Event Leaders

We always welcome suggestions for future events and encourage new event leaders.  So, if you are a new event leader, or someone who hasn’t led an event for a long time, here are a few things to think about if you want to put an event on the programme.

Preparation

·         If this is your first time leading a walk you might want to choose a location you are familiar with, one you like or one you want to explore.

·         Think about when you want to put it on the programme (the programme comes out three times per year). This might be determined by your availability but also by the weather or ground conditions, or, local festivals or events which you might want to link to or avoid!  Obviously, the British weather can always surprise us but some events are more suited to certain times of the year.

·         It is a good idea to walk or cycle the route beforehand so you are familiar with it and any hazards, refreshment stops, parking and rendez-vous arrangements etc.  These are the things members will need to know about beforehand and will keep things running smoothly on the day.

·         Consider if there is anyone the event might not suitable for eg ability level, families with small children, people with dogs, and what size of group you would be comfortable with.

·         Doing the route beforehand will also help you get an idea of how long it might take (but this will ultimately be determined by the number of people and the conditions on the day).

·         If you are unsure about the suitability of your walk or event talk to the programme secretary or any member of the committee who will be happy to advise.

Promoting your event

The programme usually includes the following brief details:-

DATE, TYPE OF EVENT (eg walk, bike ride etc) & GRADE (walks are classified as short if up to 8 miles, medium for 8-13 miles and long if over 14 miles.  A ‘+ ‘ symbol  will indicate rough terrain or scrambling etc ), LOCATION (ie general area or start point) and LEADER’S NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS.

Prior to the event the Leader will normally send out an email via the ECOG email address (ecogemail@googlegroups.com) with further information.  This should include:

·         Start time and details of the meeting point with information about parking and other joining arrangements, if appropriate

·         Brief description of the route and length

·         Details of any potential hazards that you are aware of eg crossing fields of cows, fences etc that participants might need to be aware of if they have dogs or children etc.  And, any points of interest that they might like to look out for.

·         Details of any planned/optional refreshment stops along the way or at the end, if applicable. 

·         It can be helpful to ask people to notify you if they intend to be there so that you know how many to expect and the group doesn’t set off without them.

·         Don’t forget to include your contact details for the day.

On the day

·         Keep your group together, especially if the visibility and ground conditions are poor.

·         Walk at a pace that accommodates the slowest members. 

·         If you have a bigger group it might be worth asking if someone would be willing to act as back marker.

·         It can be good to engage people in the walk and provide options (short cuts, extensions, breaks etc) if appropriate, but remember it is your walk and you have the final say. 

If you are unsure about the suitability of your walk or event talk to the programme secretary or any member of the committee who will be happy to advise.

 If you are new to event leading and would like an event ‘buddy’ please contact the programme secretary or any member of the committee.