Single Bus Walks Pick-up Times
Covid risk mitigation
The following risk mitigation protocol will be in force for the time being.
1) Walkers to have had all recommended vaccinations, including booster jabs, unless medically advised otherwise, in which case a Covid lateral flow test is required.
2) Coaches to be cleaned prior to commencement of journey.
3) Contact details of walkers to be available via booking system or, in the case of standby bookings, will be available via booking forms collected on the bus. No guest bookings will be accepted.
4) Hand sanitiser to be available at coach entrance and to be used.
5) Face coverings to be worn correctly on the bus.
6) Coaches to be well ventilated using air filtration systems.
7) Recommended that walkers take a Covid lateral flow test prior to the walk.
8) Boarding the coach to be conducted in a way to maintain social distancing.
9) Walkers to remain seated during the journey.
10) DO NOT PARTICIPATE IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID
Walking Gear Discounts for members
Walking gear outlets come and go and we periodically canvass them for member discounts.
Discounts currently available, on production of your Phoenix membership card include:
Walk Outdoors Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay 15%
Cotswold in Newcastle 15%
Rohan in Newcastle 10%
Hill2HighStreet at Milkhope near Blagdon on the way to Ponteland 10%
This is a new walking outlet. Their website is www.hill2highstreet.com
If you talk to Ron Clements at Chirnside on a Friday he will bring your membership card up to date – something which has been overlooked during Covid while we have not been meeting up or charging membership fees.
Over the years walking gear shops have, when asked, given me discounts for membership of the Ramblers Association, Youth Hostel Association, National Trust, and RSPB. My policy now is that it costs nothing to ask. They can only say no.
Another outlet to consider is Great Outdoors. They has moved from Boundary Mills to the Industrial Estate opposite the Asda at Benton.
Whilst mainly online ordering they do have a smaller showroom. They say their prices are now cheaper so do not offer specific discounts.
Go Outdoors are another outlet at Westerhope. Just about all their gear is discounted but you have to buy a “membership card” for £5 to get the discount. The card is valid for 12 months.
If you know of other discount opportunities then let Dave Whiteley know – his email is: davewhiteley33@gmail.com
Peter Craig
18/11/2021
Calendar 2022
The calendar for 2022 has been printed and is available at the Friday booking sessions. The price is £5.
We do not plan to sell copies on the buses to mitigate against covid/flu transmission risks.
There is no risk of missing out as we have the option to have unlimited extra copies printed – don’t panic if you can’t get to Chirnside just now.
A preview can be seen by clicking the button below.
Peter Craig – 30th Oct, 2021
Covid risk mitigation for Autumn 2021
The restart of bus outings will no doubt be a tentative operation but hopefully a permanent one.
Having consulted with members (via a survey earlier this year) and with our coach provider, the following risk mitigation protocol will be in force for the first two months, that is for the Autumn 2021 programme of walks.
1) Walkers to have had two vaccinations unless medically advised otherwise, in which case a Covid lateral flow test is required.
2) Coaches to be cleaned prior to commencement of journey.
3) Contact details of walkers to be available via booking system or, in the case of standby bookings, will be available via booking forms collected on the bus. No guest bookings will be accepted.
4) Hand sanitiser to be available at coach entrance and to be used.
5) Seats behind the driver to be left vacant, otherwise buses will be at full capacity.
6) Face coverings to be worn correctly on the bus.
7) Coaches to be well ventilated using roof openings.
8) Recommended that walkers take a Covid lateral flow test prior to the walk.
9) Boarding the coach to be conducted in a way to maintain social distancing.
10) Walkers to remain seated during the journey.
11) DO NOT PARTICIPATE IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF COVID
Chairman's message re walk resumption plans
To all members
Your Committee, together with walk leaders, have again been considering when and how we can resume our weekly walks whilst, at the same time, making sure you all feel safe.
With no easing of the Covid situation in the NE, we feel that there is no alternative but to delay our planned recommencement from 7th September to Tuesday 5th October. We will, however, continue to review the situation each month so we may be sure that walks can operate normally.
All being well the first booking sessions at Chirnside House will now be on the 4 Fridays prior to 5th October, starting on Friday 10 September. Booking by e-mail and bank transfer will be available as previously. See the website at https://phoenixwalkingclub.
Members will be advised at the time of booking of any restrictions and/or any special conditions we need to apply. These conditions will be to ensure, as far as possible, everyone’s safety and that you experience the least inconvenience possible.
We will consider any applicable Government advice, requests by our coach company and any other requirements that we, as a Club, deem advisable.
Our intention continues to be to operate with 2 coaches with the old timings and pick-up points.
When choosing walk venues for the first few months, we are planning to restrict the distance traveled, from North Shields, to journey times of around one hour each way.
We are also looking at destinations where there are at least 2 pubs. This should, hopefully, reduce the chances of significant overcrowding.
When we resume all walks will cost £10.
2021 Membership Renewals
2020 has been a terrible year for everyone. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic we have been unable to hold our usual walks. The coaches have been cancelled and only a limited number have been able to walk together in social groups groups. We know how this has affected everyone and we are sure you are missing our walks as much as we are.
Because of this, the committee has agreed to carry forward the membership fees paid in 2020 to the end of 2021. We will not, therefore, be asking you to renew your membership at the end of this year as usual. You will continue to be a member of Phoenix Walking Club for another year on the membership fee already paid.
Hopefully we will be able to start our official walks again next year and we look forward to seeing you all again and going out to experience the amazing countryside which we are all missing. If anything happens to ease the situation earlier, we will, of course, let you know. In the meantime, stay safe and well and we hope to see you again soon.