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Walking tourism’s benefits

by Ann Sandell, Secretary, Walkers are Welcome CIC

LEGAL MATTERS

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A plaque pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the 1953 floods.

FUNDING GETS PLAQUES PUT BACK

CANVEY ISLAND Town Council has obtained funding from the Essex County Council Locality Fund for replacement memorial plaques in the Labworth Memorial Gardens. The plaques commemorate the Canvey 2000 project volunteers and those who passed away in the 1953 floods. The originals had deteriorated and were no longer able to be used. Town Mayor Sheridan Sayes said: “I am very pleased the town council has been successful in obtaining this funding. “The replacement plaques installed mean those who have passed can continue to be recognised and remembered.”

Marlborough Mayor Emily Trow with her fellow ale tasters. Picture: Emma Kimber.

CHEERS! DEVELOPING A TASTE FOR ANCIENT TRADITIONS

It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it… MARLBOROUGH Mayor Emily Trow could be forgiven for feeling a little light-headed after helping revive the age-old tradition of ale tasting. She was accompanied by town crier Emma Kimber, town beadle Linda Illsley and mace bearers Barry Mercer and Dave Blacklock in visiting the Wiltshire town’s public houses to assess the quality of the ale served. When the ale served met the town crier’s exacting standards a certificate was awarded. Thanks went to hosts. This tradition dates back to the 1300s and was an important task in the past when it was safer to drink beer rather than water.

BOTTLE BANK IS COUNTY FIRST

Failette Khan, founder of the GreenSeas Trust, joined Mayor of WEYMOUTH Caroline Nickinson to unveil a new bin for recycling plastic bottles on the Dorset town’s seafront. GreenSeas is a marine conservation trust, which has teamed up with the council to install the eye-catching bin on the promenade in an attempt to reduce marine plastic pollution. The nautical-themed bin was unveiled near the Jubilee Clock and is a first for the county and only the 24th of its kind to be installed in the UK. The BinsForGreenSeas campaign is a nationwide initiative.

COMMUNITY SPIRIT LIGHTS TOWN

A Suffolk town came alive with colour, light and community spirit when MarketPlace Arts hosted Light Up the Town. The free two-day celebration showcased local creativity, young talent, and immersive digital art across BRANDON. A permanent glowing mural, co-created by Brandon Teen Chill Group and acclaimed street artist, illustrator and graphic designer Luke McDonnell was unveiled at the Heritage Centre and Suffolk artist Henry Driver presented an immersive light installation and video-game-inspired artwork in St Peter’s Church.

Plaques are in place to celebrate the dedication of two village greens in Dorchester-on-Thames.

VILLAGE CELEBRATES TWO NEW GREENS

Residents of DORCHESTER-ON-THAMES have celebrated the erection of plaques on two new village greens. The greens were the subject of an intense battle 10 years ago when the then-owner fenced off the land. The Friends of Dorchester on Thames and Little Wittenham Open Spaces was formed and, with help from the Open Spaces Society, gathered evidence to register them as village greens with Oxfordshire County Council. Fortunately, the land changed hands and, in 2021, new owner Keith Ives dedicated the land as greens. The group has now provided plaques to tell the story of how the land was saved for local people to enjoy.

Staff and councillors were impressed with the skills on show. Picture: Stewart Turkington.

TEAM GB STAR OPENS OUTDOOR GYM

Crowds gathered at the Morgan Rec in CROWTHORNE to celebrate the opening of a new gym. Team GB gymnast Keren Trainer cut the ribbon to mark the occasion along with the Berkshire parish council’s chair Peter Wood and her trainer Josh Hunter. Funded by CIL, the seven pieces of adjustable equipment were installed by Kompan and promise to be another well used all-ability facility.

HOPPING TO IT FOR PRIZE HUNT

KNUTSFORD Town Centre welcomed families as the annual Bunny Hop returned for an afternoon of Easter fun. The trail, organised by Knutsford Town Council, invited families to explore the Cheshire town centre, searching for hidden bunnies displayed in shop windows. Each bunny featured a letter, with participants collecting them on entry forms to complete the trail and enter a prize draw. The Peter Rabbit & Friends theme proved popular, with many families dressing up and taking part. Visitors also enjoyed a range of entertainment, including games and activities at the Market Hall in Silk Mill Street and Easter-themed displays across the town.

Pupils from Parc Y Tywyn School.

COUNCIL’S CLASSROOM CALL

A series of engaging classroom sessions designed to help primary school pupils better understand local democracy, citizenship, and the role of the council has been launched by PEMBREY AND BURRY PORT Town Council. Aimed at Year 5 and Year 6 pupils, the sessions support curriculum topics such as citizenship and community awareness. Pupils from Parc Y Tywyn School in Burry Port took part in one of the sessions, gaining insight into how the Carmarthenshire council supports local people and services. The visit helped bring their classroom learning to life by offering a practical look at how local government works.

 
Jackie Westbrook receives her award from Gillingham Mayor Fiona Cullen.

JACKIE EARNS FREEDOM OF GILLINGHAM

Jackie Westbrook has been awarded the honorary title of Freedom of the Town of GILLINGHAM. It is the highest civic honour the Dorset council can bestow and is in recognition of her exceptional and sustained voluntary service to the community. For more than 37 years, Mrs Westbrook has been at the heart of community life in Gillingham, contributing selflessly across a wide range of organisations and events.