Take part in a Thomas and Friends Train Walk for Autism
There is still plenty of time to join up with The National Autistic Society (NAS) and take part in one of the Train Walks taking part over the UK.
Taking place mainly between the 5th until the 8th of June, these walks will help to raise funds and awareness for the nationwide Autism charity, and will provide plenty of fun and exercise for tots and kids who are fans of Thomas the Tank Engine.
Popular presenter of children’s Five’s Milkshake!, Naomi Wilkinson said: “Train Walks are a fantastic way to raise much needed funds for people with autism, a disability which affects over half a million people in the UK. What a great chance to have a brilliant day out – come on people, let’s get walking!”
There are more than 150 Thomas and Friends themed sponsored Train Walks across the country. Here are some local to Bristol. Or visit www.autism.org.uk/trainwalk to find or organise your own.
Bitton Train Walk
Date:14/06/09
Time:11:30 AM
Place:Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bitton, Bristol BS30 6HD
Organised by the NAS South Gloucestershire Branch. Various distances available (between 1 and 3.5 miles). There are two walks: one beginning at 12 noon and another at 1pm. However, the event opens at 11.30am.
Weston-Super-Mare Train Walk
Date:25/05/09
Time:10:30 AM
Place:The Prom (Royal Sands), Weston-Super-Mare
Organised by the NAS Lynx Resource Centre and North Somerset Branch. The Train Walk is approximately two miles long, from the Prom in Weston-Super-Mare to Marine Lake. Registration at 10.30am, walk begins at 11am.
Swindon Train Walk
Date:06/06/09
Time:10:30 AM
Place:Lydiard Park, Swindon, Wiltshire SN5 3PA
Meet outside Lydiard House for check-in at 10.30 am. The Train Walk starts at 10.45 am (ish!) and walkers have a choice of two walks. Please come dressed in Thomas the Tank engine clothes/colours and feel free to bring your favourite Thomas toys.
There is free parking, a cafe and toilets on site. Bring a picnic lunch if you want to make a day of it!
Read our blog for more details of the Swindon Train Walk: www.swindontrainwalk.blogspot.com/
Trowbridge Train Walk
Date:06/06/09
Time:01:30 PM
Place:Hope Nature Centre, Southwick Country Park, Frome Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 0DA
Organised by the NAS West Wiltshire Branch. Walk length variable depending upon the age and ability of the walkers. Registration from 1.30pm, with the walk starting at 2pm.
Nine Springs Train Walk
Date:07/06/09
Time:09:30 AM
Place:Goldenstones car park, Nine Springs, Yeovil, Somerset
This Train Walk is organised by Farimead School, Yeovil. Our walk is approximately three miles long: following the disused railway line for 1.5 miles, before returning to Goldenstones car park. Registration is from 9.30am with the walk starting at 10.30am. Face painters from 9.30am! For more information about the day, contact Steve on 07818 565 680 or cstevecoles@tiscali.co.uk
Avebury Train Walk
Date:07/06/09
Time:10:30 AM
Place:Avebury Social Club, Avebury, Wiltshire
This walk starts at Avebury Social Club and is two miles long – all welcome.
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates and relates to other people. While all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will also affect each of them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live mainly independent lives, whilst other people will need a lifetime of specialist support.
The National Autistic Society, founded in 1962 spearheads national and international initiatives, and provides a voice for all people with autism and Asperger syndrome. .