Purple is the colour – Resthaven’s Sandra Bennett strides out, followed by Taupō MP Louise Upston
An event traditionally held on October 1 proved a major success this week on its later date.
The annual Global Walk celebrates the value of older people in the community; their carers, medical staff and families. It was organised in Waipā by Florence Shearman after being pushed back a month because of Covid.
It officially marked the United Nations-designated International Day of Older Persons.
“We had about 400 people at the Cambridge Raceway – it was absolutely wonderful – I am over the moon,” she told the Cambridge News.
“The weather at the start of November is certainly better than the start of October, but as to whether we make the date change permanent, that’s to be discussed.”
Action from one of the races which were among the highlights of the day.
This year’s event attracted visitors to Cambridge from throughout Waipā.
The event was highlighted by double seater sulky track races which saw popular wins to Waipa District Councillor and headmaster Mike Pettit – watched by pupils from Cambridge Primary School – and Senior Constable Deb Thurgood. They took the passenger seat while experienced trotting drivers were in control.
Waipā Mayor Jim Mylchreest and Taupō MP Louise Upston were also guests at the event, and Tom Bryers, from Supergold, was on hand to discuss the benefits and the Gold Card.
Florence Shearman, who has organised the walks every since they started- when she was living in Whamamata in 1999, paid tribute to the combined efforts of Cambridge’s racing fraternity – notably chief executive offciers Mark Fraser-Campin (Cambridge Jockey Club) and Dave Branch (Cambridge Raceway).
Ready, steady… walk! Florence Shearman (back to camera) prepares to start the walk.
