The Brenda Parker Way Events & Publicity Page
August 2012
Two kissing gates installed on Tadley FP 8 by volunteers from the North Hampshire Downs Group of Ramblers.
June 2012
The counts for visits to this website passes 5000 and the diamond symbols for a long distance footpath appear on the Ordnance Survey map shown on this website.
April 2012
The 4th Brenda Parker memorial walk took place from Fleet Pond. Covering ten miles it followed the Brenda Parker Way along the Basingstoke Canal to the Wellington Statue, and then returned with a stop at The Foresters PH at Church Crookham.
February 2012
The first Ordnance Survey map to mark the route of the Brenda Parker Way was published. This was the Landranger 186 Aldershot and Guildford map, covering the marked route from Hartley Wintney to Bramley; the other maps will include it as they are updated and published.
January 2012
To mark the Aldershot end of the Brenda Parker Way, a mountain ash tree with a commemorative plaque was planted in Manor Park. This was attended by members of the NE Hants and North Hampshire Downs Groups of Ramblers and a representative from Rushmoor Borough Council. Two articles appeared over consecutive weeks in the Aldershot News and Mail, click here to view them.
May 2011
Members of the Andover and North Hampshire Downs Group of Rambers joined a representative from Test Valley Borough Council to plant a commemorative post at the Andover end of the Brenda Parker Way in St Mary's Church.
April 2011
In addition to a press release to the local news organisations, there was further publicity courtesy of the BBC. A short live interview was given to BBC Radio Berkshire. Then, following earlier interviews and filming at Ecchinswell attended by members from the Andover and North Hampshire Downs Groups of Ramblers, a piece was broadcast on BBC South Today television.
Easter 2011
The Brenda Parker Way was opened at Silchester Roman Town with speeches from Alan Marlow, Hampshire Area Access Officer; Kate Ashbrook, Ramblers Trustee and Secretary of the Open Spaces Society, and Judith Borsay, Brenda's cousin.
Kate Ashbrook, Judith Borsay, and Martin Parker, another cousin, then cut the ribbon.
The North Hampshire Downs Group of Ramblers and Kate Ashbrook each issued a press release to mark the occasion. Click here to view these.
Click here to view some of the other photos taken on the day.
After the ceremony there was a circular walk to Pamber Forest attended by about 100 people.
2010-
Support from the local government authorities sought and obtained, funds requested and received (mostly from the Basingstoke and Deane Leisure Initiatives Fund), the route defined, described and checked, permissions sought and obtained, the final route waymarked and the supporting website set up.
Easter 2010
Two walks of different lengths took place from Silchester which included sections of the proposed Brenda Parker Way, to mark the second anniversary of Brenda's death.
Easter 2009
Three walks of varying length took place from Overton to mark the first anniversary of Brenda's death.
Winter 2008/09
A tentative route was outlined by members of the North Hampshire Downs Group of Ramblers for a long distance path across north Hampshire in memory of Brenda. This started the process that culminated in the opening of the Brenda Parker Way just over two years later.
March 2008
For tributes to Brenda following her death, click here.
July 2012
Three friends from Basingstoke ran the Brenda Parker Way in a little over 24 hours raising over £1200 for the Help for Heroes charity. Click here to view a larger image and to read the story. Use your back button to return.
November 2011
On a sunny day in July, members of the Ramblers and Brenda's family met at St Mary Bourne to record their memories of Brenda Parker. In November this resulting piece was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour; for a transcript click here.
October 2011
Members of the Camberley Rotaract Club walked the Brenda Parker Way and publicised their achievement with an article in the Camberley News and Mail, click here to view it.
