WORDSMITHS were celebrated as the Dorchester Strollers held a special 90 minute walk.

The walk, with stops for reading poems, is an annual favourite and was organised by Mary Foskett, vice chairman and one of the strollers'

leaders.

More than 30 walkers attended the walk, which started outside Waitrose in Queen Mother Square with Mary reading a specially

written poem by Les Munn called The Marker at the Back.

There were two other specially written poems by Bob Black Strolling and Living, the former read by Bob's wife Margaret and the other by Bob

himself.

Poems by William Barnes, Thomas Hardy, Philip Larkin, John Betjeman, Tennyson and Rudyard Kipling were read by six of the leaders at various points on the circular route, which included Poundbury Hill Fort.

Mary ended the walk at the Great Field by reading Suffragette by Jan Dean.

Dorchester Strollers is an accredited Walking for Health Group offering two walk occasions each week with a short walk of up to 45

minutes and a longer faster walk of up to 60 minutes.

Both groups meet together afterwards for tea and coffee. The walks are free and led by specially trained leaders.

Copies of the current programme can be picked up from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre, can be found at walkingforhealth.org.uk or by ringing 02300 341255 or 01305 263759.