Dates for your Diary
| Saturday 1st August 2026 | Earley Town Council Green Fair |
MBRA will be there – so make a note to come and visit our stand for a chat. Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve, Beech Lane, Earley |
| Thursday 27th August 2026 | Summer walk & Lunch |
Paul is organising a walk & lunch at a popular venue. More details soon, meanwhile make a note in your diaries. |
| Monday 19th to Friday 23rd October 2026 | Autumn Holiday |
At Studley Castle Hotel. |
| Monday November 9th 2026 | Mid Berks AGM |
To be held at The Crescent, Warbler Drive, Lower Earley, RG6 4HB, at 7pm for 7.30. Documents will be added before the meeting. |
| Monday 19th to Friday 23rd April 2027 | Spring Holiday |
At Warners Corton Coastal Hotel in Suffolk. |
Summer 2026 Newsletter
MBRA Summer Newsletter 2026
Summer: We had only just welcomed Spring, when Summer arrived hot on its heels with the first heat wave in May and early June, continuing into July. During the week commencing 22nd June, the hottest June day was recorded with temperatures soaring to 37.7°C which felt like 41°C. The Met Office issued a ‘red weather warning’ the most severe alert, which indicates that extremely bad weather is expected which can cause widespread damage, travel and power disruption and a risk to life. The consequences of such a long period of dry weather are being witnessed, not just in the UK but throughout Europe, with increasing numbers of wildfires destroying huge swathes of countryside, wildlife and natural habitats, with tragically a loss of life. Whether this is the sign of things to come, there is no doubt that our climate and seasons are undergoing significant change and we will have to adapt accordingly.
The extreme heat has led to many Ramblers’ groups either cancelling or amending the length of their advertised walks for safety and no doubt we will have to adjust to further weather changes in the future. Perhaps we will have to organise walks much earlier or later in the day. Whatever happens, we will do our best to maintain an enjoyable but safe programme of activities.
Ferry replacing Temple Bridge on Thames Path
Temple Bridge on the Thames Path at Hurley has been closed since 2023. A ferry service has been introduced on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 10a.m. and 4p.m.
For more details see National Trails website
Marsh Lock near Henley closed - Thames Path on diversion for foreseeable future
The Thames Path is currently closed at Marsh lock south of Henley-on-Thames. The closure of the Footbridge is required on safety grounds and has been implemented by the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency are investigating the options for repair and or replacement of the structure and how to fund those works. They will be working in Partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and Wokingham Borough Council.
The diversion is 2.7 miles (4.3km) and could take 1hr 15 minutes to walk. There are regular train and bus services between Henley and Shiplake.
Please do not use the A4155 as there is no footway and it is a very fast road.
For more details see National Trails website
Your Membership, Distribution, Walks, App and email
Ramblers membership is all managed via Head Office so if your details change, like your address or whether you want this newsletter by email please let HO know by phone: 0203 961 3300 or via their website. The national website also has 'Walks Finder' a compilation of all Ramblers walks and dates across the country. You can sort by various parameters to get just the walk you want, wherever in the country you want. The Ramblers has an App for a smart phone and this gives lots of information, plus access to your membership details and access to Walks Finder.
Communicating with you legally
At our recent AGM the Membership Secretary was approached by several members to enquire why they hadn't received any email communication from our group regarding Newsletter/Walking programme or updates and last-minute changes etc.