Welcome to 2021

Happy new year to all readers.  I started to write this as a fresh blanket of snow settles over South Derbyshire. I’d originally wanted to post as Autumn drew to a close and the last of the golden leaves deposited themselves onto the ground but a busy run up to Christmas and a general shortage of news put paid to that.

Sparse Vegetation

Unfortunately there has not been a lot of action throughout 2020 understandably, though clearly there has been increase in walking and cycling on parts of the network.

Whilst there have not been many activities happening on he actual surface there have been some notable changes just back from the route near Conkers Campsite, with trees taken out to provide more light on some of the ponds.

With the recent falling of snow, cold weather and subsequent ice I decided to use our local NCN routes as over 50% of users do - by foot.  Our local community magazine in Swadlincote featured a walk written by a local walking enthusiast which also related to the history of the area.  The chosen route featured the section of NCN64 around Church Gresley and have a more leisurely opportunity for a route check.

Icy surface but a pleasant walk

We are looking to do update some local signing soon.  Ideally this is the sort of activity that is good to do as a group but during the restrictions due to Covid this will be done individually when weather conditions are suitable.  With the routes currently wet and muddy we'll be looking to do some remedial work when the weather is better and the rules allow a team based approach.  One of the good things about winter is that the sparse vegetation means that the signs are generally more visible.

Before Christmas we saw some sad news in relation to a group featured on the blog - the campaign for Reopening of the Ivanhoe Line
(CRIL) who were featured in this article on the blog.  Sadly the chairman of the organisation Geoff Bushell recently passed away.  Geoff put a lot of work into the project and showed great passion and determination to raise the profile of the group.   

He was always genuinely pleased that people took an interest in the work of CRIL and appreciated any support given.  Thoughts are with Geoff and his family and friends at this sad time.  I hope his immense work can be continued by others in the organisation and sure it will be.

Hope to update more soon - there is plenty to do.