A Virtual Stroll Along the Mickle Trafford-Shotton Railway

Friends of the Chester Millennium Greenway

NEWSLETTER November 2006

Hello everyone. We hope this letter finds you all fit and well?

Annual Meeting Postponed
Cycling Officer Anna Geroni (Cheshire County Council, Backford Hall) has asked that we delay our usual annual 'Friends' meeting to March/April as she has been snowed under with work in other areas of Cheshire.
The good news is she now has an assistant, Chris, who is a local chap. Who knows we could have an extension by then and be celebrating that! I could arrange for a gathering of Friends and invite the two chaps from Sustrans to meet you all but that would have to be financed by money from the 'Friends contributions fund' it is your choice. I am sure Betty will be able to provide the home made food again as last time. I need to know a.s.a. p. to book the hall. Do let me know what you wish. It would be a completely informal affair, without the speeches in other words!!

New Manchester Based Staff
I am sorry it has taken such a long time to give you any details regarding voluntary work etc but the good news is there are 4 Sustrans staff (based in Manchester) now starting to attend to work regarding the Chester- Connah's Quay Greenway.

Paul Thomas email address paul.thomas@sustrans.org.uk Land & Maintenance Manager.

Mike Dagley email address mike.dagley@sustrans.org.uk Ranger / Volunteer Co-ordinator.

Volunteer Work
Mike has a different approach to volunteer work as you have seen if he has already contacted you. Since the work will be somewhat differently organised and managed I have asked for some detail regarding insurance cover for volunteers. I have not as yet heard anything regarding this. Perhaps if you are concerned, since the work is likely to be somewhat more arduous than I would have considered for the 'Friends' Volunteers, you should mention this to Mike? Mike will be supervising though Mark may be present.

Our 'Friends' volunteers will still be welcome to join Mike but as you can see he prefers a lengthy stay on Volunteer days. Our group will still clear litter along the Greenway etc., when time allows along with various small projects.

Long Awaited Extension?
We still have very little news regarding the extension but it appears the surface will continue to be on the Lime Wood Fields path then run down and under the Fairfield Bridge. The bit in between left surface less. I am not sure this is a great idea as it could become a dirt trail and tipping area etc., What do you think? If you have strong views on the subject do contact Peter Foster at Crewe. He is still Area Manager for the N.West. His Tel no. is 01270 211030

Happy Christmas to you all and many happy hours of walking and cycling too!

Best Wishes to you all,

Ralph and Audrey Hodgkinson