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WITB SURVEY
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Who we are
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We are a bush walking group for the Lesbian community based in Sydney.We cater for all age groups and level of fitness.Not only do we organise bush walks, but we also organise bike rides and various social activities, including dances and theatre throughout the year.WITB was started in May 1984 by Francoise because she didn’t like the bush-bashing and gung-ho approach used by the men she walked with. She also wanted to encourage women to gain confidence in leading walks and doing other outdoor activities. A banner was made (designed by Beatrice) and some of us marched behind it on International Women’s Day 1986.
Program
DEC 2011 to FEB 2012KINDLY CONTACT LEADER EARLY IN THE WEEK AND WHERE POSSIBLE,WHEN LEAVING A MESSAGE, PLEASE LEAVE A LANDLINE NUMBER.IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO WALKS MID WEEK, YOU CAN CONTACT VAL linedance_gmail.com OR 9787 4891SAT 03.12.11 Gathering to celebrate the life and achievements of Betty Little10.00am at Cliff Noble Activity Centre Alexandria(See info below)SAT 10.12.11 Our annual Christmas picnic at Balmoral. Book early! Festive food to share. Best way to get there is public transport or car pool. Hildegard 9953 3585SAT 10.12.11 JJ Christmas Dance. Club Five Dock. Great Northern Rd 8pm $20. Sorry we are not organising a table this year, you can contact JJs at jjsdance2_hotmail.com or just turn up. SAT 17.12.11 RNP. Heathcote -Karloo pool. Medium walk & swim. Trisha 9818 1907SAT 7.1.12 Manly Dam Reserve walk. Easy- medium. Hildegard 9953 3585SAT 14.1.12 Free concert in the Domain. Mike Paccous & Monte CaneUSA “All Things Italian”. Join us for picnic- limit numbers. Volunteers needed to mind the spot. skinder_bigpond.net.au Sylvia 9745 6270 SAT 21.1.12 Symphony in the Domain. “The Young Ones”. Sydney Symphony. 8PM. Same as above. skinder_bigpond.net.au Sylvia 9745 6270SAT 28.1.12 Hermitage Walk. Rosebay to Neilson Park. Public transport. Nice & easy walk 4km & swim. Sylvia 9745 6270 SAT 4.2.12 RNP – Deer Pool & Little Marley. Easy – medium 7km. Swimming. skinder_bigpond.net.au Sylvia 9745 6270 SAT 11.2.12 Coalcliff – Thirroul. Very pleasant walk down south. Low impact. Pearlie 4285 5373 SAT 18.2.12 Dee Why to North Narrabeen. Easy coastal walk mainly on sand. Approx. 9KM. Great views & possible swim. Hildegard 9953 3585SAT 25.2.12 Centennial Park. Walk two circuits of track & picnic. Pearlie 4285 5373Sun 26.2.12 Kayak paddle and beach walk-Narrabeen Lake. 2hours $50 double, $35 single. Wendy wpryor_bigpond.net.au 9922 6480EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST weekend awayWITB is planning a weekend away in the Blue MountainsDATE Friday 27th April to Sunday 29th April 2012Accommodation will be either YHA or Megalong ValleyActivities will include all levels of bush walking, games,cards, and all in all a good time with likeminded womenIf you would like to join us please contact Pearlie as numbersare limited and we need to book.bookworm_eftel.net.au NOTE: PLEASE READ. Every woman and child participating in any activity conducted by Women in the Bush does so as a volunteer in all respects and, as such, accepts responsibility for any injury or loss to themselves however incurred. The organisation and its’ co-odinators cannot accept liability in regard to any injury, or loss suffered by any person while engaged any activity of Women in the Bush.
Connect OUR Community
LOTL Lesbians on the Loose is a monthly magazine with on line access connecting the Lesbian community www.lotl.com ALL SUBURBS WOMENS SOCIAL GROUPA.S.W.S.G. Contact Elaine eburdoncarr_gmail.com or 0423736950 PARRAMATTA LESBIANS www.parramattalesbians.webnode.com FOR THE ARTISTIC LESBIAN Gallery Gals is a group that visit Art Galleries, Museumsand various exhibitions. All AgesContact Laurinda virgovioletmoon_yahoo.com.au FOR THE MATURE LESBIAN Dinner and Discussion evenings (bi monthly) Organised by Ten Forty Matrix at Summer Hill.www.olderdykes.org or email contact_olderdykes.org FOR THE SOCIALABLE LESBIAN Jive with Jeanette Dance classes for womenemail jivejeanette_optusnet.com.au or 0412575675 JJ's Dance Club Inc Social dances and classes for women email jjsdance2_hotmail.com or 0412774422 FOR THE RETIRED LESBIAN Retiring Women is a social group for Lesbians retiring from the workforce email contact_olderdykes.org
Contact
contact
women in the bush
Sylvia 02 9745 6270 or
Kathy kggiles_bigpond.com.au
bike rides
bike rides
APRIL 2012SYLVIA IS ORGANISING A BIKE RIDE OVER 5 OR SO DAYS.FURTHER INFORMATION LATER
guides to grades
guides to grades
Easy Under 5 km, on tracks, relatively flat, suit beginners.Easy to Medium Under 10 km, uneven terrain, including moderate climbs and descents. Reasonable fitness level required.Medium Under 15 km, steep climbs and descents, good fitness required.Hard Under 20km, narrow or eroded tracks, maybe some bush bashing, steep long climbs and descents, good fitness and stamina.Very Hard Over 6hours, difficult terrain, strenuous walking, steep and long climbs and descents, fit and experienced walkers. Maybe overnight
WITB SURVEY
WITB SURVEY
In August/September 2010, 51 women responded to a survey designed to explore the changing needs of WITB members and to seek views about what t half had been in the group for 5 or more years.Question 4: Comments about the website• Possibly add comments on recent walks...• I find it easy to navigate. Would like some more photos of recent activities to see where you have been. However would like some background info on the history of the group.• Site is helpful for current events but lacks 'personality' - it doesn't say much about the walks/rides or about any interesting things that happened. Don't mean a critique of activity, just a highlight maybe? Also the website could be dynamic - post new stuff on the home page, archive old stuff. Have links eg Coastal walks or bike rides, click link for more information - photos & brief description. This can be updated say 3 monthly.• I haven't made much use of the web site but think it is a good development.Would be interested to know how often it is used.• I haven't made much use of the web site but think it is a good development.Would be interested to know how often it is used.• I hope there is a forum so that we can get involved and make friends.• I would like a bit more detail about the walk and the locations for meeting. this would save having to hear the instructions verbally. I am not suggesting that we stop phoning or emailing to say if we are coming.• I could not move around it but gave up and haven't tried more recently, but that's my fault, so will try again when my wrist is up to it.• We (the users) need to send in information about walks and rides as well as photos of interest. I will do this (it is on my long term plan).• It confused me. I prefer the emails because I can quickly see what's on.• The design is great, and it is really good that I can refer friends to the site.Question 5. General commentsIt can be seen from the chart below that many respondents had participated in no or few activities. • Minimal participation due to personal circumstances, not an indication of what I think re program.• But plan to go on a bike ride soon. :-)• Haven't been able to participate, but like to know what’s on in case I'm able to.• I am new to women in the bush and have enjoyed the walks I have been on, very much.• Getting older makes it harder to do long walks or bike rides. If there were opportunities for smaller walks and things that would be good for me• I am quite new. I am very keen to join the Walks and the annual picnic. When I get a bike, I also want to ride.• I have a chronic illness which limits participation. The last 12 months have not allowed me to, but I live in hope :)• i have only been coming for a few months and i love it• Interested in places of interest at times, love the annual picnic, don't ride much anymore and getting home from bush dances is a problem but hey, WITB is a great institution, I love it.• Love the variety thanks to the those that organise• I live in Enmore and do not have a car so look for activities that we can reach by train or bus.• I've only done 1 or 2 walks at the weekend from the program, but I've done about 6-10 midweek walks now, all very informally arranged by email and/or phone, with a small group at this stage.• Ouch! There's a reminder that I need to get out more and take advantage of what generous people like WITB provide. I'll get to something in the next quarter promise!• I OFTEN WORK ON SATS & I HAVE CHRONIC FATIGUE WHICH I HOPE WILL IMPROVE. Sincere thanks to all who keep WITB going.• I still enjoy getting the calendar & looking at the activities on offer• the walks are just too short and easy for my interestQuestion 6. Participation in other groups• NPA (4)• Bush Lemons (5)• Sydney Spokes (3)• Other:o Amazon Tennis Competition at Cintra Park Concord.o Various other lesbian/women's groups.Include some local walks as well as social activities in informal Illawarra lesbian group. Also camping group.o Bushwalking Clubo A group in blue mountaino i go to an outdoor training group and a trek training groupo Other bushwalking clubo Northern Beaches Open House - we meet every fortnight at a pub or someone's home. Next week we are holding a picnic.o WEA Ramblers.o 10/40o bushwalking clubs with serious walksQuestion 7. Other activities of interest• Social Tennis games, snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking (bring your own), surfing/bodyboarding/beach day, fitness group(e.g. boxing in the park), snow boarding trips• I live on the Central Coast, so am keen to participate in WITB activities here• What is car camping? Don't fancy sleeping in the car• Some low impact mid week walks would be good.• Actually I am very interested in most of the activities listed above. I would like to do an easy/medium walk/ride weekly, a hard walk/ride monthly, overnight walks/rides quarterly, ...• Mid week walks• bike tours only if lowish kms. i'm interested in keeping fit, but not in long hard walks, i'd rather just go for a run.• A Hawkesbury boat weekend in summer?• Book ClubDinners• Not just visits to places of interest, but walking historical or art tours of neighbourhoods and areas in Sydney - I went to the Rocks and to the city and it was great!! (thanks Ann!)• Picnics in scenic places....beach,bush,gardens,parks (dog friendly)Days away for holidays (3 days plus)Holidays interstateHolidays overseasQuestion 8. Activities that women are prepared to organise• Bike Rides & the occasional walk• Walks• When I have more free time and go to a few more bike rides and get to know people, I will definitely be a candidate for organising some activities. • easy walks • Bike medium level bike ride and medium level bush walk • places of interest and car camping • Low impact walks, camping • day walk • kayaking, bike rides • Have lead walks, and camping activities • Bike rides, overnight walks, day walks • Camping/cabins a speciality • I already organise bike rides, walks, weekends away, bike tours etc. I will continue to do so.• car camping • only what I'm currently doing ie midweek walks • walks • Bushwalks, Camping activities, YHA weekends away, Theatre Parties, Picnics, Sausage Sizzles etc • Good point. Probably dances. • All in box above. THEATRE PARTIES. I am hopeless on computer!!!!! • cycle trips • overnight walk • Any of the above except bike rides. Question 9: Comments about days for activities• Social activities - with enough notice any time could be possible!• I don't work at the moment. But I believe Sat works for most people.• I love the walks being on a Saturday. Saturday can be such a dead day and it's great to get out in the bush rather than do the shopping!!• Some social activities on a Friday night would be fine. I would do things in the week but I work.• Haven't commented because unlikely to participate this year or next.• Depends on the location. I work in the city so mid-week city venues would be fine.• Sunday please!! traffic is too crazy in Sydney on Saturdays• I am desperate to ride a bike!!!!! as I RODE a bike for years when I WAS YOUNG!!!! I NEED some kind person to show me gears etc. WHAT about a group for OLD LEZZIES ON BIKES ? Bugger the 60 km marathon!!!! i SIMPLY want to ride a bike......not a disco stick like Lady Ga Ga• Weekday evenings are okay for social activities.Question 10: What women like most about WITB• That it is all women & mostly lesbian or at least lesbian friendly• It's a welcoming,relaxed and friendly atmosphere -easy to chat with anyone• Inclusive, caring environment, availability throughout the year• The company of other women. Meeting friends and enjoying nature and healthy exercise.• I have only been on a couple. I really enjoyed the bike ride. It was a couple of years ago. We rode to the Sydney Olympic Park and around it. It was a lot of fun. Nice friendly, inclusive people with a good sense of fun.• The people and exercise.• Having fun, seeing interesting and new places with others.• Socialising with like minded women and expanding one's network of friends.• Socialising while sharing common physical activity.• Lesbian company• Friendly. With other women. Interesting venues.• The easy nature of talking to other women because there is a structured purpose to meeting• A lovely, friendly bunch of women with whom it is great to spend a day with.• Especially being out in the bush, enjoying the company of other lesbians.• Variety• Camaraderie, shared times with other lesbians, great walks• Doing things with other women. The range of women I meet and the chance to do walks and rides I wouldn't do on my own.• Women in the bush, just as it says!• I can't give comments since I haven't participated any yet.• Meeting other lesbians• Relaxed, friendly people• The great people that you meet and being in the great outdoors• I love the bush and the company. Lots of women who are about my age and are into what I am into... it doesn't get much better.• Like minded women participating in the outdoors.Having a laugh and getting some exercise.Meeting other women.• The company, the well organised, researched detail beforehand, the open to all women policy that has made WITB so special.• Enjoying the outdoors physically with a group of friendly lesbians. Always fun.• Opportunity to explore new places. I also like re-visiting previous places. I like it that the walks are graded; the hard walks and some of the medium walks are too difficult for me.• Exploring new areas with someone who knows where they are going. Meeting new people• Getting out and joining in with other like-minded women• catching up with acquaintanceshaving dyke company for a change• Sharing the outdoor activities with like minded people.• Easy going women. No pretentiousness. No pressure.• Physical exercise plus great to meet up with other women• the friendliness• Getting outdoors, meeting other women, conversation, social events.• The great company. Lovely women, lots of fun.• friendship• THEY are INCLUSIVE of all WOMEN ( Too many outdoor activities are organised by lesbians which are by invitation only and are very exclusionist....real GIRLS CLUB MENTALITY)• Women only activity• The variety of activities offered• The people• Company of other women• The WOMEN! I just love getting out in the bush and the outdoors, enjoying nature, and sharing it with a wonderful bunch of fun-loving women. We have some great chats as well as enjoying the exercise.Question 11: What prevents women from participating more?• I don't live in Sydney, I work shift work & this occasionally means weekends. Iam 55 & get weary at weeks' end sometimes.• only my own disorganisation• No. I participate in all the activities that I enjoy.• At the moment I look after my elderly parents one day of each weekend, so am a little restricted. I am most interested in the bike rides.• Time, busy life style..• Tennis and family commitments. No longer able to do medium - hard walks or long and hilly bike rides due to overuse injuries.• As I work full time I am restricted to only weekends to do domestic duties etc. around the home and family.• Limited travel• Difficulty of some walks. Family commitments.• Yes, I feel a lack of confidence with getting older and think that everyone else there will be much younger than me and see me as too old, so I don't go.• Yes, I used to be quite active and go on regular walks, however I moved out of the area 9 years ago and now travel an average of 2 hours one way to Sydney. I also work on most Saturdays.• Recently health issues.Sometimes the extra travelling time from Wollongong...• Recently health issues.Sometimes the extra travelling time from Wollongong...• Work commitments and clashes with other activities• Work commitments,• Injuries over the last year and sometimes the activity I would like to do clashes with other commitments.• Too much working, not enough weekend!• Transportation• Health and location - I live on the central coast• walks on Saturdays. I would prefer Sundays.• WORK COMMITTMENTS• not really• Balancing other commitments. Too many easy, social walks around city parks etc. Of no interest.Travel - blue mountain walks suit us better - but understand that this isn't always possible.• I have had to admit recently that multi-focal specs have made more strenuous walks a challenge that becomes close to an ordeal as I grow older, I am at present trying to work out for myself how to navigate around the difficulties, after all, I don't just want to walk on cement paths or not walk fast, as I have been used to doing. Having really clear information that allows me to make the best decision possible for any walk I might want to go on is crucial for me, and I think will become more important for other women walkers too.• Beginning to be a problem with my arthritic knees for longer walks and back packing. Work interferes.• failing body• Currently: not enough spare time.Previously: I often found the walks were rushed. I felt pressured. Not enough time to enjoy the bush.• My partner is unable to do any medium/difficult walks• not having my own car is definitely a factor, and my work - I'm always learning new dances - so some weekends all I'm fit for is sitting in a cafe with a coffee, lunch and good company !!• live in the Illawarra, so anything that starts early in Sydney, especially north Sydney is too difficult to get to by train in time for the start.• Not enough variety on the program.• Busy life. Family. Walks usually on Saturdays! which are difficult for me.• Just work and poor time management• Working all week• family commitment and level of fitness• Everything being on Saturday• WORK on Sats & chronic fatigue• back, knee, ankle injuries.• No, just a busy lifestyle• Life. Study. Other responsibilities (!)• Time and location of some walks. Many walks are too near city of too easy to be of great interest to me.• Work and study commitments.Question 12. How WITB could better serve womens’ needs?• WITB is a fabulous organisation & I think it provides a wonderful service & offers an excellent program of outdoor activities. There is plenty of variety & I think that is important, but I can't think of any way it could improve, it is already perfect.• More participation from others. Eg. newer members offering to lead some walks.• Make sure that it doesn't get clicky, so new people feel comfortable to join in.• More easy / moderate walks• Low impact bike rides• Walks are organised by a small group of regular leaders. New women don't seem to join or stay. I would like some regular get together planning meetings as a way of sharing information about walks, skills etc. This has a social aspect as well as a means to open the group to all interested instead of leaving it up to Hildegard to chase up women to fill the program. Also encourage new women to lead walks by being co-leader with them. The more women involved the greater diversity of activity. A group to learn about the website and help Kathy (that's if Kathy wants the help).• By focusing on older women too. The very strenuous bike rides and walks, I have felt, are the main focus which says really that younger women are the main focus.• We just need to keep it going and growing...• Given this is run with volunteers it has served the community well.• It is great just as it is.• I like what is currently offered. I particularly like getting the email of the timetable so I can plan ahead.• More 'serious' walks• I would like to see a contact list which is by suburb or area.• Everything has been wonderful• Its great• i would love an email link with each person leading the walk so there could be easy contact beforehand.i would love the leaders have a mobile phone so they could take our numbers and be able to cancel when necessary or where we could phone if something comes up and we need to cancel. I land line is just too limited. of course the cost for the walk may need to go up a bit to compensate the leader’s costs for calls.• A different approach to scheduling activities - perhaps a 'Leaders' email can be sent around to existing leaders when the program is getting put together. Gets leaders to think about dates and what might be an interesting activity to suggest.• See above• Great as it is. Perhaps more women on some walks.• I would be happier if I knew a walk I wanted to do was not going to be rushed.• Offer carpooling for events not near public transport• You already do a great job - maybe some shorter walks, but of course this would not suit the majority.• All walks do not have to be in the bush, I love coastal walks, but more bushwalks would be more interesting. I need to be able to get to them by public transport, or be able to meet others with a car at a designated station on route to a walk. How about a later start in winter? even 1/2 an hour !• Bring in more picnics, BBQ's, variety in walks, midweek walks, short breaks away, make a group for special events such as....Sculptures by the Sea, Leura and Blackheath Festivals, Bowral tulip festival, Floriade.• I think you all do a great job and although I don't participate as much as I'd like to I'm grateful for what you all do. Maybe hook up with the guys occasionally eg the gay camping guys are really welcoming.• It great.• it's doing fine!• Have events on Sundays• Maybe more weekday activities & closer to CASTLE HILL on occasions. I would like to thank all women who have helped organise WITB• I think it's doing ok• Be a little more friendly. This survey is a great start.• Keep it going strong! It would be great if we could get more women along - especially young spunky ones!
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