Walkers celebrate 20 years of organising social strolls

AS THE Brixham Does Care organisation celebrates its 40th anniversary, most people would be forgiven for not realising that members of its walking group, the BDC Stragglers, have just notched up 20 years of monthly walks.

Of course, some may not even be aware that a BDC walking group exists.

The first exploratory venture came about when three members of the weekly Tuesday Support Group, finding that they had a common interest, decided to meet up and walk from the town centre out to Berry Head and around to Sharkham.

Still feeling fresh, they opted to continue as far as Mansands, before returning up the lane to Southdown and across the pathfields to St Mary’s park.

Having enjoyed the experience, they were persuaded to officially form a walking group – the first outing, based on their inaugural walk, taking place on June 25, 1998.

Since then, meeting outside the Town Hall at 9.25am on the last Thursday of the month, (excluding December), the group heads off either by bus or car to the scheduled start point and then undertakes walks averaging four or five miles, increasing to six or seven where the terrain is flat, such as Exeter canal.

Living in such a beautiful area, as time passed by, the group explored beyond the local area and now enjoys walks anywhere between Dartmoor in the north and the South Devon coast, venturing east of Ex-

THE BDC walkers stop for lunch in scenic surroundings mouth as far as Sandy Bay, and west of Plymouth to Cawsands. People are amazed to learn that Cornwall can be reached for the princely sum of £3 – the cost of a return on the Cremyl Ferry.

Being primarily a social group, the walking pace is moderated to the needs of its members. However, each person has to judge their own fitness to take part in the walk outlined on the annual programme. Walking boots and suitable clothing should be worn and walkers should bring a picnic and a drink. The next walks are on September 27 (Noss Mayo) and October 25 (Dittisham to Dartmouth). Call 01803 857727 for details.