The ramblers stayed in Lengerich during their trip to Germany

Redbridge ramblers have travelled to Germany for a holiday walking in the hills and exploring medieval cities.

West Essex Ramblers members Frances and John Fogelman, of Chingford, used to live and work in the country and took 25 fellow walkers back to visit their old haunts.

The ramblers stayed in Lengerich, in north-western Germany at the end of last month.

The historical town has an ancient stone monolith and borders the Teutoburg Forest, where the ramblers walked long-distance ridge path Hermann’s Way.

They also explored Osnabrück and Münster and enjoyed local food, a concert and a quiz.

Before leaving, members started planning an exchange trip with new friends made on the holiday.

Rambler John Juchau said: “The scenery wasn’t unlike Essex in a way but there was a beautiful range of hills near where we were staying.”

The West Essex Ramblers run local walks, long distance rambles and holidays as well as social events.

n For information, visit www.westessexramblers.org.uk or call John on 020 8502 1628.

The Friends of Valentines Mansion

The Friends of Valentines Mansion saw their fundraising efforts rewarded when a restored Regency parlour was opened.

The room was transformed from a drab office to a period parlour with furniture provided by the Friends and new wallpaper and decorations.

Members chose to buy a rosewood centre table and upholstered four mahogany chairs with proceeds of their May fair and tea events.

The parlour was officially opened by the Mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Muhammad Javed, and is now open to the public.

It includes restored Regency furniture, period decoration and interpretation panels, interactive games and children’s costumes for visitors.

Friends of Valentines Mansion chairman Barbara Nocaro said the transformation was “wonderful”.

She added: “It’s going to be more hands on so people can actually sit on the chairs and use interactive panels to learn about the history of it.”

The room has been dedicated to Charles Welstead, who owned the house from 1808 until his death in 1830.

The Friends of Valentines Mansion is a listed charity which supports the preservation and improvement of the house and gardens.

To get involved, visit www.valentines.org.uk.