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Issue 10
Spring 2000

Julian’s jottings

This is the first time I have written for the newsletter as Chair and not been editor of it. As I write this, I await its publication with interest to see what the new look newsletter will be like.

I urge you to give Chris Lewis all the support and help with the newsletter you gave me when I started editing it - without your help, it is nothing. With the diversity of experience and style that you contribute, it can be an excellent newsletter. So keep on writing…

Committee news

The hot news this time is that we have decided to increase the recommended amount that passengers are invited to pay drivers on COG events.

Some time ago, we decided to set guidelines for drivers so that they could be reimbursed fairly for the use of their car when taking passengers on COG events. At that time, the recommended rate was set at 10p per mile, divided by the number of people (including the driver) in the car.

This figure has remained unchanged for over two years, largely because it is a very easy figure to work with. However, since that time, the cost of petrol and other car-related costs have increased so we felt it was time to reflect that.

As of the date you receive this newsletter, the new recommended rate is 12p per mile, divided by the number of people in the car. If this seems expensive to passengers, please remember that there are more costs to driving a car than the petrol - this figure goes some way to recognising that.

The charge is not mandatory; it is a recommendation so that both driver and passengers have an idea about what is mutually fair.

Three Peaks Trial

By the time this goes to press, the Three Peaks Trial 2000 will only be a few weeks away. As usual, your help is needed. If you haven't yet volunteered, it's not too late. The event takes place on Saturday 25th March 2000.

If you're not sure what you can do to help, please give Chris a ring on 238576 or come to the planning meeting at 8pm on Tuesday 21st March at the Oddfellows Club. As usual, our meeting immediately before the Three Peaks Trial is devoted to sorting out the last minute details of the event.

On the programme

There is still space available at the weekends away in March and April advertised in the last programme. If you're interested in going to Corris in Mid Wales at the end of March, contact Steve Bees; if you'd like to visit Steps Bridge on the edge of Dartmoor over Easter, then call Roger or Rachel.

The trip to France is now full, but if you'd like to spend the last week of April backpacking in Devon instead, then Steve B. would be delighted to hear from you. This and other backpacking events are detailed elsewhere in the newsletter.

Further ahead, Jane Ormrod is arranging a weekend in the Forest of Boland in Lancashire over the Late May Bank holiday weekend. I don't think the group's been there before, so if you'd like to go, let Jane know forthwith.

Another reminder: we're trying to put something back into the countryside by helping the National Trust with some footpath maintenance in the Brecon Beacons on 16th April. If you'd like to help with this worthwhile effort, please let Steve B. know.

Finally, it is customary for this column to invite you to offer ideas or even help with future programme events. Well, we're making this even easier! With this issue, you should find a form inviting you to give your ideas - please think about it and hand it with your ideas to a committee member.

Happy walking, or other activity.

Julian

More deliberations from the boardroom from COG Chair Julian Langston

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