A lot has happened since our last issue but as ever, its all go in Nordic Walking world….

COMEDIAN ED BYRNE GETS HIS FREEDOM PASSPORT

Instructor Caroline Fisher from Saddleworth Nordic Walking had a fun assignment despite the stormy weather recently. She was asked by the Great Outdoors Magazine to teach comedian Ed Byrne how to Nordic Walk! Ed is a keen hill walker and according to Caroline took to Nordic Walking straight away.

INSTRUCTOR IAN IS AWARDED THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL

Ian Northcott is a popular Instructor who operates in the West Midlands – we were delighted to find out that he was awarded the British Empire medal in the new years honours list for his work with his charity Socks and Chocs The former policeman who is also famous for being the ‘busking Bobby’ will collect his medal from Her Majesty later this year but if the reviews from his walkers are anything to go by he could be in line for more accolades in the future too!

SALLY LAUNCHES PROGRAMME FOR TEENAGE GIRLS

Sally Dance and Oxfordshire based Instructor is one of the first in the UK to complete our training that tailors Nordic Walking for children, teenagers and families via a formal Exercise for Children qualification. She offered classes to the year 10 girls at Langtree Secondary School who all agreed that Nordic walking was more enjoyable than many of their usual PE sessions – one commented that it was a simple and fun way to get fit and being out and about was great!

PETROC COLLEGE BECOMES AN NWUK CENTRE

We are delighted to be working with Petroc college in North Devon to introduce our programmes into the community and provide opportunities for their fitness students to gain first hand experience of how to set up and run a range of sessions. Watch this space for NWUK Instructor training courses at Petroc in the future too.

MALAYSIAN GROUP CELEBRATE INSTRUCTORS SUCCESS 

Toh Ee Siew was given a fabulous cake by her Nordic Walking group in Malaysia when she returned from the UK as a fully qualified NWUK Instructor in the Autumn. Toh Ee studied hard to gain her CYQ qualification and now has a lively group who enjoy regular classes and trips.

NIGHT WALKS FOR NIC

Instructor Nic Sproson and one of her more adventurous regular walkers tackled the first of a series of NIGHT RACES organised by the National Trust which welcome Nordic Walkers. Check out our EVENTS PAGES to see if there is one at a  stunning National Trust venue near you this winter and challenge yourself to a chilly night out with your poles!

PHILIPPA AND KAREN ARE FILMED BY THE BBC

Two NWUK Instructors were recently filmed by BBC Scotland as part of their Get Inspired campaign. Philippa Porritt  (pictured),Karen Murrie and a few of their regulars gave a demonstration of Nordic Walking and spoke to the presenter about how great it is for you and how people can get involved. Well done Ladies!