1 October 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE Ashdown Ramblers Club was started 50 years ago by Sybil Martin from her home in Forest Row.

Arthur Hunt, who was one of the five founder members, still lives in Ashurstwood, and between them Sybil and Arthur led many walks in and around East Grinstead, venturing much further afield as the group became more and more popular.

In 1991, the Ashdown Ramblers held their 30th Anniversary at the Meridian Hall in East Court.

The following year, they decided to walk from East Grinstead to Eastbourne, which took 2 days. They starting at 9.30am on Saturday at Wych Cross and finished their hike at 5.30pm on Sunday at Beachy Head, a feat they repeat every ten years.

The Ashdown Rambling Club now has almost 200 members, and in the past 50 years has published two books Twenty Five Circular Walks around East Grinstead and East Grinstead Millenium Walks, both of which sold out very quickly.

Members meet every Wednesday and every Sunday, with all-day walks and afternoon walks to suit all tastes and abilities.

Their founder, Sybil Martin, is described by club secretary Francoise Inman as “a great lady, with compassion for humanity and all charitable groups” and to date the club she started has collected well over £12,000, which has been distributed over the years to two charities chosen at the club’s AGM.

Club members celebrated Sybil and their fifty years of walking at a slide show and barn dance held at the Meridian Hall in September.

For further details of their activities see the website at: www.ashdownramblers.org.uk, or ring Francoise on 01342 313296

Subscription is only £5 a year and a “well-deserved cup of tea and cakes” are supplied after each walk, promises Francoise.

New members are always welcome.

Founder Sybil Martin striding out across the Ashdown Forest, and (centre) with a group of Club members in 1982.