Special Butterton sponsored walk 7th July

A special sponsored walk will take place from the North Staffords Sports Club (Shamblers) Butterton on the afternoon of saturday July 7th to walk through the lovely wood there in memory of Paul Koumi, who would have been 60 on July 8th. Junior and senior football matches will be taking place and there will be a cricket match plus bands, food/drink available. The walk is planned to start at around 2.30 and if any one is prepared to obtain sponsorship in Paul’s memory the money is going to providing facilities for the disabled at the club.

New Abbey wood walking group

The Closer to Home Walking Network is starting a new fortnightly walking group from Abbey Hulton, showcasing the 13th Century Abbey, Milton Canal and Bagnall Wood in all their beauty.

The walk meets every 2nd and 4th Monday in the month at 2pm from Breathe City Campus on Leek Road, and returns there for free tea and coffee and a chance to chat to new friends.

The new walking group is funded by the NHS to encourage local residents to discover their local area and be more active, more often.

Walk leader Geoff Kirkham “It’s a pleasant journey through Abbey Hulton’s natural environment. Many people don’t appreciate the beauty that is just on their doorstep, especially Bagnall Wood.”

FREE TEA OR COFFEE AT THE LIFESTYLE CAFE

Come along to the the Closer to Home Circular Walk, in Hanley Park and Canal, every Monday afternoons at 2pm, meeting at Norfolk Street Health Centre, as we are now able to provide free drinks after the walk. This is thanks to NHS funding and a link-up with the “Friends of Hanley Park” Committee who are working to restore Hanley Park to its former glory.

If you would like any more information about this or any of our circular walks visit www.closertohomewalks.org.uk or call the team on 01782 831900.

Longton Jubilee celebration walk

The Closer to Home Longton Walking Groups are organising a special jubliee event on Sunday June 3rd bringing together five walks in a single day.

Walk one starts Oakwood Road Community Centre, Blurton leaving at 1.00pm, we will arrive at St. Albans, Finstock Ave; around 1.30pm to meet anyone starting from there before wallking to Longton Park for the celebrations at 2.00pm

Walk two leaves Gladstone Museum, Longton at 1.00pm walking to the new Florence Pub, Sussex Place arrivng around 1.30pm, then proceeding to Belgrave Medical Centre arriving around 1.50pm and going to Longton Park via Red Bank for the celebrations at 2.00pm.
Walkers must be prepared to wait a few minutes at the meeting points as times cannot be exact.

Longton Park was opened to celebrate the Jubliee of Queen Victoria, what better place to celebrate the Jubliee of Queen Elizabeth. The events in the park will run from 2 until 4 organised by the Longton Park Partenrship committee, and will include the city of stoke male voice choir, dance troupes, a summer fair and a tea party.

If you would like any more information about becoming a volunteer walk leader visit www.closertohomewalks.org.uk or call the team on 01782 831900.

London Road Walk Heritage Walk Sat 28

The Historic London Road walk is restarting its heritage trail after the winter break. Points of interest along the walk include; Herbert Minton’s Statue, Minton House, the Old Library, London Road Bakery, The Cottage Pub, The Bird in the Hand and many more. There are free heritage leaflets which will be given to walkers with more details.

Volunteer Walk Leader Chris Lewis said “A lot of people don’t realize just how full of interest the road is. Most only see London Road whilst travelling in a car and miss seeing a lot of the unusual buildings and talking about the history of the street. This route also includes a lot of greenery and trees, providing walkers with a lovely relaxing and refreshing walk.”

The walk will begin on Saturday 26th May, leaving Sainsbury’s cafe at 10:30am. The walk will take about an hour. Suitable shoes should be worn. Those who take part in eight or more walks will be eligible for a step counter.

City Bluebell walk with free tea and coffee every Monday

The Closer to Home Walking Network are putting on a series of FREE Bluebell walks every Monday throughout May. This 45 minute walk takes in the beautiful Birch Wood and Weston Sprink and leaves at 11am every Monday from outside the Weston Coyney Arms on Weston Road.

Walk Leader Andrew Chell said “The bluebell season is very short so you must see them while you can. There will be free tea and coffee after the walk so it’s a great way to make new friends from the local area.”

As an extra incentive, new members who walk weekly during the Bluebell season can receive 10% off local outdoor stores like Rohan, Trespass and Millets.

Westport Lake canal boat trip on Saturday 18th May

As part of the Wild about Westport day The Closer to Home Walking Network are organizing a special canal boat trip and walk to the Etruria Industrial Museum, leaving Westport Lake at 2pm on Saturday 18th May. The trip costs £3.50 and anyone wishing to join can book with one of the Stoke North walk leaders, leave their details on 01782 831900, or subject to availability, book at the stall on the day. Places are subject to availability and are given out on a first come, first serve basis.

The Wild About Westport day, organized by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, will include a Model boat club demonstration, Earth Walk, Bird watching and Hurdle making. This is a great chance to find out about the Walking Network and other local organizations such as Wildplay, Grow It Eat it and the Westport Lake Community Volunteers who will all have stalls.