Why I am a member of Alton Ramblers
I have always loved walking, enjoying local walks in Hampshire, many of Britain’s long-distance footpaths, the hills and mountains of our National Parks and organising guided mountain walks overseas. I feel privileged to have lived in Medstead for the past 35 years, with a superb network of paths and tracks in my backyard, which I never tire of exploring.
I joined Alton Ramblers 8 years ago with the aim of finding new walks and meeting like-minded people. Although I love walking on my own and with my husband and family, as I approached retirement I also had a desire to walk in a group. Alton Ramblers has exceeded my expectations by introducing me to wonderful new areas that I have never walked in before and to a new circle of walkers and friends. I really appreciate the ability to decide I want to join a walk at the last minute without needing to plan and book in advance, and I love the small group size.
As a keen walker, it is great to be able to help keep our local paths open and accessible by volunteering with our Footpath Maintenance Team to clear overgrown vegetation and waymarkers, gates, steps and other necessary hardware. I also enjoy regularly checking my village paths and reporting any issues that I encounter.
And there is also a superb, varied social programme that gives us the chance to get together without wearing our walking boots and walking holidays, both in the UK and abroad, to enjoy.
I hope I can continue to enjoy Alton Ramblers for many years to come!
Louise Fletcher, Membership Secretary
___________________________