Fareham Healthy Walks 20th Anniversary

The Fareham community laced up their walking shoes and came together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a local walking group.

For two decades, Fareham Healthy Walks, run by Community First, has provided locals with the opportunity to get moving, meet new friends, and enjoy the outdoors. Today, more than 450 walkers, guided by 10 volunteer Walk Leaders, explore new routes across the borough and Community First held a celebratory lunch to thank walkers, walk leaders and volunteers for their support.

The lunch, held at Fareham’s Holy Trinity Church, saw 90 attendees fill the venue. Mayor Cllr Pal Hayre recognised the volunteers who’ve made this programme such a success, handed out certificates to the dedicated Walk Leaders and announced she would make a donation to the programme.

“I had the honour of celebrating 20 years of Community First’s Healthy Walking event, a fantastic milestone! It was wonderful to recognise and thank the incredible walk guide volunteers who have dedicated their time over the years, helping to keep this initiative going strong. Walking isn’t just great for physical health, it also brings people together, creating friendships and a real sense of community. Here’s to many more years of walking, talking, and staying active!”

The celebration included speeches from Alison, the Programme Coordinator, who reflected on the history of the walks and the success of the past year. Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, spoke about the health benefits of walking and the important role the programme plays in the local community.

Tim Houghton, Chief Executive of Community First, said: “For 20 years, the Fareham Healthy Walks service has been a cornerstone of our community, promoting health, wellness, and social connection. We are incredibly proud of our volunteer Walk Leaders and the positive impact they have on so many lives.”

One of the enthusiastic Walk Leaders, 81-year-old Maurice has been with the service since 2004. He was presented with a special award for his service. He said: “Leading these walks has been such a rewarding experience. It’s wonderful to see people come together, improve their fitness, and form lasting friendships. Plus, we get to enjoy some of the most beautiful spots in Fareham!”

At the event attendees offered feedback and suggestions on how the walks can continue to improve. Ideas for new specialist walks were discussed, ensuring that the programme remains fresh and accessible for everyone.

The walks, which range from 30 to 120 minutes, are designed to accommodate all fitness levels, offering a chance for everyone to enjoy the outdoors at their own pace.

Community First also runs Healthy Walks in the New Forest, Gosport and Winchester. These walks are free for all to attend, and the charity welcomes any donations to support their ongoing running costs.

Click here to learn more about the Healthy Walks programme, or to make a donation

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87-year-old Maurice has led Fareham Healthy Walks since the programme began in 2004!

More than 20 years ago, he was recommended for the volunteer role while organising walks for his local church, Holy Trinity with St Columba, and Henry Cort School. Since then, apart from a brief pause during the pandemic, Maurice has consistently led five to six walks per month, exploring various locations throughout the Borough of Fareham.

From Wallington to Funtley, Welborne, and Whiteley, Maurice aims to make each walk unique, introducing walkers to new areas they may never have explored before. He loves surprising walkers by leading them to places they’ve lived near but never visited. “There’s always something new to discover,” Maurice says. “It’s a beautiful part of the country.”

Over the years, Maurice’s walks have attracted a loyal following, with groups ranging from eight to fifteen participants. Some are regulars, and long-lasting friendships have formed through the walks.

“One lady joined Healthy Walks just one month after I did and has walked with us ever since. They are a very friendly bunch! The social element of being part of a walking group is sometimes forgotten, it’s nice to be able to chat sometimes.”

These walks last between one and one and a half hours and occasionally include a café stop, offering a chance to relax and socialise. During the summer months, the group enjoys stopping on route for picnics. There is also a special New Years Day walk, which starts and ends at a pub, with the group staying for a drink or meal afterwards. Members of Maurice’s church are invited for the occasion, as he says “this is where it all started for me.”

Maurice carefully plans his walks, submitting his preferred routes every two months to Ray, a volunteer who organises the schedule. His enthusiasm for the walking itself, staying active, and enjoying the company of others keeps him committed.

As long as he is able, Maurice hopes to continue leading the walks that have brought so much joy to the community and we’re very, very grateful for his continued support.