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UFRC AGM
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Saturday October 21 in
Castlewellan Park (Courtyard).
The day began with three excellent walks led by Down Danderers Walking
Club at 10:15 .
Muriel Kinley led a shorter walk around the Lake .
About a dozen people set off in sunshine to enjoy the autumn colours
on the amazing collection of trees which is found in the park. The
first stop was taken to enjoy the magnificent blaze of colour of the
Virginia creeper which covers half of the Castle. The group walked
to and stood within a grassy plot surrounded by a box hedge. This is
the footprint of the original castle which stood here.
They continued to wander at leisure around the lake,
always within earshot of a group of children who were having a lot
of fun in paddling canoes on the water.They added life to a
beautiful autumn 'walk in the woods'.
A short trip to the Aboretum to see the world famous
collection of plants and to admire the huge Sequoias and the various
stone fountains completed the walk and all returned to the courtyard
for a delicious lunch.
In the Arboretum, 2 perfect snowdrops were found.
Trevor photographed them, and he was reminded to note the date on
his photo.
A longer one , keeping to lower levels was led by
Patricia King . The longest, taking in some high ground was led
by Cahal King . This was an excellent and most informative walk
well spiced by Cahal's extensive knowledge of the grounds and buildings
and
relayed to his group with gentle humour . The walk revealed
magnificent views across the park lakes to the Mournes and
Newcastle Bay and to the northwest Slieve Croob and it's surrounding
drumlins provided another view to be savoured .
An excellent lunch was sponsored jointly by Down Danderers and UFRC .
The main meeting got underway shortly after
2:00pm . A Podiatrist, Helen Brown, herself a hill-walker ,
fell runner and cyclist gave an excellent and well illustrated talk
including information on foot injuries of all kinds .
Helen gave
useful advice on foot care and suggested suitable
boots and socks.
Aideen
Exley from CAAN followed with a most informative talk on Waymarked
Ways and outlined details of the exciting and useful new walking
website under construction. Full marks to CAAN , this is a much needed
and interesting development . Aideen introduced Linda
Foy, countryside officer for Larne Borough Council . Linda
distributed and introduced well produced and useful leaflets on
the new 'Antrim Hills Way ' and the booklet 'Larne Country Walks'
The Business Meeting began at 3:00pm approximately.
Reg Magowan (Chairman) welcomed everyone and introduced
 Trevor Russell
who gave a clear and concise presentation on how UFRC Business Plan
was progressing . Derek Matthews (Treasurer) introduced our
financial report and outlined briefly some issues on access .
The Chairman indicated that no election would be necessary provided
there were no further nominations from the floor . The
Officers and Executive Members were duely re-elected , two new members
Thomas McKenna (Wee Binnians) and Paul McCann (East Antrim) were also
elected .
AOB . An inquiry was made with regard to auditing of accounts and it
was agreed that two members of the federation (not on the actual
executive) would be asked to do
this in future .
Vincent McAlinden from MCI thanked the Federation for their
invitation and spoke generally and wisely about relationships within
the walking community .
The Federation wish to thank Down Danderers for so competently
and generously organizing the venue , walks and lunch . They had provided
everyone with a very warm welcome .
There were approximately 80 members from our various clubs . A
good and pleasing representation . It is worth noting that
the cost of affiliation per member per club this year has only been £1,
and next year is only £2 . Those
members who have attended the last two meetings in
Castlewellan have had excellent value for their £1.
Tollymore
Mountain Centre ,at least £5 worth.
Castlewellan Forest Park with
free parking , guided walks and free lunch , at least £8 worth .
Your Federation works for you and values your
support .
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05/04/2008