Great day out on the Walk for Cuba

Some of the participants, of all ages, ready to set off through the Chess Valley

More than 80 people took part in our first sponsored walk for Cuba on Sunday 14 July on a glorious summer’s day in the idyllic Chess Valley in Buckinghamshire.

A big thank you to everyone who took part in this fabulous event. Sponsorship money is still coming in and we have already received nearly £3,000. Please do all you can to raise those last few pennies and of course now is the time to collect all the money promised.

A wide range of people took part in the walk – from long-standing friends of Cuba and CSC to newcomers who found this a fun way to raise funds for the campaign, support Cuba and enjoy this stunning area of English countryside.

Christy Lenihan with parents

The youngest participant was 13-month-old Christy Lenihan, with his parents Denis and Rebecca, both members of the PCS union. “It’s a great, accessible event and a good way to catch up with people involved in the campaign,” said Denis.

Walkers were delighted that two Cubans took part in the event. Noemi Gomme lives in Rickmansworth, near the Chess Valley, with her husband John Young. She said:

“The weather and countryside are beautiful. It feels like I am back in Cuba! In fact, the temperature here is the same as in Cuba today. My husband is a strong supporter of CSC and this is a very nice way to do something to support my country.”

Adrian Diaz Garay is visiting London from Santiago de Cuba, where he teaches Salsa, Cuban rhythm and basketball, playing for the local team. He said, “I’m in London for a month and so it is really good timing that I am here to take part. There are people here from all sorts of backgrounds – a very nice mix of people who clearly care about Cuba and the blockade.

Adrian and Noemi

“I knew about the Cuba Solidarity Campaign before I came to London. What people do here makes a difference and we notice it in Cuba. This is such a nice event today and be sure that all my friends and family will hear about it when I get back.”

Despite the heat, one or two missed turnings, some muddy feet and a few stings everyone made it back in one piece!

A special thanks to CSC members Jan and John O’Malley and Jenny Kassman who reconnoitred the walk route and put a lot of work into planning the event.

“I think people have had a great time and I’m sure we should do something like this again,” said Jan.  "As well as raising funds – the main purpose – it is such a good way to meet up with people in relaxed circumstances.”

On the reconnoitre walk Jenny met a resident on the route who had recently been on holiday to Cuba and expressed an interest in CSC. So on the full walk Jenny made sure to drop off a copy of CubaSi and some membership/campaign material. If any of you are still not members of CSC then please do join us.

Half way through and not flagging yet

Do let us know any feedback, or thoughts on the walk this year, or ideas for the future.

We can on request send you a Walk for Cuba certificate by email showing sponsors that you completed it. Or maybe it would just look great on your bedroom wall! Let us know if you would like one emailed to you.

If any of you didn’t collect your Walk for Cuba T-shirts then please do get in touch so we can post them to you.

We look forward to hearing from you, and to receiving any remaining sponsorship money as soon as possible.

Walk for Cuba - Sunday 14 July 2013

Join a wonderful walk through the beautiful Chess Valley to raise funds for the Cuba Solidarity Campaign.

The Walk for Cuba is a sponsored event to raise much needed funds for the work of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. It also celebrates the 60th anniversary of the symbolic start of the Cuban revolution on 26 July 1953 when the revolutionaries made the famous and audacious assault on the Moncada army barracks in Santiago de Cuba.

Each walker will be asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £30 (£5 children) and will receive a special Walk for Cuba t-shirt and badge. CSC will organise some celebratory activities along the route and there will be a co-ordinated refreshment stop at one of the lovely historic public houses along the way.

The Walk for Cuba, starting at Little Chalfont, is a 6½ mile circular walk and will take 3 hours at a leisurely pace. A shorter walk of 3 miles is also offered for those that can’t manage the full route. 

Your journey begins and ends in the village of Little Chalfont near the Chalfont and Latimer tube station on the Metropolitan underground line. It takes in three beautiful villages and two imposing country houses as it weaves its way through the varied and unspoilt countryside in and around the Chess Valley.

The beautiful Chess River

There is something for everyone on this truly unique walk. Wildlife lovers will relish the chance to spot herons, woodpeckers and kingfishers; children will enjoy the chance to walk through fields of cows, horses and Shetland ponies; lovers of history will marvel at the ancient Tudor manor in Chenies and real-ale enthusiasts can find refuge in the wonderful pubs along the way. All this set within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty across the rolling hills of the Chilterns.

Why not get a group of friends to sign up with you and enjoy a wonderful summer’s day out together and support Cuba and the work of CSC at the same time.

Exact start time and location will be sent out to participants six weeks before the Walk for Cuba.

For information and sponsorship packs please call CSC on 020 8800 0155 or email office@cuba-solidarity.org.uk today.

Alternatively, you can download Registration Form, Sponsorship Form and Fundraising Tips below.

Downloads:

• Registration Form
• Sponsorship Form
• Fundraising Tips 

Route Map

Please Join, Share and Invite friends to the Facebook Event for the Walk for Cuba