CELEBRATING 110 YEARS OF WOMEN'S INSTITUTE IN BILLERICAY, ESSEX

 

Readers know how much I enjoy being invited to meet up with friends from the past, particularly those I have interviewed during thirty four years of taking photos and learning about people's lives and their organisations in Essex. So, how lovely to receive an invitation from Billericay WI's President, Mrs Doreen Potter to enjoy an afternoon with members of her group which must be one of the largest in Essex and is certainly one of the first WIs in Essex, having been created in 1916. It was special, too, meeting presidents of several other popular WIs in Essex, particularly Mrs  Moyra Jackson, Essex County President. 

  

OUR FUN WALK TEAM ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR'S EXCITING EVENT - FIND OUT MORE.

 

The Fun Walk Story

Celebrating 20+ Years of Supporting Essex Charities and Community Groups

What began as a tribute to the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 quickly blossomed into something extraordinary. Spearheaded by John Baron CBE and his dedicated team, the very first Fun Walk raised £6,000 for six inspiring charities and community projects. It was more than just a walk—it was a movement in the making.

 Year after year, the Fun Walk grew and in 2013 it was time to become a registered charity: The Fun Walk Trust (Charity No. 1151626).

John Baron CBE remains at the helm as Chair of Trustees, rallying support from generous local businesses to build the amazing Bonus Pot—a fundraising multiplier that adds extra magic to every step.

 Thanks to the team of volunteers, much of the admin for holding a sponsored walk is provided to participating groups, allowing them to focus on what matters most: raising sponsorship money and enjoying their walks. And it’s not just for registered charities—any community-minded cause, once approved, is welcome! From schools and churches to grassroots community groups, the Fun Walk is open to all.

 In 2020, facing the challenges of COVID-19, the Trust didn’t miss a beat. The event transformed into a virtual format, empowering supporters to walk wherever and whenever they could. It was a hit—and the flexibility and inclusivity of the virtual format continues to this day.

Last year, walkers and sponsors came together in record-breaking form—raising £100,953.41, including a dazzling 30% bonus from the Fun Walk Bonus Pot. This total pushed the amount raised by the Fun Walk since 2022 to a phenominal £1,635,000, benefitting hundreds of local charities and projects over the years.

 Our current Trustees are John Baron CBE, Sandra Bastow, Christine Brewster, Sylvia Kent, and Professor Michael Almond—and they continue to steer this cherished organisation with passion and pride.

 

FOLLOWING DAME JILLY COOPER'S MEMORIAL LAST MONTH, A FEW MEMORIES OF LAST VISIT TO SWWJ