Stalbridge Walkers
Walk Timetable - current month
Please check our page on the surgery website - current month timetable.
Stalbridge Walkers - the way forward
When we launched our group on November 15th 2007, it was with the support of Walk Leader Training from the Primary Care Trust, under the ‘umbrella’ of the ‘Walking for Health Initiative’ (WHI). Amongst other things, this meant that trained leaders had basic Public Liability insurance. The Walking for Health scheme has now stated that unless we become an ‘accredited’ group, we will no longer be covered by this insurance. To become accredited Groups must:
- Offer led health walks for beginners (these need to be reasonably flat walks with no stiles that last under one hour)
- Meet Walking for Health safety and insurance standards for all walks (this means ‘risk assessing’ each route before each walk, keeping walk registers and making sure all walkers complete a health questionnaire.)
- Collect basic monitoring information (and submit data to WfH).
One of the advantages of our group is that there is no ‘membership’ as such – we have grown from a shared interest in, and enjoyment of, walking. If we have to restrict our walks in this way, it could deter leaders, mean additional paperwork, and inhibit our flexibility. Large schemes (for example the Dorchester Strollers) have sufficient leaders, and choice and diversity of walk routes to enable them to become accredited, but we in Stalbridge are limited – hence the occasional ‘out of town’ or ‘adventurous’ walks.
We have decided therefore that we will not apply to become an accredited scheme. This means that the leaders will no longer be covered by public liability insurance (not that we have ever had occasion to claim) and we will no longer be using the Walking for Health logo. It also means that we will not collect health questionnaires, nor take the register.
We will continue with the walks, and all will be welcome. There will be walk leaders, and back markers, who will - as always befits responsible leaders – alert walkers to obvious hazards en route, and ensure that no-one goes missing. Walkers themselves will be asked to inform the leaders if they have any health problems – not in great detail, but purely so that they can be aware – and also to inform the leaders if they intend to leave the group during the walk.
All sporting and leisure activities have inherent hazards associated with them and walking is no exception. In spite of the safety of walkers always being of paramount concern, accidents will occasionally occur. It is important therefore that when walking with our group, each walker appreciates that they have a responsibility to identify potential hazards - walkers are to be responsible for their own safety.
Stalbridge Surgery are aware of the ‘change of direction’ - we have been fortunate in having their support, and we are pleased that this will continue.
So – please come and join us in 2010 – we look forward to seeing you!
JW 29/12/2009
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| It is hard to believe that we are rapidly approaching the first anniversary of our inaugural walk, which was on November 15th 2007. That event attracted around 26 walkers, some of whom have never been seen again (I don’t think we lost them en route!), but most of whom have become regular supporters. We now have a ‘hard core’ of around 20 – 25 walkers, and people have joined us each Thursday, not only from Stalbridge but also the surrounding villages of East Stour, Hinton St Mary, and even foreigners from across the border in Henstridge and Milborne Port! |
Inaugural health walk from Stalbridge Surgery
Dr Clayton cuts the ribbon to send
walkers on their way, November 2007
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As well as walks round Stalbridge, we have also explored paths in neighbouring areas, including Fiddleford Mill, Henstridge, Hinton St Mary and Milborne Port. In the summer (well, in June!) we joined the North Dorset Group of the Ramblers Association on their ‘Coach Ramble’ from Ringwood to Christchurch, and it is hoped to repeat this in 2009. If you haven’t walked with us before, do come and join us – we walk every Thursday, starting from outside the Library, and details can be found on the Surgery Website (www.stalbridgesurgery.co.uk), the Stalbridge TC website, and in the Community Office and JFP’s window.
The walks last about an hour, and provide a good social atmosphere to promote physical and mental well-being (and they’re free!). For those who prefer to walk alone, or for shorter periods, there are now Self-Led Walks Packs available (again free!) from the Community Office, Stalbridge Surgery and the Library. These have been funded by the National Lottery, with a grant from the ‘Awards for All’ Scheme.
For more information on the benefits of walking visit the Walking for Health website www.whi.org.uk.
Regrettably the walks are not suitable for children, buggies or dogs.
For more information please check the Stalbridge Walkers section within the Stalbridge Surgery website.
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