Hi everyone,
I think my introduction to the last newsletter was a little optimistic. Despite the increasing number of hours of daylight, the days have continued to be very dull and wet, I hope many of you managed to get out and support Simon and Lucy's recent walks. The lurgy interrupted my plans mid-month. Given the softness of the ground everywhere, I wasn't too upset ... there's only some much mud my washing machine can cope with! It has, however, allowed me time to work on the Pewsey Downsaround (PDA), amongst other things. Hopefully John's walk tomorrow will be well attended. Good luck to everyone taking part in Andy's 50-mile walk later in the month ... and to those of us who will be in London on the same day for this year's Capital Challenge.
New Walks / Walk Leaders Still Needed
Our future walks programme is still looking good, with 11 walks to look forward to. As always we continue to need more individuals to lead walks. If you walk with us on a regular basis then please offer to lead a walk, and help fill in the gaps below The committee still wants to hear your ideas for 'special' walks that you could organise next year. These include walks where there is a cost to running the walk (e.g. a minibus), which the group can fund some of the cost. .The following table will continue to be published in each newsletter. Those in italics had question marks against their names on the original list.
Pewsey Downsaround (PDA) - Sunday 26th April 2026
The PDA is now only 2 months away but planning is well underway. John French and I recently met up with Tony Cartwright, from the Surrey LDWA, to discuss using PACER to record and track walkers on the day. John and Simon Clarke have also been looking into how we can publicise the event more effectively, rather than just rely on SiEntries and Strider. We are continuing to attract volunteers for to help manage various aspects of the day, so thank you to them. As I mentioned last month, the event is famous for the quality of its food; all produced by Wiltshire LDWA members. As always we rely on volunteers to bake for the event. If anyone can contribute baked goods (cakes, flapjacks, scones, pizza or other sweet or savoury treats) could they let Janette know alexthecat48@icloud.com. Ideally they need to be brought to Pewsey Scout Hut in the morning of the event but if you contact Janette in advance she can usually arrange an alternative arrangement. We are happy to reimburse the cost of ingredients.
Dogs on Walks Policy
Please see a revised LDWA policy statement relating to Dogs on Social Walks, by clicking HERE. The policy itself has not changed, but there is new legislation (Dogs Protection of Livestock Amendment Act 2025) which comes into force in March 2026, which you should be aware of. The policy statement now includes guidance relating to dogs which is included in the "Guidance on Leading Local Group Social Walks".
Forthcoming Walks
Finally, here's the usual look ahead to all the group walks and challenge events that are taking place within a 50-mile radius of Chippenham.
That's it for this newsletter. All our newsletters will be available via the Wiltshire LDWA website. If you have anything to contribute to future editions, please can you get it to me or Sue by the 20th of each month. I look forward to seeing you out on our group walks on the 19th March.
Warmest regards
Clive
Chair of the Wiltshire LDWA
wiltshire.chair@ldwa.org.uk
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