A KEEN walker has penned the history of one of Darlington’s oldest rambling clubs to commemorate its 75th anniversary.

As part of the Darlington CHA and HF Rambling Club’s threequarter of a century celebrations, retired architect Bill Golightly has painstakingly researched and written a 168- page book called 75 Years on and Still Walking.

On June 18, members will recreate the inaugural walk from Darlington to Richmond, stopping for sandwiches and tea at the same pub that the founding group visited in 1936.

A celebration dinner will be held at Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth, on October 28, with international rambler David Edwards as guest speaker.

join the two events.

There will be a week-long display of walking memorabilia through the ages in the window of Northern Rock bank, Darlington, to commemorate the anniversary on October 29.

Formed as a walking and social club, it has endured trials and tribulations, but managed to keep going throughout the Second World War.

Despite a general decline in rambling, it still has about 90 members and organises walks every Saturday and Sunday.

The colour book, which will be available to members, contains photographs, copies of old documents such as posters, and timetables and original handdrawn maps.

Mr Golightly, 73, began the task in 2008, researching at County Durham Archives and Darlington Library, as well as corresponding with former members and their relatives for anecdotes.

The book chronicles changes over the years, with photographs from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s showing ramblers wearing hobnail boots and ordinary raincoats rather than specialist gear.

Mr Golightly said: “I have really enjoyed doing this. It has kept me busy. I have written to 60 past members about the walk and the dinner, and I hope some will be able to join us.”

Mr Golightly can be contacted on 01325-333118 or by email on admin@darlingtonchahf.com. He is also seeking memorabilia to borrow for the display.