Dorothy House Men's Walk

Club members joined almost 500 participants in an 8 mile walk from Winsley to Bath raising funds for Dorothy House

Dorothy House Men's Walk - Short stop at Dundas Aquaduct for refreshments.

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The weather forecast was good, the team was ready, we knew what to do, we have entered a team since 2017 and here we are again, Michael Wood, Peter Hopwood, Blaise Prideaux, Anthony Birts, Bill Shaw and you junior reporter, Gerry Rees. First priority after registration, the bacon and sausage rolls, provided as always by Devizes Rotary Club, once fortified we were approached by one of the Dorothy House team for a recorded video interview and photographs, wow, we’re famous. We are standing very near the starting arch with most of the other entrants behind us, which is unusual, as we are normally the last to leave, to ensure a relaxed walk. However here we are with around 480 eager walkers behind us eager to get through the arch as zero approached. We set off at speed, Bill’s walking poles sounding a staccato clatter on the path as we steamed ahead, but only just, soon we were overtaken, separated and returned to our normal pace, what a relief.

We regrouped as we reached the canal and began our walk, a familiar route and a chance for each of us to catch up with the others. First stop the Dundas Aquaduct, for some excellent fortified coffee, kindly provided by Michael and cakes an nibbles from Blaise and Bill. Fully fortified we march on sidestepping with surprising elegance to avoid the occasional speeding cyclist. A long stretch to Bathampton, where some of the faster walkers needed a extended stop to recover by sampling the beer at the George; we, having paced ourselves brilliantly, needed only a brief halt.

The last leg into Bath, encouraged on by the great Dorothy House Marshals and we finally left the towpath to head down to the Pavilion, where we joined a queue to register and receive a red and a blue token, red for beer and blue for curry. Exchanging them for these vital rewards we found a space on the benches to enjoy the feast and to the great delight of those who love Italy, watched the Italians beat Scotland in the 6 Nations Rugby.

The Bathavon Rotary team headed home for well earned rests, having enjoyed the day and raised over £600 for the hospice, which if those reading our account feel so inclined to donate, it may increase still further.

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