26th May

Amazed that the first entry saved and turned out as it did! It encourages me to go on.

The meeting with the physio went well and I don't need to see him again unless I really feel the need before or after the big walk! He was impressed by my muddy trainers and knew that I had been out and about in preparation for the Millennium Way.

The diary isn't going to allow much more training now until after 5th June as I'm off to the Italian AGM and then to Spain for meetings with Calpe 41 Club and Costa Blanca 41 club. This trip will allow Yvonne to see her specialist to check up on the success of her recent eye operation and also give her chance to see family in Madrid.

Just been writing copy for the forthcoming Links magazine and making a plea to our membership to 'reach out' and be active in helping me to raise £80,000 for my chosen charity this year.

One of the members of Party Tyne 41 Club - Eric Peacock in conjunction with his North East Sailing Team raised over £900 on Saturday by organising a garden party in support of OYT [North] and their efforts to assist a team of youngsters take part in the forthcoming Tall Ships Race which will end in Hartlepool 7th - 10th August. Hartlepool 41 Club have already pledged their help and support over the course of the weekend which I think will be a fantastic party attracting thousands of people. A great chance to raise our profile as an Association and our links this year with OYT.

Eric's garden party was a great occasion - the weather was perfect and was matched by the organisation of the event and the hospitality. More 41 ers should have been there but at least Party Tyne and Saltburn were represented. Hopefully more clubs will respond to my challenge and organise some fun event which will not only raise what I'm calling 'new money' but also provide enjoyment for everyone involved and show that we are still keen to help worthy causes and enjoy ourselves at the same time.

I've posted some pictures which show the event - some of those attending including Grace and Craig - Skipper and 1st Officer of the Northern boat 'James Cook' - as well as some pictures of part of my training walks just to give a flavour of the Northumberland coast as well as a tired Lab and a self portrait after about 5 miles!! Still smiling you will see!!

The early days!

I'm way beyond my comfort zone here in more ways than one! At the moment I'm recovering from a foot injury and at the same time preparing to walk the 100 mile 41 Club Millennium Way at the end of June. Over the last few days I have walked from Holy Island to my home near Berwick on Tweed and on Sunday I walked from my home to Holy Island. The only way to prepare for a walk is to get some miles in! The weather has been glorious. I have the ruddy glow of a freshly boiled lobster and my feet are burning!

Why do a walk like this? I now find myself National President of the Association of Ex Round Tablers Clubs [41 Club]. It's a huge privilege to be here. My two predecessors were keen golfers and met lots of our members while they were out playing golf. I don't play golf but I have been a very keen walker over the years. To celebrate the Millennium, a keen a dedicated team of 41 club members created a walk across the Midlands. I thought it would be a good idea to get out there and walk it in order to - meet some of our members along the way - try and raise the profile of the walk - through press coverage, raise the profile of our Association as well as the profile of my chosen Presidential Charity - the Ocean Youth Trust and to raise some money for them.

A great guy called Chris Tayler, who initially thought of the Millennium Way, has been acting as 'walk manager' for me and has designed my walk programme which will last for 2 weeks during the period 27th June - 10th July. When I find out how to do it, I'll post my programme on this blog. Oh, by the way, I have never 'blogged' in my life - so this is why I say I'm well and truly outside of my comfort zone.

Since I haven't been able to walk since August last year I'm unfit - even though I have been 'working out' at the gym - another new experience. I am way overweight - at 19 + stones the heaviest I have ever been. My beloved Labrador 'Bracken' will not be with me when I do the walk but at least he is keeping me company on the training walks which are being done in trainers 'cos I can't find my comfortable boots.

That's enough for now. I see the physio again tomorrow morning. I have no idea yet if this lot is going to save or whatever it does - but let's have a go. By the way - my motto for this year is 'Reach Out' and I will inform all that I do by the newly revised and unanimously agreed objects of the Association that encourage us to be active! At 65 I'm trying to set an example and hope that some of our members will follow my example.