Mens Walk in support of Dorothy House

Assembling at 10.00 am on Saturday 14 th March 2026 at Dorothy House
Winsley, the Bathavon Team of Michael Wood’s Dog, (accompanied by
its owner), followed by Blaise Prideaux, Tim Westbrook and your
reporter Gerry Rees joined the other 496 volunteers and fortified
ourselves with coffee and bacon rolls. At 11.00 am the signal was given
and we set off, not in our usual place of last, but part of the throng. That
exalted position was however short lived, and we soon achieved our
normal spot of bringing up the rear. The weather was dry and sunny, and
the first 200 yards are downhill, and the bit after that, flat, brilliant!

On we go, along the canal towpath, and not at this stage needing a tow,
plenty to talk about and careful to avoid the bicycles coming the other
way. We are going well, we overtake some and are overtaken by others,
usually younger, and I thought we were last? Next the Dundas Aqueduct
where Michael’s dog leaves us for an important appointment and takes
Michael with him. We have the usual photograph taken on the bridge,
although only of Blaise and Tim as I take the picture. A long stretch then
to the George Inn, where we bravely ignore the temptation and carry on
walking, finally to Bath Narrowboats, moored up ready for the season,
over the Bridge by Tesco Express and nearly there, that very welcome
steps down on the right crossing the North Parade Road and on to the
Pavillion and finish.

A trip to the bar for essential refreshment and a seat to await our lunch,
however there is no table service only a rather worrying queue which
appears, and is, in fact, largely stationary. An hour later we have reached
the servery and have our fish and chips, the chicken went ages ago. Not a
great finish, but a welcome meal, nevertheless. Farewell and we all head
for home. As always, a great event for an essential cause, and good to
take part, it felt harder to do this year compared to last, but we made it.
Thanks to all who supported us, it’s what Rotary is all about.