South West Coast Path Association posted: " We were thrilled when Raynor Winn (SWCPA Ambassador ) and The Gigspanner Big Band approached us to see how we could collaborate with them to engage with some of the community groups we work with, as part of their Saltlines project. From those initial " The South West Coast Path
We were thrilled when Raynor Winn (SWCPA Ambassador ) and The Gigspanner Big Band approached us to see how we could collaborate with them to engage with some of the community groups we work with, as part of their Saltlines project.
From those initial discussions, what transpired was a very special community outreach day with people from Improving Lives Plymouth, The Elder Tree Befriending Scheme and Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support, as well as some of our SWCPA volunteers and team members.
We were blessed with beautiful weather as we met at the Cremyll ferry point and went across to Mount Edgcumbe. It was lovely to have several of our SWCPA volunteers with us to enjoy the day and help on the walk as we had almost 40 people representing the different community groups.
The 3.5mile walk from Mount Edgcumbe through idyllic woodland to Kingsand-Cawsand was led by our Director Julian Gray who talked about the flora and fauna of the area and discussed the path conditions along this stretch which has suffered erosion in recent times.
It was quite a hot day, so we were fortunate that we were shaded for the most part by the woodland.
When we emerged at Kingsand we made our way to the Kingsand Community Hall where we had lunch and met with Raynor and the band.
Raynor Winn spoke about her time on the path that led to her writing her bestselling book The Salt Path.
Following Raynor's talk, we were entertained by the beautiful ethereal music of The Gigspanner Big Band.
It was a day that will forever be etched into the memory of all who were lucky to be there. We can't thank Raynor, Deborah, Becky, and the incredible Gigspanner Big Band enough for giving their time to create such a memorable and intimate experience – it was truly magical. Everyone who was part of the day knew that they had experienced a rare moment and we are so grateful to Raynor Winn and the Gigspanner Big Band for helping us put together a day that will stay with us all for a very long time.
Cindy from Improving Lives Plymouth said of the day, "It was amazing and made even more special by one of our group taking my hand and thanking me for such a wonderful day. He doesn't smile often so it was a real pleasure to see the look of genuine happiness on his face."
Alex Turner, SWCPA said, "It was a really special day and great to be able to offer the experience to our hard-working volunteers and some of the community organisations from Plymouth that we work with. It has been a long time since we have had such a big group of people, out on the Coast Path and lovely to see people from the different organisations walking and talking together, and sharing the unique day."
Julian Gray and Raynor Winn - both got the memo about wearing their Every Mile Matters t-shirts!
The Saltlines summer tour has now concluded, but they are back with an October tour. Go to https://www.gigspanner.com/saltlines for full details of dates and venues.
Saltlines – A portrait of the South West Coast Path in Old Songs and New Words
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