Comments on: London Ramblers get their way…

By: cameron

cameron — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:32:01 +0000

I think we all took it for granted Rab. Tom Franklin moved to Ramblers from an organisation called Living Streets and I suspect he’s simply brought that agenda to the Ramblers, with little understanding of the heritage of the RA.

By: Rab Bird

Rab Bird — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:19:05 +0000

I feel so stupid for taking it all for granted; the walks programme, “head office”, etc. And suddenly you realise its run by people with no commitment or understanding. And little management skill.
So many questions are not being answered. Why did no one see the crisis coming? (The first I heard about the crisis was in last month’s TGO!). Why waste all that money on the pointless name change etc. What the heck are the Trustees doing? Where’s the accountability? (It is OUR organisation). Where’s the concept of a national orgaisation reflecting the diversity of the whole country? And, lastly, if Wales and Scotlans set up their own organisations, can we do the same in England? That is set up a seperate walkers organisation and leave the C.E. to his urban walks programme.

By: cameron

cameron — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:30:47 +0000

Cheers, Gaz,
Thanks for that.

By: Gaz

Gaz — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:27:28 +0000

Well, let’s hope they change their minds about this short sighted decision before it’s too late. If they go ahead, I’ll return my membership card too, which will mean giving up leading walks and being actively involved with my local group too. I also plan to write to Camelford House and express my opinion.

By: Baz

Baz — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:11:36 +0000

Cameron, thanks for the update. You have reminded me I must write directly to the Ramblers stating my objections and be ready to cancel my direct debit accordingly.

By: cameron

cameron — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:14:13 +0000

Lots of questions but few answers at the moment. However, from now on Ramblers Scotland and Ramblers Cymru will operate from two people working from home reporting to a London-based Director of Campaigning. I don’t find that acceptable, and neither does the Scottish Convener Dennis Canavan, the Scottish Chair Alison Mitchell or the Scottish President, Dick Balharry. As I mentioned earlier, we will be meeting with Franklin and the chair of GB Ramblers, Rodney Whittaker, next Wednesday. I’ll be attending that meeting as Vice President of Ramblers Scotland, and not as TGO editor, although I’ll certainly report on developments both here and in TGO.

By: John Hennessy

John Hennessy — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:32:40 +0000

This action sounds drastic, not to mention devastating. Depending on what Tom Franklin has to say for himself, would it be worth getting the wheels going on breaking away (or even setting up a whole new organisation) far sooner than next March? Also, what can it mean for the £200,000 appeal launched by Denis Canavan? Dramatic outcomes like this always trigger more questions than answers at the outset but answering those questions will lead hopefully to a better outcome for all.

By: Helen Webster

Helen Webster — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:05:05 +0000

I’ve written to the Ramblers already to let them know I won’t remain a member if the cuts go ahead. If more do the same maybe there is still a chance of a rethink.

By: James

James — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:50:58 +0000

This is madness. Cost cutting in these times could surely be made elsewhere, but surely not at the expense of Wales and Scotland’s Ramblers. We need eyes and ears on the ground all over the UK to continue the good work of the Ramblers. As an Englishman based in the south east, the decision that the Ramblers has taken just doesn’t make sense. Voice your opinion strongly next week Cameron.

By: Ted Waldron

Ted Waldron — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 15:56:12 +0000

I am neither a member of The Ramblers nor a Scot (or indeed Welsh) but I am shocked and horrified by this news. Like so much else if you don’t live and work inside the M25 you are seen as less important and marginalised. Stuff em I say. i would join a breakaway Scottish Ramblers just to “wet their fireworks”.