Wyre Forest circular walk

June 15th saw C.O B.R.A's 13th annual walk for all abilities. This year 's walk was in the Wyre Forest, Horace Marsh once again led our walk which was a 4 mile circular through the forest. We had a coffee stop at the Arboretum which was actually in the forest and saw a Tulip tree in bloom. We only had one wheelchair this year which was a little disappointing, there were 17 walkers. finally I would like to thank Horace for leading and to all our members who supported the day. In former years these walks used to be organised specifically for the Meerkats - (Sports for the Disabled;)

Last year we held our 11th 'Walk for All Abilities' on the 16th of June

It was initially started in response to a Ramblers' directive requesting groups hold walks for disabled walkers. The first ramble was promoted on this basis, but with limited success, and all subsequent walks involved walkers from the Birmingham group and the Meerkats group.
Last year, because of the uncertainty of the continued existence of the Meerkats, it was decided to widen the appeal of the walk to participants of all abilities, and it was widely promoted on this basis. With this in mind a 4 mile circular walk was devised that would be suitable for able walkers, walkers with disabilities, and participants in wheelchairs, push chairs and bicycles.
Steve Brittain acted as the main leader, as Horace Marsh, who is our usual leader at such events, was unable to attend this time due to problems at home.

The 2010 walk started at Severn Valley Country Park Visitors' Centre car park, leading along the river and Severn Valley railway to Hampton Loade, and then back to the car park. We had lunch at the pubat Hampton Loade, which some people found somewhat disappointing, while others went in for a picnic at the riverside.
The group consisted of 36 people, including helpers and ramblers. Three were wheelchair users, while ten participants came from Queen Alexandra College for the blind, of whom only two were helpers. The blind and sight-impared youngsters proved excellent walkers, quite fast compared to those with mobility problems, three of which participated in wheelchairs. As a result the group tended to fragment. Luckily Pat Brittain was able to help out and take part of the group under her wing.

As a special bonus the weather was glorious the whole day and participants enjoyed the sight of scores of ducklings - mallards maybe? - feeding in a damp woodland patch next to the railway line.
Almost everyone was known to Steve except two new faces who had seen our poster at Sarehole Mill.

The day was a great success!