ENERGETIC walking enthusiasts at a retirement village have taken advantage of the early year sunshine to kick off a series of excursions overseen by an intrepid couple whose previous exploits have taken them all over the world.
Margaret and Tony Dalby, whose expeditions have included walking to the Everest base camp in Tibet and tackling the Inca trail in Peru, are now putting their experience to good use and creating adventures closer to home for their neighbours and friends by running a monthly walking group at Middleton Hall Retirement Village at Middleton St George, near Darlington.
After moving into their Waterside home in the village in 2014 the couple, who once took their caravan up to the Arctic Circle, soon found themselves appointed as the organisers of regular walking excursions.
Four years later, Tony, 81, a former chairman of Yarm Ramblers and Margaret, 85, have taken groups on scores of walking trips across the North-East.
The couple have devised a series of new walks across the Tees Valley and County Durham for 2019 as well as an outing to Alnwick Gardens in the summer.
Mr Dalby said: “Shortly after we moved in we went out walking with one of our neighbours and the next thing I knew I was told I was organising a walking group for Middleton Hall Retirement Village.
“It’s gone from strength to strength since then and we now have almost 30 people on our list and a very nice group to walk with. I get a lot of pleasure from organising the outings.”
Mrs Dalby added: “We walk about four miles and it’s always very sociable. It’s more of a walking-talking group and we thoroughly enjoy being part of it.”
The couple also take part in a range of other activities on offer at Middleton Hall including an art group, singing class, aqua fit classes in the on-site gym and regular coffee mornings with their Waterside neighbours.
Pam Mooney, Middleton Hall’s operations director, said: “It’s great to see over the past three years the walking group go from strength to strength.
“Although we must thank Margaret and Tony personally for their work in setting up and co-ordinating the walking group, it is a fine testimony to all our residents who continue through a range of activities, social events and groups to develop a vibrant, friendly and active community for all here at Middleton Hall to enjoy.”
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