The 2005 Poddle

Amberley Amble

Photos and text by Janet Phillips

The best sort of day for walking along the tops of the Sussex Downs must surely be a long June day, with Sun and a cooling breeze. So it was for the one hundred and ninety one Poddlers who set off from Amberley to complete the 14 miles of our 33rd annual sponsored walk.

Getting daysacs on. As the route is well signed and marshalled maps are not needed and many walkers managed without carrying anything.

The route provided a succession of beautiful views. Arundel Castle standing high above the River Arun was probably the favourite but the white cliffs, Amberley Castle, the old river bridges and the pretty villages were also admired. Add to this the wild flowers, birds and farm animals for a perfect day in the country.

The lunch stop was at Warningcamp where volunteers had laid on a reviving meal and well stocked bar. Some walkers chose the garden, others the comfort of the dining room. A shuttle bus was available for those taking the 7 mile option.

We passed a herd of Bison - either Sussex dairy farmers are being urged to diversify or we had had too liquid a lunch.

The walk returned by the River Arun.

There were frequent refreshment stops. At this stand Vanessa and Richard had entered into the general festive feel by dressing in period costume and providing delicious cakes to go with the usual hot and cold drinks. They were among many people who donated home made cakes to the walkers.

Several dogs made an eager start and some rivalled humans for sponsorship. Most were to be seen in the finish tent lying flat out - happy but totally exhausted.

The start and finish tent.

Walkers The 'Last Man' and his party walk the route at the end of the day to ensure that no one has got left behind. This year Geoff, the walk planner, acted as Last Man.

Facts & Figures:
  • The walker raising the most sponsorship this year raised £801.
  • The group with the highest sponsorship has pledges for £1428, of which half will go to WACT and half to the group.
  • Don't fancy getting sponsorship but would enjoy a hassle free day out? Pay £15 and go self-sponsored.
  • Would like to take part but cannot? Sponsor the Last Man. This year the Last Man raised £1473
  • The final figure was a total of £12,803

Great credit goes to Jo, the organiser and a very large team of volunteers who helped to make the day run so smoothly.

Next year's Poddle will be on 11 June 2006.

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Last updated June 2005