Bay Walks leader from Brixham finally hangs up his boots at 80

Robbie Robinson a Bay Walks leader from Brixham retired last month aged 80, after voluntarily leading a walk every week for the last nine years as part of the popular Bay Walks programme.

The Bay Walks programme which is run by Torbay Care Trust was set up in 2002 as part of a national campaign by Walking for Health to provide people with regular led walking sessions. Since it began the scheme has gone from strength to strength with a total of nine walks per week taking place across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Robbie Robinson has led the same walk in Brixham with co-leader Bob Tucker since the scheme started.

Robbie said: "All my life I have been an active sportsman and particularly in my later years I have tried to stay active by walking at least four miles a day. Leading the Brixham walk was always just part of my regular routine and whilst I have thoroughly enjoyed leading this walk with my co-leader I felt that now was the time to hang up my boots as a leader.

"I have only ever missed a few walks over the years due to weather and it really has been great to meet so many people and see so many wonderful things along my walks.

"Since retiring as a leader last month I have still been on every walk but this time as a group member."  

Debbie Stark, Director of Public Health for Torbay, presented Robbie with a certificate at a special retirement lunch last month to show the Care Trust's appreciation for his contribution to the Bay Walks programme.

Debbie said: "Robbie is an example to us all; giving up his own time to lead a group every week and encouraging others to stay fit and healthy through walking is a fantastic achievement. His commitment and dedication to the people who join the group and the walk is remarkable and we would like to thank him for his service over the last nine years.

"Walking really is one of the best forms of exercise, and as Robbie has shown anyone of any age can walk. It is a great way to build up your fitness and improve your health and wellbeing, particularly if you have been unable to do exercise due to an injury or illness.

"With the new and more advanced weekend walks, in addition to the nine walks that run throughout the week there is a walk out there suitable for everyone."

Whist Robbie will be hanging up his walking boots in 2012, he will continue to be a volunteer guide and lecturer, three days a week at the Brixham Battery Heritage Centre of which he is also a founding member.

In addition to the nine regular Bay Walks, a new programme of progression walks is now available. The new weekend walk programme is ideal for anyone who wants to progress their walking to the next level and try a more challenging walk. All of the walks are free and open to people of all ages. Some walks listed within the programme are also suitable for wheelchair users.

The Torbay Care Trust is also keen to hear from anyone who enjoys walking and is able to give up some of their spare time to become a walk leader volunteer.

For information about the Bay Walks, a timetable or becoming a walk volunteer please contact Elaine Mason, Bay Walks Coordinator on 01803 321867 or visit the Bay Walks section of www.torbaycaretrust.nhs.uk