Spring Newsletter : March 2007

Dear Members,

Hopefully the worst of the weather is behind us now. Even though it has been so wet and windy, we haven't suffered too much with bitterly cold weather - although I suppose there's still time!! Then we'll have the problem of flies and heat ... never satisfied are we!
Anyway, let's hope there's a great summer of riding ahead for all of us.

Firstly, special thanks must go to Simon Constable, who at our last meeting, as usual, gave us a most informative and entertaining presentation detailing current veterinary developments (even though he did lose track of time!) together with the ever useful question and answer session. Apologies for not having time to show Mike Russell's photographs of past projects - this will hopefully be done at a later date.

Reminder: Our next meeting will be on 23rd April, 8.0pm at The Globe
We are pleased to welcome Christine Peat, who is the British Horse Society Regional Bridleway Officer for the North West.
Chris will speak to us about her work and how we, as riders, benefit from the input she makes into our Bridleway network. She will also provide information as to how to go about making a claim for routes in our area not yet on the Definitive Map. Chris will bring Claim Forms with her which can be filled in on the night.

Pat, our Chairperson has asked me to include the following:
'In view of the present situation with disputes over, and omissions of known Bridleways from current maps, I believe that the responsibility is on us to protect existing Bridleways and to make every effort to register a claim for Bridleways we are aware of, that are not, as yet, on the Definitive Map.
We know that this message will be further reinforced by Chris Peat, our speaker for the next meeting, and we would urge as many as possible of you to attend in order to learn more about this vital issue and benefit from Chris' experience.
As many of you know, we have had problems with riding through White Slack for a number of years. Recently, fences and gates have been erected that are now blocking our way. As it is not registered as a Bridleway on the Definitive Map we have no real claim. We have been trying for some time to get the Public Footpath upgraded to a Bridleway and it would be most helpful if as many people as possible could fill in a form to support the claim. Forms are also available from Sue Hogg, Tel. 01706 815598'

There will also be a Members vote regarding the future of the Jumping Field at the meeting (see below).

Thanks to all who attended our AGM in February. Matters arising were:

1. Wind Turbines
   The majority vote regarding the Wind Farm issue was that we should as a Group register our objection to this project. A letter will be sent now that we have a planning application reference (07/D48920), but this will only count as one objection. You will see that we have included with this newsletter, a map showing how the proposed turbines will impact on our moorland riding and a copy of a letter (together with a SAE) for those of you who wish to sign and return it as an individual objection. Time is of the essence - there is a very limited time (21 days from the date of application) in which to register your objection. This information is also on our web site (www.wardlebridleways.com) together with the BHS Policy Document on Wind Farms.
2. The Jumping Field
   There was a positive vote to keep the field by 15 members (sadly, not as many indicated that they were prepared to help maintain it!). As such, information was sought from United Utilities as to terms and conditions for continued use of the field. After several communications we now have a list of the restriction clauses which we must agree to in order for them to issue us with an Annual Licence.
   The Committee feel that as this is an important issue for the Group, after due consideration of the restriction clauses, there should be a Members vote as to whether or not you wish us to pursue an Annual Licence to keep the Jumping Field. This will be done at our next Meeting on 23rd April - please try to attend and make your feelings known.
   We will provide all attending Members with written relevant information on the night, for you to consider before making your vote. Non-attending members will be counted as a 'no' vote.
3. Election of Committee Members
   The current Committee were re-elected unopposed, and were joined by Sophie Dewar and Davina Clift. We aim to provide another year of effort on your behalf, to improve the quality of riding in our area and keep members up to date with current information. We look forward to your continued support for the Group at meetings and always welcome your ideas and comments.
4. Tiger Traps/Horse Stiles
   Following concern expressed by some members about the design of these stiles, we now have the BHS approved design which also complies with BS5709:2001. If anyone wants a copy then please let me know.
   Update: I have just received information from Stephen (Ranger) that a Contractor is in the process of installing two new Horse Stiles, similar to the ones already in use, at the Bridleway gates at the back of Watergrove Water Treatment Works.
   The reason for this is to try to prevent motorbikes coming onto the site from Wardle and accessing the new Bridleway, and also to protect the Valve Tower. Unfortunately, the correct Bridleway gate latches have not yet arrived, so normal latches will have to be fitted to keep the area stock proof. This will mean that we may have to dismount to get through these gates until correct latches are fitted. Stephen apologises for any inconvenience until the work is completed.
   Bridleway News
   You will no doubt be aware of the Portacabins/fencing/contractors vehicles etc which have appeared by the Water Tower as part of the pipeline works currently in progress across the Moor and in parts of Whitworth, which will continue for the next few months.
   Note: Due to the vastly improved surface of the Bridleway from Higher Slack Brook towards the Reservoir, there are now many more walkers and cyclists using this route. Because of potentially dangerous situations arising, especially as Summer approaches, Stephen has agreed to place Concessionary Bridleway warning notices at each end of the track to make the public aware of use by horses.
5. Tack Marking
   We haven't managed to make any progress with this as yet. More information when available.
6. Subscription Reminder
   Subscriptions are now due for 2007/8 - the Treasurer is awaiting your cash! Thanks to all of you who have already paid!

Other information

Treasure Hunt
The Committee are hoping to organise a Treasure Hunt Ride to take place in September, date to be advised later. We hope you will be able to come along and support this event.

Favourite Rides
There is a wealth of information out there amongst members concerning rides in and around our area. We would like, with your help, to compile a booklet of favourite rides. We hope you will be able to share your favourite/s with us in the form of a talk around, using landmarks and /or a sketch map, so that others can enjoy riding our countryside.

Horsewatch
We have been informed that unfortunately, Keith Middleton's job as Watch Scheme Administrator, has been terminated. This means that there will no longer be anyone to support Horsewatch in the Greater Manchester area. We have appealed to the Chief Constable, but he has informed us that no consideration will be given to the reinstatement of this post. We are currently contacting other Police Authorities to see if they can include us in their distribution lists as the information we have received in the past has been useful and informative. We will keep you informed of progress. So, your horses, tack and property are even more at risk for the moment - take care!

SpringMill Access to Mary Towneley Loop (Wallbank, Whitworth)
We now have a considerable list of people who have ridden this route regularly (some going back over 40 years!!) who are prepared to fill in forms to make a claim. We hope to address this in the near future.

Whitworth Rake Closure
A reminder that the Rake will be closed from Taylor Street to the cattle grid, from 10th April for approx. 3 weeks in order for pipeline work to be carried out. The road from Lobden to Syke has been improved temporarily to allow vehicle access. We are assured that the miles of fencing currently in place on the moor (looks like a race track!) is a temporary measure to stop animals injuring themselves in the trenches for the pipeline, and will be removed on completion of the project.

Web Site Gallery
If anyone has any horsey photographs that they would like to be included in order to add interest to our web site, then please let me know. Photos will need to be digital and you can email them to me with a brief caption.

Driveway Surfaces
We are informed that the surface of some pre-formed concrete driveways (whether they are varnished or not), can be very slippery and cause a potential danger should horses, for whatever reason, venture onto them.

Other Organised Rides/Events

Yvonne Keighley Memorial Ride - Fund Raiser for Christie Hospital
Date: Sunday 15th April 2007, Venue: PW Greenhalgh's Car Park, Newhey,
Route: 20km/30km, Time: Start 9.30 - 11.0am, Entry: Seniors £12 Juniors £6
Closing Date: 8th April 2007, Further details from Mrs Lesley Hopley, 01706 654576
Entry form can be downloaded from www.wardlebridleways.com

Annual Charity Horse Ride
Date: Sunday 22nd April 2007, Venue: Cardinal Allen High School, Fleetwood,
Route: 25km or shorter route available, Entry: £15 (in advance) £17 on the day
Free refreshments for all riders plus rosettes on completion.
Ride is approx 1 mile of road, a couple of miles of bridleway and the rest is along the beach towards Blackpool.
Entry Forms from: The PTA, Cardinal Allen High School, Melbourne Avenue, Fleetwood, FY7 8AY - Tel: 01253 872659.
Large SAE with sufficient postage marked 'Horse Ride' Details on www.wardlebridleways.com

North Lancs Bridleways Society - Annual Fund Raising Ride
Date: 29th April 2007, Venue: Warton, Nr Carnforth (10 mins from J35 M6),
Route: 15 miles of tracks, bridleways and country lanes, Entry: £10 or £15 on the day,
Contact: Eve Hall, Rusha Lea, Hest Bank Lane, Slyne, Lancaster, LA2 6AH - Tel: 01524 82420
e-mail: evehall@beeb.net Entry Forms can be downloaded from www.nlbs.org.uk

Cancer Research UK Dressage Day
Date: Sunday 18th August, Venue: Sourhall, Todmorden.
Tests will be: Preliminary 7, Preliminary 16 and Novice 38
This is part of the Pennine Bridleways series of Dressage Days in June, July and August. All competitors have a chance to qualify for the Prestige Championship at Croft Top - date to follow.
All proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK.
Any donations of Raffle Prizes would be much appreciated.
For further details contact: Kath O'Donnell, Tel: 01706 372512

BHS Diamond Jubilee Summer Ball
2nd June 2007, Lancashire County Cricket Club. Tickets are £25 each.
For tickets or further details contact Eleanor Lovell on 07713 399722

Animal Welfare Act 2006
Finally, just to remind all members that the above Act comes into force on 6th April 2007.
This Act has been described as the most significant animal welfare legislation for nearly a century. You should be aware of the provisions which may affect you as owners of 'protected animals'.
Full details can be accessed via the Internet and also from DEFRA.

That's it for now - hope to see you on the 23rd April.

Regards

Mel

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