The Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs has at present 32 affiliated clubs with a total of about 1900 members .

Translink’s Rural Transport Unit, with support from the Department for Regional Development, operates Rambler services that offer hikers, visitors and cyclists access to many visitor attractions, natural heritage and archaeological sites in Northern Ireland.
Translink’s all year Rambler services include the Sperrin Rambler (Service 403) and Kilkeel Rambler (Service 407).
In addition the Causeway Rambler (Service 402), Mourne Rambler (Service 405) and the South Down Rambler (Service 408) operate during the summer months and all of these provide regular easy access to a number of NI’s most popular landmarks; including the outstanding Mourne Mountains, the breathtaking Sperrins scenery and the magnificent Giant’s Causeway.
These services make an important contribution to reducing the rural isolation experienced by many local residents, but also enable more people to enjoy some of the most varied and interesting scenery in the country and by doing so assists the local tourist industry. 
If you’d like to try one of the Rambler services for yourself, timetable information leaflets are available from Bus Stations or Tourist Information Centres across Northern Ireland.  For more information on any of the Rambler services call 028 9066 6630 or click     Don’t forget over 60’s travel free on presentation of a valid SmartPass.
A summer bus rambler day ticket will be available from 1^st July to 31^st August 2009 at a special rate of Adult - £8 / Child - £4.  This ticket offers passengers unlimited day travel on all Ulsterbus & Metro services Monday-Sunday after 9.15am.

COURSE--Rescue First Aid.   This will be held at the Mary Peters Track, Malone, Belfast. Dates—Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th September ‘09.Starting at 9.30  each day, classroom on Sat. am and then entirely outside. Cost £75pp (approx half that of similar courses elsewhere)  UFRC will subsidise -£15 for each person . To reserve a place, please forward cheque £30 ,payable to UFRC , to Thomas McKenna 71 Cullaville Road, Crossmaglen, Newry BT 35 9 AQ,  Balance of £30 payable two weeks before course commences.  For further information, contact Thomas at 30861759 or   thomas_mckenna@btinternet.com
Successful course completion leads to award of certificate ,valid for three years and recognised as being acceptable for first aid component of walking/mountain leader award.
Last year’s course attracted 23 people and was extremely well organised/taught and enjoyable. I took part myself and found that, even after a health service career, with regular life support training, I was provided with wonderfully helpful guidance which could be used, not only for minor accidents occurring during walks but also useful in home and road traffic accidents and in cases of individuals collapsing in the street. I highly recommend this course. I would encourage you to make this course known to your club members.
A navigation course is in process of being planned and this will be posted on website, in due time. Development Officer (or similar title).  The Federation has been run entirely by volunteers but the Executive is agreed that we now need someone to provide a ‘focus’ , to handle routine business and enquiries, to develop and build links with other walking/health related bodies and to take us forward.
Three new clubs have recently joined—Colin and Derrynoose walking clubs and Bangor U 3 A walking group.- and some others are ‘considering’, so the workload increases.
Now that the Federation has charitable status, we are working with NICVA and others to seek the quite substantial funding which would be required for a full or p/t appointment. I f you can point us in the direction of possible sources, in these straightened times, that would be so very helpful
Executive—New members.  As ever, we seek volunteers to fill places which may become vacant at agm. Having being around UFRC for nine years, I will retire and others may also do so—hence new faces needed. In this day and age it seems as if volunteering has become less ‘popular’ –all organisations struggle with the issue.  I was walking in the Mournes with the Down Danderers last Saturday. A beautiful day with the hills absolutely full of walkers-of all ages-and I again had the thought which started me off in UFRC—these people need a local voice to protect what they enjoy. The Federation has grown to become that voice, speaking to the media, local and central government, landowners and all variety of other organisations.
The pity is that most fail to recognise the need and those who do, fail to come forward to simply give a wee bit back as tiny ‘payment’ for their years of recreation and enjoyment. One way would be to serve for a few years on Executive Committee.
AGM. Do please remember the date>  Saturday 17^th October ’09, Castlewellan Forest Park. Hosted by the Mourne Rambling Group. I know that much thought and effort has already been expended by MRG to ensure the success of this meeting. A number of walks will be organised, a meal provided, some beautiful ‘photos of birds associated with Mourne will be shown and other aspects ,yet to be revealed, will make a day designed to be one of friendship and fellowship. Do, please, remember, attend and encourage.

Contrib. by Ronnie Carser (UFRC Executive)

May 2009
Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds, has launched the latest edition of ‘The OSNI Mournes Activity Map’. with enhanced digitally derived contours improving accuracy for walkers and climbers.
Launch photo: with :Michael Montgomery( L.P.S.), George Acheson( Mourne Rambling Gp.), Trevor Fisher (T.M.S.),
Seamus McKibben( L.P.S.)

The OSNI Mournes Activity Map provides an essential guide to the area and is designed for those who enjoy the outdoors. It is  full of  information on areas for climbing, rambling or simply relaxing,
Commenting on the launch of the map, the Minister said
“The Mournes Activity Map provides tourists and those with an interest in the outdoors with a fantastic guide to this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  With summer approaching, this is an ideal time to get outside and explore this beautiful countryside. As well as being packed with popular walks and trails, the map is waterproof to protect it from the rain”.
The two sided map includes Slieve Croob, Murlough Nature Reserve, Tollymore and Castlewellan Forest Parks, and provides a detailed guide for outdoor activities, highlighting amenities and services including Mourne Rambler bus stops.
The Mournes Activity Map can be purchased now in major bookshops or online at  www.lpsni.gov.uk  . 
Other maps in the series include the Glens of Antrim, The Sperrins, Lough Erne and Strangford Lough.
Visit Land and Property Services 

Official opening of the Long Barn on National Trust’s Divis Property.
On Friday 27^th March, Councillor Tom Hartley, Lord Mayor of Belfast officially opened this new facility. The original derelict building is beautifully restored to provide a base for property wardens and a small interpretive centre illustrating the local history. Toilet facilities are available, and a specially adapted area suitable for physically impaired. In his address to a wide spectrum of interested individuals and organisations, including UFRC reps (Ronnie Carser and George Acheson) , the Lord Mayor recalled youthful adventures on the Belfast Hills, walking up a’ loanen’ from his Falls Road home and taking ‘gulps’ of marvellously cool, clean water from springs on the route.  The National Trust is to be commended for time and effort put into ensuring that these hills remain accessible to everyone for ever.
Belfast Telegraph article and photo

 Lagan Valley Recreational Forum 

Lagan Valley Recreational Forum met on 21st January ’09 This Group represents-amongst users of the Lagan Valley Regional Park .UFRC clubs often walk in the Park, so the Federation is represented in the Forum.
Interesting developments : A boathouse near Shaw’s Bridge,  will provide access to the Lagan for canoes and disabled users, with a floating pontoon within the structure.The stonework is designed to reflect that of the ancient adjacent bridge. Visitors should walk from Shaw’s Bridge downstream to Mc Cleaves (3^rd) Lock where the Lock Keepers Inn provides teas/coffees and snacks and toilet facilities. Situated beside the restored lock keepers cottage, the Inn is recommended.
Later, it may be licensed and provide a resting place in peaceful ,historic surroundings. There are plans to develop the first lock-situated upstream from the Belfast Boat Club into a crossing place where walkers may cross to the Annadale Embankment. Could this spot could be used to recreate Molly Ward’s Tavern, originally situated at the confluence of the Lagan Navigation and tidal river, at Stranmillis, beside Cutter’s Wharf, where Molly and her husband dispensed ale in the 1760’s. A long, low, whitewashed building with a turf fire, despite the clean air act, would provide an ideal welcome for weary walkers.
Further marked walking trails within the Park, in association with the National Trust, are planned.

Volunteer Rangers.   
Volunteer Rangers were invited to a “Pre-Audit” meeting on Wednesday 3 December, despite poor weather forecasts 40 Rangers attended, and a number of topics associated with the Waymarked Ways were discussed. walkni.com  web-site has a new Volunteer Rangers Section at which may be accessed under “useful information”.
CAAN recognizes the strategic importance of the Volunteer Ranger Programme and are planning to introduce support mechanisms for volunteers including training opportunities, a reward scheme, bi-annual meetings and comprehensive forms of communication.
Cotswold Outdoor is an official partner of the Volunteer Ranger Programme, and after the Wednesday 3 December meeting participants were invited to a late night shopping evening at Cotswold Outdoor on Boucher Crescent, receiving an additional 20% discount on items purchased. 
Volunteer Ranger Social Walks have also been set up, allowing Volunteer Rangers to meet twice a year and enjoy the countryside, guided by an experienced leader. The first winter walk on Saturday, 10 January 2009 encouraged sixteen enthusiastic walkers to come out, despite poor weather.  Philip Watson former Head Warden of the National Trust on the North Coast guided the group towards Dunseverick Harbour.  The day ended with a welcome lunch in the Causeway Hotel.

The Scout Shop have set up a new easily navigated web site. Have a look, you will find items at very competitive prices.  A brief look shows Brasher boots at a very good price.         
The Scout Shop 
 

A very good idea
We all carry our mobile phones with names & number stored in its memory. If we were to be involved in an accident or were
taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this
 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As mobile phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency). The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that whenhe went to the scenes of accidents there were always mobile phones with patients but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose.  In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialling the number you have stored as 'ICE'.
Please forward this.
It won't take too many 'forwards'> before everybody will know about it. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest.
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.