Silver walkers

CHAIRMAN David Shipp and president Ida Ashworth cheer 25 years of the Wednesday Walkers

ONE woman’s retirement crusade has spawned a quarter of a century of discovery and companionship.

The Wednesday Walkers group celebrated its 25th anniversary in Denshaw, after what originally started out as an idea from Royton resident Ida Ashworth in 1986.

She said: “One lovely summer’s day I was contemplating the roof tops of Derker from an office in Ferranti’s when I thought ‘there must be something more to life than this. When I retire I’m going to go walking’.”

After discovering two clubs for retired people on Tuesdays and Thursday were full, Ida set up the Wednesday group and placed an advert in the Oldham Chronicle.

Ida, now 82, never misses a session and has spent over two decades watching the group grow in disbelief.

It now boasts over 160 members and even has its own website.

Four walks of varying difficulty set off every Wednesday to tour the Oldham countryside, the South Pennines, the West Pennine moors, and in the northern Peak District.

Ida, of Loughrigg Avenue, said: “I still lead the group occasionally and I’m there without fail every week.

“I plan to keep going for as long as I can, and I’m sure the group will carry on even when I can’t.

“I’m proud it’s taken off and I love seeing everyone along so well, some members even go on holiday.”

Anyone interested in joining the group can call chairman David Shipp on 01457-875171 or visit the website www.wednesdaywalkers.org