As proud residents of the City of Bradford , Baildon Walkers are Welcome were delighted when Bradford was awarded the accolade of City of Culture 2025. At the end of November, Baildon Walkers are Welcome AGM included a very special keynote speaker, Shanaz Gulzar. Shanaz is locally born and came to the attention of walkers in 2019, when she presented a series of programmes called “Yorkshire Walks”. More recently Shanaz led Bradford’s successful bid for City of Culture 2025 and she is now Creative Director of Bradford 2025. Shanaz shared her vision of how walking can play a part in the City of Culture programme, and how local walking groups can best engage with this forthcoming special year. Baildon were delighted to welcome representatives from many walking groups in the Bradford area, including three other Walkers are Welcome groups, helping to build an audience of 60 for the event.