THE ORIGINS OF THE CLUB
The Club was the first of its kind to be formed in New Zealand and arose
from the view that there was a need in the community for a leisurely style
of tramping for the mature person.
In December 1977, Valda and
Bruce Hodges inserted an advertisement in the Christchurch suburban
newspapers. Forty replies were received, and from this enthusiastic group
of people, the Over Forties Tramping Club was formed. The inaugural
meeting was held on 15 March 1978, at which the Club’s constitution was
presented and adopted, and officers and a committee were elected.
The Club currently has about
450 members and a wide variety of tramps are undertaken ranging from leisurely
to very challenging. Tramping with the club has proved to be a great way
to meet people of a similar age group with a common interest in the environment.
AFFILIATION TO THE FEDERATED MOUNTAIN CLUBS OF NEW ZEALAND INCORPORATED
The FMC supports the Club’s activities and members’ enjoyment
of the mountains and countryside.
It promotes and encourages better
knowledge of the environment and the acquisition of skills and safety
techniques. The FMC protects members’ rights of access to public
lands and promotes the sound management of recreation in the natural lands
and waters of New Zealand, acting when necessary to protect and maintain
the quality of the environment.
Members also receive the FMC
quarterly magazine.
With a club the size of ours,
and engaged in what can be challenging situations, it’s important
to have clear guidelines as to what is expected from members. The following
rules were drawn up, with safety being the main focus, but also as a general
guide to tramping etiquette.
CLUB RULES
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All prospective members are to be directed to the Membership Officer.
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All intending applicants for membership shall advise the Membership
Officer in writing of any relevant health disability.
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Prospective members must complete two qualifying day tramps and one
overnight backpacking trip to the leaders’ satisfaction.
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All members must be financial.
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Any subscription more than three months overdue will result in loss
of membership.
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Any member resigning must do so in writing and outstanding monies must
be paid in full before the resignation is accepted.
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Members are responsible for being properly equipped and prepared.
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Members must respect club equipment and private property.
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Members undertake to comply with leaders' requests at all times and
should assist leaders in every way.
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Leaders have the responsibility and right to refuse anybody they consider
for any reason may not be able to cope with the conditions.
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Leaders will brief their party on trip conditions.
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Decisions must be made in the interests of the party as a whole with
safety being paramount.
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Permission must be obtained from landowners or authorities.
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a) Before embarking on backpacking trips, leaders must lodge a Help
Form with the Backpacking Co-ordinator (or designated Club substitute),
who will inform the Club Captain (or designated Committee member) of trip
details prior to departure.b) Before embarking on overnight trips for prospective members, leaders
must lodge Help Forms with the Overnight Trip Co-ordinator (or designated
Club substitute), who will inform the Club Captain (or designated Committee
member) of trip details prior to departure.
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On backpacking trips locator beacons should be carried and on trips
of more than three days a mountain radio should be carried as well.
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Huts or accommodation must be left in a clean and tidy condition.
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Fires must be extinguished.
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It is anticipated that members will conduct themselves in a proper
and courteous manner to enhance the image of the Club.
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Leaders on day trips are encouraged to carry suitable communications
devices such as cell phones or locator beacons.
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ORGANISATION
OF THE CLUB
Meetings
Ordinary meetings are
held on a regular basis commencing February. See
Meetings. Meetings
normally begin at 7.30 p.m. with reporting of trips and informal discussion
of Club business. An invited speaker may follow, or an activity of a social
or training nature.
Tramps
Throughout the year the Club organises day tramps for members on Wednesdays
and Sundays. To cater for the varying degrees of strength, fitness and
experience of members, two or three tramps are scheduled on each day.
The system used to enable members to select their tramps is outlined in
Tramp Information.
The Club also offers backpacking trips of overnight or longer duration,
and base camps, where members are based in suitable accommodation at a
central position from which a variety of day tramps may be taken.
The Newsletter
A Club Newsletter is published monthly containing:
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forthcoming meetings
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day tramps arranged for the following month
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backpacking trips
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members’ accounts of Club tramps
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any other material of interest
Officers of the Club
The management of the Club’s affairs is in the hands of a Committee,
consisting of Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Club
Captain, Membership Officer, Newsletter Editor and up to five ordinary members.
The roles of Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer will be familiar to all.
Detailed job descriptions are included in the Policies and Procedures
Manual
RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERSHIP
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Members are entitled to go on any Club trip provided it is within their
capability and it is their responsibility to be fit for the trip of their
choice
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Be willing to be led, and to be a cohesive part of a group. This always
assists the leader and makes the trip safe and enjoyable.
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Offer assistance when necessary and be aware at all times that others’
strength and experience may not be as great as your own.
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Show consideration for others and concern for the group as a whole. To be
first and fastest is of no importance. Taking time to enjoy the
environment is important.
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Respect the views of others and endeavour to foster a friendly, caring
attitude.
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Respect landowners’ requests. It is a privilege to walk on private land.
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Be willing to endorse and abide by the overall objectives of the Club, as
stated in the Constitution.
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