Are you between your late 30s and early 50s? Do you enjoy walking in the country? Are you looking for a new group of people to walk and socialise with? Join the Chilterns Weekend Walkers!

Who are the Chilterns Weekend Walkers?
After a great deal of consideration, the committee of the Chilterns 20-30s group in early 2005 identified the need for a new “40s group” for walkers between their late 30s and early 50s. Having gained the support of the Buckinghamshire and West Middlesex Area committee, the group organised its first walk from Hughenden Manor on Sunday 15th May 2005 and has run a gradually increasing number of walks since then. After being known informally as the 40s group, the group decided to adopt the name Chilterns Weekend Walkers at a meeting in January.

Why do we need a 40s group?
In common with most clubs and societies for a specific age group, the Chilterns 20-30s group has seen its average age gradually grow over the years, to the extent that about 20% of the current membership of the group is in fact now over 40 years of age. This state of affairs makes it difficult for the 20-30s group to achieve its aim of attracting younger members in their 20s and thus ensuring its own long-term survival. As well as reducing the average age of the 20-30s group, the new group will attract new people to the Ramblers Association, thus increasing its total membership.

Why don’t members in their 40s join the network of already established Ramblers groups?
Everyone is of course welcome to participate in the activities of the existing Ramblers groups, especially if they enjoy more challenging walks than those offered by the 20-30s group. However, our members who are in their 40s feel that there is a big difference between the ethos between the 20-30s group and existing Ramblers groups, which lack the strong social scene of the 20-30s group.

What will the Chilterns Weekend Walkers do?
To a large extent, the same things as the 20-30s group do: day walks of various lengths, weekend trips and socials. Like the 20-30s group, the Weekend Walkers will be as much as social group as it is a walking group. Since many members of the Weekend Walkers will be former members of the 20-30s group, the two groups are likely to maintain strong links. However, once set up, the group will be totally free to take its own direction and establish its own identity.

What is the current situation?
The group is still officially in its trial period while we establish how much demand there is for a 40s group and set up the organisation of the group. Once we are confident that the group is viable, we will ask the Area committee for permission to officially set up a new group. In the meantime, anyone interested in being part of the group is welcome to join the group’s e-mail list and will be kept up to date with information about group events.

I want to know more…
If you have any questions about the group or would like to join the group’s mailing list, send an e-mail to chilternsweekendwalkers@chilterns2030s.co.uk.