Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury Along the Edge Charity Walk 5th September

The Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury annual sponsored walk is now in its 14th year. We are continuing to support a children’s charity this year - the Children’s Hospice sw. They are raising funds for a third hospice near to St. Austell, Cornwall to add to the facilities already available at Little Bridge House, Barnstaple and Charlton Farm, Bristol.

Donations from the walk have varied between £4000 and £3000 depending on the enthusiasm of walkers to collect sponsorship from friends and colleagues. Already some of our regular groups have promised to join us – Walking to Health group, U3A cyclists and the Wild Wanderers.

In addition to Rotary International charities, this year we have added the BUI (Bristol Urological Institute) Southmead Prostate Cancer Appeal to our list.

A feature of the sponsorship plan is that half of an individual walker’s donations can be allocated to their own charity (last year walker’s supported Wotton Animal Rescue, Cancer Research, Help for Heroes. RSPCA), with the other half divided between the other three charities. 

The BUI charity has a mascot, DAVED the bear, who will be joining us walking ‘Along the Edge’. Our Rotary President Peter Heffer might carry him on the day, however there is some competition for the honour. A number of other Rotarians intend to take along their own bears to keep DAVED company. Walkers are encouraged to book in their own favourite bears on the day. There will be a “Best Bear” competition judged by DAVED!

The route is a real favourite with walkers, starting from the attractive village of Hawkesbury Up-ton, taking in sections of the Cotswold Way and Monarch’s Way through the Kilcott Valley to visit the villages of Alderley and Tresham. (10-mile walkers)

Rotarian Dr. Anthony Sarafian, commented “I have walked ‘Along the Edge’ for many years, what better way to raise much needed funds for Charity than to enjoy a healthy walk yourself”

Sponsorship forms are available in the Tourist Information Centre in Chipping Sodbury and from Barry Riley the Walk Organiser.

Do join us on Sunday 5th September. Walkers can book in from 8.30am at the Beaufort Inn, Hawkesbury Upton, (back garden). 10-mile walkers should aim for an 8.30am start, with 4-mile ramblers setting off around 10.00am, both groups aiming to be back by 12.30/1.00pm for a BBQ in the garden of the Beaufort.

So dust of your boots, bring a bear and join us for a really enjoyable day in the Cotswolds.

Source: The Rotary Club of Chipping Sodbury