Special Events

Hearing Dogs for the Deaf

On Tuesday 29th June 2010 Lion Graham Foster undertook a 20 mile walk along Staffordshire and Worcester Canal, from Stourport to Wolverhampton, starting Lock No 1 and finishing at Bridge 51.

The walk was done in memory of Lion Derek Pitt who sadly passed away some 12 months ago. Lion Derek was a Lion for over 35 years, holding various positions both here and in Zimbabwe. He was well respected by all who came in contact with him, honest, true and reliable.

During Lion Derek's lifetime he always took an interest in matters relating to the deaf. Therefore, K&S Lions decided to commemorate him by sponsoring a hearing dog for the deaf, at a cost of £5000.00.

Lion Graham has been a Lion for about 5 years, however he knew Lion Derek for about 25 years in a different capacity and until joining K&S Lions was not aware of his involvement. Graham therefore thinks it fitting to make some contribution to his memory by completing this sponsored walk.

If you would like to make a donation to this cause, then please click the link below and follow the instructions.

Thanking you in anticipation on behalf of Lion Graham and K&S Lions.

If you would like to follow the journey, as told by Graham himself then please read on below

MY THOUGHTS ON A CANAL WALK
My thoughts on a lonely journey from Stourport to Wolverhampton walking the 20 miles between two spa towns of the West Midlands on the canal. Walking on water is not as easy as you might think!

I was thinking about the purpose of this solo walk which is to help to raise some of the five thousand pounds to sponsor a hearing Dog for Deaf People, a memorial to Lion Derek Pitt who passed on a year ago.

Here I am all alone with nothing more than the sound of birds singing and the engines of the barge traffic as I pass them by. I didn’t realise how slowly barges travel until I pass three in the space about 30 minutes. The tranquillity surrounding the canal when you are walking alone is magical, providing a peace not often experienced in our daily life. I have hearing deficiencies but even I can hear the silence. The sun has started to shine, there is a slight breeze, and all is well. After a time my brisk walking pace is making me feel rather hot. I contemplate jumping into the canal to cool off, it looks quite inviting until I pass a rather smelly area and think better not!

I pass a number of fishermen on the banks. They’re not very chatty, I get the feeling they rather I wasn’t here. So on I go, wondering whether they fish out of boredom or just to get away from ‘er in doors’. It must be pretty bad for em at home, because they even fish in the rain and icy winds. Every man to his own I suppose.

The tranquillity is gone. I arrive by Kidderminster Tesco, followed by Sainsbury’s, they spoil the day. A baker is sitting on a bench outside Sainsbury’s having a break, I ask him to sign my evidence form and print his name half hoping his name was Mr.Bunn I suppose Tyler was OK, at least it’s a misspelt trade.

Returning to the dreamy world of nature: with swans, cygnets, geese by the dozen and a duck with six ducklings in line astern. I come upon a barge of considerable quality in highly polished pristine condition. It was so good I have to remark about it to the owner, a man from Sandbach, he was not the least bit salty!

I turn the conversation to destinations, giving me chance to ask if he would be a sponsor. Another two pounds in the kitty! Approaching Kinver I catch up with a barge. Give the bargee a wave and raise my cap, exchange comments about the weather and continue on by. As I pass the barge, I come upon his good lady relaxing in the bow of the barge. Suggesting to her that she has the easy life , she replies ‘I open and close lock gates’. It’s nice to see the age of chauvinism is still alive.

I move on quickly. The next port of call is ‘The Stewpony ‘Bridge 32. It’s ironic for me to be here because I was evacuated during the Second World War to a farm located just a short distance up a lane at the rear of the then ‘Stewpony Pub’. The farm was still there a short time ago hanging on the edge of a very deep sandpit.

I digress; it’s here that I am accosted by three Lions bearing water and cameras. They are quite tame and very friendly. We comment on Lion Phil’s antique camera, we can’t decide if we’d get more for the camera or for Lion Phil! My early morning chauffeur Lion Geoff duly gives me extra water. Lion James takes some shots of the walker in relaxed mode and we part company with the thought that there may be more Lions ahead. Guess where? At the ‘Navigation Pub’ as expected!

The Navigation is about 3 miles from the Stewpony so the tranquillity returns - nature takes over again. I come upon a Heron on the bank. I’m no more than six feet from him, he looks at me and until I take the next step to continue he does not move, then he takes flight - brilliant!!!

Why are people on the barges waving and shouting to me “good luck” “well done” have I won the Lottery? Then I realise it’s those Lions again, they get everywhere! I guess they have told the bargees what I am up to.

I spy a beautiful garden on the opposite bank. It is of considerable size and very well landscaped, but I am intrigued as there are about thirty ladies and one man who’s waving his arms around and strutting in front of his audience.I think how nice it would be if I could go and help him to look after the ladies! Alas it’s more walking, only five more miles to go!

In sight of the ‘Greensforge Bridge’ and the ‘Navigation Pub ’ I notice I’m being waved to by six people leaning over a gate, a bit like a Compo moment with Clegg and Foggy in tow, from the Last of the Summer Wine. I’m not sure if I see Nora Batty but as I come closer, it’s them Lions again! Having enjoyed a beverage and some scintillating conversation it‘s time to move on to complete the final five miles.

So far I have had no motivational problems during the previous fifteen miles but there seems to be a difference in my walking pace and feet are feeling different. The canal bridges seem further apart than before. Not to worry, only another hour or so and it’ll all be over.

As I approach the finish, once again people on the barges are shouting encouragement. I now know that I am not far from the end. I would run to the finish if I knew that Lion Richard had fleeced them for all the change they had –£7.00.

A perfect end to a wonderful day. I even receive a medal!

P.S.

A day well spent in aid of a good cause – ‘Hearing Dogs for the Deaf’ having raised around £1000.00.

By the way my walk rate had not reduced I completed the last five miles in 1hour 35 minutes an average of 3.3mph. It was all in the mind!!

THE END