CWU Website July 16 2021
Image from Longmynd Hike 2020
‘Good going’ is forecast for the 4th September Shropshire ramble, which event organiser John Turnbull hopes will raise more cash than ever before for CWUHA and its wonderful causes…
“We’ve already got twice as many volunteers as we had last year – and there’s still over a month to go,” says John, a member of the CWU’s Mid Wales the Marches & North Staffs Branch.
“What better way to spend a pleasant September Saturday than a relaxing 20-mile walk across the rolling hills of this beautiful English county?” he asks and, when CWU News quizzes him about likely weather conditions, he promises: “It certainly won’t rain.”
Just to be on the safe side, John adds the caveat: “Well probably not,” but goes on to explain that “even if it does – which is very unlikely – the rain in Shropshire is lovely and warm!”
Sunny or drizzly, the day will begin with every volunteer being welcomed and prepared for the challenge and will conclude in a friendly get-together at the Bucks Head in the picturesque village of Church Stretton – with food and refreshments for all participants.
“We welcome absolutely all ages and abilities,” insists John. “There’s help and support available if needed of course and it’s certainly not a race or a contest – the whole idea is a healthy day out for all, while collectively supporting CWUHA.
“There’s a £10 minimum commitment to take part – so if you want to come along, get in touch with me and then tell colleagues, family and friends all about it and please ask them if they can make a donation.”
The Communication Workers Union Humanitarian Aid’s crucially important work is needed now more than ever before and CWUHA Project Worker, Lenny Crook and Chair Carl Webb will be joining the intrepid band of marchers along with his daughter Maddie.
“The pandemic has caused a great deal of real need right here in the UK and over the past year or so, our efforts have been directed towards helping many important community initiatives all over the country,” says Carl.
“To give just a few examples, we’ve worked with a Midlands charity helping to provide clothing for the young and up in the North East, CWUHA has supported ‘Little Sprouts’ organising hot meals for the hungry. ‘Sweet Dreams’ is a London-based local project that has deservedly had our backing and here in my North West Region, there’s been a focus on our assistance to ‘Coastal Housing’ in Blackpool.
“Of course, CWUHA is still financially supporting our various projects abroad – although we’ve not been able to run our regular convoys for obvious reasons,” he explains.
“I was delighted to accept John’s invitation to join this year’s sponsored walk and Lennie Crook, our CWUHA project worker, is also coming along, which is great – although I expect my Maddie will probably finish the trek before both of us, so I’ll ask her to get a couple of pints ready for us!
“It’ll be great fun in a very good cause – let’s make Longmynd Hike 2021 our biggest and most successful ever,” he urges.
Posted: 20th July 2021