Group Articles
This page details our older website news articles in reverse chronological order.
Date: Thursday 14 August 2008
I've added some more pictures to the gallery courtesy of Bryan. I also decided it was time for the website to get a new color scheme. As ever, send your comments / suggestions to me at webmaster@mk-northbucks2030s.org.uk
Date: Saturday 14 June 2008
I've just added the pictures I received from the Corfe Castle weekend away we did in April. Check out the gallery to have a look. Remember, if you have any pictures from any of our walks / weekends away let me have them and I'll add them to the gallery.
Date: Saturday 6 October 2007
I've just completed the photo gallery for the website. I've put all the photos I have been given so far - if you have any you would like adding then please contact me at webmaster@mk-northbucks2030s.org.uk. Please also let me know if you have any comments / problems with it.
Date: Sunday 4 June 2006
I've finally got round to updating the website. At the moment it is mainly a cosmetic makeover but in the next couple of weeks you can expect to see some more changes including a walks photo gallery. If you find any problems with the website or have any comments / suggestions then please let me know by contacting webmaster@mk-northbucks2030s.org.uk.
Date: Sunday 22 January 2006
Sixteen of us met at a deserted car park in Salcey Forest at 9am on Sunday for the group's first ever linear walk. It was quite a cold day, foggy in the morning but lovely and dry with the sun pushing its way through later in the morning. We headed off through the fog in a convoy of four cars to the riverside car park in Stony Stratford which was our start point.
It was a very varied walk with many points of historical interest along the way which our walk leader pointed out. The first section of the walk followed the Ouse along the edge of Old Stratford to the Iron Trunk Aqueduct, an amazing piece of civil engineering built in 1811. We walked through the tunnel under the canal, which is a bit dark and wet.
The next section of the walk took us along the canal tow-path to Cosgrove locks where we had our morning break, right next to the remains of the Buckingham arm of the canal. We then continued along the canal beyond The Navigation Inn, which unfortunately for those needing a loo-stop was not open!
Further up the canal we turned off and started to head towards Salcey Forest across footpaths and fields stopping for lunch in a field, but continuing with the walk quickly to keep warm!
Overall it was an enjoyable day, which went by without any major incidents. We saw a few herons and other water birds that we did not identify (but no snakes or anything exciting like that unfortunately) We very much look forward to completing the rest of the Boundary walk at some point in the future. - LP
Date: Sunday 20 November 2005
We met in the small village of Chackmore nr Stowe at 9.45am for this 11 mile walk. We started off heading out towards Radclive, however we got off to a bit of a false start - our Group Coordinator waited behind for a couple of late comers and ended up getting lost!! Luckily the Walk Leader managed to find them so after a short delay we carried on our way.
The walk took us south west through Radclive and down towards Tingewick, before making our way northwards to Water Stratford and back up to Stowe. The weather was fantastic - very cold and frosty but really sunny - at lunchtime the sun was even warm enough to take our coats off!
The funny point of the day was when a lady walking her dog insisted we had strayed off the public footpath told us off! Having double checked our map we knew that we were in the right and were definitely on a designated footpath however she wasn't having any of it!
Date: Sunday 6 November 2005
There were 9 people that turned up for the circular walk starting at Old Linslade.
We all battled against wind and rain through sodden muddy fields with a certain member of the group that kept us all laughing and smiling. We risked life and limb against men with guns, killer gander and goats, crossing miniature railway tracks and climbing over wet slippery styles. There was an incident when one member of the group stumbled on a style however another member was there to rescue them and amazingly no one was hurt.
After the dramatic events of the morning we all stopped to eat our lunch by the peacefulness of the union canal and watched the barges go past as well as police vans going back and forth! We were near the Lakes Estate!
Just after lunch the rain came down again and we continued along the banks of the picturesque canal. A few more miles up the canal we all stopped for refreshments at a pub just in time before the torrential rain came down.
We then continued up the canal to see some ducks and herons eventually arriving back at our cars. All in all it was an enjoyable eventful walk for the entire group. - CB
Date: Sunday 23 October 2005
We joined the Northants 20s-30s group for this figure of 8 walk, starting in the village of Syresham.
The first test of the day was to locate the Village Hall, which wasn't where MultiMap said it was!, After several circuits of the village everyone managed to find it!
There was a good turnout from both groups, with approx 32 people in total.
The morning loop took us to Whistley Woods, then through the villages of Radstone and Falcutt, before returning to Syresham for lunch at the Kings Head.
We were joined for the afternoon by one person (who shall remain nameless!), who missed the morning loop with the feeble excuse of having been to Ikea instead! And not just once, but twice in the same weekend! I think he needs to get his priorities right!!
After lunch the shorter second loop took us south into Buckinghamshire. During the afternoon it came to light that there was a potential new member among us who was not yet affiliated to either the Northants or the North Bucks & MK group. Friendly banter and attempted coercion ensued!
Date: Sunday 9 October 2005
Following a newspaper ad and more hits on the website, an amazing 25 people turned up for the walk starting at Emerson Valley.
We started out at 10.15am and very quickly the walk took on a "wildlife" theme! Shortly after setting off we came across a tiny snake who narrowly avoided being trampled to death by us. After taking his picture we moved him to safety off the footpath!
Our next good deed for the day involved freeing a sheep who had his head stuck in a fence!
The 11 mile walk took us to Mursley where we had a pub lunch, then on through Newton Longville and back to Emerson Valley. The scenery was beautiful and we were blessed with the weather and enjoyed a fantastic sunny day. - CW
Date: Tuesday 27 September 2005
Our very first social event took place in All Bar One, MK.
In eager anticipation of possible new members, we positioned ourselves near the entrance with a strategically placed map so newcomers could easily spot us! Our small core of regulars turned up as well as a couple of new people - one of whom had only recently come to the UK and spoke very little English!!! With the help of sign language and German remembered from school, we managed to make her feel welcome!
The evening was a great success. Dates for future social events to be confirmed shortly. - CW
Date: Sunday 25 September 2005
We joined the Chilterns 20s-30s for their walk from Tring, swelling their number from 24 to 32.
This turned out to be a very successful day both in terms of the walk and inter-group relations. Apart from a short heavy shower soon after lunch the weather belied the early morning conditions it was a warm sunny day which enhanced the beautiful countryside and villages we walked through. We had the opportunity to visit 2 or 3 pubs and tea-rooms, which will be worthy of return at a later date.
The Chilterns 20s-30s were very welcoming and friendly, one of them distributing cake she had baked. We also received offers of help; that is from walk leaders willing to lead walks for us.
During the week before this walk the MK & North Bucks 20s-30s Group have received an increasing level of interest because of the events being published in the local newspaper and on the internet. Various search engines are now flagging up our group. As a result we had three potential new members to our group on the walk.
Date: Sunday 4 September 2005
The Group had its second day of walking from Newport Pagnell.
In the morning the 5-mile walk headed SE out of Newport Pagnell across the by-pass and on into Willen village via Caldecote. From Willen the walk went westward to join the Grand Union Canal to get to the Proud Perch pub for lunch. The afternoon 7-mile walk headed for Gayhurst via the Linford Lakes, Linford & Gayhurst Woods before turning south via Mill Farm and Lakes Lane back to Newport Pagnell.
This was another hot summers day with a turnout of thirteen, three took the option of the morning only walk back along the railway walk to Newport Pagnell. On this walk we had five new faces as well as members from existing groups.
Apparently the Group officially has one member: she has received her welcome pack from the RA.
Date: Sunday 21 August 2005
The Group had its inaugural walk(s) from Caldecotte Lake.
In the morning there was a 4-mile circular walk north along the Grand Union Canal to Woughton on the Green and back along the River Ouse. After lunch there was a 7-mile circular walk south along the Grand Union Canal, across to Little Brickhill and back to Caldecotte Lake via Bow Brickhill.
On the very hot summers day there was a total turnout of fifteen and a dog, five took the option of walking only in either the morning or afternoon. The party was made up of four potential new members to the RA and members from the existing groups: Milton Keynes & District; Chilterns 20s-30s; Northants 20s-30s. The pubs at Caldecotte Lake and Little Brickhill provided welcome relief during the day.
Date: Friday 12 August 2005
Inaugural walk reccied with the help of John from the Chilterns 20s-30s.
Date: Tuesday 26 July 2005
The Group's website linked to the central office RA website.
Date: Tuesday 19 July 2005
The Group's website goes live.
Date: Wednesday 6 July 2005
The Northants 20s-30s Group makes contact and offers advice and assistance, such as joint walks.
Date: Friday 17 June 2005
Initial name of the Group agreed, "MK & North Bucks 20s-30s" and RA Central Office issues the group membership code (formal recognition the group exists). Work initiated on the Group's website.
Date: Wednesday 15 June 2005
The Chilterns 20s-30s Walking Group offers to help get the new Group established. The Chilterns 20s-30s are continuing to provide advice and assistance.
Date: Tuesday 31 May 2005
The Ramblers' Association (RA), Buckinghamshire & West Middlesex Area Committee formally agreed to the setting up of a new younger peoples group and appointed John Frankland as Co-ordinator to oversee the formation and development of the new group until its inaugural AGM.
Date: Friday 8 April 2005
The idea of forming a younger peoples group in North Buckinghamshire germinated at the Ramblers' Association General Council 2005 held at Leicester University.
