I have read with dismay yesterday's article on the scrapping of The Saddleworth Beer Walk (article in Manchester Evening news). For those who are unaware of this event from outside the area, it has been held for 38 years, a carnival of hundreds and hundreds of people in fancy dress walking 10 or so miles through the villages and hills of Saddleworth, raising thousands of pounds for local and national charities. In 2011 the event was more popular than ever and raised approximately £45,000 for local charities alone. Information gained also says approximately £90,000 was raised for national charities.

What has changed

The bill for policing and marshalling has now been passed to the event organisers and have been told they would need to pay £58,000 for this.Yes there is alcohol involved but having witnessed and taken part in many it is amazing the small percentage of trouble compared to many other 'traditional' events in the borough.

Sums Don't add Up

After this year's event on 18th June where at least 2400 took part (a record that gets broken year on year) someone took the time to gain policing costs under the Freedom of Information Act. The result and reply from the Police? Just £4,800. (Copy Here) I may be misreading this or very disillusioned as to costs for clean up as charged by the council? I am aware of inflation from the police but that does not account for the missing £53,000. If that is the cost of marshalling and clean up then what about Yorkshire street every Saturday/Sunday or the carnival at Alexandra Park? Baffling.

Has It Been Discussed Or Using Costs as An Excuse?

There must be a way of keeping this tradition that brings in tourists and partakers from all around? It is part of a long and established Whit Weekend Tradition. It is noted that the council/police tried to cancel the Band Contest a couple years ago yes? If it was trouble caused why not just say so and scrap all events with alcohol and take Boundary park out of the town? I am sorry to say that this all looks a feeble attempt at scrapping a local tradition that may be a niggle in someone's side. If times are hard why take away the little fun too? Shameful.

Instead of just thinking I wish to ask if the following has been considered?

Shortening the route to avoid closing more roads?

Using more local volunteers?

Do the pubs on the route help with costs from lots of income on the day?

Raising the entry fee considerably? I know it is worth more.

Raise profile more and show how Oldham/saddleworth can host a great event. Thus raise advertising better?

Thanks for listening, I know I am not the only one thinking on this emotive issue.Please show us how the costs add up and at least listen.

Regards

Paul, Saddleworthian

Hi there,

In previous TweetupAndHikes we have ventured to the Lake District, camped, climbed a mountain, BBQd, drank and socialised. Been great fun with great friends and new friends made in real life.

Next, slightly different and different season. The gorgeous Northumberland (Rothbury) is the venue, Bed and Breakfast is the accommodation, a good hike over hills. And still the fun of friends, new friends and social fun in the outdoors followed by indoor liquid socialising :D

Ok:

Date: Saturday 3 December 2011

Accommodation: 5 Star B&B in the gorgeous town of Rothbury to keep group together... so let me know if you are joining in and will organise a great rate. Fri/Sat

ALSO: Those staying for the evenings will receive free hiking hat and gloves courtesy of Merrel

Timetable: Saturday. Off out the door after a Northumberland breakfast and up onto the hills taking in forest trails, hilltops (nothing major), wide open National Park and views upon views. No rush, slowest persons pace (about 6/7 miles)

Taking Part:  The following have confirmed attendance. Fancy joining in? :D

@paul_steele

@cindyvriend

@Linhopehouse

@SEMComms

@Coliboo

@wadds

@Animal_watch

Thanks so much for the lovely feedback over the last year to original 'What A Beautiful World You Live In'

A purely social, seeing, sharing and fun thing to do. So many great people from all over the world getting involved.

Lately I am getting asked if we can do another. So, why not? :)

To take part is quite simple..  Send your favourite Photo YOU have taken from where YOU live, to baldhiker@gmail.com

Please give the following details in the email:

Twitter Username

Place, Country

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Let's see what we get and have some fun.. Oh and if you are a singer or up for a bit of karaoke in it please also let me know of course :D

Thanks

Paul

@paul_steele

Hi, Those that follow me on Twitter know that I tweet and hike/climb whilst sending out twitpics of the sights I see around me.  I see lots of feedback and pics sent regarding your very own spots out in the countryside where you sit and watch the world go by in peace and splendour.

So, if you wish I want to show off your fave spots and photos in a slideshow so more can see what you can see.

If you have a great photo of your favourite UK country view and want to share please send it to baldhiker@gmail.com. In the mail please include a short name for the spot and your twitter handle.

Credit by twitter name and place will be shown on each pic.

Thank you, lets see your Beauty of Britain.

@paul_steele

baldhiker.com

Hello Everyone,

It was great last year to venture out of the hills and head darn sarf to the Capital and meet some really great people I had only ever spoke to in 140 characters on a screen.

I am heading that way again soon and the lovely Ann Tran from the other side of the pond will be in town too :)  It would be lovely to have a casual social get together with some friends old and new and get merry.

Let me know if you want to come along (List of attendees below):

Date: 3 Apr

Time: 4 ish onwards

Location: Founders Arms - Next to tate Modern overlooking Thames

<br /><small>View Larger Map</small>

Attendees so far:

@paul_steele

@AnnTran_

@CRUKWalton

@AboutLondon

@HotelPRGuy

@axpet

@inthecompanyof

@beckalfc

@Surreyblonde

@kazthomas

@HeinKuenen

@sianparry

@SelenaChanLive

Hello there,

As in last couple of years I will organise a Tweetup and Climb for summer 2011.

Always a fantastic way to get together in a totally different scenario than a bar etc and maybe see/do something totally different for you.

The last 2 years have centred on the English Lake District with some fantastic people coming along to do Helvellyn (some pics)

So, I thought it would be great to get together in a different place and another great mountain that I like to wander up.

So,  Scotland this time and the mountain? .. Ben Nevis. The highest mountain in Britain.

Do not worry if new to this. To accommodate all it will be done very VERY leisurely, taking as long as everyone needs to do it.

Also of course taking the very easiest route up. Point is to enjoy and socialise not kill each other :)

The dates will be 1st weekend in June.  Climbing up on the Saturday

Camping and get together in the evening.

I will have some support on the ground helping to get a BBQ ready for our hungry stomachs on return to base.

If you are interested please let me know. Then I can work out costs, food, drink etc..   thank you @paul_steele

Confirmed so far:

@paul_steele

@ClaireHammond

@elaine0007

@CRUKWalton

@Scublakhan

@mollyuk123