Guildford Ramblers Win Surrey Recruitment Cup

Published on: 17 Feb, 2019
Updated on: 17 Feb, 2019

The chairman of Surrey Ramblers, Barry Holland (right), presents the Surrey Recruiting Cup to Keith Chesterton, honorary president of Guildford Ramblers.

The Guildford Group of the Ramblers’ Association has won the Surrey area recruitment cup for attracting more new members in 2018 than any other group in the county.

The group increased its membership by 8.6% to 341; overall membership among the 16 ramblers groups in Surrey was broadly static.

The cup was presented at the Surrey Ramblers annual meeting, on Saturday, February 9.

The chairman of Guildford Ramblers, said: “We are delighted to be marking our 30th anniversary by winning this cup.

“It reflects the efforts put in by our committee members and walk leaders to put on a programme of enjoyable walks of varying length in the beautiful countryside which surrounds Guildford. Our walks often include a stop at a pub, which I think is an added attraction for many of our walkers.”

Formed in 1989 by a small band of enthusiasts, Guildford Ramblers has grown significantly. Last year the group organised and led 169 walks which attracted a total attendance of 2,487 walkers.

The groups reports that its five- to six-mile Wednesday morning walks have become extremely popular, with two walks of different lengths now being offered most weeks. Average attendance is 29.

Its longer, Saturday walks, usually eight to 10 miles, are also attracting an increasing number of keen walkers with an average attendance of 14. On the first Monday of each month a shorter walk is offered, which is also increasing in popularity.

Apart from organising and leading walks Guildford Ramblers have a team of path-clearing volunteers who work with Surrey County Council, making monthly visits to agreed areas to help keep paths clear and undertake maintenance work.

Non-members are welcome to walk with Guildford Ramblers on a trial basis. Full details of the group’s walks can be found at www.guildfordramblers.org.uk and click on the walks tab.