Early Years (1923-1939)
The Nottingham Holiday Fellowship Rambling Club was founded on February 26th, 1923, at a meeting in the Friends’ Schoolroom, Friar Lane. With an initial membership fee of 12.5p, the club quickly grew, reducing the fee to 5p to encourage participation.
Early members, primarily in their 20s and 30s, often embarked on 16-20 mile rambles, concluding with a “full tea” for 7.5p. Departures as early as 6 AM and winter walks illuminated by moonlight or torchlight were not uncommon.
By 1927, the club expanded its activities beyond walking, organizing social events like monthly dances at the Palais. Regular Club Nights were established in 1935.
The club’s popularity peaked in 1931 with 276 members, settling around 160 by the late 1930s. A significant milestone was the construction of a wooden bungalow near High Peak Junction in 1931, which remained a popular retreat for over 70 years.
The War Years and Post-War Revival (1940-1959)
The club’s activities were curtailed during World War II, but dedicated members, particularly women and older individuals, maintained a limited program of walks. After the war, the club was revitalized by returning servicemen.
The 1950s saw a resurgence in popularity, with the ramblers’ train and club coaches becoming essential for accessing Derbyshire’s scenic landscapes. Week-end trips to the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Wales, and the Peak District became highly sought-after. The iconic February weekend in Hope, featuring winter walks on Kinder Scout, was particularly popular.
Club Nights were a highlight, featuring member-led entertainment, including annual pantomimes. The Boxing Day ramble, often followed by a meal and country dancing, was a cherished tradition.
The Changing Landscape (1960-1979)
The 1960s marked a shift towards private car usage, gradually replacing public transport and club coaches. While the club continued to organize coach trips for longer distances, the emphasis shifted to shorter, more frequent walks.
The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1973 with a dinner attended by the Lord Mayor of Nottingham. Members also retraced the steps of their first-ever ramble.
Significant challenges arose in the late 1960s due to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, which disrupted rambling activities for several months.
A New Era (1980-2012)
The 1980s witnessed a surge in membership, reaching close to 500. The club’s activities expanded to include longer-distance challenges like the Coast to Coast and the Cumbrian Way.
The club’s 75th anniversary in 1998 was marked by an invitation from the Lord Mayor of Nottingham to the Council House.
The early 2000s brought challenges, including the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak of 2001 and the eventual disposal of the beloved bungalow.
The Modern Era
Despite these setbacks, the club continues to thrive, offering a diverse range of activities to suit its members’ interests:
- Fortnightly Sunday coach rambles
- Fortnightly Wednesday car rambles
- Long weekend coach holidays in the spring
- Car or coach-based 5-day holidays in the autumn
- Various social outings
The club’s commitment to providing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts has ensured its enduring legacy.