Ramblers follow in club’s 45-year-old footsteps
HINCKLEY RAMBLERS are to follow the route of their first walk to mark the 45th anniversary of the formation of the group.
A photograph published in The Hinckley Times in 1972, taken to mark their inaugural ramble, is being used in a bid to track down as many founding members as possible.
It is hoped that some will be able to take part in the anniversary walk or at least join a post-walk party to be held in The Red Lion in Burbage on Saturday July 8.
The original walk went ahead in April but it is hoped that this year’s summer celebration date will give a better chance of fine weather.
Hinckley Rambler Tony Smith said: “The walk, which will be a re-run - walk - of the first one is open to all and as with all our walks is free of charge.
“We want to recreate that first walk but maybe without the soggy weather they encountered, so a sunny day is on order.
“We would like as many of those early pioneers to join us as possible.
“A number of the ‘originals’ have been contacted and are looking forward to joining us for the celebration.”
One walker now in his 80s has pledged to take part the anniversary ramble while another another member now in his 90s is planning to join the party.
Efforts are being made to contact people pictured in the first photograph but if anyone was there or knows someone who took part and has not yet been contacted, they are encouraged to get in touch with the group.
The anniverary ramble will be about six miles, starting in Burbage and returning to The Red Lion in the village.
Founding members will be offered complimentary tickets to the after-walk party, with all other past, present and prospective members asked to pay £10 for the celebration event to be held in the pub’s garden marquee.
Hinckley Ramblers group is affiliated to the National Ramblers organi- sation (previously the Ramblers Association).
Free walks are organised almost every Saturday, Sunday and Thursday, with full details on the group’s website and Facebook page.
Newcomers are always welcome on the proviso that if after three walks they wish to continue they then become members.
Anyone wishing to join the anniversary walk and in particular the after-walk party is asked to let the group know names and numbers for planning purposes.
Full contact information is available online.