AN Okehampton-based walking group is celebrating the end of its second year of existence ? and organisers say its success has been ?outstanding?. Okehampton Walk and Talk was launched on October 28 two years ago with a walk around Simmons Park, followed by a lunch at the Ockment Centre. Just a few people joined the initial event ? but since then, more and more people have come to realise the benefits of the group. Member Tony Halton said: ?The Walk and Talk Group has been an outstanding success. Since it started in 2003 it now has about 70 registered walkers, ten walk leaders and a large number of different walks, to suit disabled walkers to those who are fit. ?It is a walking group for those who do little walking or no exercise, and who would like to be more active in a social way.? Tony said short walks organised by the group start at Waitrose in Okehampton on a Tuesday at 10.30am, lasting for an hour. Longer, more demanding walks leave Okehampton Post Office on Wednesdays at 10am and last up to two and a half hours. Tony said: ?Walking is one of the best ways to maintain a good healthy lifestyle, especially for the heart, those suffering from diabetes, blood pressure, stress, high cholesterol, overweight and angina.? Okehampton Walk and Talk has been supported by a number of bodies, including Mid Devon Primary Care Trust, West Devon Borough Council, Travelwise, the Countryside Agency and the British Heart Foundation. Anyone who feels they would benefit from walking ? and talking ? is welcome to join the group on any of the walks, which are advertised at Okehampton Surgery, the Ockment Centre, Okehampton Library and many local shops. Alternatively, contact Helen Buxton-Smith on 01884 234485 or Tony Halton on 01837 53098.
