The Sponsored Walk
Every five years, a sponsored walk is organised in aid of The Shewsy, or to give it its formal title, Shrewsbury House. This has proved in the past to be one of those rare events that brings the whole School together in a shared endeavour – and one that has the potential to raise a significant amount to help this youth club in a deprived area of Everton, which is itself one of the most deprived constituencies in Europe.
The walk starts at the south end of the Long Mynd hill area and heads northwards over the Mynd itself, looking westwards across what is regarded as one of the finest rural views in the United Kingdom - the rolling patchwork of fields towards Bishop’s Castle, the Stiperstones, and, on a really clear day, Cader Idris on theWelsh coast. After a stiff climb towards the Midlands Gliding Club perched on the western side, the route drops across the valley to the west and climbs again towards the Stiperstones ridge, ultimately heading down towards the finish point at Pontesbury and transport back to School.
All staff and pupils are involved in the walk, and Old Salopians, parents and friends are welcome to join as well.
The most recent Sponsored Walk took place on Thursday 29th September 2011, a blisteringly hot day (with a very welcome breeze) that might have been a bit less remarkable if it had been the height of summer.
Over 800 walkers managed to trudge 29 kilometres across the beautiful Shropshire countryside fuelled by a willingness to raise money, a chocolate bar at the five-mile point, a lunch with accompanying brass band at halfway, and their own grit and determination for the remainder.
Organiser Mr Nick David throught the day was a resounding success - but adds 'we hope that the refreshments and fun provided gave added impetutus to those collecting and donating money to this very worthy cause'.
In case anyone has mislaid their Sponsorship Form, another copy can be downloaded here: Participant Collection Form. All cheques should be made payable to 'Shrewsbury School'.
