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It’s been an exciting summer, with notable highs including cycling right across Wales, potholing deep inside the Dales and watching the UCI Road World Championships. But don’t be down-hearted; the colder months have a charm of their own, with much fun to be had. Join us for winter wildfowl, leaping salmon and apple-bobbing. You’ll love it!
They say that time flies like an arrow but fruit flies like a banana. Amazingly, 2020 is our 30
th anniversary! We’re planning a
few celebrations of this historic milestone - let us know if you have any good ideas!
Thanks to Bob Curry, who steps down as Chair of Open Country at our AGM in December. He has spearheaded many of the positive things that have happened over the last two years and we thank him for his tireless contribution to our work.
Hello to Ian...
It costs over £250,000 each year to keep Open Country operating, and we only receive a relatively small amount of funding from local authority budgets, meaning we have to raise a significant amount every year just to keep going. To help with this, we are delighted to welcome Ian Savage, who recently joined us as our Fundraising Officer, 3 days per week. Ian is well known to Open Country, having been a Tandem Club volunteer at York for the last two seasons. Ian would love to hear from anyone with any fundraising ideas, or contacts with any companies or organisations that might be willing to support us. Ian can be reached on 01423 507227 or [email protected]
NEWSLETTER October to December 2019
Open Country is a charitable organisation
(1107331) which enables anyone with a
disability to access the countryside, through
the provision of outdoor activities and
information.
Fundraising news
Ian is looking to form a volunteer fundraising committee who are willing to give a few hours each month to set up fundraising events and other initiatives. If you would be interested in getting involved, please get in touch.
Thanks to Betty’s in York, who have already raised a five-figure sum – well done! Huge thanks are due to Betty’s colleague Zoe from the York Tandem Club, who nominated us and has organised many of the events. We would also be really keen to speak with anyone who works at any other Betty’s outlet, who might be willing to nominate us in future years!
...Farewell to Chris!
We’re sad to say that Chris Hunter will be leaving in November as he’s moving to Liverpool, where his wife Rebecca has a new job. Thanks for all your hard work and marvellous contribution to Open Country, Chris; we’ll miss you and wish you both the very best for the future.
Relief Road Relief
It’s really good news for those opposed to the ‘Harrogate Relief Road’, as NYCC have stated that the road proposal will not be taken further at this time. Great result! Thanks to everyone who sent their comments in to the public consultation.
Volunteer News
We are having a Disability Awareness, Safeguarding & Sighted Guide Training session on Monday 25
th November,
from 6pm-9pm at Community House. Wine and cheese will be served! Please contact us to book a place.
Page 2
We recently recognised two long-standing volunteers who have helped us for over 20 years. The first ‘Bousfield Award’, in memory of Roy Bousfield, our first volunteer, goes to Sally Weatherill and Alex Harrison. Thanks for your long service! The award will be given to all 20-year-vols.
This year we are celebrating Christmas Italian-style! Our volunteer get-together will be at Lucia, 3, Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SX, on Tuesday 10
th
December at 7pm. We need to pre-order (£17.50 for a starter and main course), so let us know if you would like to join us by 1
st December and
we’ll send you a menu. Buon Natale!
Trustees, Neil Lancaster and Bob Curry step down in October and December respectively. We thank them for their hard work. We are looking to recruit to the Board of Trustees - especially people versed in marketing, health & safety and strategic planning Contact Bob Curry if interested - [email protected]
Good Access Scheme
Now is your chance to suggest the best countryside access for all scheme in Yorkshire this year. It could be a new access path or cycle trail, audio tour, publication or inclusive access project. Previously winners have included the RSPB Fairburn Ings, Otley Town Council and the Lower Ure Conservation Trust. Our Advisory Group will consider all your recommendations at their November meeting and the winner will receive a trophy in December.
Advisory Group
Our next meeting is Tuesday 5th
November, 6.30 – 8.30 pm. Our Special Items are ‘2019 Good Access Scheme – help us decide the winner’ and ‘Our 30
th
Anniversary in 2020 – ideas please’.
Wild about Wakefield News
We are grateful to the late Roy Bousfield and his family for leaving us a generous legacy for our Wild about Wakefield project. It gives the project some much-needed security as we try and ensure long-term funding from the likes of the National Lottery Community Fund. For more Wakefield news, see the dedicated page on our website.
Questions, questions...
A questionnaire is also included in this mailing. Please return it if you can - it helps us to provide you with the service you want.
Guidelines for carers
We have reviewed our guidelines that are aimed at aiding paid carers and residential homes to help people to get
the most from our activities, especially on weekends. You should receive a copy with this newsletter. Why not pin it to your fridge for easy reference?
Brrrr! - It’s chilly!
Don’t be put off by the fact the cold weather is here. Open Country tries to go out whatever the weather, so please remember to bring the following:
woolly hat, gloves and scarf,
warm clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers,
a spare jumper or fleece, just in case,
a rucksack to leave your hands free, with a bin liner to keep the contents dry,
lots of food to keep you warm & a hot drink in an unbreakable flask
...and don’t forget to have a good
nourishing breakfast, before you
come out!
We have loads of outdoor gear we can lend you – just ask! Don’t forget, we will always try to offer you a service through the winter, even if it is a museum or art gallery trip, unless snow and ice make conditions unsafe to travel in.
Page 3
TRAILBLAZERS AND
CONSERVATION GROUP
We work from 10am until around 5pm on Tuesdays (Trailblazers) and Fridays (Conservation). Both groups meet at Community House and we drop people home afterwards. The jobs may be dirty, but they are suitable for most capabilities. Tools, training and transport are provided. New members are charged £30 per day. The programmes are issued separately.
WEEKDAY WALKING OPPORTUNITIES
For anyone who wants regular walking opportunities, don’t forget our weekday walking groups. We charge £35 per day for this service, invoiced every two months, and people are paying for it out of their personalised budgets. Why not try our day services with a difference?
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Our Wednesday group combines shorter walks
of up to 5 miles with nature study.
THURSDAY WALKERS
The group covers about 7 miles each day and is a great way to improve your health and fitness.
WILD THINGS
Have fun exploring the natural world - you never know when nature calls!
Saturday 5th
October
SPROTBROUGH
FALLS
Technically a weir on the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation, we’ll also go bird watching at nearby Sprotbrough Flash, then warm up in Cusworth Hall Museum.
Admission: FREE Trip: £12
Travel time: 1 hour
Saturday 2nd
November
RSPB OLD MOOR
Visit this Dearne Valley nature reserve to spot the returning winter ducks, swans and geese.
Admission: £5, (RSPB FREE)
Trip: £12 Travel time: 1¼ hours
Saturday 14th
December
STAG DO
Watch the Studley Royal deer herd munching their winter feed, then tuck into a carvery yourself at The George, in Wormald Green.
Cost: £10.95 (meal only) Trip: £10
Travel time: ½ hour
Page 4
Waterfall
Challenge
WEEKEND WALKERS
Walks range between 6 and 8 miles. Members have learning disabilities and mental health issues. For comfort and safety, all walkers must be properly equipped with a waterproof jacket and trousers (no jeans), walking boots (not wellies or trainers) and a good supply of food and drink. Scarves, hats and gloves are recommended in cold weather. We may be able to lend you some equipment.
Sunday 13th
October
MAY THE WILBERFORCE
BE WITH YOU VI
Our walk from Wheldrake to York will complete the 60-mile Wilberforce Way, celebrating the famous abolitionist.
Trip: £10 Travel time: 1 hour
Sunday 20th
October
COMBINED FORCES
Explore Catrigg Force and Stainforth Force near Settle, keeping an eye out for leaping salmon too.
Trip: £12 Travel time: 1¼ hours
Sunday 3rd
November
BRAMLEY FALLS
6 mile walk on the edge of Leeds, taking in Rodley Nature Reserve and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
Trip: £10 Travel time: 1 hour
Sunday 17th
November
HARDRAW FORCE
4½ miles around Hawes, visiting the highest waterfall in England.
Admission: £2.50 Trip: £12
Travel time: 1¾ hours
Sunday 8th
December
WHAT THE
DICKENS?
Walk to Grassington Dickensian Festival via the Hebden waterfalls.
Trip: £10 Travel time: 1 hour
Dates for your diary:
Friday 6th
to Sunday 8th
March 2020
WINTER WALKING WEEKEND:
LAKE DISTRICT
A return to the Hope Memorial Camp. The cost is £80 which includes all food, transport and accommodation.
TANDEMONIUM!
Our five tandem clubs, based in Harrogate, Ripon, Wakefield, Wetherby and York, are open to anyone who wants to have a go. Our 2019 season will finish on 24
th October, just before
the clocks go back.
Our ‘End of Tandem Season’ meal is on Tuesday 12
th November 2019 at the
Mercure Hotel, Leeds Road, Wetherby, LS22 5HE. £14 covers a main course, tea and cake and a glass of prosecco or orange juice. Ring us to book your place – final numbers needed by 31
st October.
Page 5
OUTINGS
Open to anyone with a physical disability or sensory impairment, there are two outings each month to a wide range of wheelchair accessible locations. The fully accessible bus picks people up from home and drops them off afterwards.
Sunday 6th
October
APPLE-Y EVER AFTER
Hard core fun celebrating Apple Week at Beningbrough Hall.
Admission: FREE Trip: £10
Travel time: 1 hour
Saturday 12th
October
BARGING ABOUT
Narrowboating on the Calder and Hebble Navigation with the Safe Anchor Trust.
Cos: £6 Trip: £12 Travel time: 1¼ hrs
Sunday 10th
November
GALLOWS HILL &
STEPHEN SMITHS
A 2 mile walk around this flat riverside park before warming up in the garden centre with summat for everyone.
Trip: £10 Travel time: ½ hour
Saturday 7th
December
CONCERT AT THE COVE
Come and be entertained by the Skipton Brass Band in the awe-inspiring setting of Malham Cove. You can buy mulled wine and mince pies too!
Admission: FREE Trip: £12
Travel time: 1½ hours
Sunday 15th
December
LOTHERTON’S
CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE
Festive fun and frolics at this country house near Leeds.
Admission: £8 Trip: £10
Travel time: 1 hour
Saturday 21st
December
FELINE GROOVY
Purr-fect times on the York Cat Trail as we try and find all the cats adorning this historic city. We can visit the Yorkshire Museum afterwards to warm up.
Admission: Museum £8, FREE to
carers and the visually impaired
Trip: £10 Travel time: 1 hour
Sunday 22nd
December
SPA HUMBAG!
Enjoy a stroll around the Spa Gardens in Ripon before tucking into a Christmas meal at the Sun Parlour Café.
Cost: Two courses - £13.75, three
courses - £17.25
Trip: £10 Travel time: ½ hour
Page 6
ADVENTURE CLUB
Although this outdoor pursuits group can be a little more strenuous than some, we do try and keep it fully inclusive wherever possible.
Sunday 27th
October
INCLUSIVE CYCLING
We’ll try some adapted bikes at the Brownlee Circuit, Leeds, with free cycle training from a British Cycling professional. Followed by a 9-hole game of ‘footgolf’ with our Wakefield chums.
Cost: £5 Trip: £10 Travel time: 1 hr
Saturday 30th
November
HARTLEPOOL
TREASURE TRAIL
We’ll explore the historic headland on a
2 mile, spy mission-themed treasure trail.
Trip: £12 Travel time: 1½ hours
Sunday 8th
December
BOWLED OVER
Ten-pin bowling at Shipley, and then a visit to Bracken Hall Countryside Centre in the afternoon.
Admission: £6 (Two games)
Trip: £10 Travel time: 1¼ hours
Fridays 11th
October, 8th
November
and 6th
December
GOING SWIMMINGLY
Come for an evening swim with Sally and crew at Ripon Spa Baths. Optional fish and chip stop beforehand.
Admission: £3.60, Carers FREE
Trip: £5 Travel time: ½ hour
CARE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
To qualify for the group, you must be living at home with UNPAID family members.
Monday 21st
October
PRIORY ENGAGEMENT
A pumpkin-themed visit to the autumnal gardens of Nostell Priory near Wakefield.
Admission: £7 Trip: £12
Travel time: 1¼ hours
Monday 18th
November
SELBY ABBEY
Take morning tea in the medieval cathedral before exploring Selby Park.
Admission: FREE Trip: £12
Travel time: 1¼ hours
Monday 16th
December
GORGE YOUR SELF!
Enjoy a festive meal at the café at How Stean Gorge, ‘Yorkshire’s Little Switzerland’.
Cost: Variable Trip: £10
Travel time: 1 hour
Page 7
EASY GOING WALKING GROUP
Shorter walks, suitable for more casual walkers and wheelchair users.
Saturday 19th
October
A CUT ABOVE THE REST
Scale the Coldstones Cut (it’s just about wheelchair accessible but strong pushers needed!) then warm up in the Nidderdale Museum (stair lift only).
Admission: £2 Trip: £10
Travel time: ¾ hour
Saturday 26th
October
ROUNDHAY PARK
A 2 mile walk around the lake of one of the biggest parks in Europe.
Admission: FREE Trip: £10
Travel time: 1 hour
Page 8
Saturday 9th
November
SOMETHING FISHY
Walk the Hull Fish Trail, then visit the home of William Wilberforce.
Admission: FREE Trip: £12
Travel time: 2 hours
Sat 16th
November
AYSGARTH FALLS
Help round off our Waterfall Challenge at these famous, three-stage falls.
Admission: FREE Trip: £12
Travel time: 1½ hours
Sunday 1st
December
SKIPTON
Walk along the Leeds-Liverpool canal towpath to Aireville Park.
Admission: FREE Trip: £10
Travel time: 1 hour
C
This newsletter is posted courtesy of:
To book a place, telephone Open Country
(01423) 507227. Please do let us know if
you’ve booked and then cannot come to a
Countryside Activity, so we can give
someone else your place.
Late cancellation or non-attendance on
activities is time-consuming, costly and
above all prevents other members from
enjoying the countryside. Please only book
on to the activities if you really want to
come out with us. If you must cancel, do
so as early as possible, so that we can give
someone else your place. Cancellation
less than 48 hours in advance may result in
you being liable for any costs - you have
been warned!
Our address is:
Open Country, Community House
46 East Parade, Harrogate,
North Yorkshire, HG1 5LT.
Tel: 01423 507227
Mob: 07875 288 605
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.opencountry.org.uk
Our confidential trustees’ email address is
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