halesowen ramblers 2023/24 Membership

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We were formed in 1986 and have about 80 members.

We have all ages in the Club but it is fair to say that the majority of us are between 50 and 80.

However we are a lively bunch and enjoy the outdoor experience and the many beautiful places it takes us to.

We organise a varied programme of walks across the broad Midland area throughout the year but also visit Wales, the Peaks and anywhere there are good rambles to be had.

The Club is affiliated to both The Ramblers and Holiday Fellowship (HF) and we organise weekends and longer days away at hotels or hostels on a regular basis.

We are a sociable group and as a result many of our rambles have a pub as the lunch break. Other social events can include Theatre Visits,  Barn Dances, and maybe a Quiz Evening with Buffet and Dancing.

In an endeavour to broaden the type of walking we also organise regular coach trips in order to tackle walks further afield, and "Project Walks" where we walk long distance paths in short sections.

All of our walks are graded on the programme so that you can choose the ones that are suited to you.

The gradings are:-

A= Strenuous - might not be on good paths - may include grade 1 scrambles

B=Moderate Walking - may involve steep climbs.

C=Easy walking on reasonable paths - no steep climbs.

MEMBERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT THEY UNDERTAKE ALL ACTIVITIES WITH HALESOWEN RAMBLERS AT THEIR OWN RISK AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY. 

1. NAME   The organisation is to be called Halesowen Ramblers hereinafter referred to as the “Group" 

2. OBJECTIVES  The Group shall arrange a regular programme of walks to encourage the enjoyment, appreciation and understanding of the countryside and it’s footpaths, and also promote outings and social gatherings for the Group. 

3. MEMBERSHIP   This shall be open to any person of any age (including children at the discretion of their parents). An annual non-refundable subscription shall be payable, supplemented by charges arising from participation in particular events. The Committee shall have the right to cancel or suspend the membership of any individual whose conduct is considered inappropriate. 

4. RELATIONS   The Group shall be affiliated to The Ramblers and any other organisation that supports the objectives of the group at the discretion of the committee. It shall also try to establish and maintain co-operation with other similar groups. 

5. MANAGEMENT   The affairs of the Group shall be managed by the committee which shall consist of the Honorary Officers, a Chairman a Secretary and a Treasurer plus a maximum of nine General Members and a minimum of four. A president maybe proposed by the committee and elected at an Annual General Meeting. All officers and committee members shall retire at the Annual General Meeting but shall be eligible for re-election. The committee shall decide when and where it shall meet. Six committee members shall form a quorum. A special meeting of the Committee shall be called by the Secretary as soon as possible on the request of the chairman or of not less than four members of the committee. The Committee shall have the power to fill vacancies if necessary by co-opting additional members onto the Committee. 

6. SUB - COMMITTEES   The Committee shall have the power to appoint subcommittees and to determine their powers and terms of reference. 

7. RESIGNATION OR RETIREMENT   Any member of the Committee shall vacate his/her office if-: He/she gives notice of his/her intention to resign, giving as much notice as possible. 

8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING   As soon as possible after the end of the financial year (31st of March), the committee shall convene an Annual General Meeting of the group, for which at least 28 days notice shall be given in writing to each member of the Group and which all members of the Group shall be entitled to attend in order to:

a) Receive the annual report of the Committee and  the audited statement of accounts for the previous year.

b) Appoint the Honorary Officers

c) Elect the Committee

d) Discuss and consider motions notice of which shall have been given in writing to the             Secretary.

e) Vote on any proposals to amend this Constitution in accordance with clause 12 hereof. 

9. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING   The Chairman or the Secretary may at any time, and shall within 21 days of receiving a request to do so,  signed by not less than one 10th of the members of the Group with a minimum of 10 members, and giving reasons for the request, call a special general meeting, of which 14 day’s notice shall be given. The notice of the meeting shall contain notice of the matters to be discussed and the terms of any motions which it is intended to move. 

10. FINANCE

a) The Treasurer shall keep proper financial accounts and shall keep the Committee  informed as to the financial position of the Group.

b) The Treasurer will deposit all monies in a Bank or Building Society this, needing two    signatures for withdrawals.

c) The accounts will be audited by a person or persons approved by the committee.

d) The Treasurer or an approved substitute shall present audited annual accounts at the    Annual General Meeting. 

11. DISSOLUTION   If in the event that the Committee consider that the Group cannot continue then the Secretary shall call a Special Winding-Up meeting of the Group giving at least 28 days notice. Those members attending shall be considered a quorum. If the decision of the meeting is that the Group ceases its activities then the affairs of the Group will be wound up, all liabilities will be cleared and any remaining assets will be donated to a charity or charities nominated by the Committee that have objectives similar to the Group or that benefit the West Midlands area. Any liabilities are the joint responsibility of the members. 

12. ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION

1. This constitution may be amended at the Annual General Meeting subject to the  approval of a 2/3 majority of members present and voting.

2. Any proposal for such alteration must be delivered in writing to the secretary of the  Group not less than 28 days before the meeting of the Group at which it is to be  discussed. Not less than 14 days notice of this meeting, giving the terms of the proposed alteration, shall be given to the members of the Group.

Principal Officers:  

Patrick Healey - Chair 

Shameen Akhtar - Secretary 

Alan Shilvock – Data Secretary 

Sabia Jamil - Treasurer 

Committee Members:

Steve Adams - Website and Communications  

Beryl Cotter - New Members Mentor, Wednesday Walks co-ordinator 

Angela Daniels Tuesday Walks Co-ordinator and Minutes 

Alan Francis - General Member (Social activities role TBC) 

John Roberts - New Members Mentor, Coach trips 

Kathryn Rudge - Holiday Co-ordinator 

Dave Smith - Sunday Walks Co-ordinator   

Julie Stone - Holiday Co-ordinator 

Jane Salt - General member

Does the Club welcome dogs?

Sorry but due to certain unpleasant  incidents we do not at present allow dogs on a walk.

Can transport be provided?

Car sharing  is encouraged but cannot be guaranteed.

What equipment do I need?

Stout walking shoes or boots

Backpack

Refreshments