20 Years of Striding and Strolling
Twenty Years of Striding and Strolling
Kidderminster Stride and Stroll Walking Group will celebrate its Twentieth Anniversary in 2022. To mark the occasion a tree will be planted in the place where it all started, Jubilee Gardens in Bewdley.
Phil Oliver fitness instructor and Sally Blowing , Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist Nurse at Kidderminster Hospital, started the walks in association with the Wyre Forest District Council and Wyre Forest Visitor Centre. The walks were part of the Government’s national ‘Walking the Way to Health’ initiative. Walking, as exercise, satisfies the requirements of Phase IV in the recovery cycle of heart patients.
The first walk took place on Saturday 1st June 2002 starting from Jubilee Gardens continuing via the Worcestershire Way to Ribbesford Church and back along the riverbank. Twenty walkers enjoyed the stroll.
Initially, Barrie and Brenda Jones assisted Sally with planning and checking routes and finding parking venues. They added more routes and organised training for the new Walk Leaders setting the inclusive feel to the group which endures today allowing us all to benefit from the improvement to our physical and mental health by walking in a friendly group.
The Tree Planting Ceremony will take place in Jubilee Gardens on Friday 10th December at 11:00. A Commemorative Plaque will be placed in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre at Kidderminster Hospital when it reopens in January. All past and present members of Stride and Stroll are invited to a Celebration Picnic Walk on The Anniversary in June.
Currently, about one hundred walkers step out with Stride and Stroll at multiple venues every week. We are divided into separate ability groups walking varying distances at different speeds. Everyone is welcome to join us.
To find out more go to:
https://www.strideandstroll.org.uk
Or call 07871 599863
Sue Humphries
Stride & Stroll Walk Leader
03.12.21
