THE weekend signalled the start of Silver Salisbury Festival Fortnight.

To mark the occasion, the Ramblers Wellbeing Walkers are extending an invitation to anyone who wants to join them for a walk, a coffee and a chat.

Salisbury Wellbeing Walks are part of a national scheme, organised locally by trained volunteers and supported by the Salisbury City Council Communities Team.

Their team of trained volunteer walk leaders know walking is an ideal way to maintain or improve health, to meet new people and enjoy the beautiful parks and open countryside around the city in the company of others.

As part of the Silver Salisbury Festival Fortnight, which runs until October 7, the wellbeing walkers will be meeting in Victoria Park at 10am on Thursday (September 28) for anyone interested in taking part.

The group hopes that they will be able to set up a new regular weekly walk.

Pam Rouquette, walk leader and group founder, said: “This is an opportunity to introduce people living in the area to the idea of group walking, with all the benefits that this provides physically and socially.

“If popular, this could become a regular activity.”

Sarah Gregson, community manager for Salisbury City Council, said: “It is not always easy to motivate yourself to get walking alone, so working with our partners, the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks group, who create such welcoming groups, has become an important part of what we do.

“This is just one of the fantastic opportunities that the Silver Salisbury Festival offers.”

All wellbeing walks are free and start at points that are easily accessible by bus. Thursday’s 30-minute walk will end at the park kiosk for tea, coffee and conversation. “We know that lots of isolated people are nervous about trying new things or going to new places on their own,” a spokesperson said.

“If you, or someone you know, is in this position then why not find out more about our Festival Friend scheme?Local Care Providers, Home Instead Salisbury and Romsey may be able to help.”

For the duration of the festival, they may be able to provide a free, professionally trained, DBS-checked companion to help you get out and try something new. To find out more call 01722 443 559.

You can download the Festival Fortnight brochure, which also includes the Salisbury City Council’s own Vintage tea party on October 5, at silversalisbury.co.uk, or pick up a brochure from community centres or libraries, or from Salisbury Info Centre.