Ryedale Walking Group 2009 Committee

Left to Right: Martin - Phil - Judy - Mary - Colin - Nigel - Wendy - (Steve not pictured)

Martin - Footpath Officer

I am Martin and I am Footpaths Secretary for the group.  If you find any problems while out walking on paths in the area let me know and I will report it to the relevant authorities.

I am a Londoner by birth, but have spent all my adult life north of Watford. After retirement Penny and I moved to Pickering in 2007.  I love walking and have walked extensively in Derbyshire and Cumbria as well as throughout North Yorkshire.  I have walked several long distance paths and this year completed the Pennine Way (6 years after starting it!) I am a keen Lyke Wake Walker and have so far made three crossings.  I hope next to do it in reverse which will give me Master of Misery status!

Phil - Chairman

I am the Chairman of Ryedale Walking Group and a founder member.  I was born in Lancashire and my first experience of walking as a pursuit was climbing Pendle Hill in 1964.

Since moving to North Yorkshire in 1993 I have walked several long distance national trails.  My other hobby is Ham Radio and I combine this with my love of walking and climbing hills in the UK and abroad by taking part in the Summits On The Air programme. Phil is also a member of The Wainwright Society.

Since 2005 I have been semi retired but still work part time in the voluntary sector as a Magistrate.

Judy - Membership Secretary

My name is Judy and I am the Membership Secretary as well as typing the programmes.  My parents were keen walkers so I have been walking as long as I can remember.  Judy is also a member of The Wainwright Society.

I am originally from Strensall, just outside York, but my family history covers many of the villages local to Pickering where Phil and I live. 

I am retired but one day a week I volunteer at Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton-le-Hole.

Mary - Publicity Secretary

I am Mary and am the publicity secretary for the Group.  I was born close to the Peak District and greatly enjoyed walking both there and in the Lake District during my youth. 

I moved with my husband Andrew to Hutton le Hole in 2003 and since then in addition to enjoying many of the Group's walks we have completed the Lyke Wake Walk (in one go) and the Peruvian Inca Trail, which finishes at Machu Pichu. We are planning to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2010.

I work as a Solicitor with a local Practice.

Colin - Treasurer

I am Colin and I am treasurer of the group. I  was born in Ampleforth and have lived in Kirkbymoorside for the last 29 years.

I work for a local engineering company as a Quality Engineer Inspector. I have been interested in walking for a few years now and since I started walking with the group I have found it to be very relaxing since retiring from playing cricket.

My other interests include swimming and going to the gym . I am married to Lynne and have two grown up daughters.

Wendy - Secretary

I am Wendy, and am the group’s Secretary.  In 2006, after early retirement, I moved here from the South Coast with my husband Sam.

I have been a keen walker throughout my life.  I love walking, but dislike mud and Friesian cattle.  I particularly enjoy walking long distance trails, and have so far completed the West Highland Way, Wainwright’s Coast to Coast, the Dales Way and the Cumbria Way – St Oswald’s Way is next on the list!

I am also Secretary of the Ryedale Ramblers and Pickering Walkers Are Welcome.

Nigel - Programme Coordinator

Steve - Committee Member

As a Committee we encourage our more experienced members to lead walks, so we are most grateful to Pauline, Sam, Alf, John, Steve, Brenda, June and Doug for their valued contribution and co-operation in leading many of the walks for Ryedale Walking Group.