Update from our chairperson regarding Level 5 Covid restrictions for walkers

Here we go again !
I hope all our Rosway members are keeping ok and not too overwhelmed with the recently imposed Level 5 restrictions on all of us.
As a club we are prohibited from organised events at this level and must suspend our walking schedule. Mountaineering Ireland have issued a statement in relation to Level 5 restrictions (see here MI level 5 restrictions). The good news (and we are in need of it) is that they are seeking an amendment to the domestic travel restrictions for hillwalkers, which may offer us some hope. They are also urging people to stay in contact with their clubs and to remind members that they are not alone but part of a wider community.

We can go for walks within a 5 km (about 3 miles in old money) radius of our homes and would encourage everyone to get out in the fresh air and enjoy some reprieve. The benefits of walking have been long proven and we need it now more than ever. The town and surrounding areas are beautiful at the moment with the autumn foliage providing much needed colour in these dark days when we're struggling with all that's being thrown at us.
Just a reminder that the clocks go back an hour this weekend so please keep in mind to wear your hi-vis jacket and perhaps bring a torch as we enter wintertime.
Our annual AGM usually occurs during November but needs to be postponed this year until current restrictions are lifted and we are in a position to do so. I have asked the committee to continue in their respective roles until then.
Membership remains open. People can join by downloading the membership form here or by requesting one from our secretary Kathleen to be posted out. Payment can be made through the bank or posted by cheque preferably to secretary. Bank details are in earlier post on the blog. 
Our calendar of walks has been subject to change as Covid 19 restrictions determine. We can appreciate that this makes planning very difficult and may just have to play it by ear for some time. Scheduled walks that could not take place in 2020 could act as a reserve until we can hold a 2021 calendar event. Perhaps it could be held on the same night as our postponed AGM.
Until we can make more plans stay safe, stay well, stay moving.
Claire Dolphin
Chairperson

Rosway @ Coole Park

Thanks to Liam for sending on these  lovely photos of Roswayers out and about enjoying the beauty of autumn at  Coole Park  yesterday.  Pics 1 to 6 ©L. Roche. Pic 7 ©F. Leahy

Zoom masterclass with Irish mountaineer Clare Sheridan

The next masterclass in Mountaineering Ireland's Female Role Models series will take place on Wednesday 21st October at 7pm via zoom. Irish mountaineer Clare Sheridan will talk about her life in the mountains over the last fifty years. 

It's a free event and open to all but you have to pre- register here CS masterclass eventbrite

Howl at the Moon 2020

A few club members took part in this event last year, which raises money for the Galway MRT. It was a really enjoyable night-great hospitality and very different experience walking at night under a full moon.  There's no actual event this year because of Covid but a virtual Howl at the Moon has been organised. Details on how to take part @ http://howlatthemoon.ie/. All support for this group of dedicated volunteers gratefully received.

Club walk Sunday 18th October 2020

 Sunday 18^th October. 2.5hr – 3hr easy woodland & lakeside walk in Coole Park, Gort.  Boots, long trousers and lunch required. Meet at Coole Park carpark at 10am. For Covid purposes please text name to J. Roche @ 087 9639852 or L. Roche @ 087 2287076 if coming on walk.

Directions – Take M6 Galway motorway –take exit no 18,  signposted  M18 Limerick. From M18, take exit no 16 for Gort.  Take exit R458  signposted Ardrahan, Coole Park. After 1.5km approx  watch for Coole Park signs and  take left turn signposted Coole Park. Continue for 1.8km approx.  to carpark.

Rosway Walkers membership 2020/2021 UPDATED

UPDATE: Regrettably the Rosway Walkers registration night will not now take place on 15th October due to Level 3 Covid restrictions. If you wish, you can still join the club by paying  the membership fee online or in branch and posting or emailing us your membership form (all details below). For the moment, we are still permitted to organise and take part in walks within the county. 

The 2020/21 walking year is coming up and registration is now open. This year because of Covid-19 it is preferable that membership fees are paid by electronic credit transfer to the club account. The fee (€50 which includes membership of Mountaineering Ireland and insurance) can be paid via internet banking, mobile banking, or at a self-service kiosk in a branch.

If you chose to do this, you will need the following information:

Bank: AIB

National Sort Code: 93-70-45

Account Name: Rosway Walkers Club

Account Number: 09440-033

BIC: AIBKIE2D

IBAN: IE19AIBK93704509440033

NB Please ensure that you include your name on the transfer

You will also need to download the membership form (click here Membership form 2021) and return it either by post to the Club Secretary Kathleen Ward, Mackney, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway or by email to dunloherd@gmail.com or to the Club Treasurer Jim Curley at solliden59@gmail.com. Alternatively you can hand it to any committee member before a walk. The membership year commences on November 1st. 

If these options do not suit, a registration night will take place in Gullane's on Thursday October 15th from 8 to 9pm.