Newsletter Spring 2016

New LogoNew PresidentNew Secretary

Read on to discover what else is new

We are all now anticipating Spring and as ever, hoping for a good Summer. Mud will just be a bad memory-----oh yes it will. After winter hibernation, white legs will start to appear from under shorts. As I write this the snow is falling!

They say walking is good for your health and after a recent spate of birthdays who can argue with that. The Tuesday group now have 10 walkers of 80 plus and the majority still do the 5 or 6 miles. As for equality of the sexes, we have achieved that too.

Leicestershire Footpaths Association’s function is to preserve and protect our footpaths as well as to encourage walking. It is walkers who find all the problems with footpaths and the furniture. The Speaker at the recent AGM was Edwin McW of L.C.C., who explained the future management of the Public Rights Of Way. We have to bear in mind there are fewer personnel with less funding than last year and less again than the year before. We have in place an Obstructions Secretary, with an email address, to whom problems should be referred and who then passes them on to the County Council. They in turn will sort out the problems in sensible order and inform LFA of the outcome.

On this subject can I , on behalf of the Committee, ask walk leaders to try and spread the walks more evenly over the whole county. Some paths have not been walked for years and faults not recorded, so they have become neglected whilst others can almost be called busy. Walkers are the eyes for the L.C.C. Their limited resources are best used for dealing with notified problems.

I am pleased to welcome a new Diversions Secretary. Stan W is experienced in this role having previously filled this position with the Ramblers. We also welcome Simon and Barbara C as committee members. Cindy W, as we already announced, is starting her year as Association Secretary. We still need someone to take on this position at the end of her year.

At the AGM we said goodbye to our President, Heather. Brian presented her with a bouquet on our behalf and his personal thanks, having been working together for forty years. We welcomed our new President, Brian, also with our thanks and memento for his years of unstinting service on the Committee of the LFA .

Neil B (Chairman)

Reports to the Local Access Forum January 2016 - New paths

At Barkestone le Vale an existing pathway between Rutland Street and Chapel Street, was successfully claimed by Redmile Parish Council based on historical and user evidence. It was confirmed in October as an unopposed order and becomes Footpath G16A.

An application has recently been submitted by Scraptoft Parish Council for the addition of a Public Footpath over Public Amenity land from Pulford Drive to Pulford Drive, Scraptoft based on more than 20 years use.

Proposed Addition of a Public Footpath (A112) Leicestershire Round, Thorpe Langton. An application has recently been received from the Leicestershire Footpath Association for the addition to the Definitive Map of a “missing link” on the Leicestershire Round, based on more than 20 years use including its inclusion in the Leicestershire Round Booklets since 1981.

Addition of Public Footpaths H108 and H108A at Frisby Lakes, Asfordby This case was referred to the Planning Inspectorate which commissioned an Inspector to determine the matter by Public Inquiry. The Inspector confirmed the Order in October.

Deed of Dedication for Footpaths V119 and V120, Western Park Golf Course, Glenfield. These Dedications were made as the first stage of delivering non-motorized user links from Glenfield and existing bus stops and facilities to the new Glenfield Park residential and commercial development. The second stage will be to improve the paths using funds from the developers under the provisions of a Section 106 Agreement.

Vacancy Leicestershire Round Volunteer Warden

The warden scheme was re-introduced nearly four years ago with the intention of helping to maintain and preserve the ease of passage for fellow walkers using the Leicestershire Round by reporting obstructions, damage/faults to stiles and gates along with non reinstatement of footpaths. The role also includes installing/replacing Leicestershire Round Stickers on directional discs sited on waymark posts, helping identify the route of the Round.

The scheme is run on a casual basis with the wardens expected to walk their adopted section at least once a year. There is currently a vacancy for a volunteer warden to adopt part of the Soar/Wreake Valley Section of the Round from Rearsby to Frisby on the Wreake, a distance of 4 miles. As you may be aware, 2017 will see the LFA publishing a new Leicestershire Round Guide Book. The role of volunteer wardens will play an important role in helping with the planned celebrations by keeping the Leicestershire Round the premier walking route in the County. If you would like to become the volunteer warden for this section of the Round or if you require more information, please contact David W: Volunteer Warden Co-ordinator on 01664 812510 At present the rest Leicestershire Round is covered by volunteer wardens but if you would like to add your name to the reserve list, I will be grateful if you would contact me at the above number.

Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy

Under the Infrastructure Act 2015, Government is required to develop a CWIS for England. It will set out a vision for walking and cycling to 2040. At the heart of the development of the CWIS is a desire for walking and cycling to become the norm for short journeys. Government wishes to see the growth in cycling in London to be reflected across England and offset the decline in walking rates, including journeys to school.

A retiring chap by Heather

I remember Brian's first walk with LFA. I thought he looked about 15 and was surprised when he turned out to be the father of two boys. He used to mark up every walk we did with a red line until you could hardly see his map for the red markings. On his 100th walk he brought a celebratory cake for us to share. And one of the first walks he led took us via the newly opened Halton tea rooms for coffee and cake. (He is a real cake man! I have lost count of the number of cake stops he and I have had since then on our way home from walks.)

In September 2013, still maintaining precise records Brian completed his eleven hundredth walk with LFA from Stathern to Belvoir, returning along the Grantham canal.

What has impressed me about his work as secretary has been his quiet acceptance of every job we have expected him to do, the calm handling of every tricky legal situation, the careful and thorough researching of the law, the writing of letters and the meticulous follow up of every situation and his willingness to lead walks on any occasion.

Whenever we walk his clippers come out to clear any overgrown hedge and he uses every occasion to check up that work has been done to deal with any matter he has reported to LCC.

You can't keep a good clipper down!

On the 24th July, 1974 I joined an evening walk at Ratby and this became my introduction to walking in Leicestershire. Jack Garner was the rambles organiser at that time.In 1976 I joined the committee. 1977 to 1983 I served as secretary for the first time. Then two periods of chair 1984 – 1987 and 1994 to 1998. Finally Secretary from 2005 to 2015.It would be an understatement to say I have a fair knowledge of the rights of way in Leicestershire. Needless to say I have enjoyed my journey through time with the LFA. Day walks of ten to twelve miles were a real tonic after working in doors all week. The variety of scenery in Leicestershire is surprising. Small and large villages each have their own attraction. Now arthritis in the left knee is restricting my walking.

I express warm gratitude to all people I have met on walks and those whohave taken on the mantle of running the affairs of our Association.

Brian

AGM Report

Musical chairs at this year's AGM with some long serving departures and some eager new faces, details on the reverse of your programme. The business went smoothly with the only contentious issue at the very end. Presentations were made to Heather MacD who stands down as President making way for Brian who thought it was Christmas as he received two presentations.

The constitution was updated and is now available on the website.

Edwin McW of Leicestershire County Council gave an upbeat report on the 'Future management of the Public Rights of Way Network' even with drastic cuts being imposed on the authority. We were not surprised to hear that our yellow topped post are praised far and wide and with 15,000 of them they offer excellent guidance helping walkers and farmers. There are 7,000 roadside finger posts but still LCC receives about 2,000 customer enhancement opportunities each year, I just love the jargon, when I understand it. Jackie Barker gave the vote of thanks and Edwin joined us for lunch, happy to join a group of enthusiast path users who make their work worthwhile.

Fifty members stayed for the excellent lunch for which the team were thanked before many then joined a short or long walk.

PS The contentious issue was the inclusion of the Facebook symbol on the programme. Roy S, our unsung Facebook hero, had requested this but Roger C opposed it because of the harm done to some users. At the vote Roy proposed it should not go on and while some voted against, the proposal was carried.

Jim Mason

In September 2015 Jim Mason a long standing member and avid walker passed away after a long battle with cancer. Heather wrote:-

So many years, so many miles of footpath walking since we first met, after he walked our newly published Leicestershire Round. He had walked the paths of Leicestershire 'man and boy' and became a key member of our committee, as our Rambles secretary. We reckoned he knew every path in Leicestershire and could remember the names of every landowner and farmer he had contact with when doing his work for the County Council in preserving and improving stiles, hedges and footbridges and painting and erecting those yellow topped way mark posts which point out the route on the Leicester Round.

He was a good companion on many a long mile in this and neighbouring counties. He was tireless,observant and appreciative of all the countryside we passed though and was knowledgeable and fun to be with.

He never missed a chance to do helpful practical tasks for anyone and was loved by all those who came into contact with him.

One of his lasting memorials will be the seats he erected on the Leicestershire Round for his friends Mary Hodgkin and Arthur Hobson. In 2014 we had an opening ceremony for JIM'S SEAT, which he bought and erected at the foot of the Punch Bowl, near Little Dalby. The 'launch' was a very happy occasion, with golden ribbons to be cut and picnics to be eaten and 'bubbly' to be opened with a bang and consumed with amusement, while photos were taken (and shown on our website!) It was an occasion for impromptu speeches showing love and gratitude to Jim for all his work as rambles secretary and for being our 'Round man' over so many years. Thank you, Jim. We hope that many future Round walkers will take advantage of your gift.

2017 walking the Round

You may be aware that LFA has accepted the task of rewriting the guide to the Leicestershire Round. We hope to have the work completed for a launch in the spring of 2017 and that year just happens to be the 130th anniversary of the Association and hence 30 years on from the creation of the Round which was devised to celebrate LFA's centenary in 1987.

At the AGM it was suggested that our walking groups work together during 2017 to walk parts of the Leicestershire Round and we very much hope that walk organisers, walk leaders and walking members and friends will support this aim.

Round promotion posters request for possible sites. (QR code)

Cindy and Ken have been working on a compromise project to fill the gap before we can go ahead with information boards on sites around the Leicestershire Round. Attractive laminated posters have been produced and will be supplied to LFA member towns and villages along the route for display on public notice boards. The posters promote the Round and invite people to visit our website and download a local short circular walk using part of the Round. You can do the same at:- www.leicestershirefootpaths.wordpress.com/ or try our QR (Quick Response) Code.

Don't understand QR codes? A member tells you what to do.

“I really did not understand but having received a new smart phone for Christmas thought I should try it out. First I looked on Google to find out what QR code was and how to use it, then downloaded the scanning app on my phone, scanned the code. It came up with LFA website address........ /32-short-walks-using-the-leicestershire-round/. Below were 3 boxes labelled: Open Browser, Share via email & Share via SMS. I opened browser and LFA web site came up.”

Midland Main Line Electrification

The electrification of the line may cause some changes to access and rights of way due to the need for some bridges to be elevated in order for the electrification to take place. A number of rights of way crossings have already been subject to replacement bridges.

Network Rail, had closed off a footpath crossing near Market Harborough, but have now informed LCC that the company intend to press ahead with a bridge replacement for footpath A117 at Little Bowden. This short isolated footpath links Glebe Road and Braybrooke Road.

South to north the issues were / are:-

● Little Bowden A117 crossing closed, proposed new footbridge● Great Bowden new bridge in place for footpaths A45 and A48● Newton Harcourt new bridge in place for footpath C30● South Wigston new bridge in place for footpath Z12● Cossington closure of footpath I63, alternative footway in place● Sileby I46 new bridge in place● Barrow on Soar proposed closure of bridleway I20, no alternative● Loughborough new bridge in place for bridleway K51

The pleasure of linear walks

Since reaching that age when a woman with my date of birth would receive her state pension, although I'm still waiting for mine, I have been the holder of a wonderful plastic card. From the age of sixteen when I bought a motorbike and quickly moved onto a car I have shunned public transport but offer me something for free and I can't resist.

Taking the bus has many advantages. You don't need to liaise with the spouse or kids to see if the car is free and you can have a drink without fear of losing your licence but the best bit is you don't need to end where you started.

It does take a bit of planning and there may be a few teething issues. I try to ride to the start on the twice a day bus and end where the service is frequent. You can still take the car if you wish but leave it at the finish and take the bus from there to the walk start point, then there are no worries about the time you get back.

I don't have much knowledge of buses south of Leicester but north there is a half hour service between Nottingham and Loughborough and a bus every twenty minutes along the Wreak valley Leicester to Melton. An interesting location to end a walk, as I did, is East Midlands Airport where a bus every twenty minutes will take you back to Leicester.

A bus route map of Leicestershire can be found on the county council site but my bible is http://www.travelineeastmidlands.co.uk here you can plan a journey anywhere in the country, take a look and give it a go.

RA holidays

Thinking of booking a holiday with the Ramblers then don’t forget to mention Leicestershire Footpath Association. Last year LFA received £100 from the Ramblers Walking Partnership because you mentioned LFA when booking your holiday.

If you’re short of time and just want a very quick break, or are considering a first guided small-group walking holiday and are unsure about committing to a longer duration holiday, we offer a selection of two and three night Bitesize Breaks throughout the UK.

Three night duration breaks will include three nights’ half board accommodation and two days walking and/or sightseeing depending on the holiday itinerary; two-night breaks have two nights’ half board with one day’s walking. On the two night breaks, you can opt to walk on the second day at no additional charge before departing before dinner.

See www.ramblersholidays.co.uk for more information on UK and foreign holidays and don't forget to mention you saw it here.

How to give a map reference

The 1:25 000 scale Ordnance Survey map is covered in a series of faint blue grid lines. To give me a clue where your problem is you can offer a four-figure grid reference to identify any square on a map. The vertical lines are called eastings, the horizontal lines are called northings.

Grid references are easy if you can remember that you always have to go along the corridor (eastings) before you go up the stairs (northings). To find the number of a square first use the eastings to go along the corridor until you come to the bottom left-hand corner of the square you want. Write this two-figure number down. Then use the northing to go up the stairs until you find the same corner. Put this two-figure number after your first one and you now have the four-figure grid reference.

For Ilston on the Hill this would be 7099

If you want to pinpoint the exact location of Ilston church you will need to use a six-figure grid reference. First find the four-figure grid reference for the square and write it down with a space after each set of numbers, like this: 70_ 99_

Now imagine this square is divided up into 100 tiny squares with 10 squares along each side. Still remembering to go along the corridor and up the stairs, work out the extra numbers you need and put them into your four-figure grid reference like this: 70 6 99 3

The country is divided into larger squares and these are given a two letter reference see the map. Leicestershire falls into two squares SK and SP with the west to east dividing line running from just south of Sheepey Magna through Fosse Park, Oadby to Uppingham. So a complete six figure map reference for Illston on the Hill church is SP 706993.

Cindy W

HELP!

Leicestershire Footpaths Association was founded to ensure that rural paths were rescued and recorded. Now, 130 years later, we have until 31 December 2025 to make research-based claims to ensure that our heritage of footpaths, bridleways and minor (unsealed) carriageways is fully recorded and retained for our descendants. Any historic rights not claimed by then will be lost for ever.

The Leicestershire Local Access Forum has brought local user groups together in a working group that has identified hundreds of potentially vulnerable paths. We now need researchers to pursue the evidence, some of which will be found online, some in the County Record Office at Wigston, some elsewhere.

A local training day is planned for the autumn. The tutors will be Sarah Bucks and Phil Wadey, authors of Rights of Way: Restoring the Record, the manual on what to look for and where. Their seminars are part of a national campaign funded by the Ramblers Assn and the British Horse Society to provide an army of trained researchers who will compile high-quality claims

If you would like to help achieve our mutual goal and participate in the training day please contact committee members:- Chris H, Stan W or Ken B. See the programme for contact details.

Erewash survey and Sutton Cheney

I've strayed over the border to do a bit of winter walking. Derbyshire is not just the Peak District. I was exploring in the borough of Erewash from Long Eaton towards Derby to survey the paths for the Peak & Northern Footpath Society, although my primary purpose was to walk new paths.

I volunteered to inspect eight parishes, 198 paths with a total distance of 55 miles. I devised 9 walks each of about 10 miles to cover all the paths.

The area is mixed, some urban with many short twitchell paths but there is also open countryside, offering fine views south across the Trent valley to the Charnwood Hills. The paths are mostly well walked perhaps partly for dog exercise due to the paths being on the doorstep of a large population.

I was pleased to report that 101 paths were fault free another 68 were only missing a sign at one or both ends. I reported 21 crop issues, currently only failure to make the path apparent on the ground as required by HA sec134. There were 11 issues with gates or stile plus 15 miscellaneous matters.

There were three paths with major obstructions. One is simply overgrown hedges on an unused dead end path. Another is across an old industrial site. The third is the result, I suspect, of a diversion during the building of the M1 motorway, it would appear that the line of the diverted path was never inspected because it goes over a sheer cliff.

How does this relate to Leicestershire? While looking at the Round we noted that the path used through the churchyard at Sutton Cheney is not a public right of way but there is a parallel path so should we use this? Heather and I went to investigate and found it unsigned and the gate locked. We programme frequent walks from and through Sutton Cheney so why had this obstruction not been spotted in the past?

LFA is a very successful walking club but in order to meet the full aims of the Association we need to be a little more adventurous and include paths in our walks that others ignore. It's easy to add a little loop that looks daft on the map, no one will spot that the group may be walking in circles but it will ensure that we cover more paths and can report any issues.

Newsletter compiled for LFA by Ken B,

Visit our website at:- http://leicestershirefootpaths.wordpress.com/