staying at Swanage October 2023.

Hallmark April 1992. This club has now been in existence for a year, and on Sunday March 29th the AGM was held in the Village Hall with a ploughman's lunch being served before embarking on the monthly walk. The officers for the year are co-ordinator Ted Janes, deputy Co-ordinator Frank Glenister with Marion Hazell as Secretary/Treasurer. Membership subscriptions for the year will be £1, although guests are always welcomed. The name of the club is to be the "Happy Wanderers" because that is the way members see themselves. Next walk Sunday April 26th, meeting at the Stratton Road Car Park, Princes Risborough at 11am. - leaders Michael and Val Tilbury. For more about Ted, Frank, Marion, Michael and Val click - Ted & Jean Janes, Frank & Dawne Glenister, Les & Marion Hazell, Michael & Val Tilbury.

Hallmark December 1995 a walk by The Happy Wanderers Walking Club was reorted by Colin & Laura Callaghan

AGM May 2023

Hallmark May 2023. The AGM of the Happy Wanderers Walking Group was held on Sunday March 26^th 2023 with 25 members present which was very encouraging. The business part of the meeting was very straightforward, and the following officers were re-elected. Chairman Roger Walker, Secretary Liz Lewin and Treasurer Peter Clee.

It was also decided that it was not necessary to just walk on Sundays any longer. Saturday and weekdays can be utilised. This gives more flexibility for us to encourage new members and to support the pubs on less busy days than Sundays.

After the formal part of the morning was concluded we were able to enjoy being together with our lunch and a drink.

Unfortunately, it was too wet for us to go for a walk.

We would be delighted to hear from anyone interested in joining the walking group.

Hallmark June 2024. Report by Liz Lewin.

The Happy Wanderers AGM which is one of the important dates in our programme, was held on Sunday March 24th. There were 26 members present which was most encouraging.

The Chairman, Roger Walker had previously announced that as he was moving away from the area, he would be stepping down from the role. Very fortunately for the club Chris Boll agreed to take on the role of Chairman. The secretary, Liz Lewin and the treasurer, Peter Clee were prepared to keep going in their roles for another year. (click Chris & Stella Boll and Ronnie & Liz Lewin for more about Chris and Liz)

The rest of the business was quite straightforward and we ended the meeting with a drink and some lunch before some of us went on a local walk from Kiln Lane.

We would love to have some new members. I can recommend us as a friendly and welcoming group who meet once a month on the 4th Sunday of the month. We usully walk between 3-4 miles and finish at a pub for lunch. Please come along!

Liz Lewin