My name is Betty Shipton and I am 75 years old. I have experienced fairly good health even with a tough working life. I lost my husband aged 44, but before that I had a good family life. My family life is still ok with my three children and my 6 grandchildren. I have many interests, including reading, needlework, walking, gardening, caring for others be it mental or physical and I have an active interest in the stroke club.

I have always had an active outdoor lifestyle and needed an additional interest in my retirement years. So I became a walk leader for walking the way to health scheme after reading some leaflets about the walking activities running at Rosliston Forestry Centre.
My life has definitely changed. I am now very VERY active. I don’t look for friends, they attach themselves to me. I feel a massive change in my mental outlook on life and I also have an improvement in my physical health. Physically and mentally, I accept life for what it is.

I would tell others that you should be interested in what activities you choose to do and that keeps you motivated. Keep caring and sharing, get outdoors and enjoy what God has given you for free. And my favorite words to young and old ‘Walk Your Way to Health’!
Finally I would like to say, walking as part of the Get Active in the Forest scheme has become my life in my retirement years!

My name is Geoff Holmes and I am 71 years old. I am almost retired as a gardener and have been self-employed for 43 years. I have a reasonable state of health but am aware of a history of heart problems in my family. Previously, I have done voluntary youth work as a venture scout leader. In my spare time I do quite a lot of walking and work hard to maintain a large garden where I grow my own fruit and veg.

My working life had slowed down but I wanted to stay active and keep my weight down, while remaining fit and healthy. I find it difficult to get motivated for the gym. I wanted to meet new friends and discover new interests.
I saw notices about the walks and walk leader courses at Rosliston Forestry Centre so I decided to take the course; I enjoyed a variety of walks and enjoyed meeting the rest of the walkers. I was then made aware the over 50’s cycling group at Rosliston and joined in at the start, feeling very welcome from the very beginning. I’ve even gone on to complete the cycle leader’s course.
My life has changed as I have made new friends and met new challenges whilst maintaining my fitness levels.
To encourage others to get more active I would say give it a go! After the initial step you will find it easy. The more you do, the more you will want to continue and extend it. If you get involved like I did you could help influence the activities and the direction you want the programme to go.