MORE than 70 people gathered for a guided walk to mark the opening of a new section of footpath at Eggworthy, near Walkhampton. The walkers met at Walkhampton Church for a short talk by walk guide Liz Miall before following existing footpaths across fields to the new section, which will allow direct access on to Walkhampton Common. Everyone stopped at the start of the new section while Eamon Crowe, a representative of Natural England, gave a talk on its history and outlined the work that Barry and Linda Landick and their son, David, had put into opening the footpath. The official ribbon was then cut. At Eggworthy Farm, cream teas, cakes and tea and coffee were available, together with raffles and stalls. The day finished with a tractor and trailer ride back to the church for those needing to pick up their cars. Barry Landick said that after living and working in the area for more than 30 years he ?wanted to give something back and leave something permanent for the local and wider community to use and benefit from?. Linda said the new section had been in use 60 to 70 years ago, but had got ?dilapidated and overgrown?. ?It?s never been cleared enough since then to use. It?s just a 300-yard section, not a complete footpath, but it takes you straight out on to the common,? she said. A total of more than £1,900 was raised for Children?s Hospice South West during the day from donations and stalls and refreshments.
