[q] About the committee
The committee, in their own words:
General Secretary and Treasurer: Ann Page
What does this role involve?
I organise and take minutes at meetings of the committee and at the AGM. I'm also the committee member who attends the Executive Committee of the West Riding Area of the Ramblers and maintains our other links with the "centre" of the organisation. As treasurer, I look after the group bank account and handle payments for socials etc.
Why did you stand for election to the committee?
I was previously group social secretary and took that on because I like seeing people on walks and socials having a good time and feeling that I'm part of how that happens. I like what I'm doing now as it's a bit less hectic than socials (sorry Graham!) and it's allowed me to get more involved with the Ramblers as a regional/national organisation.
How long have you been in Take a Hike?
Since early 2005.
What do you do the rest of the time?
In my working life I'm a pharmacist and I work as a lecturer at Bradford University. I like music, and I sing with Leeds Festival Chorus. Having deliberately remained single and childless I now find myself in the ideal position to take advantage of the many social opportunities afforded by Take a Hike!
Favourite part of Take a Hike membership?
Walks, obviously, plus I also enjoy the many opportunities to drink too much cider. Both of these have led to injuries...
Membership Secretary: Emma Ruane
What does this role involve?
I act as a point of contact for new people who have questions about joining the group. Ramblers Central send me regular membership updates, so I have everyone's personal details and make sure that they're kept nice and safe according to the Data Protection Act.
I also deal with complaints about TaH members, which are mercifully few! I investigate what has happened fairly, impartially and confidentially and then make recommendations to the committee. This could include someone making an apology, changing the way we do something or barring a member from certain types of event (or, in serious cases, the group).
Why did you stand for election to the committee?
Professionally, I work with voluntary groups, make information accessible and deal with complaints - I obviously fancied a busman's holiday. With two kids, I don't get chance to get out with the group as much as I'd like to but I like knowing it's running smoothly.
How long have you been in Take a Hike?
As membership secretary I should really know this, shouldn't I? Er... (frantic checking of records)... since August 2004.
What do you do the rest of the time?
I read like a Guardian soul mates ad! Busy working mother, likes Radio 4, red wine, real ale, gardening, hill-walking, deserted beaches, reads New Scientist, would like to meet lots of lovely walkers for friendship and maybe long trips to Scottish hunting lodges.
Favourite part of Take a Hike membership?
The flexibility, how welcoming people are, the friends I've made, meeting my partner... what's not to like?
Walks Secretary: Neil Chester
What does this role involve?
Managing the walks diary, advising new walk leaders as to club procedures and trying to encourage more members to start leading walks for the group.
Why did you stand for election to the committee?
I wanted to be involved in the running of the club and thought that my skills as a walk leader and a social organiser could be used to encourage others to do their own activities for the benefit of the group.
How long have you been in Take a Hike?
Since May 2003.
What do you do the rest of the time?
I work in a government agency. I also get out to the countryside on my bikes when I'm not tinkering with them in the back of the garage. I also enjoy going to the theatre to see plays and musicals. I also have been known to organise the odd group holiday in Northern and Southern Ireland as well as Switzerland.
Favourite part of Take a Hike membership?
Walking and meeting new people.
Social Secretary: Graham Morris
What does this role involve?
I'm lucky to have the best job on the committee. My main responsibilities are: co-ordinating all the social events, keeping the Social Diary up to date and organising the Summer Bash and Christmas Party. Obviously I TRY to go along to as many of the events as I can to check that everyone's having a good time, so really it's more fun than work!
Why did you stand for election to the committee?
I had organised quiet a few TAH social events during previous years and had really enjoyed doing it. As Social Sec I encourage other members to organise events and give them advice if they need it.
How long have you been in Take a Hike?
Since May 2005.
What do you do the rest of the time?
My other hobbies include offshore sailing, mountain biking and playing guitar in a local rock band. In my working life I'm a project engineer for Kodak in Leeds
Favourite part of Take a Hike membership?
Making new friends and enjoying the great outdoors.
Webmaster: Simon Bowen
What does this role involve?
Anything to do with www.takeahike.org.uk basically. I built the current website based on a design by our previous webmaster Dave (hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it). The role then involves maintaining the website and @takeahike.org.uk email addresses, keeping the content up to date and adding new features as the group develops (so far news 'blogs, a more advanced message board and database-driven walks and socials pages).
Why did you stand for election to the committee?
I've made many good friends through the group (not least my lovely wife) and increased my love of the outdoors via some fantastic walks (and cycles and the odd scramble). I used to work in the web industry so it's great to be able to "give something back".
How long have you been in Take a Hike?
Since the dawn of time... err April 2003.
What do you do the rest of the time?
I'm a researcher nearing the end of a PhD in Design at Sheffield Hallam University. When my head isn't buried in books I'm often out with my camera, travelling or planning my next meal.
Favourite part of Take a Hike membership?
The craic.
