Walking at Friars Cliff on Tuesday 15th September 2026

Thirteen of us met at Avon Run Road Car park then headed towards Friar's Cliff to a favourite spot, The Beach Hut Cafe. Our orders were taken for tea/coffee and cake for the end of our day, then most of us continued to walk to Steamer Point Nature Reserve. The last time we walked this route, it couldn't have rained any heavier; today was such a contrast. Although it had been a bit overcast in the morning, our walk was under blue skies and bright sunshine. On our way back to the cafe, we stopped and browsed in the Information Centre which is great for all ages. Definitley worth a visit.

Our refreshments were ready on our return and all of us enjoyed either sitting inside in the shade or on the beach basking in the sun...what a choice to have. The staff were so helpful, thank you so much, the cakes were delicious, the company was entertaining and the views were amazing.

None of us were in a rush to get back to the car park to head home. However all good things must come to an end.

On the subject of good things, we have been fortunate recently to receive another grant. This time the donors are Care South. Please read the press release article and see two of our volunteers collecting the generous donation.

Care South's Community Fund donates £1,000 to Avon Valley Dementia Pals

 

Residential and care at home provider and registered charity, Care South, has donated £1,000 to Avon Valley Dementia Pals.

The cause, which operates across Ringwood and Fordingbridge, arranges fortnightly walks for people living with dementia, taking place at various locations, which have recently included Blashford Lakes, and Avon Heath Country Park. Led by volunteers who arrange transport to and from the person’s home, the walks allow people living with dementia, known as ‘Pals’, to enjoy the benefits of exercise, while their partners and loved ones enjoy a few hours of respite.

Some residents from Care South’s Ringwood care home, St Ives House, often join in with the walks, which finish with a visit to a cafe or pub for coffee, cake and a chat.

It is the latest beneficiary of Care South’s Community Fund, operated by the not-for-profit care provider, which gives back to community groups, services and organisations which directly benefit Care South’s care home residents, care at home clients, or staff.

Andy Wilson, Treasurer of Avon Valley Dementia Pals, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this donation from Care South’s Community Fund, which will cover the costs for our ‘Pals’ to go out for our annual full day excursion. The walks are so important to our ‘Pals’, giving them the opportunity to get out into the community, enjoy the fresh air and spend time with others, while also providing valuable respite for their loved ones.”

Care South’s Community Fund donation was presented to Andy Wilson and Linda Mollison, who volunteer with Avon Valley Dementia Pals, by Simon Bird, CEO of Care South. and Emma Cotton, Home Manager at St Ives House.

Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: “Through our Community Fund, we proudly support some fantastic organisations that make a positive difference to the communities in which we operate. The values of the volunteers at Avon Valley Dementia Pals perfectly match Care South’s ethos of ‘Food, Fun and Friendship’, so we are pleased to support their incredible work.”Avon Valley Dementia Pals are currently looking to welcome additional new volunteers to enable them to support a number of ‘Pals’ who are on a waiting list to join the walks. To register an interest in volunteering, please email Carole Ann Carmichael on: ccarmichael280860@gmail.com

St Ives House provides residential, respite, and dementia care. Residents enjoy a daily programme of events organised by the dedicated activities team to enable residents to socialise and build friendships.

Care South is a not-for-profit provider of high-quality residential care homes across Dorset, north Devon and Somerset, and care at home offices covering Dorset and Somerset.

For more information about the care services available at St Ives House, visit care-south.co.uk or call 01425 209464 to book a tour.

We all really enjoy our walks and catch ups so it is always lovely to receive news that others recognise the benefits of our walking trips. Thank you, Care South.

                     Walking at Whitsbury Green then refreshments at the Forde Inn

 on 1st September 2026

Today may have been the first day of autumn but there was still plenty of summer sunshine around when we met at the Forde Inn for our walk. There were thirteen of us today which at one point allowed us to split into three different walks of varying lengths. Always important that none of us find ourselves walking too far....definitely don't want to discourage anyone.What a lovely afternoon we had as we strolled along the walkways around Whitsbury Green, up into the woods and then returning for coffee/tea and cake at the Forde Inn. Some of us crossed the main road and had a longer walk parallel to and through  Augustus Park before we headed back for refreshments. 

Once again,we were very well looked after, as we sat in the sunshine, by all staff. Two of us have daughters getting married in the next few weeks so on the way home there was quite a bit of chat about speeches. You never quite know what we will end up chatting about on a Tuesday afternoon.

                     Walking at Breamore House on Tuesday 18th August 2026

The weather was beautiful and thankfully not too hot that it was unsafe to walk so we parked at The Pantry Barn, before heading off to explore part of the Breamore Estate.  Prior to our walk, we were able to chose our cake and drink, which were both waiting for us on our return. Lots of catching up took place on this walk, as the heatwaves meant we didn't meet up as often as we would have liked in recent weeks. It was lovely to see everyone again, although our numbers were lower today as some of our PALS have other commitments during the summer holidays. 

We headed to the house, commenting on the dry and yellow grass all around, then stopped to admire the beautiful buildings. Some of us have explored the inside also, so there was plenty to talk about.

Afterwards, we then headed back down to the beautiful little church. We then spent some time inside allowing us to read some important historical facts and learn more about the local community. For many of us, this was our first visit to this church.

By now, we were all ready to return to our reserved seats at The Pantry Barn, where we  enjoyed our cake and drink. We chatted for a while then set off home. Once again, the staff were extremely helpful and made us feel so welcome. Without doubt, it was lovely to be back walking as a group, now that it was a little bit cooler. We are all hoping the temperature allows us to walk again on 1st September.

               Walking at Tinkers Cross, Fordingbridge then Forde Inn

                                                on 16th June 2026

Fifteen of us met at Forde Inn this afternoon just before 14.00, then headed out to explore the country footpaths. The weather was in our favour, not too hot and very pleasant.

We stopped after forty minutes and some chose to return to the cafe whilst others headed off on a longer walk  ensuring we were back for 15.00 for a well earned cuppa. It was a very quiet walk, unsure if we actually met anyone whilst we explored, for some, a new area.

A huge thank you to the staff at Forde Inn who looked after us so well. We had a choice of some delicious cake, coffee and tea to round off a very pleasant afternoon. The rain did arrive but not until all of us were very close to home....won't need to water our gardens tonight either.