Secure car parking is available at Cnocnafeola Centre, Attical

Occasionally people walking in the Mournes have problems with parking. Car windows have been broken and items stolen, the occasional car has even been burnt out .
Safe and secure car parking is available at Cnocnafeola Centre for people who wish to stay overnight on the Mountains. The cost is  £3 per car per night . Before leaving they could ensure we know the car reg and other details etc. We will ensure the gate is closed. We will leave a form to fill in on return. We can offer showers etc and a cup of tea on return.
 Walkers can arrange with Cnocnafeola Centre to be left out to the hills (at a little extra cost).
Contact:
Web-site  
[info@mournehostel.com]
 

The Tollymore centre outside Newcastle is running a couple of free open days over the weekend 25^th and 26^th September, one for Canoeing and one for Hill-walking. Take a look at the link below for details and contact the Tollymore centre directly if you are interested!

UFRC Spring Meeting was held at Castle Espie Wildfowl Reserve on the shores of Strangford Lough on Saturday 17 April.  The day began with coffee and a humorous historical sketch of the Reserve given by John McCullough ,Education Officer
George Acheson, from the Executive, then took members on an interesting and knowledgeable tour of the reserve. George gave interesting information about many of the species of ducks and geese seen (including some of the exotic and more unusual ones). The tour finished with a walk around the newest, and not quite completed, section of the reserve.
The Business Meeting took place after having lunch in the Reserve Restaurant. The main business of the meeting was a discussion on how UFRC could move forward. The meeting came to the conclusion, not unexpectedly, that the Executive required a part-time paid Secretary as there were too many aspects of business and organization for the group to continue solely on a voluntary basis as done in the past.
A rough idea of the hours required per week, possible payment rates, legal implications of employment and a possible work schedule were all discussed.

One candidate for the job was mentioned but this was only a possibility.

Rescue Emergency Aid Certificates issued.

The certificates for those who successfully attended the two day, ‘Emergency First Aid’ on 27^th/28th September 2009 are now with me and ready for forwarding or collection.
The volunteers, UFRC club members who spanned a wide range of age and personalities sharing a love for the great outdoors, enthusiastically participated in the course to enhance their personal safety and value to others when walking or trekking in remote areas and wilderness destinations.
Held at facilities in Mary Peters Area, Malone, the course followed the REC [Rescue Emergency Care] handbook issued to participants on the first day and aptly titled, ‘Lifeskills For Life’.
Under the expert tuition of Stephen Synott, experienced Mountain Rescue Medic, and his assistants, (also experienced medics and themselves undergoing teaching training), we were taught various first aid techniques  honed and adapted for appropriate responses to wilderness environments. 
It is this focusing on the unique problems posed by emergencies in the difficult to access areas (that our members strive to spend their spare time in) ‘that differentiates’  the REC courses  from other first aid courses.
On the Course days, the weather was stunning for the time of year, and as photographs show, we undertook as much of our practical exercises as possible outdoors in the grounds of Mary Peters, while the athletes:  young, old and disabled; honed their skills and fitness oblivious to our bandaging and role acting antics.
A real life drama unfolded in the closing minutes of the last day of the course when a member of the public reported a man in distress in the trees.  In true first aid spirit, the new recruits ‘mostly sat tight’ and let the experts move to deal with the situation!  However curiosity took the better of us on seeing the look of concern on the medics faces. 
We were relieved to find that the person in need was in fact our own Ronnie Carser who decided to put his own UFRC test in place stealing the, ‘Casualty Role Actor Oscar of the Day’, award.
All told, a very enjoyable, informative and instructional event, put across professionally and amicably by Stephen and his team.  Thank you to Mary Peters staff who allowed us to share their kettle and facilities and many thanks to Stephen and his assistants-Philippa, Felicity and Charlene and a particular thanks to the supporting clubs represented by those who participated.

The successful participants included:

Paul McCann, Robert Alexander, Sheila O' Keefe, Sheila McSorley, Shelia Hammond, Simon Redmond, Celine Barr

The worthy recipients can contact me by phone or email to arrange receipt of their certificates.

Walking holiday in the Austrian Alps

 

1.Great Value Guided Walking Holiday in the Stubai Alps, Austria.

7 nights in the Stubai Alps Austria 17^th – 24^th July (other dates in July & August may also be available please ask). Groups or individuals equally welcome.Price without flight is £400 per person sharing a double room or £442 per person for single occupancy.

Included in this price is half board accommodation (dinner & buffet breakfast), en suite rooms in a homely hotel. Direct transfer from Munich airport to the hotel and return by private coach. The services of 2 leaders who are very familiar with leading walking groups in this area offering a choice of easier and harder walks each day (1 free day).  All for £57 per person per night double room or £63 per person per night single room.

Not included in the above price. Flights Dublin – Munich with Aer Lingus currently showing around £230 (timed to connect with the transfer coach).
Essential travel insurance. Lunches. Bar bills and other extras in the hotel.Transport to from walks app. €60 covering all buses & lifts used.

Contact; - Libby and Neil Sutherland

Email  nls.stub@hotmail.co.uk            Tel.02891859329

2.Great Value Holiday. 7 nights in the historic town of Ronda – Andalucia, Spain.

Dates available in April and May please e-mail or phone for further information.Using our good contacts in Spain we have negotiated what we believe to be a very attractive offer for this standard of holiday.

Price without flight is only £400 per person sharing a double room £492 per person for single occupancy room (NB this price is based on current Euro exchange rate and a group size of 15 persons it may fluctuate slightly).
Included in the price is, Seven nights half board accommodation in an en suite room. Three course dinners with choice of menu, wine, tea/coffee are also served. Breakfasts are self-service buffet. Transfer from Malaga airport to hotel and return by private coach. The services of 2 leaders very familiar with leading group walking holidays in this area, offering a choice of easier and harder walks.
All for £57 per person per night double room or £70 per person per night single room.

Not included in the above price, Flights Belfast to Malaga with Easy Jet currently showing as around £120.Essential travel insurance.  Lunches. Bar bills and any other extras in the hotel. Transport to from walks and optional excursions.
We will be staying in the 3 star Hotel Don Miguel which is renowned for it’s incredible location immediately adjacent to the famous gorge and New Bridge (the symbol of Ronda completed in 1790). In addition to walking Ronda has something to offer everyone e.g. historical buildings, museums, painting, photography, walking, bird watching and of course the chance to practice speaking Spanish. In addition visits to Seville, Gibraltar, Malaga may be possible.For further information contact the co-ordinators as soon as possible, more detail will be supplied. Places are limited and the price is dependent on booking the flights at the first opportunity.

Contact: Libby and Neil Sutherland

Email  nls.stub@hotmail.co.uk            Tel.02891859329

Take a look at these useful web sites. Ronda town   www.andalucia.com/ronda

UFRC Update
Lecale Ramblers is the latest of our member clubs to initiate a web-site  

Public Path Extinguishment Order
Public Right of Way at Dog Kennel Lane leading from Upper Damolly to Kenard Villas in in Newry

Chairman, Alan McFarland attended this meeting on Thurs 10^th June and gave evidence for objectors on behalf of UFRC.  He had the opportunity to challenge evidence of some of those supporting the application.  The Inspector, Roy Hickey, posed searching questions and displayed authority in subject matter resulting in a thorough inquiry.  All parties had the opportunity to put points and evidence on an equal footing.
UFRC was concerned with the cavalier attitude of the parties which blocked this Public Right of Way and the manner in which the Council attempted to extinguish the path after the event.  A number of legal irregularities raised were poorly answered as council planning officials and contractors were not represented.
The developer who constructed playing fields over part of the path was represented by Paul Shevlin of Thompson McClure Solicitors, Belfast.  The developers have built a super new ‘academic village’ that the PROW cuts in two if not blocked by the school fencing, erected on school security and pupil safety grounds.

Some residents supported the extinguishing order on the basis of anti social elements that used the previously uncared for and discarded path.
However the challenge to the haphazard and ‘expedient’ manner behind the Extinguishment request , was vindicated when it emerged that other property owners in the area may lose vital access rights if PROW status is removed.  Likewise, property owners were reminded that police public order enforcement powers and legislation are based on persons being in a ‘public place’. 
 Without the PROW, congregation and disorder is a matter of the land owner.    It was also pointed out that new maintained paths in other urban areas have seen a decline in anti social behaviour and congregation of youths.  
Walkers and advocates of proper procedures and principles on PROW’s, are indebted to Newry and Mourne councillors, Cairan Mussen and Tony Williamson, who gave evidence opposing the decision on grounds of principal not dissimilar from those held by the UFRC.  UFRC member Cahal King, submitted results of a survey he undertook in the area and gave evidence of walkers using the path. 
Alan accompanied the Inspector to a final site meeting at the end of the inquiry hearing. 
To summarize, the rationale behind the school fencing is reasonable, but it can be argued that a fenced path could be reinstated where the two schools  are joined by pitches and it is probable that it would be used by residents from both Kenard Villas and Damolly for recreational use.
The Inspector cannot alter or amend the application, merely endorse or refuse it and his report will appear in due course.  If the Inspector refuses the application, it is likely that the school will look for an amendment to include the section taken over by the school. 
 In such eventuality, the Executive will have to decide whether to pursue pressure on the council to reinstate the path in full through the grounds or, run with what would be, in effect a closure as the size of the joint schools acreage does not offer a circular route. In the meantime we wait for the report publication from Mr Hickey.

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.

The Federation is represented in the Lagan Valley Recreational Forum where updated information comes from the Park Management Board and where members can feed back items from users to the Board for consideration.

Meeting  25^th November ’09 update.
User survey: Around 750,000 users per year, with walking,cycling and running being the main activities—in that order. 72% are male and only 1% arrive using public transport.  Complaints centre on: inconsiderate cyclists refusing to give way, dogs off lead, dog faeces on paths.
Map. 1:20000 map now available from a variety of sources at £4 per copy-
LVRP headquarters(www.laganvalley.co.uk), CAAN (www.countrysiderecreation.org)  Land &Property Services-the old OSNI (lpsni.gov.uk)
Giants Ring paths-urrent muddy ,will be surfaced with stone/quarry dust by the National trust.
Public Toilet provision-While this has been provided at the Lockkeepers Inn, it is limited because, there being no nearby main sever, effluent has to be pumped under the canal and for some 200 yards thereafter to a sewer.Possible toilets at Shaw’s Bridge face a similar problem.
Building within Park. Queens University has been granted planning permission to erect dwellings at Dub Lane, despite much local opposition. Some interesting old, original houses here will be demolished, as part of this process.
Forward plans. To open the canal to navigation from Stranmillis to Lisburn. Third lock (McCleave’s ) at Lockkeepers Inn, nearing restoration and will be a working lock. Second lock (Mickey Taylor’s ) now being restored. More information at www.lagancanaltrust.org
Possibility of an eventual new path from Minnowburn, via old Belvoir Hospital grounds and Hydebank to Carryduff.

One of our clubs, fairly recently, had the experience of an injury to one of its members after a slip.  Most of us have been in this situation at least once in a walking lifetime.  We have been provided with a number of salient points worth bringing to the attention of our members. 
You just never know when something like this might happen.

1.    The time from the emergency call to his hoist aboard the helicopter was about one and a half hours--conditions were good-- light wind, no rain and good visibility. Had they been bad this would have taken much longer and exposure could have been a problem.

2.    There were 8 phone-calls made during the rescue so a fully charged phone is essential.

3.    The fact that it was possible to give them a grid reference of  the location helped enormously. It's not always the case that you know exactly where you are.

4.    There was a good mobile signal in that location.

5.    In spite of the good weather conditions the casualty was beginning to feel cold--even with full walking gear and a survival bag wrapped round his shoulders.

All in all everything went well but even small changes to things could have made the situation much more serious.

To find out more about the programme can visit the USA site where the principles were developed by clicking logo.

UFRC BELIEVES STRONGLY IN TREATING OUR ENVIRONMENT WITH RESPECT,
ALL WALKERS SHOULD FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE CODE FOR OUTDOOR BEHAVIOUR.

Leave no trace principles -see 'Principles of Outdoor Ethics'