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WEE BINNIAN WALKERS MEMBERSHIP
INFORMATION Welcome to the Wee Binnian Walkers, often called `the social club that walks’. The aim of the club is the promotion
of hill walking and the development of its social potential. As a member of
the club you can participate in:
Trips organized by the Club are
advertised in the Newsletter and spaces are available on a first come first
served basis. They are open to all paid up members and are sold as a package.
They are all dependent on and organized with voluntary effort. Trip dossiers
with joining instructions and what to bring requirements will be circulated
prior to each event. The Wee Binnian Newsletter is available on our website to all members normally on the
Thursday or Friday prior to the Sunday walk. The onus is on you, the member,
to view the Newsletter online for future upcoming events. It is advise to look up the newsletter a few times as it is
updated regularly. The Wee Binnian Web-site www.weebinnians.com is also a good source of information
about the club, its policies and events As a member, the onus is on you to
take responsibility for your own safety on the hills The club recommends that you: MUST HAVE: - Walking
Boots-Raincoat and waterproof leggings’- Adequate clothing (layers are the best
option) - Hat-Gloves - Packed lunch and at least 1 litre water (The Leader can refuse to allow you
on the walk if you don’t have the basics) SHOULD HAVE: - Torch- Extra Batteries- Whistle- Bivvy Bag- Basic First Aid (at least plasters
and bandages) COULD HAVE: - Sheet No. 36 Cooleys OSI and 1:25,000 or
1:50,000 for the Mournes - Compass GOOD IDEAS - Carry some
emergency rations - Have a change of clothes in the car Check the weather forecast for
the Mourne Mountains or the Choosing the Most Suitable Walk For You When walking with the Wee Binnians for the first time you are asked to walk in the Grade C walk. This will
give you the opportunity to access the pace, height and length of walk
against your level of fitness and preference. Each grade
is open to all members, subject to fitness level, but irrespective of age or
gender. The Grade classification guides the route for each walk and if in
doubt check with the walk leader. Each grade is available on each walk.
Training and Development of Leaders The club’s policy is to promote the
development of leaders and is renowned for its commitment to safety and
emphasis on leader training. All leaders are fully trained to recognised standards and have a current Rescue Emergency
Care (first-aid) certificate. The club runs regular renewal courses for
leaders in micro navigation, night navigation and first-aid. The club
also runs its own Basic Navigation courses which are open to all
members. Those with an interest in becoming leaders are encouraged and
sponsored to do so, through the internationally recognised
‘Walking Group Leader Award’ and ‘Mountain Leader Award’. Leader’s Role On the subject of leaders, members
are reminded that leaders are volunteers who pay the same membership fee and
who give of their expertise and time for the benefit, enjoyment and safety of
all in the club. Leaders take this role seriously and members are encouraged to discuss
with the leader, any concerns they have which effect their enjoyment of the
walk. Walkers too, have a responsibility to look after themselves,
especially as they gain experience. Walkers are asked to cooperate with
the leaders and to accept their advice and instruction during walks. Support Your
Leaders. Please adhere to the `Leave No Trace’
principles Leave No Trace principles were first
established in the
‘Leave No Trace’ will replace
the ‘Country Code’ and offer a broader set of values to cover all aspects of
outdoor activities. Please consider these issues, not only on club walks and
outings, but in all your outdoor usage. But in the meantime remember – Leave
No Trace. Share Lifts Where You Can Parking: Very limited parking is
available in most mountain car parks. The Club asks that all members share
lifts and pool cars? Members are asked to meet in Bridge
Street Car Park in Newry and pool cars from
there. Alternatively, you could arrange to meet in Donard Car Park in Behind the Scenes Wee Binnians Committee: Elections are held at the AGM in March for a committee to manage
the club. The committee supports membership, represents leaders,
organizes leadership training, walks, trips away and the festival, manages
communication through the web-pages and newsletter and ensures that
membership fees and sponsorship are well-spent. All this requires
an active, enthusiastic and skilled team of members making up the
committee. AGM: The AGM is usually held early in March each year after the Sunday
walk. It takes about an hour and all members are encouraged to attend. Wee Binnians Policies: The constitution of the club is available in full on the website. Some
main points include: The business of the club is conducted
by a committee of 12 paid-up members elected annually at the AGM. The
committee will include a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Asst.
Secretary, Treasure, Asst. Treasurer and Membership Secretary. Members willing to serve on the
committee will submit a nomination form to the secretary prior to the AGM.
Twenty five paid up members will constitute a quorum at the AGM. The Wee Binnians actively promotes non-political, non-sectarian and non-discriminatory behaviour and any breaches of
this will be considered as serious and will be dealt with as such by the
committee according to the grievance procedures of the club. Similarly anyone
who is involved in anti-social behaviour or who
brings the club into disrepute may be censured, suspended, or have their
membership rescinded by the committee. Any member wishing to bring any issue
to the attention of the committee may raise it informally with a member of
the committee. Or if they choose submit it in writing to the secretary who
will have it tabled at the next scheduled meeting. In this case the decision
of the committee will be notified back to the member in writing. Click Here for the Full Constitution.
Fundraising
Policy Members may use the newsletter to
promote appropriate fund raising activities. Fundraising will be limited to
individual sponsorship. General soliciting of funds is not deemed acceptable. Charitable
Giving The club has agreed to make a small
donation to a charity once a year as funds allow and as the AGM agrees. Member Initiatives In addition to the Club activities
arranged by the Committee, Wee Binnian Members organize Social Events; away weekends
to other walking destinations, skiing trips, fundraising social events for
charity and sponsored walks. These, however, are not club events, not covered
by club insurance and are subject to the Club policy on fundraising. However
they are a very important aspect of the social potential of the club and much
supported and enjoyed. Membership To become a Wee Binnian member, you must be over 16 years, have a level of fitness suitable to
the demands of the sport and who accept the aims and objectives of the club. All new and current members complete
an application form each March and pay the annual fee. Membership
fees are currently as follows: Full £20 or €25 Unwaged £12 or €15 Student £6 or €10 In addition walkers from other clubs and
potential new members and friends are welcome to come out provided they are
properly equipped and pay £4.00 or €5.00 per person to the leader of their
walk. In the interests of safety, farming welfare and the enjoyment of
members, no dogs are allowed on any club outing. The closing date for the membership
fee is the 30th April. This will be enforced and membership will be deemed to have
lapsed if the fee is not paid by 1st May. From May onwards non paid-up members
will be charged the casual walker fee. For further
information, please contact:
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