Hi everyone

I'll start by apologising to Bruce Barclay for missing today's walk. I was all prepared for it, but alas it wasn't to be. I have, however, entered my first challenge event of 2027, the Capital Challenge. Booking opened at midnight and the event is already half full.

I mentioned Di Cross' walk in the last newsletter. As expected it was a belter, in the rolling countryside south of Salisbury. Hopefully Tony Rothwell is recovering from his tumble near the end of the walk. Luckily Tony had already volunteered to fill our vacant Treasurer role at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). His nomination is being proposed by Caroline Longley and seconded by Jacqui Tyzack. More about the AGM arrangements shortly.

I 'attended' the recent online LDWA Local Groups meeting. It was a bit of a gallop through what the NEC is currently involved with. The main focus was the demonstration of the new website. Lucy is due to attend the Local Groups Weekend later this month. I expect to her provide feedback that can be shared in a future newsletter and/or at the AGM. There was also a reminder that vacancies still exist on the NEC, if anyone's interested.

Earlier this week I was invited to Highgrove Gardens for an event hosted by the King's Foundation, to discuss proposals for a new on-site health and wellbeing centre. A wide range of organisations were represented, all based within a 20-mile radius of Tetbury. I was there to represent the interests of both the Wiltshire LDWA and the North West Wiltshire Ramblers. During the morning session we discussed what already exists in our communities to support health and wellbeing, and what works well. We also discussed the biggest gaps and unmet needs. The afternoon session began with us discussing ideas and opportunities where Highgrove could add genuine value. Since going for a walk is our best and simplest way of connecting with nature, one of the foundation's key principles, it was relatively easy to sell walking as an activity. Hopefully I was able to raise the profile of the LDWA amongst the 80+ attendees.

Annual General Meeting, Walk & Xmas Meal

The venue, The Old Royal Ship in Luckington, has been booked for up to 40 people on Sunday 6th December from around 1300 hrs. Sue has sent out the arrangements for choosing and paying for meals:

https://ldwa.org.uk/Wiltshire/A/17462/ldwa-wiltshire-xmas-walk-lunch.html

shortly followed by

https://ldwa.org.uk/Wiltshire/A/17474/update-to-bank-details-for-xmas-lunch.html

Please book your place as soon as possible as we need to inform the venue beforehand. Struan McDonald has kindly offered to lead the walk prior to the meal.

Our Walks Programme

As you can see, we have eight walks to look forward to currently, with bookings currently being accepted for 2027. Thanks to all the walker leaders for your continued support and effort.

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 some of this month's group walks.

Warmest regards

Clive

Chair of the Wiltshire LDWA
wiltshire.chair@ldwa.org.uk