A walk back in time
Varsha Bavishi and David House want more people to discover the recuperative power of walking.
The pair have been leading walking groups through wind, rain and shine for the past 18 years and were recently recognised by Harrow Council as the longest serving Healthy Walking volunteers on the programme.
Varsha, 74, takes a slower paced 45-minute walk, while David takes his group out for 60-90 minutes on routes like the Belmont Rattler.
They are both well versed in the history of Pinner and provide a running commentary on everything from underground chalk mines and a well whose waters were said to have healing properties to Nelson's great granddaughter who was killed by a runaway horse.
Varsha said: “It is about gentle exercise but is also a nice place to meet people have a chat while you are walking.
“Anyone is welcome to join but we mainly attract an older crowd of 60-80-year-olds. Our oldest walker is ninety and we used to have a lady who would drive over from Wembley every week.
“Mental health is as important as physical health and if you are feeling a bit down or isolated the walks are a good way to raise your spirits and interact with people. It is a friendly group and everyone is welcome regardless of where they live.”
A LNWH hospital spokesperson added: “One of the best ways people can help the NHS in the long-term is to keep in shape. Walking is a great exercise that the majority of us can do.”
The group meet at 9.50 am every Thursday outside the Daisy in the Park Café in Pinner Memorial Park, Pinner.
They are part of a wider network of free guided walks around Harrow. For more details, see here.