Wistanstow donations made

Under the heading, 'Walkers hand over hard-earned funds', our good news finally made the pages of the local Journal newspaper (edition dated Friday 9th November).

We're pleased to announce that the following donations have been made:

£500 to the Smithy Shop, Wistanstow
£400 to the Fire Fighters Charity (incl. £50 donation from Linda Staves)

The Smithy Shop is a community shop run by volunteers - a welcome resource for locals and visitors alike.The Fire Fighters Charity supports serving and retired members of the fire and rescue community in times of need. (For more information, please check out the 'LINKS' section on the right-hand side of this page)

Thanks to all involved with the walk - you've made a difference once again.

Wistanstow Challenge Walk Video

Just to let you know that the video produced by Peter Douglas is now up on his website, www.prdouglas.co.uk – relive the day, enjoy the finish!

(Copies can be requested – see his website for details.)

Wistanstow 2012 thanks

As is customary, we have a list of people and businesses to thank.

To the tiny band of helpers who turn out every September to ensure that those taking part get to enjoy their walk – grateful thanks. Comments about your enthusiasm and support are frequent. It’s no secret that a few more people on the ground would help considerably – please get in touch if you’d like details of the simple jobs that can make such a difference to the day.

To the landowners along the route and the Firefighters of Clun and Bishop’s Castle who allow us to share their stations for a day – thanks for your cooperation and support.

A number of local businesses provide help and support in a variety of different ways:

• The Outdoor Depot, Church Stretton (present at the Village Hall)

• Spar Shop, Craven Arms

• Woods Brewery, Wistanstow

• Britpart Ltd, Craven Arms

• The Plough Inn, Wistanstow

• Wenlock Water, Wolverton

• Hagley Place Care Home (Barchester Healthcare), Ludlow

• Walls Butchers, Craven Arms

• Route 49 Fish and Chips, Craven Arms

(Links where available are on the right-hand side of this page)

Should you ever find yourself making use of any of them, I’m sure a personal thank you would go a long way.

Last but by no means least, a thank you to Al Tye who was out and about with his camera, trying to avoid the fog - check out the results on his site; Fell Running Pictures. And to Peter Douglas (www.prdouglas.co.uk), who likewise attended the event but this time armed with a video camera.

On the climb of the track towards Blakeridge Wood
(View looking north-east with Oakeley Mynd centre of picture)

Wistanstow 2012 Finishers List

Once more the official Wistanstow 'Finishers List' computer (Phil, some pencils, a rubber and a few cups of coffee), has been beavering away, burning the midnight oil. His efforts are now available for viewing:

2012 Finishers List (PDF)

2012 Finishers List (Word)

Cobwebs, moisture and mist on the first track of the walk

Looking north after exiting Sowdley Wood - heading for Clun

Expect it warm for Wistanstow Walk

The route has had a final check and as you might expect after the recent spell of summer, it's much drier with just a few muddy patches and local farmers have been busy harvesting crops.

Unusual advice this year but we suggest you pack:

• sun tan lotion
• hat
• perhaps a larger water bottle?

And anything else you might need for a day in the sunshine.

  

Met Office forecast for Saturday

Expect it a bit chilly first thing but then the cloud/mist/fog is expected to burn away leaving a sunny day.

We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.

Wistanstow route check

The route has been checked in the last few days and it’s understandably muddy in a few places, with some crops still standing. Weather forecasts for the coming week suggest it’s going to be fairly dry and sunny, so we expect it to dry out reasonably well and the crops to finally get harvested.

Friday will see a final check and we’ll try and post a brief update on the conditions, along with a local weather forecast for Saturday.

2012 Wistanstow Walk now Full

Supporter News - The Outdoor Depot

We are pleased to welcome on board as new supporters of our walk:

The Outdoor Depot
Shop 1 Sandford Court
Sandford Avenue
Church Stretton
Shropshire
SY6 6BH

Tel: 01694 724293

We’re grateful to all those businesses that help out – whether it be supplies, finance, or in some other form; it means more of your entry money can be passed on to our beneficiaries. Links to such businesses are found on the right-hand side.

If you think they may be able to help you, then do please give them that opportunity. It’s often said but is true nonetheless, if you don’t use them, they might not be there when you most need them.

Wistanstow entries arriving

We’re pleased to report that entries are now approaching the 100 mark and on this basis we can expect to fill the available entry (150), before the event date.

As organisers, it’s a great help to be confident of numbers, especially when it comes to organising food and suchlike. Your most excellent forward planning is to be applauded – thanks everyone.

Coming soon: another local business supports our little walk.

Supporter News - Barchester Healthcare

Time to start updating the blog more regularly, now that the event is poking its head above the horizon – albeit a watery horizon in this part of the world – summer!

A new supporter has joined the ranks: Barchester Healthcare, one of the biggest independent care providers in the UK. They now have a presence in Ludlow; Hagley Place Care Home but can be found elsewhere in the county.

Always nice when a large organisation recognises your event and shows a willingness to help. Thank you Barchester.

2012 Wistanstow Challenge Walk Entry Page

Just a quick post to advise you all that the Rules and Entry Page for 2012 is now up and running - see above. To use a well-worn phrase - apply early to avoid disappointment!

A reminder to LDWA (Long Distance Walkers Association) members that the Standard Entry Form is also accepted.

Physical copies are in the pipeline and will start appearing in the local area shortly.

Wistanstow Challenge Walk 2012 date

The sixth edition of our walk will take place on:

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Saturday 8th September, 2012

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Along with the 2012 date, I'm happy to present the new look to our site. For those interested in such things, I hope to add a 'Statistics' page in the near future.

The 2012 entry form and event notes will appear in due course.