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 29^th 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

Up to a few years ago I was an enthusiastic member of our walk group, taking part in most of our 4 mile walks. Then old age and arthritis caught up with me so 4 miles was just not on. Hence I was delighted in May when Jan organised a 2 mile flat walk at low tide along the beach at Bognor which I thought I could manage – and I did!

It was a windy day but southerly so we didn’t have to walk into the wind either way. Well wrapped up we started off from the pier walking towards Aldwick. This took us past the end of the prom, where the road comes away from the sea at Fish Lane into what, for me, was unknown territory.

On the way we came across a piece of history … in the water exposed at low tide there is the remains of a floating pontoon, part of the Mulberry Floating Harbours used by the Allies to support the invasion of France on D-Day 6 June 1944. I am ashamed to say that I didn’t know of it’s existence, even though I have lived here for many years.

When we reached halfway we had a rest and were supplied with a piece of Jan’s delicious crisp shortbread – this is an essential part of any BRWI walk – I recommend it highly and have added the recipe to the site – click here if you would like to try it.

I enjoyed my walk very much, coming home feeling rather tired but very refreshed. I must admit that I was full of plans to have more low tide walks on my own, needlesstosay that hasn’t quite happened yet!

Many thanks to Jan for organising.

Words: Kate Claisse

Photos: Sue Harris