Dear Members,

Although winter is now well and truly upon us we are still getting some lovely bright and crisp days (when it's not raining!) which are perfect for riding. Unfortunately most of these rarely seem to coincide with weekends which is frustrating for many people (though not a problem for those of us who happen to be retired!!).

First of all, thanks to David Haigh, our speaker, and to all the members - and some friends - who supported our last meeting in October. The room was really too small to accommodate such a good turn out and did get unbearably hot, but never-the-less, feedback suggests that most people found something of interest in David's very detailed and informative talk. We accept that health and safety isn't the most entertaining subject in the world, but it is a vital area for the welfare of ourselves and our horses.
David asked me to reiterate his request for anyone who might be interested in becoming a BSJA Judge. If you are, then please let me know and I will pass the information on to him.

Our next meeting is on Monday 11th December, 8.0pm at the Globe - this will be in the larger room opposite the bar.
Unfortunately, Shelley from Global Herbs is unable to be with us as originally planned, so we have arranged for Margaret Chadwick who is an Equine Therapist who uses homeopathy and bio-resonance, to come and speak to us about her work and methods. She will demonstrate for us a machine which is a revolutionary method of treating animals and there will also be some interesting audience participation! You will be able to purchase homeopathy kits for your own/horse use if required.

This will also be our Christmas get-together and party food/nibbles etc will be available.

Reminder : Monday 5th February - Simon Constable
Simon will again come and speak to us and answer questions.
This meeting will also be our AGM.
We will also have on display some of the old photographs, taken mainly by Mike Russell, of the local area and various projects undertaken by the Bridleways Group over the years, so come along and see who or what you recognise!!

There are various items of updated information to report:

1. Web-site www.wardlebridleways.com
We have confirmation that the web-site is functioning - I had an e-mail from Paul Smith in France to say he had seen it. (Paul will be in the area the weekend of the 16th/17th December so you may see him around the Watergrove area, weather permitting.) The information on a visit to the Settle Loop is now on the web-site.

2. State of Bridleways
Higher Slack Brook area - Contractors have now re-stoned some of the upper tracks that had been washed away by the heavy rains. The next section to be re-stoned in the next few weeks is the one from the two bridges up the hill to the gate leading to Ramsden Road. (Stewards Barn).

Ramsden Wood Road up to Heights and Long Causway from Ragby Bridge towards Wardle - a letter has been sent to Calderdale Council complaining about the state of these bridlepaths and the access difficulties which are being caused for riders.

If there are any other particularly bad areas of bridleway that you are aware of, will you please ring the Access Officer at Rochdale, Calderdale or Rossendale Council or let a member of the Committee know.

3. Tiger Traps/Gates - You will be pleased to know that the three problem gates/tiger traps have now been re-done to meet legal requirements. (Memorial Gardens Watergrove, Ramsden Clough and the Brown Wardle side of the flat fields on Lobden Moor - although this one is very muddy and needs an improved surface). We hope that these will be a significant improvement for riders.
Stephen is aware that not all the gates will close automatically and he requests that every effort is made to ensure gates are properly secured so livestock do not escape.

4. Jumping Field - Negotiations are currently on-going with a Representative from
United Utilities as to our continued use of this field. There should be some news
in the next few weeks. We have had a few offers of strimmers/volunteers for hard
labour - but more will be needed, so beware press-gangs !!

Our thanks to Stephen (Countryside Ranger - Watergrove) for all his efforts on our behalf

Whitworth Rake
Some of you may be aware of the proposed temporary closure by United Utilities of this access route to Lobden Moor from ChurchStreet/Taylor Street, Whitworth in the New Year in order to install a new pipeline. The latest information is that this will not be happening probably until March 2007 although there may be Contractors vehicles/equipment on the lower Church car-park prior to that. We are assured that there should still be access for horses at all times - but things could be difficult, especially if you have a spooky horse !! More information as it becomes available.

Proposed Wind Farms at Crook Hill and Great Hill (and also later, at Reaps Moss, Bacup and Todmorden Moor)
There will be information available at the December meeting as to the impact these proposed wind farms could have on the local environment.
We need to know whether you wish us as a Group to oppose these proposals or whether it should be left to the individual.
The current BHS stance is that in the event of any successful planning application, then turbines should be a minimum of three times their own height (ie 360 mtrs) away from any bridlepaths or access facilities. (look on www.bhs.org.uk and select 'windfarms')

Firework Petition
I hope things were better for your horses this year with regard to the potential distress caused by fireworks, they certainly didn’t seem to be quite as bad in our area.
A petition against the general sale of fireworks, containing 129,387 signatures, was presented at 10 Downing Street on 1st November 2006 and followed by a debate in the House of Commons on 6th November.
Teresa Kulkarni, who organised the petition to restrict fireworks to licenced displays has requested that to back this up as many people as possible should e-mail their MP’s telling them how fireworks are affecting them and their animals.
http://www.writetothem.com

Horsewatch
I noted in the Local Paper recently that there have been some instances of equine related crime in the area. The run up to Christmas with short days, bad weather and cover of darkness provides the ideal circumstances for either organised or opportunist thieves to strike. Please make sure that all your tack and rugs are clearly marked with your postcode and locked away securely. The police request that any thing suspicious is reported to them immediately

Remember : The thief’s best friend is the Community’s apathy !

Thanks to all members who have paid their subscription for this year
BUT there remain a large amount of payments outstanding so PLEASE can we remind those of you who have not yet paid that we really do need your contribution.
Adult Member : £5, Junior Member : £4, Family Membership : £7.50
So far, from 54 members who receive this newsletter, 25 of you still have not paid !

The list of e-mail addresses is increasing – thanks to those who have contacted me.
If yours is not one of them will you please e-mail me with your details asap. enquiries@wardlebridleways.com

Finally, the Committee would like to wish all our members and their families a very happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful New Year.

Hope to see you all at the meeting on the 11th December

Regards

Mel