Since May’s report the walk group have completed 6 more walks, culminating in its biggest challenge to date with an 8 ½ mile walk at Fittleworth.
Not only was the distance both a group and a personal challenge for some, the torrential rain the day before made walking muddy and wet in places, and hurdles were put in our way! To overcome the hurdles: we explored how many different ways you could get across a barbed wire fence, tested our horse whispering skills and summoned the energy for a sprint up, and down, the highest point in the Fittleworth area!
551.75 miles have been collectively walked by the group, since the challenge started on 29th March, with £250.00 pledged for Sage House Dementia Unit, one of our WI charities for 2021. Only 448.25 more miles to tread before our Annual Meeting in October! Can we do it?
Each walk has a different character – with different routes, different fascinating facts and different corners of the countryside and coast in our area. The relief of covid restrictions easing in May was enormous, not only did it signify less people across the nation were falling very ill, it meant we could walk together in 1 group, so the planning and organisation were simplified.
Not every walk group member walks every walk – they walk when they can if the route and date suits them. Each walk, however, has been in really good company and seemingly enjoyed thoroughly by all taking part. The walks have been to Dell Quay, Slindon Dale Park, Bognor beach and Pagham Harbour, Arundel as well as Fittleworth.
Here’s to the next 448.25 miles!
Jan Marsden
Bognor Regis Women's Institute 