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About "Walk the Test Way 2008"

When/Where ?

Sunday 12^th October 2008 -  The Test Way stretches approx. 45 miles from Inkpen Beacon in the north to Totton in the south, and was originally used by sailors arriving in Southampton as a transit route to the Midlands.

Our walks start at various points along this route, with the furthest the 26 mile “Marathon” starting at St Mary Bourne alongside the Bourne Rivulet. The rivulet joins the River Test just before Wherwell our next start point (18 miles), and our route intermingles with the Test for the rest of our walks, from Stockbridge (13 miles), Stoneymarsh  Car Park (7.5 miles), Mottisfont Church (5 miles) and for our final “Stroll” from Squabb Wood (designed with children in mind) for the last 2.5 miles. All walks end back in Memorial Park, Romsey.

After registering in Romsey, all walkers will be transported to their chosen start point, with Wherwell walkers registering from 8.00 am.  “Marathon” 26 mile walkers will have to register and leave Romsey by 7.00am.

 How difficult are the walks ?

Starting at St Mary Bourne the walk slopes down towards Wherwell, where the remainder of the course is relatively easy and flat, but we suggest stout footwear, and wet weather clothing are included in your plans. Walkers attempting the two longest distances, should be familiar with walking these distances, and should consider themselves capable of completing the course in less than 8 hours (9 hours for the Marathon 26 mile distance). Few weather conditions would cause the event to be cancelled, but you will be provided with a number to call on the day, in case of any doubt. The complete course will be marshalled to deal with any difficulties, until the last walkers pass through, but we are unable to accept responsibility for any walkers who leave the marshalled route. An emergency ambulance will be on hand, and a doctor will be supervising medical cover.

Who can take part ?

Anyone can take part, but we require young persons under the age of 14 yrs to be accompanied by an adult. There are no fitness requirements, but if you are in any doubt regarding a medical condition or disability that could affect you, please consult with your GP first.

It is hoped that part of the planned course could be available to participants who have disabilities that might prevent them overcoming obstacles such as gates or stiles. If you have such a disability, but would like to take part, please contact the organisers for more details.

Family and friends are welcome, why not encourage them to seek sponsors, and also take part.

 What do I do next ?

Use the Registration Form on this site to book your place online, or print a copy and post, or contact one of the numbers on the Home Page. There is a non-refundable booking fee of £5 per participant which is used to cover administration costs.

Sponsorship Forms are available from this web-site, and we will commence requesting your sponsorship monies approximately three weeks after the event. Should you wish to pay us any sponsorship beforehand, we can accept it on the day of the walk.

How is your sponsorship distributed ?

The Rotary Club of Romsey Test is a registered charity (No.1029525), and members provide their time as unpaid volunteers. All proceeds (less costs) from the walk will be donated to charity. The sponsorship monies you collect will be donated 75% to the charity of your choice, and 25% to Rotary supported charities. We encourage you wherever possible to request your supporters (if they are standard rate taxpayers) ,to sign the  Gift Aid section, as this can increase the donation to your charity by 28%.

How will Rotary use their proportion of the sponsorship ?

The Rotary Club of Romsey Test is part of Rotary International, was formed in 1990, and currently has 56 members. The club has raised many thousands of pounds since it was formed, and donated many hours of time to the community. Instrumental in leading a District initiative to provide a large house for relatives of patients at Southampton General Heart Unit, it also raised over £30,000 to provide a new canopy and entrance for Romsey Hospital.

The club supports many needs in the local community including the Romsey Young Carers and helping in many other large and small projects. Internationally it has contributed many thousands of pounds towards such causes as the 2004 Tsunami appeal, Doctor Bank in Africa, VSO, and the worldwide Rotary Polio eradication programme. In the last year alone we have supported over 60 different causes . All monies raised by the club is donated 100% towards charity.

Visit the web-site at www.rotaryclubofromseytest.org