Sad News from the Cardiff Office of the Ramblers

Dear Friends

You may well have heard that there are lots of changes for Ramblers Cymru staff. Many of you have heard as we have had kind, supportive and much appreciated messages.

Today colleagues Anwen Parker (Promoting Walking Officer), Celia Wyn Parri (Administrator)and myself are leaving Ramblers having accepted redundancy following the loss of their posts. James Norman (Administration and Information Assistant) will be leaving shortly for the same reason. Ramblers Cymru has seen wonderful service, creativity, commitment and friendship from these colleagues. A big thank you does not do justice to such people but nevertheless it is offered. The future of Rob Hanna (Projects and Funding Officer) is not yet clear - but whatever happens the same can be said for Rob.

The brighter news is that Ramblers Cymru has two permanent posts remaining, these are a senior Development and Promotion Officer - yet to be filled, the Rights of Way Officer post and Mike Mills continues in this role plus 3 fixed term posts. Angela Charlton as Community Walking Officer until December, Julie Hannam as Communities on Foot Officer until March 2010, and and a new Fundraiser post shared with Scotland. These posts will together enable Ramblers Cymru to build and re-grow but the organisation will be different with for example the present office closing in the coming months.. Whilst the office may close or more likely will move, the phones and email will be covered and we will be able to route any queries through to people who can help you. So please do keep your volunteer work for Ramblers Cymru going.

I appreciate that for those who have not heard this news it will be a shock. The redundancies arise because Ramblers funding became very tight very quickly.

Volunteers across Wales and GB wide have been fundamental to the organisation's success working with staff. I recognise that over many years volunteers have helped to build the Ramblers Cymru "partnership" to a position of influence and respect. The set back of losing such experienced and knowledgeable colleagues is really significant but Ramblers Cymru will grow again and the funding prospects look really encouraging. Thanks too to Welsh Council Executive Committee which has been involved in these changes and very active in support of staff and post.

A big thank you to you as volunteers and hope to see you out walking.

Regards to you all.

Dymuniadau Gorau/Best wishes
Beverley Penney

Cyfarwyddwraig/Director

Y Cerddwyr/Ramblers Cymru
3 Iard y Cowper/3 Cooper's Yard
Ffordd Curran/Curran Road
CAERDYDD/CARDIFF
CF10 5NB
Ffon/Tel: 029 2064 6894
Swyddfa/ Office:029 2064 4308
Ffacs/Fax: 029 2064 5187


Celia Wyn Parri
Gweinyddwraig/Administrator
Y Cerddwyr/Ramblers Cymru
3 Iard y Cowper/3 Cooper's Yard
Ffordd Curran/Curran Road
CAERDYDD/CARDIFF
CF10 5NB

Ffon/Tel: 029 2064 4308
Ffax/Fax: 029 2064 5187
www.ramblers.org.uk/wales