‘Inspiring’ Joe steps out to mark his 100th birthday

FELLOW walkers, volunteers and a crowd of well-wishers cheered as Joe Baker returned to the Kingsbridge Rest Centre after a 45 minute stroll of  the embankment to celebrate his 100^th birthday on Wednesday – for the third time!

 One of the town’s oldest walkers, this was Joe’s third celebration party (he was 100 on January 6) and he loved every minute of it particularly walking along the embankment with fellow walkers and volunteers.

 Joe joined Kingsbridge Walk and Talk five years ago and hasn’t missed a single weekly walk.  If volunteers suggest cutting the walk short due to poor weather he insists they do the full route.  He is usually at the front of the group and welcomes the assistance of a walk leader as he is visually impaired. 

Kate Wright, Walk and Talk Co-ordinator for South Hams and West Devon, said: “I find Joe inspirational.  When I asked him what his secret to a long life was his answer was: ‘A clear mind and helping other people’”.

 South Hams Executive Member for Assets Cllr Bill Hitchins said: “Joe is such an inspiration to us all. He really is an object lesson in what exercise can mean in terms of staying staying fit and active; a real ambassador for the Walk and Talk cause.”  

Kate added: “I would like to thank all the volunteers who help with Walk and Talk and in particular Barbara Arnold for taking photographs on the day and making a wonderful birthday cake with plenty of candles for Joe to blow out!”

Kingsbridge is just one of five in the South Hams. Others are Dartmouth, South Brent, Totnes and Ivybridge.  A one hour taster walk in Modbury attracted 24 people on Tuesday January 10 – to show there is interest in starting a new scheme in the town itself.  At the moment people living in Modbury have to travel to either Ivybridge or Kingsbridge. To set the ball rolling   volunteers are needed to attend a one day workshop which covers all aspects of being a volunteer with South Hams Walk and Talk.