"Our walking group was unable to operate during the periods of lockdown but restarted activities as the Groby Walkers last year. We are going from strength to strength, gaining a steady stream of new walkers in recent weeks.

I joined the Walking Group in October 2009, about 6 months after it was originally started by Hazel Smith. For many of these years John Alton and I seem to have taken it in turns to act as administrator/co-ordinator for the group. Neither of us could have carried out this role without the support of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council - providing Walk Leader training, group insurance, resources and encouragement.

The group would also have been unable to function without the involvement and support of numerous Walk Leaders over the years. Some have moved away, become physically unable to lead walks or even, sadly, died. But throughout the 13 years we have, fortunately, had enough volunteer Walk Leaders – and walking members – to keep the Group functioning and thriving.

Not only does it provide the means for people to benefit from the healthy activity of walking but it also offers social interaction and an invaluable support network, especially as we get older and too often lose our life's partners.

Various members of the group have been involved with organising social events over the years. Currently Gill Winfield is fulfilling this role. Many of the walkers have a drink and biscuit after the walk in the Churches Together Coffee Morning which takes place in the Village Hall on Thursday mornings.

We are a friendly, welcoming group. We meet every Thursday at 10am at the Groby Village Hall and offer a one hour walk of about 2.7 miles or the alternative of a slower, shorter walk for those wanting that option. Each group has 2 Walk Leaders allocated, plus additional Walk Leaders who are just there to enjoy the activity but are available to lend a hand if needed.

On the last Thursday of the month, the main group in particular ventures further afield than Groby for its one hour walk.

Speaking personally, I have found being involved with the Groby Walking Group to be a very enjoyable, worthwhile and rewarding experience as well as benefitting my physical and mental health. It gave me a focus after retirement from teaching.

I can thoroughly recommend participation in this – or indeed any other – Walking Group. There are several around Leicestershire from which to choose."

Julia Taylor