The annual Sponsored Walk in aid of the Water Conservation
Trust (WCT) this year took place on the River Wey in Surrey. This popular event
is to raise money specifically for the Schools Education Programme which the
WCT manage as part of its overall charitable programme. Aimed at supporting
projects in schools and giving prizes to encourage science and environmental learning
as well as direct support for children with learning difficulties, the WCT has
helped a number of schools in London and the regions in furthering the teaching
of science to a wider range of youngsters.
Our Fleet Warden Rob Casey – a Trustee of the WCT – has in
recent years led the walk and planned the route which have always been both
enjoyable and informative in equal measure. And this year’s walk was no exception!
The River Wey from Godalming to the River Thames is a navigable river (i.e. it
has locks and can transport narrow boats and other pleasure craft) and passes
through some of the most beautiful parts of Surrey as it heads north. It was originally
built to aid the transport of heavy goods from London down to the south coast
linking up with the Arun Canal that ran to Arundel and then on to Chichester.
It was an essential route to get gunpowder down to the Navy in Portsmouth. It
has a proud and rich heritage.
But nowadays it is used for recreation. So, it was with
great pleasure that the Mistress and I joined with other members of the Company
and their guests to walk the towpath from Godalming to Guildford, a distance of
some six and a half miles. The weather was lovely and we soon set off at a
brisk pace under the expert direction of Rob and Past Master Peter Hall.
Stopping only for a sweet at the half-way point we made Guildford in just over
two hours having walked past several locks (all in full swing), some interesting
bridges and a gunpowder store (fortunately empty!).
Journeys end saw us enjoying lunch at the Britannia pub just
by the Town Lock in Guildford where we were glad of some liquid refreshment
after all that exertion!
As we chatted over lunch Rob was able to confirm that we had
raised over £2,400 for our efforts, being a mixture of donations, Gift Aid and
match funding (gratefully received from Thames Water) and that these monies
would now be handed over to the WCT. A fantastic effort and my thanks go to Rob
and Peter for organising it so well; those who sponsored us but couldn’t attend
and of course to all those who turned out on the day. And a big thanks also to Trigger
the dog!
A great event and we look forward to next year’s route.
Pictures show some of the gang at the end of the
walk together with the Master and Fleet Warden in hiking attire!
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