This in from Michael, in his own words. Ed
This January David Howarth has stepped down as Area Chairman of the Isle of Wight Ramblers. Over the six years in this role David has covered a tremendous amount of ground and successfully implemented several novel initiatives.
Raising over £70,000
He has raised a total funding of over £70,000 for projects he has directly managed to improve access along four stretches of Isle of Wight footpaths.
This has created three five mile accessible trails and included the publishing of three walks leaflets and particular emphasis has been given to disability rambling.
The funding has also been obtained to improve a number of strategic footpaths and steps to the beach at Compton.
Brainchild of ‘Donate a Gate’
David initiated the Isle of Wight Donate a Gate scheme, and over five years this scheme has raised £49,000 worth of donations to replace 108 stiles with gates across the Island.
Gift aid on donations has provided a total of £8,000 additional funds for Isle of Wight Ramblers charitable aims.
Boosting the Ramblers’ profile
The profile of the Isle of Wight Ramblers has been significantly raised by David’s relentless networking activity with both local politicians and a range of Island organisations.
He has ensured that every month Ramblers activities have featured in the local press, that walking issues are a regular feature on local Radio and that our renowned full colour WalkTalk newsletter is digitally circulated to influential people around the Island. The Isle of Wight MP has attended three Ramblers events recently.
This networking and publicity has made a vital contribution to campaigns to have the Isle of Wight included as part of the English Coastal path, and to have three stretches of path reinstated in Bembridge and Totland.
Rambles by Bus
David is working with the Southern Vectis Bus Company to devise and publish twelve Rambles by Bus leaflets for linear and circular walks covering local interest and historical topics. This spring’s tenth leaflet illustrates the story of the Islands real life War Horse. In the future these walks will form the basis of a book, sales of which will raise funds for the Ramblers.
David has kept abreast of new technology establishing a comprehensive Isle of Wight Ramblers website and setting up an Isle of Wight Walking Facebook group which has so far attracted 230 members.
Successfully recognised
Importantly he has ensured that the Isle of Wight Ramblers have been recognised for their successes through Isle of Wight Community Action Awards in 2010, four National Ramblers Awards in 2013 and the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2011.
David plans to continue making a significant contribution to the Ramblers through his publicity, countryside and administrative activities.
Cast your vote
You have until 11th March to vote for David Howarth by going heading over to the Ramblers Website
