News

Walks needed!

The deadline for submissions for the Autumn programme is almost upon us and there are lots of gaps in the programme for walks of all lengths. Summer is a busy time with holidays, but we'll all want a full and varied programme as we go in to Autumn so please take some time to consider submitting something for the next programme.

You have until Sunday 10th August to submit walks to Chris, our Walks Secretary, using the walks and socials submissions form. So, don't delay – dig out some old walks you've done, or try something new!

Note that because of holidays, the next programme and the September newsletter will be sent out early and you should receive them around 17th August.

Organising a walk

If you've never lead a walk before and would like to start thinking about it, we're going to have a walk leader training day on the Autumn Programme, so keep a look out for it.

And if you're thinking of putting a walk on in September and are looking for ideas, have a look at Contemporary Art in the Surrey Landscape, an exhibition of outdoor art in different rural locations throughout Surrey. Basing your walk around an outdoor sculpture may be inspiring for members who will enjoy going on a walk and seeing a work of art at the same time!

Organising a social

If you’re planning to organise a social event, we’ve written some brief guidelines to help you. A longer version is available from the Social Secretary if you are organising a bigger social event, such as a weekend away. 

Your committee needs you!

The SURG Annual General Meeting 2008 will be held on Saturday 4th October. As usual, all committee positions are up for re-election but we are particularly looking for a Group Secretary, Membership Secretary and Countryside Officer. If you are interested you can read descriptions of each role. If you’d like to know more you can contact either the current committee member, or the Chair. If you decide to stand, please contact the Chair by the Saturday 26th September.

Being on the Committee is time consuming, but like anything in life that involves some effort it can be extremely rewarding and it is also a way to give something back to your group. And remember that you don't have to have been a SURG member for years – anyone is welcome as long as you're keen and a good team player.

Weekends away

Bookings are now open for Hikefest, the annual weekend away for 20s and 30s Ramblers' members from across the UK. This year Hikefest is being held in Hawkshead in the Lake District from Friday 19 – Sunday 21 September. For more information see our programme or visit the Ramblers' website.

This year's Christmas Party Weekend will be held at the Burley Youth Hostel in the beautiful New Forest. There are more details on the programmeBookings for this popular event open on the 1st September, so be ready to book your place!

We are still looking for volunteers to organise or co-organise weekends away for 2009. If you come along to the Summer BBQ there will be photos up of past weekends away with plenty of ideas and experienced organisers there to talk to about it.

Report of the SURG Camping Weekend, 18th - 20th July 2008

by Chris Turner

Sixteen SURG members travelled to the Washington Caravan and Camping Park in the shadow of Chanctonbury Ring for our annual camping weekend. Arriving on Friday with rain threatening, we quickly put our tents up and gathered in the very convenient local pub for a few beers and to introduce our newer members to the regulars. Several beers later, job done, everyone knew each other and were all looking forward to a walk along the Downs on the next day.

Saturday dawned very overcast and the rain threw it down just as we were leaving the campsite. Luckily though, Lynne stopped to put her waterproof trousers on ... cue for it to stop raining and turn into a warm sunny day!

We started with a moderate climb up to the South Downs Way before descending into the pretty village of Findon. A very large lunch was taken in the John Henry pub and many cakes were bought in the Patisserie across the road.

On very full stomachs we made the climb up to Cissbury Ring, and on reaching the trig point we all collapsed in a big heap, and people would have slept but for the w ater pistol fight! Feeling refreshed, we headed along the Monarchs Way and then the South Downs Way to Chanctonbury Ring, before finishing the walk with a steep descent back to the campsite.

After a freshen up it was time to light the barbeques (and eat our cakes). Much hilarity was had around the campsite, mostly around trying to part Lynne from her posh Eccles cake - Glyn almost succeeded! A special mention goes to Neil who took booze culture one step further by making a cup of tea using Methylated Spirit instead of milk!

On Sunday some of the group went for a walk towards Amberley, while others chose to visit Arundel with its castle and tea rooms. Cheers to everyone who attended for making the weekend so enjoyable, and hope to see you all next time. And would anyone who took photos at this weekend please send them to Anna Grigson, our Website Officer.

Best of the bakes

Back by popular demand, this month’s recipe is a Bakewell Slice which Anna Grigson made for the SURG Anniversary walk in May. I can testify to the fact that it is delicious - try it for yourselves!

Ingredients:
1 packet shortcrust pastry
125g butter
125g caster sugar
3 eggs
125g ground almonds
300g jam (cranberry works well)

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celcius.
2. In a large bowl, melt the butter and leave to cool slightly.
3. Add the sugar, eggs and ground almonds, and mix thoroughly.
4. Roll out the pastry to fit a 26cm tart tin, or a Swiss roll tray, and prick the base with a fork.
5. Spread the jam on to the base of the pastry, then pour over the almond filling.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, until firm to the touch.
7. Leave to cool before removing from the tin. You can either leave the tart plain, or ice it.