The Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs has at present 28 affiliated clubs with a total of about 1700 members .

UFRC has been accepted as a member of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA)  'umbrella organisation'' for the Voluntary and Community sector. UFRC will keep its members informed of issues that may impact on them. The Federation will have access to advice and funding possibilities, updates on Government proposals in several areas and a close link to voluntary organisations where ideas and expertise may be shared.

WAI General Meeting - 1.45pm Saturday 20th September 2008 in the new Tallaght Library next to Luas.
Harry Goodman and David Sloan will represent UFRC

The Scout Shop have set up a new easily navigated web site. Have a look, you will find items at very competitive prices.  A brief look shows Brasher boots at a very good price.          www.scouting-ni.org.uk

OSNI have published a new activity map for Strangford Lough area.  Activity maps for Lough Erne, Sperrins , Mournes and Glens of Antrim are also available .  To order maps and discuss the range of discounts contact Aiden Murray on 028 9038 8495 or aiden.murray@osni.gov.uk

Down Danderers recently gave up a Saturday walk to concentrate on conservation. Chairperson Nan Dunlop arranged for Down District Council to donate bin bags, gloves and lend small handheld litter-pickers, so that club members could 'clean up' the beach and sand dunes of the National Trust property at Murlough. The Trust undertook the uplift of a substantial number of full bags.  Club funds provided sandwiches, tea and coffee afterwards and thus supported the small cafe on site. 
Two photographs of the group at work have been sent in by our Secretary. Click the thumbnails to see a bigger version.  This is an activity which perhaps all of our clubs could do on a walking route at least once a year ?  Full marks to Down Danderers. 
I would think an unsuccessful cleanup walk would be one on which little litter was collected ? 
                                                              

A very good idea
We all carry our mobile phones with names & number stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were
taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this
 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that whenhe went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose.  In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as 'ICE'.
Please forward this.
It won't take too many 'forwards'> before everybody will know about it. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.
 

Summer Bus Services
Translink is again providing in walking areas from  June until  September
(varies depending on walking area).
1.Kilkeel Rambler Service 407
Kilkeel/Attical/Cranfield  
2.Sperrin Rambler Service 403
Tobermore/Draperstown/Sperrin Heritage Centre/Plumbridge/Gortin/Ulster History Park/Omagh)    
3.Causeway Rambler  Service402
Bushmills/Carrick-a Rede/Causeway centre/Dunseverick/Whitepark Bay/Ballintoy/Carrick-a Rede  
4.Mourne Rambler Service 405  
Newcastle/Bryansford/Meelmore/Foffany/Ott/Pigeon/Silent Valley/Carricklittle/Newcastle
5.Antrim Coaster Service 252 Belfast/Whitehead/Larne/CoastRoad/Cushendun/Ballycastle
/Ballintoy/Causeway/Portrush/Coleraine
6.South Down Rambler Service 408
Newry/Mayobridge/Hilltown/Bryansford/Newcastle

A special Monday to Sunday Bus Rambler Ticket offering unlimited Ulsterbus & Metro travel in Northern Ireland after 9.15am,
will be available between 1^st July until 31^st August 2008 at a special rate of Adult - £7 / Child - £3.50.

Most of above are funded by Rural Transport Fund and give a number of opportunities for imaginative walks planning.
Full Details from www.translink.co.uk

Contact : Lynsey Hanna  lynsey.hanna@translink.co.uk

UFRC events 2008

Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September '08 

First Aid Course, based in the Pavilion, Mary Peters Track, Belfast.
Instructor :-Steven Synnott , a paramedic with a  mountain rescue team and an excellent tutor. Saturday morning will be
spent in the classroom, the remainder of the course is practical and held outdoors. Course leads to the award of a
Rescue and Emergency Certificate aimed at hillwalking and outdoor activity. UFRC will subsidise members by 20%,
 so those taking part pay £48 pp. As places are limited, early application is advised. Applications to and further information
from -
Thomas McKenna thomas_mckenna@btinternet.com.  Tel, 30861759 after 7pm.

Saturday 18/10/08  

AGM will be hosted by Wee Binnians .
Two walks and History Trail in historic Slieve Gullion area
2pm AGM meeting in Tí Chulainn Centre, Mullaghbawn
Photographs and information about this area will be featured on the web-site during August . 

Some thoughts on the CAAN Volunteer Rangers scheme. 
When the idea of walkers volunteering to monitor Waymarked Ways was floated by CAAN last year the immediate reaction of many walkers like myself was “What an excellent idea”.  I was keen to give some help, it seemed obviously sensible that keen walkers would want to, and could, monitor walks.
Local Councils set up walks and Waymarked Ways, they erect posts and signs, and produce leaflets.  Unfortunately they may not have the employees, the will nor the finance to give the necessary aftercare. CAAN have done their best to protect the standards of Waymarked Ways, but in a small organization such monitoring requires people, considerable time, travel and money.
Eszter Ballo from CAAN was the charming girl chosen to spearhead the venture. Meetings were arranged at suitable venues to cover different areas of the province in early 2008.
The initial meeting after introductions over a welcome cup of coffee and some biscuits succinctly outlined the proposed monitoring system, indicating what had to be done during the monitoring process. Finally, suitable sections of the Waymarked Ways were allocated/chosen by volunteers.
The second meeting got down to business.
Large files with colourful fronts were distributed, these contained pages on each of the waypoints in the chosen section. Information was provided about each of the markers or signs on the route section.  The information included a grid reference, relevant details, and, if available, a photograph of the marker post/sign/ information board. Also included was a small but rather indistinct map. The page also contained comments on “how fit for purpose” the waypoint marker had been when monitored by CAAN a few months previously.
Return Sheets were supplied to facilitate an update of information at each of the relevant points-These to be returned to Esther at CAAN who would then contact the District Councils notifying them of any improvements, replacements or alterations required.
Volunteers left the meeting with a ,well received, presentation box of Ulster’s Waymarked Ways, a special fluorescent protective vest, and of course the very impressive file.
Well, I have done my two ” sections” and it turned out to be an enjoyable and interesting task, and not difficult.  Both sections were on the Central Sperrins Way, they were completed on two delightful spring days, when the rolling south Derry hills were at their best.
Observations:
I found it worthwhile to produce my own maps with routes and marker points clearly marked.  This made it a great deal easier to find relevant points than using the supplied photocopied maps.
Possessing a  GPS was helpful, grid reference positions could be checked every few minutes greatly reducing the time required to locate marker posts.
The form filling was straightforward, as after all, we already had sheets showing earlier monitoring results from CAAN. and in many cases no change was necessary.
It certainly gave me a fresh eye, I learned to look at Waymarked Ways more objectively and constructively, and indeed sometimes with a critical eye.
CAAN may make a few revisions in the system based on results and information which they get.  It was an excellent idea and I hope it has been a total success. Perhaps we will get some feedback from CAAN? 
I wonder how well our walking clubs supported it? There were around 70 volunteers, were they all from walking clubs? 
It was not a difficult task, more of a pleasure, like any walk.  Only this time with a map, making a few observations and taking some notes.  It was satisfying to play a small part in the maintenance and possible improvement of a Waymarked Way.
Over 70 people registered to help with the scheme. It is not too late to join.
Application forms can be obtained by contacting: Eszter Ballo, Countryside Access & Activities Network, Barnett's Demense, Malone Road, Belfast  BT9 5PB.  Tel: 9030 3935 or e-mail: eszter@countrysiderecreation.com
Application forms are  also available on the  walkni  web-site.
Ronnie Irvine

Binnian Cottage
Cornmill Quay

There is nothing quite like the feeling of getting in the door after a long, windy day out on the hills, knowing
that hot baths and copious cups of tea are imminent. This was what awaited us upon arrival at Cornmill Quay
in Annalong. Perfectly formed holiday cottages with roaring open fires and all mod cons are planted next to Annalong’s harbour and more importantly, its Harbour Inn.
A two night stay enabled us to benefit from the easy access to the Mournes and all they had to offer and
provided an excellent base for a stroll to the Harbour Inn should you not want to take advantage of the
fully fitted and kitted out kitchen in the cottage.
Our cottage, Binnian, comfortably slept four people in its twin and en suite double room. A family bathroom
completed the layout of the second storey. Downstairs, the open plan living accommodation and kitchen
provided an ideal setting for chat and snacking and should the conversation run out, there is always the
large flat screen TV in the corner.
All in all our stay at Binnian cottage was warm, comfortable and well appointed. A perfect base for taking
in the surrounding countryside.

Gillian, Lynne, Jim and Richard
Northern Ireland Young Walkers

Visit Cornmill Quay Web-site

UFRC members can obtain a 10% dicount on booking.

click for
CHARITY WALKS

A good idea for your next year's programme.  Clubs can arrange with Richard Lappin to go on one of their designated walks and explain the principles . Those who would like to find out more about the programme can visit the USA site where the principles were developed by clicking on the logo opposite.

UFRC BELIEVES STRONGLY IN TREATING OUR ENVIRONMENT WITH RESPECT,
ALL WALKERS SHOULD FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE CODE FOR OUTDOOR BEHAVIOUR.

Leave no trace principles can be read by clicking 'Principles of Outdoor Ethics'