BASINGSTOKE Ramblers Club celebrated its 50th anniversary on Saturday.

To mark the occasion, members put their best foot forward with a five-mile walk finishing at Cliddesden Millennium Village Hall, where an American picnic was held.

Guest of honour at the picnic was Basingstoke and Deane Mayor Councillor Anne Court.

She congratulated the club which was set up in 1965 by the late Roy Dillaway, who naturally was a keen walker who invited people to join him.

Cllr Court said: “Fifty years ago walking was many people’s only way of getting around – cars were a real luxury.

“Today we are learning more about the health benefits of walking and are encouraged to do more exercise.”

She said by joining Basingstoke Ramblers, people have an opportunity to improve their health whilst taking in the area’s beautiful countryside, “taking a break from the rat-race that for many has become a normal way of life”.

Cllr Court added: “Times move on, but for a walking club to still be going strong after 50 years is quite an achievement.

“Thanks must go to the many members who can be relied on to keep supporting and volunteering to lead these walks.”

Barbara Knight who helped organise the event, said: “I thought it all went very well as everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves.

“We had about 80 to 90 people join us at the picnic including a lot past members.”

Among them were past members Jean and Peter Hammond, who met through the club. Back in September, 1984 the newly-weds enjoyed their romantic honeymoon walking in Austria with 22 friends from the club.

Basingstoke Ramblers has around 250 members. To find out more, visit basingstokeramblers.org.uk