A simple thank you to our Simply Walk volunteers

Without the assistance of the 200+ volunteers who do everything from leading walks to behind the scenes organising, the popular scheme which currently operates 72 walks a week across the whole county, would not be able to run.

At the picnic on Friday (15 July) Buckinghamshire Council Chairman, Dev Dhillon and Deputy Cabinet Member for Public Health, Zahir Mohammed both attended. Participants took part in a 45 minute walk around the National Trust grounds before the picnic. A celebratory cake was made for the event. As the volunteers enjoyed their lunch, music was provided by the Allsorts Saxophone Quartet and the Friends of Langley Park Bell Ringers.

During the afternoon, retired architect Colin Kennedy, from High Wycombe, was honoured for his 20-year involvement with Simply Walk, as one of the founders. Colin was presented with a commemorative certificate by Councillor Dev Dhillon. Special thanks were also given to Simply Walk Coordinator, Fiona Broadbent, who has helped develop the scheme over the years.

Simply Walk began in 2002 and has grown year on year, attracting more than 500 walkers per week at peak times. The walking for health and wellbeing scheme is suitable for people of all ages and abilities, one of the keys to its success. In addition to improving physical health, the walks also offer the opportunity for people to socialise and boost their mental wellbeing by getting out an engaging with others.

Speaking afterwards Chairman Dev Dhillon said: “My wife and I were delighted to be invited to attend this picnic and to speak on behalf of the council in expressing our thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard to make our Simply Walk scheme the success it is. Their enthusiasm, energy and commitment shines through and we are extremely grateful for their continued support.”

To find out more about the Simply Walk scheme visit: http://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/simply-walk