THE first Tavistock Walk and Talk walk in Tavistock this month was a resounding success, as walkers of all ages and abilities met to follow the ?Meadows and River Tavy? route. Kate Wright, a trained volunteer walk leader, led the group, supported by volunteers from the established Okehampton Walk and Talk project. Kate said the 20 walkers had a great time, with lots to talk about on the way around the route, which took about 40 minutes to complete. Walkers were able to walk at their own pace, with volunteer walk leaders assisting where necessary. Kate said: ?Walking with a group not only offers a great way of getting some exercise, but also great conversation and company!? One walker said: ?I walk quite often in Tavistock, but it can get boring on my own. It?s really good to be able to walk with other people for a change.? Tammy Messenger, West Devon Borough Council?s sports development officer said: ?Everyone had so much fun on the walk. A walker was running across the car park at one point; I found it hard to keep up!? The next two walks are on Tuesday September 25 and Tuesday October 2 at 10.30 am. The walks will start and end outside Tavistock Wharf. The scheme is being supported by Natural England, the 5x30 Project and West Devon Borough Council. The Okehampton Walk and Talk scheme started with just 6 walkers, but they now regularly have more than 30 people attending weekly walks. Kate Wright said: ?For the project to be really successful, we need help! We have arranged a free training day on Saturday October 13 in Tavistock to give new volunteer walk leaders the skills they need to lead walks around Tavistock. The training and walk leading are not difficult, the emphasis is on fun, and helping others improve their mental and physical health.? For more information please contact Rob Sekula on 01822 813701 or Tammy Messenger on 01822 813628 for further details.
