Two long-standing volunteers have been recognised after nearly two decades of helping residents stay active through regular walking groups in Harrow.
Varsha Bavishi and David House have been leading walks in all weather for the past 18 years and were recently acknowledged by Harrow Council as the longest serving Healthy Walking volunteers on the programme.
Varsha, 74, leads a slower-paced 45-minute walk, while David takes his group on longer 60 to 90-minute routes, including the Belmont Rattler.
Both are known for sharing local knowledge during the walks, offering insights into Pinner’s history, including underground chalk mines, a well once believed to have healing properties, and stories linked to Nelson’s family.
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 spokesperson for London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust 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 meets at 9.50am every Thursday outside Daisy in the Park Café in Pinner Memorial Park. The walks are part of a wider network of free guided walks across Harrow.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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