warwickshirefreemasons

Festival Charity Walk 2010 - Home and Dry

Easter weekend 2010 saw our Festival Director, W Bro David Macey, then one of our Assistant Provincial Grand Masters, walk the entire length and breadth of the Province, starting on April 2nd.

The route was along the canals of Warwickshire, providing easy and interesting walking, as well as an appreciation of the Province's rich industrial heritage. The walk was over four days, split into relatively short sections, so that Brethren, family and friends could join in for just one section, or accompany David for a whole day or indeed the entire walk.

The 2012 Festival Charity Walk, trodden from start to finish by David, now our Provincial Grand Master, was an outstanding success. Many retinues supported him over the four day walk, which transversed the Province along the delightful paths of the Warwickshire canals, and will have raised a significant sum towards the Festival target. The following report is based upon David’s daily blog.

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On day one (Good Friday) the walk started with Michael Price seeing over 60 participants off from Leamington. They, and everyone else who participated during the four days, are all to be congratulated, for many of them walking just one section was way outside of their ‘comfort zone’. The weather was kind with just a little spasmodic rain. The organisation was carefully planned before the event, and worked meticulously, with the high visibility jackets kindly supplied by Eric Rymer’s company and two way communication being first class. Hosey Davoudian, Paul Harrison, Les Long and Phil Wills acted as stewards and ensured everything went smoothly, with Trevor Sturt coping with all of the outside matters with assured calm.

For David the day went well, although he could not keep up with Sandra. Her little legs set a faster pace than he wanted!

Don’t they make it look so easy! (l-r) Les Long, Mike Perrott, David and PGM Michael Price

Saturday was another very good day with the weather being more than kind. The PGM very kindly came to see everyone off again, and away went 15 hearty souls. The first 5.5 miles to the Drawbridge pub was very hard going indeed. The mud was thick, quite exhausting and very slippery. When everyone arrived at the Drawbridge Les Long was still there doing all the registration details and had secured two Easter eggs for our two ‘children’ walkers. Peter Wellings joined the walkers and took over as steward and a huge thanks to them both. Harry Owen and Margaret popped in at the Drawbridge so that Harry could sell 2012 caps! The Pike family were there in their barge and Silhill Lodge joined them. There was even a visit from an Assistant Provincial Grand Master Silhillian. The bargees then provided David with samples of red wine so that he could decide which was the nicest. Unfortunately this had to stop after 4 miles so that they could turn it around. They did manage to take most of the walkers through the Brandwood tunnel to save the trip over the top.

David and the passengers are happy enough, but skipper is looking decidedly precarious!

The journey from Bournville to Gas street Basin and then to Snow Hill was walked in nice sunshine and there was even a visit from the Provincial Almoner at Edgbaston station. This was another excellent day with great support, keeping the spirits high at all times. It was a hard day though, longer and tougher than the previous one, but saw the half way point AND Sunderland winning!

Chris Grove very kindly came to see everyone off on Easter Sunday morning, dressed much too smartly - or was it that everyone else was scruffy? A quiet and leisurely day, with the section through Aston Science Park and Digbeth surprising people since it was nicer than they imagined it would be. Good time was made on each section meaning that a full hour had to be spent in the pub at Catherine-de-Barnes to allow the final section walkers to start. The last section was very enjoyable and the weather kind once more. Only one more day to go and it is a pleasant walk.

Lord Leycester and others arrive well prepared (to David’s left) welcomed by the full four day supporters (to his right)

The last day was just as good as the previous three. The PGM was there to greet everyone and send them on their way, and even came back to the finish at Stratford. Many thanks to him for his support and encouragement throughout the Easter weekend. Les Long worked tirelessly, once more looking after the registration and chasing issues for David. Peter Wellings too was there in support providing a welcome chocolate and cheering everyone on with 3.5 miles to go and then coming into Stratford to offer lifts home. Alan Wellan supported at the start of the afternoon leg, walking some of the way, and Phil Gough travelled down to cheer everyone on their way into the afternoon. Incredible support and very much appreciated.

Setting the pace – David and Sandra stride forth. Looks like Mike Burman behind (in fifth?!)

The weather was kind but the going was tough. It was much muddier than expected and everyone found it hard. Whether it was psychological or not, the last day proved harder than expected, but was a lovely scenic walk with support from 25 walkers. David had great company throughout, with Rob Chapelo of Shakespeare Lodge, Nigel Lewis of Heartland Lodge and his sons Gareth and Andrew, and Leighton Jones of Shenstonian Lodge walking all of the four days with him. They were great sports and deserve the thanks David sent them.

I DID IT! Star of the day Godfrey Rock (centre) with Leighton Jones (left) and David

The star of the last day was Godfrey Rock of Swan of Avon Lodge who struggled in the mud at the outset. He found it hard to breathe and very difficult to cope. He would not be put off however, and under the guidance and with the encouragement of Leighton Jones he made it all the way to Stratford.

At Stratford, as well as a welcome pint, David was greeted by a surprise family visit from his two sons and two grandchildren - a perfect way to end a perfect walk. Trevor Sturt and Mary came down, too, to offer congratulations, and that was kind.

Waiting for a well deserved pint in Stratford, with grandson Noah

David has been effusive with his thanks to everyone who participated, but the senior thanks must of course go to him, for instigating the event in the first place, for all his hard work in organising everyone, and above all not just talking the talk, but walking the walk!

Many congratulations, David, and very well done.