I'd like to begin this month's newsletter by thanking you for your kind comments regarding the web site and last month's newsletter. The newsletter is sent to all primary and associate group members, however, if you missed the last newsletter, you can access it via the website.

Writing this newsletter, I can't believe that it's six months since I took part in, and completed my first, and as yet only 50-mile challenge event, the Shotley Peninsula 50. The memories are still so vivid. Despite being one of the last to finish, I had the most wonderful time. Even the weather played its part. Click HERE to view Andy's photographs.

Since I now have the means to do so, I'd like to publicly thank Paul and Catherine Glynn, who let me accompany them through the nighttime section, successfully navigating us through to the finish. I'd also like to thank Lesley for her company throughout the day.

Congratulations too, to Andy, Bea, Clare, Jenny, John, Lucy, Phil and Sheena on qualifying to take part in the Cinque Ports 100. Good luck to those of you who have entered the event.

That's more than enough from me. Here's what you really want to read about ...

Celebrating Our Silver Jubilee

That's right. The Wiltshire Group of the LDWA is 25 years old this year, and yes, we intend celebrating this landmark anniversary. The committee is looking for suggestions as to what type of event it should be. A ceilidh has already been suggested. Those of us who were invited to Lesley's retirement bash should have recovered from the event by now! Please get your thinking caps on and share your ideas with the committee at WiltshireLDWA@outlook.com. Thank you in advance.

Remembering Mark Rendall

Graham Instrell has had a useful meeting with the Footpaths Officer who covers the north of the county for Wiltshire Council. Possible locations for a kissing gate were discussed, as was the cost of its purchase and installation. Another recce is being planned, after which we hope to have some good news to share with group members.

Pewsey Downsaround (PDA)

Checkpoint 3 of the PDA will be located in Avebury Sports & Social Club, and not the village hall. Who would have thought a place as small as Avebury could have both?

Members are invited to donate savouries or cakes for the PDA checkpoints. You will be refunded the cost of the ingredients so please keep your receipts. Please e-mail Lesley at lesley.bellis842@btinternet.com to let her know what you will be contributing. Thank you in advance ... again.

Ridgeway 40

This popular one-day 40-mile challenge event along part of the Ridgeway National Trail from Overton Hill to Goring attracts around 250 entrants who walk, run or even drag old tyres (don't ask!). This year's event is on Saturday 12th May and the organisers are looking for volunteers for the checkpoints. The checkpoints are only open during daylight hours and volunteers are paid expenses for petrol.

If you want an enjoyable and sociable day out supporting this great event, please volunteer by contacting Phil Heneghan (phil.heneghan@virgin.net), Trevor Brown (trevor.brown@brownmaison.com) or Paul Hopkins (p@hopkins88.com).

Cinque Ports 100

Lesley is still looking for a couple of volunteers to help manage the registration and small baggage at the breakfast checkpoint (CP9) on the Cinque Ports 100 over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. The checkpoint is located in Hythe Sports Pavillion (CT21 6AR) and is open from 0120hrs until 1320hrs on Sunday 27th May. Please get in touch with her at lesley.bellis842@btinternet.com if you can help in any way. A contribution will be made towards your travel expenses.

Wiltshire LDWA Clothing

An order will shortly be placed for Wiltshire LDWA-branded clothing. A choice of colours will be offered this time. Group members should expect an e-mail detailing the style, colour and size options.

Forthcoming Walks

Finally, here's a look ahead to all the group walks and challenge events that are taking place this month within a 50-mile radius of the geographical centre of Wiltshire.

That's it for another newsletter. If you have anything to contribute to future editions, please can you get it to me by the 20th of each month. I look forward to seeing you out on our group walks this month.

Kind regards

Clive

Secretary of the Wiltshire LDWA

WiltshireLDWA@outlook.com