Raising money for good causes and restoration

COMMUNITY groups and charities can raise money for their good causes at the same time as supporting the canal restorations.

Such groups are being invited to take part in the Wey & Arun Canal Trust's Annual Sponsored Walk—and being able to keep half of the amount they raise.

The Poddle

This year's walk, known as the Poddle, is on Sunday, 5th June—a 12 miles route through some beautiful Surrey and Sussex countryside that takes in locations linked with the 200th anniversary of the canal's opening.

The Trust is giving other organisations the opportunity to raise money through a 50/50 sponsorship option. If a team of walkers raises more than £200 sponsorship, a minimum of £20 each, it is happy to split their proceeds equally with a cause of their choosing.

Can take advantage

Poddle Co-ordinator Margaret Darvill, explains:

"This will benefit groups such as the scouts and guides and other young people's groups," she said. "They can take advantage of us making all the arrangements, while helping themselves and the trust at the same time."

The walk's morning section of about 6½ miles is from North Hall in Loxwood, West Sussex to the Three Compasses pub at Alfold in Surrey, where lunch will be provided. The newly combined Arun Navigation and Wey & Arun Junction Canal was officially opened there by Lord Egremont in September 1816.

Volunteers at work

The route takes in the canal from Devil's Hole Lock, past Gennets Bridge Lock—where walkers might see volunteers at work—to the new Compasses Bridge. It passes through the picturesque Sidney Wood, along parts of the un-restored waterway.

Those who would like to do a shorter walk can just join the afternoon 5½ mile section, starting at 1pm from the Three Compasses. The route goes to Alfold village, over farmland and then along the Surrey-Sussex border and back to North Hall for tea and cake.

Register

Individuals and groups can register to join the Poddle at https://weyarun.org.uk/drupal/content/2016-poddle. For more information, call Mrs Darvill on 01483 894606 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We are told that supporters who are unable to do the walk could sponsor the Trust's ‘last man' walker, volunteer to act as a marshal on the day or man a refreshment point.