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HT01 Welcome

Brave The Elements With OU Walking Club

Welcome back to Oxford. Once again, it looks as though the weather is going to play a major part in our activities this term - either through flooding or snowdrifts! However, whether bright and sparkling or peaceful under a blanket of snow, the hills and valleys offer a splendid alternative to the dismal, grey city centre.

As usual, there are two local walks each weekend. Explore Oxfordshire, the Chilterns, the Cotswolds or even further afield for only a few pounds. For our members, the transport costs are subsidised to make getting away from it all a little easier on the wallet. And of course, there is a leisurely bike ride again this term.

For only £5.50 our minibus day trips are fantastic value and open up new possibilities for walking in more distant places - this term they go to the Long Mynd, the New Forest, the Brecon Beacons, and the first ever club trip to the Gower Peninsula. For those wanting a complete weekend away from Oxford, our weekend trips are great value, costing either £28.50 or £35, including accommodation, transport and food. These go to Exmoor, the Lake District, the Pennines and Snowdonia.

This term also sees the start of a formal leader training programme. The first weekend will be a trip to Snowdonia learning navigation techniques and leadership exercises. This will form the first step in an annual cycle of training weekends designed to train leaders over the course of three or four terms. Already, this trip is proving very popular. Please contact me as soon as possible if you would like more details. The trip will cost £45, higher than usual because we will have two instructors with us.

This term also sees the highlight of the club's social calendar - the annual dinner. We return to St. Benet's Hall, for the usual eating, drinking and general merriment. I'm sure a good time will be had by all. Please remember that places are limited - you will need to get a ticket from me in advance. Finally, don't forget to drop into St. John's Bar, on a Thursday in odd weeks, if you want to meet other walkers, meet the committee or find out about walks.

Weather permitting, have a great term!

Andrew Thompson,

President