My family originate from Bakewell but I was born in Beeston and lived most of my life in the Mansfield area. 10 years ago we moved (just in) to Lincolnshire. After graduating I began work operating machines at Viyella Mills, Pleasley Vale. A fatal mill accident then changed the direction of my career. I had the unpleasant task of having to tell someone who I had worked alongside that her son had been killed in a machine. What made it worse was that I had occasionally run the same machine a few years earlier.
Why did you join Ramblers? A chance discussion with Nina Ward, the Collingham group walks coordinator at the former Newark Indoor Bowls Centre led to me joining Ramblers. In many ways it seemed a natural progression. On learning of my involvement with the D of E scheme Nina promptly invited me to go on one of the group’s ‘mulled wine and mince pie’ walks. After that things seemed to move on fairly swiftly and I soon found myself leading walks. When the group needed a Secretary/Membership Secretary my wife volunteered knowing I would support her. I took over these roles when GDPR was introduced because of my involvement with the FOI and the Data Protection Acts whilst working for HSE. Recently I have also supported members who have wanted to lead walks for the first time.
How long have you been a member? 8 years.
Where is your favourite walking destination? The Peak District.
If you could walk anywhere in the world, where would you choose? The Canadian Rockies. (I’ve been on the Rocky Mountaineer and would love to go back.)
What is your most memorable walk? Difficult one as there have been so many for different reasons. I’ll plump for Upper Commons in the Peak District. It was drizzling and the rain was evaporating immediately on touching the ground giving a surreal view across the heather covered moor.
What is your most treasured piece of walking kit? A pair of socks I bought from Wakefield’s Army Stores over 40 years ago.
Have you ever got lost on a walk? That depends what you mean by lost. I don’t know of a walker who knows exactly where they are at all times.
Who would be your ideal walking companion(s)? My wife – who else? (But there would have to be no hills, heather or bracken!)
How do you relax? I go for a walk or a game of bowls (indoors or outdoors).
What is your favourite meal? Full English breakfast (but I’m not allowed to have one at home!)
What is your guiltiest pleasure? I’m not admitting to anything in case my wife learns of it!
What music would you like played at your funeral? Jerusalem.
Sum up your personality in three words Approachable; Reliable; Dedicated.
Written by James Mcgill, April 2023