Herm joins World Aid Walk

FOR the first time ever, the World Aid Day Walk this year took place in Herm as well as Guernsey and Sark.

A total of 41 people of all ages gathered at the harbour on Bank Holiday Monday for the 8.5km walk around the island. The group was made up of 15 residents, 18 visitors from Guernsey and eight guests who were staying on the island.

Obviously, the small size of Herm means that the planning of the route entailed some imagination, but there was very little backtracking and the final route took the walkers on a lovely tour, including along the cliff paths, around the common and through the campsite.

Despite drizzly rain and rising winds, most walkers made very good time - the average being around two hours and 15 minutes.

Everyone taking part was treated to a free hot or soft drink at the Mermaid Tavern.

The previous Friday, islanders got together to hold a street party in the courtyard to celebrate the Royal Wedding. For those who didn't care about the event, it was just a good chance to get together and have a little party.

The manor courtyard was decorated with flags and bunting, filled with picnic benches and barbecues, and there was a tombola and cake stall to raise money for World Aid Day.

There was a minor panic an hour or so before the party, when it started to rain, as with all the cottages full for the weekend, we had no plan B. But it cleared up in time for the barbecues to be fired up and the alcohol to start flowing.

There was a good turnout and the fund-raising efforts raised more than £174 for the World Aid Day charities. This is in addition to £42.50 from the church collection on Sunday, and £14 from extra donations on the day.