Hallowe'en 2004 - Seventy one adults and children attended the Halloween walk and barbecue in Butterton on Sat 30th October, despite the best efforts of the organisers to restrict the numbers to fifty! A spooky time was had by all, as the excursion at dusk round the lanes resulted in the walkers being scared by several witches, who turned out to be friendly and even distributed sweets to the children.

The walkers also appreciated the tolerance of the residents of Butterton for any disruption resulting from the event. The contribution made by those who took a role as a witch or ghost, or prepared the walk, or decorated the hall, or cooked or served the food really helped to make the evening a success. Thanks go from the committee to everyone involved, whether as a walker or a volunteer: the help and support was very much appreciated, and really made this a great way to finish off the 2004 walks.

Moorland Walks with Children Newsletter Nov 2003 by Melanie Hodgkinson

We have now finished our walks programme for 2003. We provide a free packed lunch and the walks do not exceed 5 miles. There is always at least one qualified walk leader on every walk either from the Peak Park Rangers or the Countryside ranger service at Leek.

We have had a very successful year. Not only were the walks really well attended with about 20-25 people on each walk, we also went to some lovely places, some of which even the locals had not seen before.

We have a wide range of walkers some have been coming for the past 4 years and some are new faces. The ages range from small babies to retired people who just want to keep fit and active and to take part in a social occasion.

The last walk of the year was a Halloween night walk at Butterton. After having a buffet tea, 77 walkers made their way across the fields and back lanes of Butterton where Peter Bush (Peak Park Ranger) told spooky stories and little surprises were awaiting them. The children were able to go trick or treating at some of the houses in the village including the public house. (No time for a drink though) then we returned to the village hall for "Witch's Brew"

An extra walk is planned for Christmas (by request) to be held on 27th December 10.30am at Tittesworth Reservoir. Everyone is welcome but please note a packed lunch will not be provided for this walk, so you might like to bring your own refreshments. We meet at the visitor centre at about 10.15am ready to start the walk at 10.30. We are hoping to finish the walk at about 1pm - this will give you chance to do your own thing in the afternoon should you have family commitments. Would anyone who's interested in joining us on this walk or any of the walks planned for next year please contact Melanie Hodgkinson on 01538 304504.

Also planned for January 2004 is a Charity Bingo in the Black Lion pub at Butterton. We will need gifts and donations for bingo and raffle prizes. Anything given and not used as a bingo prize will be auctioned off after the game. This will probably be the last Sunday in January and starts at 8pm. Please contact me if you are interested or have anything to donate.

I am now looking for anyone who might be interested in joining a steering group for next year to share ideas and help me run and develop Morrland Walks With Children.

Melanie Hodgkinson - Tel 01538 304504.

UPDATE - A small group of walkers, including two new to this group, shook off the Christmas inertia on December 27th with a walk round Tittesworth Reservoir. The weather was wet, and they were dubious about setting off, but returned in good spirits.

The monthly Bingo session at the Black Lion Inn in Butterton was devoted to this group, and raised more than £170. Well done and thanks to all concerned. The group relies on volunteer time, and the funds cover expenses such as publicity, postage, packed lunches and equipment to loan to walkers.