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Paths for All Volunteer Newsletter Spring 2014 Inside: Praise for our valuable volunteers Plus: • Beating cancer • Path groups make a difference Local People Local Paths Incorporating www.pathsforall.org.uk

Footnotes Spring 2014

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News from walking for health and community paths groups who are encourgaing everyone, everywhere to walk everyday in Scotland.

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Page 1: Footnotes Spring 2014

Paths for All Volunteer Newsletter

Spring 2014

Inside:Praise for ourvaluable volunteers

Plus:• Beating cancer• Path groups makea difference

Local People

Local Paths

Incorporating

www.pathsforall.org.uk

Page 2: Footnotes Spring 2014

Dear readerWelcome to the Spring edition of Footnotes. It’s full ofinspirational volunteers like you, who are getting everyone,everywhere, walking everyday. Our five volunteer award winners arefeatured on page 11. However, I thinkall volunteers involved in gettingScotland walking are champions. We began 2014 by launching our

new partnership project withMacmillan Cancer Support – find out more on page 6. We are developing an interactive Step Count Challenge website to log each workplace teams' walkingprogress. We expect the walking competition to reach newlevels this year. I hope you and your workplace enter a team.See page 4 for more details.The difference paths groups and their

volunteers are making is fantastic. Readabout what five groups have achieved with our funding on page 15. I really do hope you enjoy 2014 in the

spirit of the late Nelson Mandela:

“Tread softly,breathe peacefully,laugh hysterically.

Thank you for your support. It’s invaluable.

Ian FindlayChief Officer

Contents2-7 In the news

Features

8 A warm welcome from GurdwaraAnn Dunn visitsGlasgow’s newGurdwara

9 Walking with purposeA look at the benefits ofwalking on mental health

10 Valuable volunteersCelebrating the work ofour volunteers at ourawards ceremony

13 Community GreenInitiative scoops awardThe Community PathVolunteer of the Year

14 Jackie’s tips for tripsHow one walker goesabout organising events

15 Path groups make adifferenceLocal People Local Pathsgrants are helping pathprojects across Scotland

16 I’ll text youUsing moderntechnology to motivatewalkers

Regulars

17 Packed lunchesSalmon and vegetablekebabs recipe from theBritish Heart Foundation

18 Word on the street Your letters, emails,comments and tweets

19 Feeling poetic

20 The quiz

2

Stop press... Stop press... Stop press...

Watch out for details of our Big Fit Commonwealth Walk in June.

Cover story: One in a millionPictured front right is Volunteer Walk Leader Reta Inch, aged 84, withwalkers from Lesmahagow Health Walks, organized by HealthyValleys. Reta has been leading walks for over 10 years. She isdescribed as: “A shining star” and “One in million” by Simone Jansevan Rensburg of Healthy Valleys in South Lanarkshire. Reta has madea big difference to her community by ensuring there is regular activitythat is open to all, no matter age and fitness level. Well done Reta.

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Meet our newDevelopmentOfficer John Duffy is our newDevelopment Officer for theLocal People Local Pathsprogramme. He toldFootnotes about his skills and interests.“Throughout my working

life I’ve worked with andsupported people andcommunity groups to developand deliver projects andpartnerships that make adifference to their daily livesand the communities they livein. Previously, I’ve worked asan Outdoor Access Officerand as a communitydevelopmentworker.In my spare

time I’m involvedwith my localCommunityCouncil andDevelopmentTrust, as well as anumber of community groupswithin West Fife, where I live.People have always been

at the heart of everything I do,so if you have a communitypath project you need helpwith please get in touch withme on 01259 222 392 or [email protected]

Bags of funkydesigns We now have an online shopand to celebrate you can wina Tote bag work £12.50 when

In the news...

you answer: How manyfootsteps are pictured in ourt-shirt design, above? Seepage 16 for competition entrydetails and closing date.

We have othergreat designsfor you tochoose fromon a wideselection of productssuch as

t-shirts, jackets,water bottles, mugs andbags. You can even uploadyour own designs or logostoo. Please visitwww.pathsforall.spreadshirt.co.uk to gear up yourwalking.

Living it UpA new health, care andwellbeing project aimed athelping people to take bettercare of themselves is beingpiloted in five Scottishregions.

The three year project,called Living it Up, will deliverinnovative and integratedhealth, care and wellnessservices, information andproducts via familiartechnology enabling peopleto care for themselves andothers. It’s being developedjointly by local health boardsand councils across Lothian,Forth Valley, Highland, Morayand the Western Isles and isaimed at the over 50s.For more information,

visit www.livingitup.org.uk

Photo competition Your picture of Glasgow'sCommonwealth Woods couldfeature in the GlasgowEvening Times 2015 calendar.Find out more about the'Inspired by my local woods'competition at:www.commonwoods.org.uk

Page 4: Footnotes Spring 2014

Take a space walkIf traveling the world is toomundane for you head to themoon! There’s a choice ofdistances this year for the2014 midnight MoonWalk on7th June leaving fromInverleith Park, Edinburgh.

• New Moon – 6.55 miles• Half Moon – 13.1 miles• Full Moon – 26.2 miles • Over The Moon – 52.4 miles!

Get a team together; set yourgalactic target; walk everyday;decorate your bra; and have a blast.

Volunteer marshals are also needed. Sign up at:www.walkthewalk.org/moonwalkscotland

Running the show Well done to Glasgow HealthWalk’s oldest Walk Leader Bill Rossine, aged 89, whoran the North Glasgow 5kwith his daughter. Severalother Walk Leaders alsoacted as volunteer marshalson the day.

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Footnotes Spring 2014

Single pedometerpack… seekspartnerWant to walk more? Thencome and meet the newpedometer pack that willinspire and motivate you topull on your walking shoes!Aimed at the independentwalker, our pack contains aquality Silva pedometer, astructured 12 week walkingprogramme and a walker’sguide and diary. Come and meet the

pedometer pack now:www.pathsforall.org.uk/pedometer

Step up for achallenge Our popular Step CountChallenge starts on the 28thof April and runs for eightweeks, until the 22nd June.Now in its fourth year we

have created a website forteams to track their progressonline. The challenge isdesigned to encourageemployees to be more activeduring their working day. Andhave fun!Our challenge is a great

way to get in shape for yoursummer holiday. Don’t delay,register your office team atwww.stepcount.org.uk

Pictured at our Volunteer Awardceremony are Kevin Hutchinsonof Inverclyde Council CommunityHealth and Care Partnership,Duncan Galbraith founder ofWorld Walking and InverclydeGlobetrotters, Karen HaldaneChief Executive of Your VoiceInverclyde Community CareForum, with Greenock andInverclyde MSP Duncan MacNeil.

Walking all over the worldLooking for something to puta spring in your step? Whynot join World Walking; yourvirtual ticket to some of thegreatest (and sunniest andwarmest!) places on earth.Launched last October by

the Inverclyde Globetrotters,World Walking offers a simple,free and fun way to exploreexciting cities and far off landsas you walk to work, walkwith friends or walk to health. Over 360 people have now

signed up. The most populardestination so far is MachuPicchu, the famous WorldHeritage Site high in themountains of Peru. If youwould like to find out more goto: www.worldwalking.org

Walkers having a great time.

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Photographed beside the River Tweed at Cardrona Forestnear Peebles is the Walk It Innerleithen Health Walk Group.

walkingyour way

Path advice service Have you an idea for a pathproject but don’t know whereto start? If so, our One StopShop service can help you.We can:• Offer advice to improve your local path network

• Visit your project• Show you how to survey a path

• Help you plan what needsto be done and when

• Organise training for yourgroup, if you need it

• Discuss options for signs on your path

• Talk you through how bestto promote your path

• Advise you on the best typeof path for your area

• Help you make sure yourpath will last

Contact our One Stop Serviceon 01259 218 888 or email:[email protected]

Creating an activeworkforceIf you need any ideas on howto promote active travel inyour workplace visitwww.pathsforall.org.uk andclick on the “Take LocalAction” section to read ouractive travel case studies.They feature organisationspromoting walking or cyclinginitiatives.

Drovers’ Tryst walking festival The Crieff and Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst held anothersuccessful walking festival in October, with over 360walkers taking part in 33 walks and over 155 volunteershelping out. The festival is one of Scotland’s largest walking

festivals and celebrates the rich history of Crieff when itwas once the centre of the cattle and droving trade. Itwasn’t just walking; there were also Hairy Coo mountainbike races and many social events. This year’s festival will run from 11-18 October. Over

35 guided and graded walks are on offer ranging fromchallenging mountain routes to easier themed walksenjoying the spectacular Perthshire countryside. You can find out more about the festival at

www.droverstryst.com or if you are interested in helpingyou can email [email protected].

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Cutting pathverges tohelp wildlifeDid you know that the wayyou cut the verges of a pathcan have an affect onwildlife? For many paths, the

verges are kept short forpath maintenance. Thisgives the feeling ofopenness and tidiness asyou walk or ride along thepath. For wildlife, however,the short vegetation canprovide little benefit. So,how can you make vergesmore wildlife friendly butstill keep the path clear for

people to use? Thekey is to cut

vegetation atdifferent levelsfrom the edge of the path sowildlife can

always find foodand cover.

To find out more aboutcutting verges visit the‘technical tip of the month’section of our websitewww.pathsforall.org.uk

Beating cancerPhotographed at the January launch of our Macmillan WalkingGroups partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support isMargaret Jack – an Easterhouse walker, Elspeth Atkinson –Macmillan Director for Celtic Nations, Ian Findlay – our ChiefOfficer and Helen Johnston – a Volunteer Walk Leader. Margaret joined the Easterhouse walk to exercise in

company after receiving a promotional leaflet. She wouldencourage other cancer patients to join to. She enthuses: “The difference it has had on me has been amazing. I am muchsteadier on my feet as my legs are much stronger and each time I do it I can walk that little bit further. It’s not just benefiting mebut also all of my family who are so pleased to see theimprovement in me. I know they worry about me. I can’trecommend it enough and hope others will read this and join us.”Helen Johnston from Baillieston became a Volunteer Walk

Leader after attending the Macmillan circuit classes to helpher cope with her cancer. Helen explained: ‘The walking reallyhelps my health and I feel the benefits each time. I barely noticeI’m doing the exercise as I am chatting and laughing so muchwith people. Volunteering also gives me a lot back as I see thedifference in people and how much they blossom after takingpart in a few walks. Usually when people first join they areapprehensive but by the end of the walk you can see their facesshining and they have been laughing and chatting.’Traditionally cancer patients have been told to rest during

and after treatment. Research now shows that being activecan maintain physical function and minimise the side effects of treatment. For information about Macmillan Walking Groups in your

area contact Hazel Robinson at [email protected]

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Carl Greenwood, our Workplace DevelopmentOfficer recently visited South West CommunityCycles (SWCC) in the heart of Glasgow’sSouthside.

This new cycling resource for Glasgow is located in thehistoric Pollokshaws West Railway Station on the edge ofPollok Country Park. The building is the oldest station still in operation in

Glasgow and opened in 1848. The Category B listed buildingunderwent extensive restoration in 2013 with support fromboth Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and First Scotrail.SWCC opened its doors last year and now offers a full rangeof services to the local community. These include bike hire for all the family, cycling events, volunteering opportunitiesand meeting space. There’s even a café facility in one of thestation’s waiting rooms which is open to groups and thepublic. And should anything go wrong with your bike there’s a team of volunteer mechanics to help you out. Alyson Tannahill, Project Director said, “We aim to promote

interest in cycling and address the lack of access to equipmentand organised activities in the area, which will in turn improvehealth, education and social behaviour. This is a uniqueopportunity to bring cycling to an increased audience within abeautiful heritage building for the benefit of the community.SWCC isn’t just for cyclists. It is about operating as a

community hub, with a focus for cycling, outdoor experiencesand generally feeling good.”To find out more about South West Community Cycles

visit their website www.southwestcommunitycycles.co.ukor you can contact them on 0141 632 7155.

All Aboard! Muriel shares her passion

Muriel Cupples, a walker inCastlemilk with GlasgowHealth Walks has not onlyfound a passion for walkingbut also for sharing herenthusiasm. She wrote to usand said: “I started walkingwith the Castlemilk group overa year ago in their evening walkand thoroughly enjoyed everywalk through the woodlands of Castlemilk – bringing backmany happy childhoodmemories for me. After this, I joined the Queens Park Walkon a Monday and made somenew friends there too.

The next thing I joined wasthe Castlemilk Tuesday andThursday daytime walks whereI met a different set of people.

I would recommend thewalks to anyone. I hand outleaflets all the time to people I meet and let them know howmuch I enjoy the walks.”Imagine how many more

people could benefit if yousimply tell them that walkingeveryday makes you feelmiles better! Word of mouth is invaluable.

Enjoying taking a stroll on theirown are Muriel, Carol and Walter

Page 8: Footnotes Spring 2014

She recently delivered a WalkLeader training course toseveral Sikh ladies in the firstpurpose built Gurdwara inScotland. The training wasjointly organised by DiabetesUK Scotland and the Walking Towards BetterHealth project we fund withAlliance Scotland.Ann commented after the

training: “The Walk Leadertraining was the first time thatany outside organisation hadbeen invited into theGurdwara for training. Irealised on the day that thiswas a very unusual event forme. A lot of people popped into see what was going on! I'mso glad it went well. I've neverhad to work so hard, thankgoodness Sumera [Arshad,

Community DevelopmentWorker with Diabetes and MeProject] was so helpful.”The Diabetes and Me

Project engages directly withSouth Asian communities inGlasgow, raising awarenessand promoting selfmanagement of diabetes. TheHealth Walks were requested

by the Scottish Sikhcommunity who hadshown an interest inunderstanding the linkbetween diabetesand physicalactivity. Sumera said:

“At some pointsduring thetraining,information wastranslated toPunjabi by me to ensure thatthe messageswere being

8

Footnotes Spring 2014

understood and theparticipants were able tofollow the trainer. The traineeswere not shy and openlyasked many questions aboutwalking and health.”One lady remarked: “It is

obvious that walking is goodfor health, but we havebecome very lazy and do notrealise that inactivity iscausing a lot of healthdiseases like stroke, diabetesand heart problems.”

Warm welcome from GurdwaraWalk Leader trainer Ann Dunn felt privileged to experience Glasgow’snew Gurdwara on Albert Drive, Pollockshields.

Glasgow’sGurdwara is a cultural,educationaland religioushub for Sikhsand the widercommunity.

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Walk Leader Fiona Lough, Ramblers Scotland’s JeannieCranfield, Live Active Leisure’s Stride for Life ColinMelville and walkers who took part in the launch ofStanley Medal Routes walks in Perthshire.

walkingyour way

The Scottish Association ofMental Health (SAMH)delivered a 12 week pilotwalking group project at theirInverclyde Gateways Servicein Greenock. The walksattracted service users whowould not normally haveparticipated in physicalactivity, in particular peoplewho previously felt isolated as some of these commentsillustrate:

‘I love the walking group. It’smy only contact with othersand it’s not personal. I can’tcope with anybody knowingmy business.’

‘I just enjoy listening andgetting fresh air.’

‘It makes me get out of bed andgives me a reason to get out ofthe house as I really enjoy thecompany of the other walkers.’

‘I don’t care about the rain orgetting wet, it was just good to

Walking with purposetalk to someone, as living aloneI can go long periods with noone to talk to’.

‘I feel that the walking groupgives me a purpose for gettingout of my bed in the morning.’

One service user who trainedas a Walk Leader has

witnessed not only changes in the participants but alsoexperienced a number ofpositive benefits themselves.Maria says:

‘As a Walk Leader I feel I havegained confidence andexperience and I have noticeda difference in my fitnesslevels. I enjoy the outdoors,even in the rain!’

SAMH suggest followingthese five ways to bettermental health:

1. Staying connected withfamily, friends, colleaguesand neighbours

2. Getting active and goingwalking every day

3. Taking notice and findingone thing to be grateful forevery day

4. Learning a new skill 5. Giving a smile

Visit www.samh.org.ukfor more information.

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Valuable volunteersCommonwealth Games and Sport Minister Shona Robison applaudedthe work of volunteers at our Celebrating Scotland’s Walking Championsawards ceremony at The Scottish Parliament. She highlighted the value ofthe work volunteers do,saying: “Volunteers play animportant role in deliveringsport and physical activityacross the whole of Scotland.

Recognising and celebratingthe contribution and differencethey can make is hugelyimportant. I’m delighted thatthis evening’s awards highlightthis contribution to help Scotslive longer, healthier lives, andwholeheartedly congratulate allfive walking champions for theirdedication and inspiration.”

Our President, broadcasterMark Stephen, enjoyed the

lively event saying: “Awardsare a great way to celebrate thehard work and passion ofvolunteers. Well done to everyvolunteer involved in improvingpaths or motivating others toenjoy a refreshing walk. Eachand every one of our finalistshas done super work makingScotland healthier, fitter andhappier.”

The event was superblyhosted by Patricia FergusonMSP for Springburn andMaryhill. She said: “I was trulyinspired by the energy anddedication of community andworkplace volunteers who are

improving health and mentalwellbeing outcomes bypromoting walking.”

Heather McLeod, ProjectCoordinator with WalkGlasgow who nominatedvolunteers John and Rebeccafor an award said: “It was aninspirational evening andwonderful to see walking rightup there on the politicalagenda.”

Thank you to insolemanufacturer Superfeet forproviding all the winners with two pairs of their shoeinsoles each.

MSP Patricia Ferguson,our Chief Officer IanFindlay, CommonwealthGames and Sport MinisterShona Robison and ourPresident Mark Stephen

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Meet the worthy winnersCommunityPath Volunteerof the Year isJean Weir withCommunityGreen Initiative,Dunipace inFalkirk

Jean Weir with CommunityGreen Initiative, Dunipace inFalkirk is Community PathVolunteer of the Year. Shehelped regenerate theHerbertshire Castle Park/GalaPark. Read more about theproject on page 13.

VolunteerManager of theYear DeniseCarmichaelwith (l-r); Andy Millar of ScottishBordersCouncil, KevanSanderson fromNHS Bordersand VolunteerWalk LeaderCindyArmstrong

Health WalkVolunteer of theYear RobertRussell withShona RobisonMSP and MarkStephen

Robert Russell with StirlingWalking Network managed by Active Stirling is HealthWalk Volunteer of the Year. A serious car accident wherehe broke his neck hasn’tstopped Robert leading walksand attending publicityevents! His motto is: “If I canlend a hand I will”.Since 2005 he has led over

460 Health Walks andvolunteered over 1,400 hoursof his time. Inspecting paths,clearing litter and cutting backbushes keep him active too.

Denise Carmichael, ProjectCoordinator with Walk It,Scottish Borders Council isVolunteer Manager of theYear. When she started withWalk It in 2009 there were 5Health Walks, now there are23. There were 6 VolunteerWalk Leaders, now there are72. There has been a 360%increase in walkers. A recentSocial Return on Investmentstudy found that for every £1invested in the Walk It project there was a socialreturn of £8.

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Footnotes Spring 2014

WorkplaceVolunteer of theYear MargaretMeechan andcolleagues

Workplace Volunteer of theYear is Margaret Meechan,with City of EdinburghCouncil who is described asthe: “Walking motivator in theoffice.” by her colleague SatyKaur who also said: “I nowwalk an hour to work andback three times a week dueto her enthusiasm.”

Step CountChallengeVolunteer of theYear CatherineBertuccelli andcolleagues

Step Count ChallengeVolunteer of the Year isCatherine Bertuccelli with TheBean Counters walking teamat East Renfrewshire Council.She kept her pedometerwalking challenge team ontheir toes with emails, Mondaymorning texts, progress chartsand stickers for reachingpersonal goals. Catherine’sapproach to success has beento encourage small lifestylechanges like walking to work.

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Jean’s involvement in theDunipace project is inspiring.She admits that a lot of thework was new to her at firstand at times challenging, buther motivation andenthusiasm to make adifference locally isimpressive to hear.With some ‘free’ time on

her hands since retiring as a high school teacher, Jeantook on the task of helping to regenerate and improveaccess in the HerbertshireCastle Park in Dunipace.Forth Valley and LomondLEADER funding and somegreat partnership workbetween the Green Initiative,Denny and Dunipace HeritageSociety, Falkirk Council,Paths for All and the ForestryCommission allowed thegroup to take on two projectsin the park: woodlandmanagement and pathimprovement.Using the varied skills of

local people, some assistancefrom Falkirk Council staff andadvice from Paths for All,Jean helped to:

• improve 100m of pathnetwork for wheelchair andbuggy access

• install new seating• remove hedges, thin and fell trees to improve access

• develop interpretationdisplays, and

• provide a viewing area overthe River Carron

The positive comments weheard about Jean were:

“Managing a project over twoyears, while keeping othervolunteers on board, fromconsultation to grantfundraising and procurement,

to near completion is not easy.Jean has been committed, wellorganised and open to learningthroughout.

Jean is living proof that lifeisn't just about a career, butabout what you give ofyourself.”

Not only is Jean CommunityPath Volunteer of the Year she is the first person tocomplete the Paths for AllManaging Path Constructiononline training course. Welldone Jean!

Community GreenInitiative scoops awardWe were delighted to present the 2013Community Path Volunteer of the Year award to Jean Weir of the Community Green Initiativein Dunipace at our Parliamentary event inDecember.

Celebrating one year of Health Walks, in grand style, isthe ColGlen Fellowship Talkie-Walkies group in Argylland Bute. They enjoyed a guided tour of Mount Stuarton the Isle of Bute.

walkingyour way

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Footnotes Spring 2014

Jackie’s tips for tripsThank you to Step It Up Highland’s Project Coordinator Lynne Bannisterfor interviewing walker Jackie with the Smithton and Floral Hall group inInverness about how she organises successful events.

Lynne said: “Jackie hasbecome extremely busyorganising social eventsoutside of the walks. Walkerssee this as ‘the icing on thecake!’ She has many contactsand puts them to good use inarranging walks, theatreoutings (including behind thescenes tours and meeting thecast) and holidays to Jersey,Bath and even Sicily!”

Motivate and encourageI’m interested in motivatingpeople to be more active. Ifeel that without our walkinggroup and trips, a lot of ourwalkers would be sitting athome in front of their TVs.

Value groupactivities I alwaysensure thatwhen on aday out thegroup get a large,preferablycircular,table to sit at alltogether to help everyonefeeling included.

Liaise with contacts,organisations and negotiateUse and keep in touch withyour contacts. I always try to get best prices anddiscounts.

Communicate clearly andconciselyThis is vital to make surearrangements for everyone gosmoothly. I usually speak towalkers at the socialising afterour weekly walks. Any costsfor trips (some are free) areclearly explained and moneyis collected at our ‘socialtable’ so that it’s all recordedand witnessed by everyone. I keep a reference notebookwith all the necessary detailsabout the trips.

Be outgoing Everyone else tells me thatthis is the one big factor inwhy this works so well. All Iknow is that I enjoy doing thisorganising and love seeingeveryone enjoy the walks,theatre trips, holidays anddays out.

Ask your walkers to helpmanage your group – theymay have “hidden talents”like Jackie.

Enjoy the blues this spring …with a bluebell walk!

Seasonal inspiration

Copyright © and ® John Hinde Archive

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Path groups make a difference Our Local People Local Paths grant fund is making a real difference topath projects across Scotland. Last year we supported 26 path groupsfrom Tarland in the north, across the central belt to Earlston in the south.Groups have been busy and it has been great to hear theresults of their hard work.Whether the projects focus on path improvements, bettersignage, more people usingpaths, or volunteering, localcommunities are reallybenefiting. Here are a few of the

projects we’ve supported:

Buchlyvie Paths Groupcreated a path from a muddydesire line from the hall carpark to the play area, makingit easier for people to access.

Earlston Paths Projectimproved path surfaces,installed waymarkers, discsand posts and created leafletsto promote their path network.

CLEAR Buckhaven installedvandal proof waymarkers anddirectional signage alongvarious path networksthroughout Buckhaven, aswell as producing promotionalleaflets.

Tarland Way DevelopmentGroup designed and printedleaflets and a bookletpromoting the Tarland Way.

North Common Trust andThornhill Community TrustPaths Group improveddrainage where paths werewaterlogged or flooded.

Feedback from thecommunity is invaluable. Hereare a couple of quotes onegroup received: “What adifference – keep up the goodwork.” and “Sorrowlessfield isback on our walking route.”The achievements would

not be possible without the

fantastic effort of volunteers.If any of the projects haveinspired you or your localgroup to take action we canhelp. Our next round of LocalPeople Local Paths grants willopen in April. You can alsofind out about our One StopShop path service on page 5.

Stride for Life North Muirton walkers in Perth offer anintegrated community walk with dementia patients fromMurray Royal Hospital.

walkingyour way

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Footnotes Spring 2014

“In the UK today 94% of adults own a mobilephone*. We wanted to review howwalking projects might use thistechnology. I met with ProjectCoordinators and VolunteerWalk Leaders, seeing firsthandwhat a great job they do.I have also had the

opportunity to go out on anumber of Health Walks andmeet some of thewalkers. Seeing thedifference a HealthWalk can make topeople’s health and

wellbeing, and how atext messaging servicecan motivate people tobecome and stay active, has been ahighlight for me.”A guidance note on how to

communicate and motivate walkers usingtext messages is available in the Supportsection of our website:www.pathsforall.co.uk

University of Edinburgh intern MhairiMacDonald worked with us to research theuse of text messaging as a way of motivatingpeople to walk more. * Source: www.media.ofcom.org.uk/facts/

Mhairi hopes text messages will helpengage people and motivate them to walk more.

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Salmon andvegetable kebabsFor more heart-healthy recipes from BritishHeart Foundation join Heart Matters, theFREE service from BHF. Visit bhf.org.uk/heartmatters or call 0300 330 3300.

Ingredients4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice1 clove garlic, crushed1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped 225g skinless salmon fillet, cut into chunks1 yellow pepper, cut into small chunks2 courgettes, cut into small chunks

For the coleslaw:115g white or red cabbage, finely shredded1 large carrot, coarsely grated2 spring onions, thinly sliced85g sultanas or raisins3 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp fresh lemon juice1 1/2 tsp clear (runny) honey1 tbsp finely chopped fresh mixed herbsFreshly ground black pepper, to taste

PreparationKebabs: combine chilli sauce, lemon juice,garlic and chilli in a bowl. Add the salmon,yellow pepper and courgette; toss to coatevenly. Leave to marinate for 15–20minutes. Thread salmon and vegetablesonto skewers then grill for 10–15 minutes oruntil salmon is cooked, turning occasionally.Coleslaw:Mix the cabbage, carrot, onion &sultanas. Whisk together the olive oil, lemonjuice, honey and herbs; pour over and mix.

Keeping ActiveIt’s not hard to imagine what your walkersreport as their favourite activity. It’s …walking! Here’s a list of ideas on how to geteveryone, everywhere, walking everyday.

• Offer a range of walking levels• Sign-up for a charity walk• Walk a long distance route in small sections• Encourage walking to work or to the shops• Offer extra walks for special occasions• Encourage walkers to arrange walkstogether

• Promote our pedometerswww.pathsforall.org.uk/pedometer

Other popular activities reported are: keep fit,swimming, dancing, cycling, tai chi, joggingand badminton. No-one is ever too old to takeup a new exercise as this Step It Up Highlandwalker found out: “I have just started to learnto swim at age 70 thanks to the support ofanother walker in our group.”

To encourage more activity into your walkers’week:• Introduce our Walk your Way to BetterStrength and Balance exercises. We’veincluded four new exercises for frailer olderadults. Contact [email protected] forfurther information.

• Maintain your Health Walk paths by cuttingback shrubs or clearing litter. Contact JohnDuffy our new Local People, Local PathsDevelopment Officer [email protected]

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Footnotes Spring 2014

Word on the streetWe receive so much positive praise it just has to be shared.

"The group led by Hazel Keiromade me feel most welcome.I had just moved to the area andwas not sure where to walk.The walks are interesting andeveryone has been so friendly.I have now started doing longerwalks. I would recommend thisgroup to anyone!"

Isobel Geldenhuys, walker with Errol Health Walk Group, Stride for Life, Perth and Kinross

“I recommend theSafety OutdoorCourse to all WalkLeaders. I learned alot. The trainer [IainDavidson] was aninspiration, making itinteresting andentertaining.”

"I have completed my Walk Leadertraining and head up the walkinggroup at The Grange, Brightonsfor Stepforth, Falkirk. I’m alsoback-up Walk Leader round theHelix Park leaving from theFalkirk Stadium."

Audrey Anderson, Step It Up Highland walker

Volunteer Walk Leader, Neil Andrew with Walk It in theScottish Borders

“I am now walking thegrandchildren to school ratherthan taking the car!”

Lisa Hendry, former Stepforth, Falkirk walker

Hazel Keiro,Step It UpHighlandVolunteerWalk Leader

The Kelpies within the HelixPark, Falkirk will be officiallyopened in April during theJohn Muir Way festival from17th – 26th April. The festivalcelebrates the long distanceroute from Dunbar toHelensburgh on the 100thanniversary of this pioneeringScot’s birth.

Encourage yourwalkers to become Walk Leaders by sharing these comments about our Volunteer Walk Leader training course.

www.thekelpies.co.uk

“The course was a fun andinteractive way oflearning how tobecome a WalkLeader. It hasinspired me todo this.”

“Great training. Goodtutor. Enjoyable. Grandto be able to go for awalk duringtraining.” “Enjoyed

the courseand feelconfidentaboutbecominga WalkLeader.”

Send your news, photos and poems to:[email protected] 30th May for the Summeredition and receive a £20 High Street voucher if yourstory is featured.

“Good trainingevent. Thank youfor coming tothe Gurdwara.”See page 8

Photo: Ben Williams

Page 19: Footnotes Spring 2014

Footnotes Spring 2014

19

PoemThe following poem was received from aStep It Up Highland walker with learningdisabilities who attends the Nairn walkinggroup with a helper.

They meet on a Tuesday and Fridayand drive to a forest too,

If you’re at a loose end it gives yousomething to do.

Good having someone as your guide,Better than being on your own,When there’s no one at your side.

September 2013

What’s stopping you getting more active? Feeling overweight?

I know I need to lose some weight but I don’t know where to start.

Walking’s really helped. I’ve lost afew pounds and I feel great!

Illustrations: Dan Parry Jones

Walking even for 10 minutes every day can make you feel miles better.

Page 20: Footnotes Spring 2014

Footnotes Spring 2014

Paths for All is a partnership organisation, for a full list of our current partners please visit: www.pathsforall.org.ukPaths for All Partnership is a recognised Scottish Charity No: SC025535 and a Company Limited by Guarantee No: 168554incorporated 19 September 1996 at Companies House, Edinburgh. Registered Office: Inglewood House, Tullibody Road, Alloa FK10 2HU.

Contact usPaths for All (Head Office), FREEPOST SCO6890, Alloa FK10 2BRTel: 01259 218 888

Paths for All (North Office), Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NWTel: 01463 725 152

email: [email protected]: www.pathsforall.org.uk

The quizMatch the Easter treat with the distanceyou need to walk to burn off the calories it contains.

Keep up to date with us at:

Twitter.com/PathsforAll

www.facebook.com/PathsforAllScotland

WinnerCongratulations to Walk Leader SheilaMcQueen in Dumfries and Galloway whoanswered all the path hand toolscorrectly in the autumn/winter quiz.

Walk Leaders from Walk Glasgow had a great day out inAuld Reekie visiting the Surgeon’s Museum followed bya short walk down to Arthur’s Seat and round theScottish Parliament building.

walkingyour way

A

Cadbury’sCrème Egg

(39g)

Half a milkchocolateEaster egg(117g)

Whole 70% darkchocolateEaster egg(180g)

Small pack of

Maltesers®

Hot crossbun –withoutbutter

Hot crossbun – withthin spreadof butter

Send your answers and contact details by Friday 9th May 2014 to the Freepostaddress below or to [email protected] to be in with a chance to win a £20High Street voucher and a t-shirt design of your choice from our new online shopworth over £24. Visit www.pathsforall.spreadshirt.co.uk to view our designs.

12.3 miles4858 steps187 cals

212 miles

25344 steps1026 cals

32.25 miles4752 steps180 cals

43 miles

6336 steps240 cals

57.5 miles

15840 steps632 cals

62.3 miles4858 steps187 cals

B C D E F