Millennium Farm Trust - Sam's Sponsored Walk 20 April 2008

Striding out for the Millennium Farm Trust

Start of the walk An intrepid group of walkers determined to support the Millennium Farm Trust (MFT) charity gathered in the rain to help raise funds. The farm walk was the inspiration of Sam Cook (farmworker and Vice Chair of MFT and recent runner up of Suffolk Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award). His idea to raise funds grew from its early concept to attract people of all ages who gathered in the car park of Nowton Country Park, Bury St. Edmunds.

Waterproof coats and sturdy walking boots were the uniform of the day and positive spirits were maintained at all times despite somewhat adverse weather which added to the challenge ahead. Welcome support was provided by the emergency rescue Landrover of St. John’s ambulance with personnel in bright green and yellow (in keeping with the charity’s colours). St Edmundsbury Mayor Margaret Charlesworth started the walkers and led with Sam for the first leg of the 18½ mile walk to Clare.

One of
the checkpoints along the walk The taller long-legged walkers were soon out in front opening up the trail and reaching the rest stops at various farms en route 20 minutes or so before the main group of walkers.

Fields of young sugar beet and other crops were passed along with woodland copses and ditches and streams traversed. Roe deer were spotted and the cuckoo heard.

All this required planning and practice walks of various sections had been held over the winter months and St. Edmundsbury councillors, supporters and members of MFT and members of the public all took part.

Sam cutting the
celebration cake Despite the mud and drizzle the camaraderie and spirits were jolly. At lunchtime the sun gradually came out and by the time Poslingford was reached the temperature was hot!

Sore feet were forgotten with the sights of the picturesque town of Clare and the Country Park where tea and a slice of celebration cake in the Visitor Centre was particularly appreciated.

A fantastic day out was had by all and the Trust would like to say a big thank you to all who have supported the walk from the participants to the farmers along the way and to all those who have helped to make the event a success.