On 30 March 1993, an invitation was offered in the press to a public meeting at the Lee Hall in Dinas Powys in order to form a new walking group to fill the space in between the Vale Ramblers and Cardiff Ramblers, taking in Barry, Penarth, Wenvoe, Dinas Powys and Sully, making three rambling groups in South Glamorgan.
It was a tall order and was formulated by Barbara Palmer and some of her pals from Cardiff Ramblers including Norman Slater, Nina Smith and Sheila Shepherd who formed the first steering group after the initial meeting attracted over 100 people.
The proposed new group was named the Eastern Vale Group and a three month walk programme led by members of the Cardiff and Vale groups went into print offering walks at Sennybridge, Brecon Beacons, Llanharan, Barry, Tredegar, Neath Valley, the Heritage Coast and Wenvoe.
It was a huge gamble and there were mutterings during the first six months that the new group which by July had been re-named Penarth and District Ramblers would not reach one year!
Barbara became the Chairman, Geraint Thomas was Rambles Officer and Nic Fogg became its very enthusiastic Publicity Officer due to his journalistic background. He was the one who encouraged the group badge designed symbolically by Joy Strangward. The coastline from Penarth to Barry is shown with the blue of the sea indicating our coastal connection, and the five stones under the waymarker indicate the five areas the group serves. The arrow indicates the fact that OS maps face north and the plain waymarker post is an invitation to cross the stile to see where it leads.
Entering 1994, soon people came forward to lead walks and longer 6-month programmes were produced, nothing like the programmes you see today but it was a start.
The group continued to progress with walk reports in the press and exhibitions around the area to promote walking, plus social events to raise group funds with membership gradually growing.
Nina Smith introduced an ‘Adopt your Footpath’ scheme where members walked their chosen footpaths twice a year and reported any faults, whilst Barbara took members out on ‘fossicking ‘trips clearing local footpaths.
In 1995 when The Ramblers celebrated their Diamond Jubilee by walking the whole of the coastline of Wales, the group were honoured to be part of this achievement and a scroll was made with calligraphy from Joy Strangward and a message from Alan Howard, which was passed on and read out at the start of every walk both in the North and South of Wales.
Over the years there have been comings and goings on the committee with very positive leadership from Barbara, Des Nellins, Val Hartrey and our present Chair Robin steering the group onwards.
But the one person who steadfastly remains, his name was on the first committee formed and is still there, is our own Geraint Thomas who today is still as enthusiastic, hard-working and knowledgeable in his position as our Footpath Officer and deserves great praise.
We as a group must thank not only the hard working committee but especially our walk leaders who give their time and expertise for free and produce some fantastic walks for everyone to enjoy, without them we simply would not exist.
As we begin our 25th Anniversary year, which is also the Year of the Sea, I think you will agree that the next 6-month spring and summer programme is brilliant with its huge variety of walks that should interest everyone.
The 30th March 2018 marked the group’s 25th Anniversary and to celebrate there were two walks which attracted 41 people in all despite the threat of rain and a delicious lunch at the Blue Anchor in East Aberthaw for a group of 50.
The group extend their thanks to the Blue Anchor for their hospitality and James the Head Chef and his team for the delicious meals and fast and efficient service, making this a very special day.
So Happy Birthday Penarth and District Ramblers, long may you continue and all for the love of walking!
Joy Strangward
March 2018 (Publicity Officer)
