Open Day attracts 21 new members

OUR recent Open Day proved once again to be a huge success with nine people signing up for membership on the day and a further 12 joining subsequently. Twenty one signed up out of a possible 23 new recruits is an outstanding response. Welcome one and all.

The success was initially down to a few stalwarts - the taster walks sub-group - sitting and plotting together. Phase one of our recruitment drive started with handing out leaflets to libraries, Citizen Advice Bureaus, surgeries, shops, community centres etc. in Reading and surrounding areas. In Phase two a band of brave ramblers, (Linda Ashwell, John Baker, Janet Busby, Jill Dibben, Edith Elmey, Steve Thomson) invaded Reading town centre armed with a table, banner and leaflets, politely accosting shoppers in Broad Street where we gave out an estimated 500 leaflets.

Phase three, the BIG day, 1.30pm. Sunday 18th May at Mapledurham playing fields car park. Although the weather for the previous few days wasn’t good, our prayers were answered and the sun shone. The day started slowly but by 1.30 we had more than 20 eager would-be ramblers. Walks of 5 and 7 miles were led by Janet Busby, Charles Cotgreave, Jill Dibben, Edith Elmy and Bob & Christine Hurn. By 4.30pm all had returned safely and there were a lot of smiling faces.

So, a very BIG thank you to members of the sub-group – John Baker, Janet Busby, Charles Cotgreave and Jill Dibben - all those who helped to distribute leaflets in the town centre, walks leaders as above and Michael Rose for once again taking charge of the car-parking. Last but certainly not least, a BIG, BIG thank you to club members who supported us on the walks and gave our prospective members such a warm Reading Rambling Club welcome.