It will only be just over a month before we'll start compiling the Winter programme, so it's not too soon to start thinking of interesting walks and socials you could put on the programme. You can send them to the usual addresses:
There will be a Walks & Socials Planning Evening on Saturday 25th October. It's an informal social evening where you can meet the Walks and Socials secretaries, and get ideas and guidance for walks to put on the programme. If you're worried about leading a walk on your own for the first time, we'll help find someone to co-lead with you. It doesn't matter how long you've been a member - everyone is welcome to lead a walk or organise a social event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Come and see in the New Year with us at Hampton Court Ice Rink and work off some of those post-Christmas pounds! The session lasts an hour which includes boot hire. If you want to come along but would prefer to marvel at the sight of us all on the ice rather than skating yourself you can do that for no charge. Why not grab a hot chocolate or mulled wine at the rink side cafe while you watch? We will go for a drink or perhaps a light supper afterwards depending on what everyone wants to do and finances! Full details are in the members’ programme.
Good news for those of you who don't like posting off renewal cheques - the Ramblers’ now has an option for you to renew your membership online! Visit the Ramblers’ website (www.ramblers.org.uk/membership/whyjoin.html) and click on "renew your membership". You can pay by card, or by direct debit. Paying by direct debit greatly reduces administration costs and bank charges and means more of your subscription will go towards the Ramblers’ campaigning work. And of course if you sign up for Gift Aid, even more of the money you pay for your membership subscription will go to help the Ramblers’ work to improve conditions for everyone who walks in England, Scotland and Wales.
With winter fast approaching you may be thinking of investing in some waterproofs and other gear. As a Ramblers’ member you get a 10% discretionary discount by showing your RA membership card in many outdoor shops including Blacks, Millets and Rohan. And as a member of SURG you can get a discretionary discount of 15-20% at Cotswold Outdoors by quoting our group account number (and showing your Ramblers’ membership card) when you shop in store or online.
This month we have Fruit Squares, a recipe featured on the SURG Anniversary walk in May. It is such an easy recipe and never flops!
Ingredients
1 cup plain flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup coconut
1 cup dried fruit mix
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg, beaten
125g margarine or butter, melted
1 cup icing sugar
Method
Preheat the oven to gas mark 4. Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix. Add the beaten egg then the melted margarine or butter and mix well. Press the mixture into a small baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top. Make water icing by mixing a little hot water with the icing sugar. While the cake is still warm, spread the icing over the top and cut into squares.
