Romances have blossomed and friendships flourished during the history of one of the most established walking groups in the Black Country which is enjoying a milestone anniversary this year.
Walsall and District Ramblers Club counts housewives, retired professionals, teachers, nurses and office workers among its many members.
Established in 1927, its 60-strong membership marked its 80th anniversary with a meal earlier this month, although celebrations will go on throughout the year as members are unsure exactly which month the group started.
The group had 120 walkers at its peak and, today, they hail from every corner of the borough as well as further afield, including Stonnall, Coventry and Tamworth.
There have been around 10 courtships, a number of which have led to marriage, including the romance between pensioners Noel and Friedel Adams, of Cannock.
Friends Linda Hale and Jan Hartshorne have been members for 21 and 15 years respectively.
Mrs Hale, who has recently stepped down as group chairman after seven years, said group had overcome a number of obstacles.
“Many groups folded because of the foot and mouth outbreak that meant country walkways were out of bounds. Fortunately we managed to keep going. We also found ourselves in the position of running out of money four years ago so we applied for a £5,000 Lottery grant and were lucky enough to get it to ensure the future of the group.”
As strong as the walking element of the group is the social side. It has become a Christmas tradition to walk in fancy dress and members have turned out as nuns, fairies and clowns.
Mrs Hale said: “One year the coach went into a ditch and we had to pile off and help push it back onto the road dressed as fairies and all sorts of colourful characters. It was such a funny sight.” The long time pals said walkers chatted as they wandered through beautiful countryside and the topics up for discussion could be as varied as recommending a plumber to birdspotting.
Fifty people celebrated the anniversary at a lunch at a restaurant in Weeford, near Lichfield, earlier this month. Mrs Hartshorne added: “It was an absolutely lovely day.”
Annual membership is £10 and it costs £6 for each guided walk. A coach picks up and drops off at 10 stops across the borough. Call Mrs Hale on 01922 422159 or Mrs Hartshorne on 07800 667106 for further details.
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