Why Our U3A Dog Walking Group Is Unique

From the Group Convenor

I would like to nominate our U3A Dog Walking Group for recognition as a Unique Group. Although there are many dog walking groups, ours is about much more than walking dogs.

Every Thursday we explore different parts of the countryside around Theydon Bois, Loughton, High Beech and Highams Park. Members come from many different backgrounds, bringing their own experiences, interests and stories.

Sometimes we walk in a group, chatting about anything and everything; sometimes two people find themselves having a more personal one-to-one conversation. There is always chatter, laughter and someone willing to listen.

Our walks also give us opportunities to learn. Several members have excellent local knowledge and often share interesting facts about the places, history and countryside we pass.

The social side is just as important. Afterwards, we often gather for tea or coffee in someone’s garden or at Amee’s Coffee Van in Theydon Bois, where coffee and flapjacks have become part of our Thursday tradition. Members contribute in their own special ways, whether through Len’s recitals, Daphne’s knowledge of High Beech or Sue and Len’s generous hospitality.

What makes the group particularly special is the genuine care between its members. We notice when someone is missing, listen to one another, share experiences, laugh together and offer support when needed.

Despite our name, members do not have to own a dog — they can always share one! The dogs are very much part of the group, each with their own personality, and bring great pleasure to us all.

Above all, our group is about friendship, companionship, conversation, learning and laughter. People who might never otherwise have met have become friends, and every Thursday gives us something to look forward to. That is what makes our U3A Dog Walking Group unique.

MEET OUR DOGS

EXAMPLES OF ROUTES	MEETING POINT	Press links for more details on where to meet and park
Epping Forest - Strawberry Hill Ponds - Earls Path Pond - Loughton	Earl's Path South - Strawberry Hill Car Park - Loughton	Strawberry Hill - Earls Path - Loughton
Holly Trail  - Bury Road - Chingford	Car park to the left of the Holly Trail Café in Bury Road	Holly Trail - Bury Road - Chingford
Roding Recreation Ground  - Roding Road - Loughton	South end of Roding Road - Turn left on entering the fields and meet at Tennis Courts	Roding Recreation Ground
Epping Forest - Nursery Road - Loughton	Car park in Nursery Road - at the top of Connaught Road	Epping Forest - Loughton
Coppice Road - Theydon Bois	By the Coffee Van - in Car Park of St Mary's Church - Coppice Road - to the left of Theydon Bois Village Hall	Coppice Row - Theydon Bois