Newsletter of the
ESSENDON
BUSHWALKING CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039
From the Editor
Welcome to the twelfth edition of the club newsletter. Study the previews and then go out on some, or just enjoy Dave Wren's entertaining article on the club's Christmas visit to Tasmania.
I would again like to thank all the contributors for their efforts. Without contributors the newsletter would not exist, so next time you meet one of them, say 'thank you'.
As always, I'm looking for articles, and photos of interest to club members. Early submissions are most welcome. So if you have just had an entertaining walk, write it up NOW, and send it in.
Chris Jarvis
Editor
Submitting Articles
E-mail: cjjarvis@labyrinth.net.au
Photographs are most welcome. These can be sent to Stephen Bocquet or Denny vanMaanenberg for scanning to enable easy insertion into the newsletter.
PRESIDENTS'
COLUMN
This will be my last column as president. The AGM is on the 14th of June, which seems a long way off, although it will be a bit closer by the time you read this. That will mark the end of my second year as president. As required by our constitution, we will be electing a different president. I will have been on the committee for four years - one year as an ordinary committee member, one year as vice-president, and two as president. I have decided not to continue on the committee, as I think it is time for a break, and time for others to take over.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who've contributed to the smooth running of the club over the past year. In particular Denny as Secretary, Nicole as Treasurer, Megan for organising our suppers, the rest of the committee who've all worked together well, Michael Howes in putting together our walks programmes, Chris Jarvis as Editor of Old Man Emu and Search & Rescue coordinator, and all our leaders who've had walks and other activities on the programme.
Now is the time to think about standing for committee positions. There will be several vacancies, so don't be shy! If you would like to be on the committee, ask another member to nominate you at the AGM - don't wait for them to use their ESP! If on the other hand you think someone else should be on the committee, please ask them beforehand - don't embarass them by nominating them unexpectedly on the night.
At Easter I'm planning a coastal walk at Croajingalong. This will be a four day pack walk, with fresh sea air and pleasant scenery all the way. There are no hills higher than about 100 metres, and there will be time to relax (and swim if you're brave enough) at the end of each day. It's not a difficult walk, so anyone who's tried an overnight walk should enjoy it.
Happy walking.
Stephen Bocquet
CAR POOLING FEES
Due to rising prices - petrol in particular, but other motoring costs as well - the committee has decided to increase the car pooling fee to
5 CENTS PER KILOMETRE, EFFECTIVE 1 MAY 2000.
This fee is paid to the driver on club activities by each passenger in their vehicle.
Stephen Bocquet
POSITION VACANT
CLUB DELEGATE TO
FVWC CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Michael Howes has been our representative on the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs Conservation Committee for several years. He has resigned from this position, so we are looking for a replacement. The Conservation Committee meets in South Yarra on the 4th Wednesday evening of every month. If you have an interest in conservation issues, and are able to attend the meetings, you could be the person we are looking for. Talk to someone on the EBWC Committee if you would like to volunteer, or if you're not sure but would like more information.
SUMMIT
BUYERS NIGHT
Tuesday June 20
50% discount
SUMMIT, the local manufacturer of sleeping bags, rain jackets, backpacks and other outdoor paraphernalia, are having a buyers night for club members from 7.00pm to 10.00pm.
Discounts of 50% on stock items will be available. They are located in Fellows Court, Tullamarine. Ron Bell will distribute more information at the May club meeting.
COMING EVENTS
Six previews by Frank Szentmiklossy
WARBURTON RAIL TRAIL
15kms, Easy
Saturday May 27
A nice easy stroll from Launching Place to Warburton following the old railway reserve. This is a good walk for beginners flat all the way, we will see a few old relics (I'm not talking about club members) along the way. Passing through Yarra Junction with the only remaining Station of the line, now a museum then on through Millgrove and into Warburton and a nice stroll along the banks of the Yarra River.
MELBOURNE'S GOLDEN MILE
10 kms, Easy
Saturday June 17
This is another easy walk suitable for beginners, a walk back into history of old Melbourne Town. Beginning at Flinders Street Station under the Clocks, a Melbourne icon in itsself. We head to the newly renovated immigration museum (formerly the old Customs House) to begin the walk proper. Along the way we will visit many places of historical interest. Finishing the day back at Southbank once the heart of industrial Melbourne, now home of a nice cup of coffee and cake.
P.S. There will be a small cost to enter a few of the museums along the way - this adds up to $12.50. A small price to pay for a walk into History.
Mt BUANGOR BASE CAMP
Weekend 1/2 July, 30kms Medium.
About 175kms N/W from Melbourne we will find Mt Buangor State Park, an area of little known beauty.We depart Saturday morning for two wonderful days of walking and camping in this winter wonderland. Camp site has pit toilets and a large shelter with tables and chairs also a fireplace, you can bring anything from a one-man tent to a caravan if you wish. An experience not to be missed!!!!!!!!!!!
WONTHAGGI BASE CAMP
Weekend 22/23, July 30kms Easy / Medium
About 130kms S/E of Melbourne is the old coal mining town of Wonthaggi, where we will spend the weekend on a 200 acre property, in an environmentally friendly house powered by sun and the wind. Also there is access to a secluded beach. We will enjoy walks along old railway lines on top of the coastal sand dunes and the through the rolling hills of Gippsland, some great cliff top walking as well.
CITY TO MORDIALLOC AND RETURN BIKE RIDE
30 / 60kms, Easy / Medium.
Saturday August 5
A lovely ride from town to Port Melbourne, then along the foreshore past St Kilda and other beach side suburbs. Mostly on bike paths to Mordialloc for lunch. Those that have had enough, can hop on a train and make their way back to town.
For the more energetic it's back on your bikes and turn around and head back to town.Where we will meet the others for an end of ride POW wow, and refreshment.
OLINDA FOREST
18kms, Medium.
Saturday August 26
A lovely Winter walk through lush fern glades and beautiful eucalyptus forest.
This walk is in the heart of the Dandenongs one of Melbourne hidden treasures. We will pass through the R.J. Hamer Forest Arboretum and the National Rhododendron gardens. A few ups and downs will be encountered throughout the day, but it is well worth the effort.
Frank Szentmiklossy
BOGONG CHALET
SKI WEEK 2000
July 29 - Aug 5
By Graeme Watkins (Bodge)
Winter is on the way, and the ski season is about four months away. And it's time to think of a week skiing holiday.
As you may or may not know the Rover Scouts have a Chalet out the back of Falls Creek ski fields. The Bogong Chalet has always been open to ex Scouting and non Scouting people but most people may not be aware of this hence the reason for this article.
Again this year we are looking for interested people to spend a very enjoyable week out on the high plains. And to keep it operating at maximum capacity we would like as many people as possible to come and spend a week in the Chalet.
The week that I am organizing this season is 'Week 5', Saturday Jul 29 to.Aug 2, 2000
We need to have a minimum of 10 people to have the Chalet open for the week and it will accommodate 35 so we need your support to fill the place.
I will be involved in week 5 with a few of the ex Gordon Rovers and Essendon Bush Walking members. Remember you don't have to have been a Rover or ex Rover to participate.
We would be happy for you and all the members of your family to participate in a ski week or any one else you know that's interested in Cross Country Skiing, and being away from the cares of the world for a week.
I have been going to the Chalet each winter for the last 25 years and wouldn't miss it for anything.
Everything is paid for in the $355 per person if you pay before the 1st April É. $ 395 per person after the 1st AprilÉ from the time you arrive at Towonga on the Friday night till you arrive back on the following Saturday afternoon ( If we can drag you back to civilization), except breakfast and lunch on Saturday going in to the Chalet. You will need to provide these.
There is one small catch (Isn't there always) The Chalet is 11km out from Falls Creek which you have to ski to with your pack on. It's an easy skiing on the Omeo Hwy. which is covered in snow at that time of year. It takes about 2 - 4 hours depending on the weather.
The Chalet is fully self contained with 240v power & hot showers. Sleeping on mattress on the floor (minimum of a light sleeping bag required). It's warm and spacious. Everybody has a turn at the cooking cleaning and dish washing.
The things that happen during the week: Some serious touring to the huts and Mountain's on the high plains for the day, or half day. Wander around and try your hand at skiing the slopes around the Chalet. Sightseeing. Telemarking. Bird and wildlife watching. Some great photographic opportunities. Learn how to ski even better than you can now. We run ski schools for those who want to improve. Do some down hill skiing using our own private tow next to the Chalet. We have night skiing under lights on the Chalet slopes. Or you can curl up with a good book for an hour, a day or a week. It's your choice.
Thursday night is party night when we dress up and have some fun. Other highlights include BBQ in the snow; cricket on skis; making tea for travelers passing by the Chalet. But the best of all is solving the world's problems. And we DO! But nobody listens to us of course!
So as you can see we don't need TV, computers, stereos, ghetto blasters, newspapers, Avon ladies to keep us amused. But by all means bring a good book or magazine, a nice bottle of red or white; maybe even a drop of port or scotch.
You will find a very friendly and accommodating group of people who are only interested in having an enjoyable week. We hope you can join us.
If getting up there could be a problem - I'm sure we can organize transport up and back. If your skiing is not up to par, or you haven't been for a long time, we will be happy to help you out with some instructions.
So why don't you join us, you won't be sorry.
There is a working bee at the Chalet before the winter. Drive to Cope Hut and walk down to the Chalet. See what it's like without the snow. The work won't be too strenuous .
If you would like to come along, contact me to obtain a booking form, then send off your money to the Rovers. If you need any more information please contact me at<gwatkins@netcon.net.au>
Graeme Watkins (Bodge)
Alternatively, contact Dave Wren.
WANDILIGONG BASE CAMP
Some time next spring - Grade Medium-Hard
Each year since from 1993 I have taken a group of walkers to Wandiliging. Did someone ask 'Where on earth is that?' Well, that's right - it is on Earth, about 6km south of Bright, at the foot of the Victorian Alps.
My first visit was in January 1993, when Dana Jankovic and I jointly led a new type of walk - underground! Sixteen of us explored several of the 19th Century gold mines in the hills near Wandiligong.
Since then we have gone back each summer or autumn to venture into the rugged ranges seeking old mines which are merely a dot on a small scale map. We usually find our target, but only after some heart-thumping, lung-bursting climbing, often through dense undergrowth.
Next spring we will be there again, looking for another mine site in a remote part of the ranges that few people visit.
Ask those who are regulars at Wandi, such as Ray Scilley, Russell Christensen, Shane and Leo Hogan, Steve Bocquet, John Pluchino, Andrew Hill (ask about Jutta's famous episode) - they will all tell you what great times we have. Ask Paulene Sunderland what fun it is sliding down mountains on your backside!
So if you like a bit of adventure, some hard walking, and a cold ale and hearty meal at the Wandi Pub at the end of the day, keep this base camp in mind. We stay in tents at the Wandiliging Camping Ground, which has an unlimited supply of the hottest hot water you are ever likely to shower under, just what you need after a hard day.
Bill Casey
POINT ADDIS – SOUTHSIDE BEACH
Early Spring 2000 - 12km Easy
Point Addis is about 30 mins from Geelong, on the coast between Torquay and Anglesea.
We start the walk from the Car Park at Point Addis, from which there are great views of Bass Strait and the coast. After a short "road-bash" we enter the Koori Cultural Walk through dense coastal scrub, and emerge to some great cliff-top views.
The walk continues through ironbark forest, climbing as we move inland. After skirting the rear of a group of holiday homes, we drop towards the coast again to the site of an old jarosite mine (they tell me jarosite is or was used in paint-making).
We next make our way through low sandy scrub to Southside Beach where we have lunch, prior to returning to Point Addis along the beach.
If we finish in time, we will return to the Geelong Botanical Gardens Tea Rooms for afternoon tea and an optional stroll around the Gardens.
This is an ideal walk for beginners, runners are satisfactory, but you do need to carry at least two litres of water.
Bill Casey
PILBARA – JULY 2001
Want to walk in a different area? Why not try a tour of the Pilbara in WA?
There are two main walking areas here, the Karjini Gorges and the Chichester Range. When researching these places it seemed to me that both were ideal spots for EBWC to explore. In selecting a specific venue I chose the Karjini after being told, on good authority, that the Karjini gorges " are deeper and more spectacular than the Chichester gorges É[but] they are visited by a lot more people." We could in fact spend eight weeks doing four different trips in the whole area --with very little overlap. That suggests much about the scope of the Pilbara which otherwise may seem very insignificant on a map. It is obviously an area worth visiting.
Having walked on several occasions previously with WILLIS WALKABOUTS, a tour group based in Darwin, I have decided once again to use their expertise. I have found that the local knowledge accumulated by this company is invaluable.
From Melbourne we would fly via Perth to Port Hedland. In the next week we would first be visiting the Munjina and Dale Gorges, about 280 km from Port Hedland. Russell Willis' description reads as follows: "A short walk brings us to Éthe first of the many lovely pools and waterfalls we encounter. White tree trunks against a background of red rock and a deep blue sky are everywhere around us. Some of the walking is easy, some is slow and scrubby." The second week includes Wittenoom, Red, Joffre and Hamersley Gorges. Do note that depending on transport, these weeks may be done in reverse. Both sections sound fascinating.
Although a long way from Melbourne for just two weeks, it seems an opportune time to combine this tour with a tour of Perth and its environs, or even a stay in the Port Hedland area. A flight to the Kimberley region might also be tempting. There is so much to see in the West.
Cost:
Recently the airfare to Port Hedland via Perth was approx. $921. This may of course change.
The latest "best guess" for the tour cost is between $1800 and $1900. (Certain discounts may apply.)
Pre-requisites:
You need to be a backpacker with some experience. You need to have a spirit of adventure, be flexible, and be able to enjoy the Australian Outback.
Interest:
Some people have already expressed initial interest. I need to know by the end of April of others who may want to join us. Russell Willis will open the trip to the general public to form a workable group size so I will need deposits early in order to maintain bookings for the club. I have advertised this trip in several recent Club Programs so that if you were interested you could start organizing your holiday schedule.
Contact:
Please ring me if you are interested. I am happy to discuss the trip options with you.
Re Willis Walkabouts:
EBWC first utilized the services of the company in about 1990. We have walked parts of Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, the north coast of the Kimberley, the Mitchell Plateau and the Bungles with them. At all times they have been a most effective way of walking new territory.
Therese Ryan
Essendon Bushwalking Club is a
Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs Inc.
FEDERATION WEEKEND
21-22 OCTOBER 2000
GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK
The Dandenong Valley Bushwalking Club Inc. is hosting the Federation 2000 weekend. This will be a base camp with day and night walking activities. Further details will be forwarded to affiliated bushwalking clubs over the next ten months.
Bookings are now open for cabin accomodation. Please book with the Halls Gap Caravan Park (03) 5356 4251
SEARCH PRACTICE
MAY 6 - 7
A base camp with search skills practice in the Mt. Tanglefoot State Forest, open to current BS&R members and club members who are experienced overnight walkers and are interested in becoming involved in BS&R.
Transport is by Police bus, departing from Glen Iris Primary School at 0630 hrs on Saturday, returning at approximately 1830 hrs Sunday.
Please confirm your intention to attend with Chris Jarvis by no later than Wednesday April 25.
LEADERS
COLUMN
BOOKING SHEETS
Leaders are reminded to return their completed booking sheets to Ian or Sylvia McLean at the earliest convenient time after the event. The booking sheets are retained for club records and insurance purposes.
NICE THINGS LEADERS DO FOR US!
At the end of a recent walk into Jehosaphat Gully Andrew and Jutta Hill whipped out a gas stove and provided hot drinks and pastries for afternoon tea.
Chris Jarvis introduced one group to a new type of "bushwalking" - grabbing hold of trees and walking over bushes like a hedge. (Editors' note: I can't remember where this occured, but the source is probably correct!)
After leading his first pack walk, Greg Priestley produced cool drinks and cakes from a car fridge for all the group!
BILL CASEY'S HOME PAGE
Assuming you have Internet access, if you want to find out about my future walks, or see a report about a past walk, access my Web Page.
There are two ways of doing this:-
A. Go to the Eseendon Buswalking Club Home Page at http://www.netspace.net.au, click on Walks Program and then click on one of my walks, OR
B. Type http://member.austasia.net/~bcasey in the URL box on your browser.
You can book on a walk by e-mail to bcasey@mail.austasia.net or bill_casey@bigpond.com or b.casey@ballarat.edu.au
Bill Casey
Your Committee
for 2000 is:
President Stephen Bocquet
Vice President Frank Szentmiklossy
Secretary Denny van Maanenberg
Treasurer Nicole Lowe
Committee: Sylvia McLean, Neil Campbell, Ian McLean, Ron Bell, Megan Lakeman
Members Discount
Don't forget that members can obtain a discount at Bogong Equipment, 374 Little Bourke Street. They offer a 10% discount on all non sale items.
CONTACTING THE CLUB
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
(Snail) Mail: The Secretary, Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc., P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039
Telephone: Ron Bell (H) 9338 4057
E-mail: Russell Christensen trekker@netspace.net.au
Club Web Page: www.netspace.net.au/~trekker
WALKS PROGRAMS
Are released three times each year, at the April, August and December club meetings.
One copy of the program is included within the club newsletter Old Man Emu.
Additional copies are available from the Secretary or Treasurer for 20¢ each.
CLUB MEETINGS
Are held on the second Wednesday of each month, at Hall 3, St.Thomas Church (behind the church), Mt.Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds Junction (corner of Mt.Alexander and Pascoe Vale Roads. Meetings start at 7.30 pm.
Hire Equipment
The contact for hire of equipment is Janet Doyle.
| Hire Rates |
W/End |
Week |
| Tent |
|
$10 |
$20 |
| Backpack |
$6 |
$10 |
| Sleeping Bag |
$5 |
$5 |
| Japara |
|
$5 |
$5 |
| Stove |
|
$5 |
$5 |
| Sleeping Mat |
$1 |
$2 |
Maximum hire rate $25 each week. Each additional week a further $25 fee will apply.
Club Fees
Annual Membership $ 30
Visitors Fee (per event) $ 5
Annual Membership fees apply from June 1 to May 31. Membership fees not paid two months after June 1 renders the member un-financial.
An un-financial member is required to pay the visitors fee for every event they attend until they have paid their full membership fee.
Un-financial members and visitors attending more than three events in a club year are required to pay the full membership fee.
New members must pay the annual membership fee within 28 days of their membership application being approved by the committee.
GRADE DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are a guide only, and are referenced against the abilities of fit experienced walkers. A grade can be a combination of any of the individual factors listed. Weather conditions on the day can also affect the grading of a walk.
EASY: Suitable for beginners. Mostly on formed tracks. Gently undulating terrain. Up to 20 km per day.
MEDIUM: Suitable for fit and more experienced walkers. Some sustained climbs. Some scrub bashing. Some rock scrambling. Up to 30 km per day.
HARD: For fit, experienced walkers. Long steep climbs. Heavy scrub bashing. Hard rock scrambling. Long distances.
Rodney Williams sampling some bush tucker in the Baw Baws
February 2000
Photo by John Widmer
EVENT
REPORTS
27 DECEMBER 1999 Y2K TASSIE SPECIAL
The Spirit of Tasmania brought the through crew of seven and the support team across Bass Strait in fine style as usual.
Our support team left us at Fish Creek, to pursue the pleasure spots of Tassie. Seven through walkers set out from Fish Creek at 2pm accompanied by Denny and Rene. A good 8km climb up to the Pool of Bethesda, our campsite for the first two nights.
A quick morning 'didley bop' up Mt Jerusalem afforded views as far as Frenchmans Cap, all our 100km walk to Cradle Mountain with a myriad of lakes and alpine tarns all around. After lunch we ascended the Wailing Wall to Solomons Throne and taking in the Pool of Siloam as we returned to camp.
Cursing that my camera battery had gone flat Rene demonstrated bush mechanics 101. Two AA batteries in series with one camera battery connected with a leatherman, all tools gave enough life to the camera to last till Cradle Mountain.
The restless few went looking for Temple Hut taking a bearing from camp and marching off into the scrub. Yes, the Tassie scrub showed its displeasure at this, but we found the hut – a small square area of stone walls in a most exposed waterless site. Who or why left us wondering.
Day three we passed through Jaffa Gate for a leisurely stroll cross country through the native pine to Ball Lake. Following the shoreline for 2km at Lake Adelaide we parted company with Rene and Denny, they taking the lake track back to Fish Creek and we following the shores of the lake on this beautiful Nelly Day. Crossing the button grass plains to our camp at Lake Meston you realise the intensity of the drought - no knee-deep oozing mud.
December 31. Our shortest walk for a day – an easy 8km to Junction Lake which is the best trout fishing lake in Tassie. Laurie tried his luck, fly rod in hand on the shore of this beautiful lake – trout for dinner a certainty, well maybe next time.
January 01. Welcome to the naughties! First checking the compass' Y2K compliance we started our longest day, following the Mersey River through the Never Never to Hartnet Falls. We followed the track round Junction Lake to where the Mersey River and the track plunge down Clarke Falls. Blessed with another perfect day, a swim before lunch and much thawing out later - Pamela's swimming winning her the polar bear badge.
Even in this drought, in the deep spongy mosses and in the tea tree I could still find knee-deep mud. Through the Never Never we averaged less than 1km per hour. If it had been wet this year our trip would have been much harder and slower through there.
At Hartnet Falls we joined the Overland Track super highway enjoying the easy going to Du Cane Hut.
A new day and onwards and ever upwards, to Pelion Gap, dropping packs to climb Tassie's highest mountain, Mt Ossa (1617M). Another perfect day!
With two rest days at Pelion Plains we did a day trip to Mt Oakleigh the first day.
On our second rest day we eagerly awaited our support crew's arrival and our food. Expecting the visitors to arrive at Old Pelion Hut at noon we went out to meet them along the track. Seven kilometres and some hours later at the Wolfram Mine there was no sight of the food or the support crew. We got back at about 6pm. Meanwhile, our support crew, having checked with the ranger and finding the car access closed, they came in on the Arm River track. A great effort by our support team especially Doris who's new to Tassie's joys and challenges.
Onwards to Windermer Hut on the super highway; all camp sites are very crowded and very cosmopolitan. The Overland Track is on the must do list of the international backpacker.
On our second last day a short side trip past the coal seams to Lake Will, the perfect lunch spot – sandy beaches, scenery, and swimming for the brave once again.
The trail takes us along a majestic plateau with views to surrounding high mountains, valleys and cliffs of a most grand wilderness setting, then Waterfall Valley Hut crowded by 100 happy campers including seven of us, and Rene and Denny joined us again. Despite this noisy crowd wallabies went about their business, a wombat casually walked into my tent, possums did what they do best, and us night owls watching the quolls scurry round camp.
Our final day and only 16 k's to Waldenheim Chalet, making the obligatory climb of Cradle Mountain. Meeting Ian and Sylvia was no surprise but young Philip had climbed almost to the top by his own effort. Lunch at the top with great views back to Jerusalem. We had been on the walk for 11 enjoyable days with perfect weather and no mishaps, and now sadly we're walking back to civilization.
The support crew turned on a wonderful dinner including beer and wine, and a nice hot shower was had by all. It was interesting to see who adopted which priority first.
Dave Wren
CLUB PROMOTION DAY Sunday 5th March at the Moonee Ponds Festival.
Report by Sylvia McLean
Well we were really blessed with perfect weather for this one. A real 'Nelly Day'! It was go go from the start. Ron Bell and Denny Van Maanenberg were busily starting to put up the tent when Philip and I found them at about 8.30 am. Ian dropped us off and continued to lead his walk for the day to Sassafrass Creek. I think that Ron and Denny were quite grateful for an extra pair of hands at this point. Soon the tent was up and Stephen Bocquet arrived. The tent looked terrific draped with packs and camping gear and flanked by a club tent and Ron's canoe. Denny was quick to organise us with 'the paperwork' ie programs for interested persons (with a free raffle ticket attached to encourage them to attend our March meeting), a package of club information including how to pack your pack etc. for more seemingly interested potential members, selling of club caps and tee shirts, and the guess the weight of an overnight pack competition for a one dollar donation.
Next assistant on the job was Enid Widmer followed by Megan Lakeman (Geoff came later in the afternoon following work) and Neil Campbell. Ray Scilley turned up to help and was quite surprised to see himself in some of the Kimberly Explorer photos we had brought along to display. Rodney Williams and Inge Lingham were also expert ambassadors for the club when they arrived around lunchtime. Hop a long Frank Szentmiklossy was also a sound spokesperson. Visitors to our stand included Geoff and Hilary May who were manning their garden club stand, Gabrielle and Robert Douglas, Mark and Julie (sorry the surname escapes me), Dave and Margaret Forster and Families.
There was a steady steam of interested people all day, so much so that we ran out of the initial 100 programs and had to get more photostated at the local library when it opened. We gave out a further 43 copies. The numbers started to decline at about 4pm and soon after we started to pack up. The evidence of the day's success was in the numbers who presented to our March meeting with ticket in hand. I have to congratulate everyone who attended especially Denny for all his effort and organisational skills. I'm sure that everyone who attended had a wonderful time and I apologise if I have forgotten anyone.
Post Script
Ten visitors to the tent turned up at the next Club meeting, and Heather Hamilton won the raffle for a day-pack and water bottle.
VISITORS
INFORMATION
This version of the club newsletter is adapted for handing to visitors at club meetings.
Welcome to the Essendon Bushwalking Club. We hope that we can offer to you a range of outdoor activities that suit your needs, and that you can become a member of the club for many years to come.
A Brief History ........
We were formed in 1975, and are the major club in Melbourne's north western suburbs. Our membership currently stands at around 150 members.
In 1984 the club became an incorporated association, and also joined the Federation of Victorian Walking Clubs.
In 1984 we also became involved in the FVWC's search and rescue group, and have contributed volunteer searchers to most major bush searches since then.
Club programs are issued three times each year, in April, August and December. Leaders volunteer to lead events of their choice, and the Walks Officer assembles the program, negotiating with leaders on oversubscribed dates or venues.
Activities & Venues ......
Throughout the year we try to offer a variety of day walks, weekend walks, base camps, and occasional social events. Grades vary from easy to hard. Refer to the grade defintions inside this newsletter or on the program. There is generally something for everybody, from beginners to hard core seasoned walkers.
During the winter months cross country skiing is popular, from day trips at Lake Mountain, to overnight touring on the Bogong High Plains.
Special events, such as rock climbing, are also offered from time to time.
Most of our events are within reasonable reach of Melbourne. We also run interstate and overseas trips, such as Tasmania, NSW, the Kimberlies, Nepal and New Zealand.
Leaders Training .......
All of our leaders have participated in the club's internal leadership training program, in which leaders are introduced to the general concepts and responsibilities of bushwalking leadership. First aid training, though not compulsory, is strongly encouraged, not only for leaders but for all members. The club also periodically organises navigation training for any member.
We also strongly recommend all members and visitors become Ambulance Subscribers.
How to Join .......
To become a member, you need to do either three day walks or two overnight walks (walks involving camping). You then need to fill in an Application for Membership, pay the membership fee and submit the application to the Secretary.
Your Obligations ......
As a participant in club activities, you are required to:
- •Obey the directions of the leader at all times;
- •Inform the leader of any ailment or disability which may affect your performance on a club event (discretion is guaranteed);
- •Pay any fee required by the club, such as a vistors fee ($5 per event), a car pooling fee, or any other fee linked to an event.
Information ......
Contact the committee, speak to any leader or member at a club meeting, or visit the club's website.
WELCOME ABOARD!