IT WAS some two years ago that the chairman of a canal trust told us that sponsored walks 'only bring in pennies and are not worth the hassle', and so little help for raising funds.
Perhaps he should have a word with the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, that has just raised a colossal £10,000 from a single sponsored walk that attracted 157 people.
Poddle Walk
The money was amassed by the people who took part in the charity's annual Poddle Walk during June.
The fund-raisers set off from North Hall in Loxwood to follow an 11 miles route with the new Compasses Bridge on the canal at Alfold as half-way point. After viewing the work in progress at the bridge and lunch at the nearby Three Compasses pub, they returned to the start point via paths across Surrey and Sussex farmland.
Fantastic result
Praised the walk, organiser Margaret Darvill:
"The proceeds are a fantastic result for our restoration fund, and with Gift Aid added, we have raised just on £10,000 from the sponsors.
"My grateful thanks go to all those who helped me with organising the Poddle, both before the day and on the day and, of course, to our magnificent collection of walkers."
Final push
The Trust has started a 'final push' appeal for £120,000 to finish the Compasses Bridge project, which is its largest restoration scheme so far in Surrey. The bridge, at one of the entrances to the Dunsfold Park aerodrome and business complex, has replaced a 1930s concrete causeway.
Members of the public are invited to watch Dame Penelope Keith officially open the bridge at noon on Sunday, 2nd October, as part of celebrations marking the Wey & Arun Canal's bicentenary.
Donations to the appeal can be made via the home page of www.weyandarun.co.uk; or by sending a cheque made out to the Wey & Arun Canal Trust to Compasses Appeal, WACT Northern Office, Bridge End, Somerswey, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8EQ.
The Trust asks that eligible donors Gift Aid the money they give, which adds 25p from the Government to every £1—declaration forms available via the website if required.