PROWD & Walking Group

PROWD - Update on Footpaths

Welcome to 'Springtime’ !!

The blocked path in Frocester (EFR23 ) should be open during April/May.

Two more footpaths in Frocester ( EFR6 and EFR32 ) are to have new kissing gates, replacing the stiles. The work is to be done in April/ May. Also, two new kissing gates in our Parish, EEA73 by the M5 underpass, and EEA67 near Five Acre Grove.

A 'thank you’, to Farmer Andrew Cozens, Farmer Nick Spencer and Farmer Prout for their help. A 'thank you' also to our Parish Council and County Council for their financial support.

The four new kissing gates near Swallowcroft (EEA57), are to have stone laid in them in the next month or so in order to reduce the water and mud. Thanks again for Parish Council support.

Work is also ongoing in creating a footpath diversion in Nupend near to Leahug Farm.

The 'Three Pubs Walk' on Sunday 19th March was well attended with about 15 people turning up. Starting at the 'Badger', the walk progressed to 'The George' at Frocester where everyone stopped for a "breather" before walking back to 'The Kings Head’. The weather was overcast, fresh, and a little windy so some walkers returned to the 'Badger’ afterwards.

Let's hope that we start to see a few more warmer days soon. Bill Edwards

Bill Edwards - PROWD | 01453 824452 | edwards.parish@btinternet.com

Eastington Community Walking Group

Dear all

The 'Walkie Talkies' was set up with no agenda, action plan or motivation other than as a means to connect with other like minded people. People who love and share a love of walking in our wonderful countryside. I wanted to reach out to anyone that enjoys the simple pleasures....walking, talking, shared appreciation of wildlife, fresh air and good company. Oh and a good pint!

We usually meet 1pm every third Sunday of the month but look out for more details in ECN and notice boards outside The Old Badger Inn and the Co-op. We have enjoyed many walks and many people old and young have joined us over the last two years or so. We welcome everyone to our group, please don't feel shy, if you need more info just pick up the phone and get in touch with me.

Many of the walks we have enjoyed have been lead by Bill Edwards who heads up PROWD (Public Right Of Way Defenders). Bill works tirelessly to facilitate walkers routes, by clearing paths etc, in and around the parish of Eastington. Many of the kissing gates and bridges have been organised by Bill, installed by Alan Loveridge and funded by the Parish Council so a big thank you to all!

We welcome anyone that can get over a style (we can assist)! and walk for up to approx. 3 hours (leisurely) or up to 5 miles. (We usually enjoy a couple of pit stops).

Dogs are OK as long as you don't mind putting on a lead when we need you to and pick up etc. Thank you!

We find it absolutely essential that at least one pub is involved during our rambles as this is an important (and popular) feature of our walks. We recently walked to Frampton from The Kings Head and enjoyed a few bevvies at the lovely Three Horse Shoes before our homeward journey. We are planning a special walk in June to celebrate Jo Cox's life organised by sarah.lola.9235 details will be posted on both notice boards.

Of course the more we walk our footpaths the more we are helping to keep our footpaths alive and kicking. It also flags up problem areas like overgrown styles and paths and thus helps enormously to keep our precious footpaths part of our life and walking experience we must not allow them to be swallowed up into obscurity, it's up to us to keep walking, so come and have a laugh in the big wide open!