By Sunbury & Shepperton Rotary
It has been a frustrating time, but everyone was so enthusiastic to get going again, for all the charities involved, many of which have struggled with lower donations and higher costs during the pandemic.
Due to Covid 19, Shepperton & Sunbury Rotary had to defer this walk from May to 4th July 2021 to qualify for insurance. The Walk itself was sponsored by Shepperton Studios, and, as a result, we were able to provide environmentally friendly met-al drinks bottles (thanks to organiser Ian Arthur) with our Rotary logo, and with ‘sponsored by Shepperton Studios’. One of these reusable bottles was given to every walker.
Well over 80 walkers plus Rotary helpers took part in the Sponsored Walk. Each walker paid a small administration fee to Rotary and then raised money for their own preferred Charity. Ian Bowyer organised marshalls and walks leaders/end and middle walkers and the whole club supported the walk by preparing the route (path clearance and signage) and then, on the day, acting as marshalls and lead-ers, middle and end walkers.
After heavy rain overnight, Rotary had to set up a gazebo, but overall we had an excellent day! Three groups of walkers set out and all got a little wet about halfway round and, after the heavy rain overnight, there were more than a few muddy puddles! Many of our 80 plus walkers expressed the view that the walk was very professionally managed, so congratulations to everyone. It was wonderful to see so many participants, walking for their own charities.
Special thanks must be given to The Kingfisher for allowing us to use their facilities, to our first aider, Patsy Hall, Spelthorne Borough Council who allowed us to use Manor Park Car Park for free in the morning, to Rushna Master and her family who sold food before and after the walk and contributed their prof-its to Shepperton & Sunbury Rotary, and to all those who put in time beforehand to prepare the route and those who volunteered on the day.
In all, about £12,000 was raised for all the Walkers’ Charities and our Rotary Benevolent Fund which supports local and international charities.