In beautiful sunny weather 350 people took part; walking either 5 miles, or for the more energetic, 10 miles up onto the North Downs from Harrietsham with splendid views across the Weald. Every couple of miles, lots of cold drinks were consumed and a bit of sugar from a selection of sweet biscuits provided a much needed energy boost. Much amusement was caused by paths passing through fields of beans which were higher than some of our walkers!

The North Downs Walk has an unusual twist in that participants can choose to share the money they raise from their sponsors between Cancer Research UK and other Rotary Charities and the charity or good cause of their own choosing. This year a total of more than fourteen and a half thousand pounds was pledged on the day with, we believe, more to come. Over the past 25 years that the walk has taken place, over three hundred thousand pounds has already been donated to Cancer Research alone. In November, there will be a presentation of trophies to the under twelve walkers who raised the most money and another to the person who raises the most money overall.

On returning to the Village Hall at Harrietsham, walkers enjoyed a generous ploughman's lunch and a punnet of delicious local strawberries. This was accompanied by the Syncopators band playing traditional jazz outside in the sunshine.

A splendid day out for the families, dogs of all different shapes and sizes, and the dozens of young people particularly from Air Training and Scouting groups who took part. One gentleman even celebrated his 80th birthday by walking with us! (see photo). Many walkers are old friends now, but we were delighted to welcome lots of new walkers too and we hope that these will make the North Downs Walk a regular date in summer next year and thereafter.

A messgae to all participants

Dear Walkers and Sponsors,

On behalf of The Rotary Club of the Weald of Kent I would like to thank everyone who took part and everyone who supported them.

Your generous support pledged over £14,000 on the day and I am sure this amount will rise. Every year over 300 walkers of all ages continue to support our charity walk and we are committed to continuing this event.

Thank you again for your commitment, without your help the Walk would not happen; we appreciate all your support and look forward to welcoming you all again at next year's event, to be held on Sunday, July 1st 2012.

Yours sincerely

Chris Jesson

Chairman Community Service Committee 2011/12.