Hello Toggers!

A city of Peace
A City of Peace
Coventry is a city with a long history. The earliest parts of the city date back to 60AD when the Romans founded a large fort here. You can today see evidence of Medieval life here. During the English Civil War it was a stronghold for the Parliamentarians. But this week, tomorrow in particular, the city will remember an event that took place just 85 years ago.
 
On 14th November 1940 the face of the city changed forever when it came under attack from the Luftwaffe’s Operation Moonlight Sonata, more commonly known as The Blitz. The raid that lasted 11 hours and involved over 500 aircraft. Alongside the industrial plants that were destroyed, so too were thousands of homes and much of the city centre – including the city’s cathedral..
 
An Anglican priest, Richard Howard, did what he could to save it, but with multiple incendiary bombs falling around him, he cut his losses and rescued what artifacts he could before retreating to a nearby air raid shelter. The following day he returned and formed a cross from the charred embers of roof beams – a cross that still remains poignantly in the shell of the old cathedral today with the words, Father Forgive etched in the wall behind the altar. .
 
It is thanks to Richard Howard that Coventry became an International City of Peace and Reconciliation, when in a Christmas radio broadcast he encouraged people to break the cycle of vengeance and to forgive. Watching the news today – 85 years on, his words are perhaps needed as much now as they were then.
 
Whilst Coventry may not be high up on a list of walking destinations in the UK – there are some great walks in the area. Read on and we’re going on one of them for our walk this week! 

A city centre circular

Coventry Walks

Our walk this week takes us on a journey that spans over 700 years of history of Coventry from the remnants of the old city walls, a street of Tudor buildings and one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in the country. On paper, it’s a walk that takes around an hour – but with so many places of interest along the way (including the amazing Transport Museum) – you’ll find it’ll take a lot longer! Along the route you’ll find the Telegraph Hotel on the walk – based in the former offices of the local newspaper, it’s a great option if you’re looking to make a weekend of it.

Our fantastic fundraisers!

Our fantastic fundraisers!
We’re so grateful to everyone who has raised money or donated to our Waterproof & Wellies campaign. Special thanks go to WWF, Rohan, Flanci, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, the Somerset & Exmoor Coast Walking Festival and our young superstars – Aiden, Jack, Harry and Dexter. Thanks to their amazing efforts we’ve been able to provide even more primary school aged children in the UK waterproof jackets, trousers and wellington boots to enable play outdoors no matter the weather.
 
Would you like to fund raise for us in 2026? You can find out more on our website.
HELP US KIT KIDS FOR THE OUTDOORS!

Four Things For You

Go Walks
Foraging
English Heritage
Wellbeing
Competition

Castlerigg Hall Competition!
Fancy a glamping getaway in the Lake District?We’ve got a brilliant competition this month – your chance to win a 3-night stay in a Luxury Hex Pod at Castlerigg Hall, just above Keswick. Think mountain views, peaceful mornings, and cosy evenings under the stars… all without pitching a tent!Click below to enter and start dreaming of your next adventure.

ENTER NOW!

In the week ahead I hope you can find some time for peace, perhaps for reflection and certainly for getting outside and embracing the autumnal fresh air.

Julia Bradbury