The late Shirley Cameron formed this group of lady trampers in 1977. How it all started is best told in Shirley’s own words.

‘For four years I had been a member of the Whangarei Tramping Club, but was unable to go out often enough with them on Sundays, which was their tramping day. I realised that without tramping more often I would not reach a suitable standard of fitness to tramp further afield, e.g. National Parks, which was my aim.

Thinking there must be other women of similar age to myself interested in joining a group for week day tramping. I toyed with the idea of putting an advertisement in the local paper for a long time. Finally, with prompting from my sister and my daughter I put an advertisement in the Northern Advocate on Saturday 3^rd and Wednesday 7^th September 1977. Not knowing what the response would be, I was soon to learn there were many interested.

I held a meeting at my house on Wednesday 14^th September to explain the purpose of forming this group and discuss tramping equipment, clothing and footwear. 17 were present and all were keen to begin tramping, so the following Monday was decided on for our first walk.

Afternoon tea was served and all returned home to prepare for the first tramp in the bush. I had intended leading two tramps a week of only two hours duration to condition leg muscles. However not all could go twice so once a week on Mondays was agreed upon.’

The first tramp was into the bush of the Western Hills, taking 2¼ hours. Things grew from there to all day tramps with Shirley’s original group growing to eventually divide into three groups. Many other weekly tramping groups in Whangarei were started by someone from one of Shirley’s groups.

Tramps are still on Mondays with a waiting list of people who want to join. Many in the present group have been together for over 15 years.

For quite some time some members have gone further afield tramping and have covered most of the well known tracks and many not so well known. As we like to hear about the tramping experiences of others, we thought you might like to read about ours.

Please send me your comments.

Margaret

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