LATEST NEWS
Greenground Map and London National Park City OSMap reading guide.
Research by Jean H
Maybe you are looking for new, or late summer, green spaces to explore in the London area. Here are the details of three organisations offering maps and information to inspire you.
Firstly you could take a look at Greenspace Information for Greater London (GIGL) whose website www.gigl.org.uk includes a ‘Discover London’ section – just click on the ‘Access Data’ heading. Here you can investigate dynamic maps of the area. Clicking on the maps reveals lots of details about parks and open spaces, wildlife sites plus rivers and waterways for the whole of Greater London.
Next you could check out the downloadable London ‘Greenground’ maps which are the result of an independent project www.helenilus.com/open-maps
These schematic maps are not dissimilar to a tube map, but instead of connecting stations they link 1,200 green spaces using 20 inspirational ‘lines’ for exploring parks, rivers, nature reserves, woods and wetlands. There is also a cycling version, for those who like to get on their bike.
Then there is National Park City London. On-line, you can click on different boroughs to find things to do, places to visit, data on wildlife species, habitats and conservation. www.nationalparkcity.london/discover
On paper, this organisation sells a Greater London Urban Nature map which again features green spaces but also traces the routes of lots of recognised walks or trails and pinpoints outdoor activities, rail and tube stations and more.
Hopefully these resources will help you to find some great outdoor spaces to enjoy. And don't forget, if you do discover a lovely walk or bike ride, why not put it in the EOC programme and share it with fellow members.
Trips away
Debbie and Rocky organised an extended June weekend of camping and exploring in the New Forest, with full day walks, organised for the Friday and Saturday. Full Feature coming soon.
Marianne's Dutch cycling holiday circuited around the winding rivers, thatched farmhouses, windmills and picturesque towns of the Netherlands. Full Feature coming soon.
Barbara's September trip is coming up – walking the GR21 route, along the beautiful Alabaster Coast (Côte d'Albâtre) in Normandy, between Dieppe and Le Havre. 17th–24th September 2025.
Avis has planned an Isle of Wight four day organised trek amongst the beaches, seafront promenades and white chalk countryside of the Isle of Wight. October 2025.
Please could you make sure you supply emergency contact details to the trip leaders
Walk Leader Resources!
Jean has also found some very useful walk leader resources written by the Ramblers. A link to these resources will be added to the EOC website www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking-hub/walk-leadership
First Aid Kits
It’s rare you’ll suffer anything more than a nettle sting or bramble scratch. But if you’re going on a longer outing, think about carrying a simple first aid kit – especially if you are the Walk Leader
The Rambler's have a 'First Aid – what do I need to bring?' website page that is well worth reading www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking-hub/walking-first-aid-kit-what-do-i-need-bring Think about the kind of landscape you’ll be exploring. Eg. If your route covers rocky tracks, gravel or uneven terrain, you might hit the odd stumble. So bring plasters (including blister plasters), antiseptic wipes and antihistamine. But also carry wound dressings and micropore tape to treat grazes and bigger cuts.
Where livestock or wild animals graze, there’s a risk of ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. Bring a pair of tweezers or, ideally, a dedicated tick-removal tool.
Don’t forget sunscreen on sunny days, and maybe insect repellent too. In the mountains, weather can change quickly so a foil survival blanket might be useful in case you’re caught out and need to stay warm while waiting for help or the sky to clear.
Communication on walks and bike rides
A safety foot note has now been added on all walk e-mails:
If you are coming on the walk, please have with you the walk leader's phone number, in case for any reason you become detached from the group.
We want to ensure that walks are as safe and stress free as possible, so all members must respect the need for the Walk Leader to keep the group together. Please do not overtake the Walk Leader or contest the route that the Walk Leader has chosen, unless there is a problem arising that the Walk Leader is possibly not aware of.
Pub nights
Great in-between events to catch up and discuss any ideas for walks, adventures, the meaning of pints.
Up and coming dates are
Thursday 21st August: Red Lion,
Tuesday 9th September: Plough
The Club’s Constitution – an update
Prompted by our change of insurer last year, Jean and Steve have undertaken a review of the Club’s constitution, which was last reviewed and updated in 2018. This review has resulted in them recommending several amendments and additions to the said constitution. Committee members and our President were invited to comment on these recommendations and, following a round of negotiations, an update to the constitution has been agreed, which will be placed before members at the AGM in November for ratification.
So, what are these amendments and additions?
The main addition is a formal recognition of the positions of President and Vice President. To date, the existence of these positions, has been only informally recognised, a situation which was felt to be significantly less than satisfactory. A paragraph giving the Club’s committee the power to nominate and review the positions of President and Vice President – to be ratified by members present at the subsequent AGM – has been added to the proposed, updated constitution. And if the revised constitution is adopted at this November’s AGM, the opportunity will be taken to formally elect Graham and Jim to the positions of President and Vice President respectively. The role of the President and Vice President will be “to act as a critical friend, offering wise counsel.”
As for the amendments, these seek mainly to clarify established practice and to that end include some restructuring. One such change relates to trips away, where it is no longer true to say that “The club will normally utilise Youth Hostels or similar budget accommodation” – changes in YHA policy make it difficult to utilise Youth Hostels. The Objectives section of the updated constitution nevertheless notes the need to take account of members’ financial standing when organising activities.
Our declarations on age and gender within the constitution also were felt to be inadequate. Whilst we offer half price membership to younger members, we make no mention in the constitution of age or the need for safeguarding. The revised constitution introduces Junior membership and a requirement for Junior members (under 16 years of age) to be accompanied by a parent or guardian whilst taking part in Club activities. And whilst the constitution currently states that one’s sex is no bar to membership, it does not similarly mention gender – that omission has now been addressed and, in that vein, all personal pronouns have been removed from the document.
There is a section in the constitution on the mechanism for removing someone from membership and, whilst we would hope never to have to use this, it was felt that this required some elaboration and the sort of behaviours which might be grounds for ejection are now indicated.
Whilst Jean and Steve thought initially that the constitution was basically sound and would require only minor tweaks this, in practice, proved to be an underestimation. The committee nevertheless believes the proposed, revised constitution to be a significant improvement on what we have today and recommends that you vote in favour of its adoption at the November AGM. You will, of course, be given ample opportunity to digest the changes ahead of the meeting and to that end, you should expect to receive, in good time before the meeting, clean copies of the current and proposed constitution and a markup of the changes, each with an explanatory note.
Cycling has returned
EOC Cycling, thanks to insurance updates, has peddled back onto the programme calendar. Marianne is currently running midweek day trips (check Programme of Events). If you would like to lead a cycle trip do email the EOC committee.
New Poster / A5 Flier
We have a A5 leaflets for local noticeboards, encouraging new potentials to check out the EOC’s experience, enjoyment and custodianship of the great outdoors!
So, help spread the fresh air and EOC fun by posting this up on your local noticeboards. Contact the committee for some posters.
Regulars
Social Nights
Did you know that some members meet on a monthly basis for a social drink and conversation at a pub in Ealing? Meetings take place at 7:30pm. Locations are published on our "programme" page
Theatre Trips
Up an coming