Walking forward despite the bad weather, there was an enthusiastic response from National Agricultural Centre employees who took part.
Near to 50 people from rural businesses across the National Agricultural Centre site, home of the Royal Show, who signed-up to the active learning programme turned out for the walk during their lunch break on 10 January 2006. Starting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a demonstration of how to use pedometers, participants learned how to assess their fitness as a basis to measure improvements in the future.
The event was organised as a taster to a wider active learning programme to encourage health and lifestyle awareness, organised by Warwickshire College with support from ruralnet|uk.
Finding new ways to improve health and meet others was the incentive for many. A participant from the National Association of Farriers, Blacksmiths and Agricultural Engineers said,
“I wanted to come along to this today to meet people whilst getting fit at the same time. I see people each day on the park walking in different directions, but I never get to know them!”
The 20-minute ended with snacks and mulled wine where introduction packs were handed out and fitness checks booked by the Active Learning Project Team. Part of a wider series of activities, the programme will officially launch on February 28 2006.
Polly Woolley, Information Manager and Active Learning Representative from ruralnet|uk said,
“The turnout today has been magnificent, I’m especially pleased that those working on rural sites, which are often in isolated locations have been given the opportunity to be involved in a scheme like this. It fits perfectly with ruralnet|uk’s objectives to encourage social inclusion in rural areas”.
For further information about this programme contact: Keith Hobbs, Active Learning Companies Team, Warwickshire College (email [email protected]).
Editors Notes:
1. ruralnet|uk is a registered charity (number 1089238). See www.ruralnetuk.org/index.htm
2. ruralnet|uk is based in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, and employs 17 people.
3. The Active Learning Project Team are based at
Warwickshire College: http://www.warkscol.ac.uk/
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