Rotary put thousand-entry limit on community walk

The Sunday, June 8 event offers the choice of walks of two, seven and 15-miles.

Rotarian Harold Lawrence had the for Rotary to make it possible for individuals and organisations to raise money for their favourite good causes by enjoying a good walk following the success of the 600-mile walk he and fellow Rotarian Peter Mitchell Davis undertook along the South Western Coastal Path.

Harold said this week: "A tremendous amount of interest is being shown this year.

"For example, we have about 30 youngsters walking from St Richard's Catholic College.

"We have 15 walkers coming over from the Air Training Corps at Hailsham. They are walking the 15 miles.

"We have a big group from Homecare already booked.

"About 15 people will be walking for Focus On Mental Health. They will be doing the two-mile."

The 1066 Specials Football Club, which Harold Lawrence founded to give youngsters with disabilities the opportunity to take part in sport, will be field 30 to 35 members and supporters.

The starting point for the walks is the grounds of St Richard's Catholic College, in Ashdown Road. Entrants have the choice of a two-mile seafront stroll; a seven-mile walk across Crowhurst Marshes to Crowhurst recreation ground and back or the 15-mile which additonally takes walkers through Forewood nature reserve to Battle and back.

Harold Lawrence said: "At the moment, the most popular walks are the two-mile and seven-mile but the 15-mile will still be well populated."

A 31-strong group from Bexhill Rotary Club are off to the New Forest today for a walking weekend. The event is part social and part a limbering-up exercise.

In all, more than 70 people - club members, wives, partners and friends - will be in action on June 8.

Some will be marshalling road crossings. Others - including members of the St Richard's-based Rotaract Club - will be manning the "base camp" at the college and helping register entrants.

Members of the Bexhill Club of Past Rotarians are also lending their support.

Volunteers will be manning refreshment points at Crowhurst and Battle. Others will have walked the routes, checking and waymarking them.

Entry forms for the walks are available from Harold Lawrence at 140 Pebsham Lane (telephone 01424 731034) or from the Observer office at 18 Sackville Road.

Harold Lawrence said: "A lot of people have asked 'Have I still got time to enter...'

"The answer is 'yes' but we would appreciate entries as soon as possible. We have got more forms back in advance this year which is good because if too many people leave it until the day it makes the registration chaos!"

Last year's event attracted 500 entries and is believed at a conservative estimate to have raised at least 30,000 for walkers' chosen charities.

The club is anticipating an even bigger turn-out this year and has set the upper limit as a result.