The Chair of WAW was privileged to be invited to the Houses of Parliament for the official launch of Britain on Foot, an initiative sponsored by the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA). Kate Ashbrook, our patron represented the Open Spaces Society.

Over 100 people attended the function, including members of parliament and the House of Lords who are interested in promoting outdoor activities especially walking throughout Great Britain attended the function.

Andrew Denton who is the Chief Executive of OIA addressed the meeting and he introduced Anna Soubry MP parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health who emphasised the benefits that walking brings not only to the individual but the local economy.

Kate and I met up again with Laura Sims of HF holidays (Laura attended the Church Stretton conference) and introduced to the chief executive of HF holidays Brian Smith. A meeting is to be arranged to see if HF Holidays can help Walkers are Welcome in some way. We hope to do this at the end of January and will advise of our progress in due course.

In addition we have had a subsequent meeting with Terry Stephenson of OIA. Terry has got some excellent ideas and would like to assist us in raising the profile of WaW.

We will keep you all posted on progress on this as well.

The campaign to get Britain on Foot will be launched in March so look out for their logo.

Nigel Botting