Walks update – National lockdown Nov 5–Dec 2. Unfortunately, Out on Sunday will not be able to offer any group walks while the lockdown is in force, before the latest lockdown we had an exemption as an organised group but this no longer applies. We very much hope that we will be able to resume the walks in December. However, all is not lost! – the national restrictions that came into force on 5 November allow meeting up with one person for exercise so please consider walks with other members on a strictly one to one basis – as detailed on the government’s Coronavirus website here. As always, members have to decide what level of risk they are willing to take but this may be an opportunity to go out; enjoy the countryside and maybe even recce some walks for next year.
WhatsApp Group – Some members are using the Out on Sunday WhatsApp group to contact other members and arrange to meet up for walks in line with the current restrictions, it’s also been a great way to keep in touch and share photos of various walks and adventures over the past few months. If you’re not already signed up to the group and would like to do so please send your name and mobile number to general@outonsunday.co.uk. Please read the information published on the website some time ago here. Remember, there are some glorious days in the Autumn and winter months, walking doesn’t have to be restricted to Sundays and is known to be beneficial to both physical and mental wellbeing so ….. Get out there; Stay Safe and Keep Walking!
The year so far – 2020 hasn’t been a great year for anyone, including walkers. Out on Sunday walks have always been run on a ‘turn up and walk’ basis but this year we’ve had to adapt and evolve, organising Risk Assessments, Attendance Lists and such just to keep us legal! It’s been challenging keeping up with the constantly shifting restrictions (and trying to de-cipher them!) however all our walkers have adapted well to the new regime and we’ve managed to squeeze in a few great walks – have a look at some of the walks in the gallery here. If the lockdown is eased and we are able to meet up in December we hope to get a few more miles in before the end of the year. Last year OoS completed a total of 30 walks, so far this year we’ve managed 8 with an average attendance of 14 – so not that bad in the circumstances!
Festive Meal – In other news : Regrettably we won’t be able to meet up for our customary festive meal at the Cosy Club in Manchester – maybe we’ll be able to organise something in the new year, fingers crossed!
2021 – January is usually the time when we meet to plan the walks programme for the coming year and to decide on the venue for the summer weekend away. Right now we don’t know whether we will be able to meet in person but we still need to thinking ahead to hopefully better times next year and it may be possible to organise a ZOOM meeting or something similar – if you have any ideas please share them! As always we need new walk leaders (and new walks) to keep the walk calendar full so if you fancy leading a walk there are plenty of members who will be happy to help you if you need it!
A couple of messages from Carl Austin-Behan
“Save The Date” – Pride Dates for 2021
Obviously 2020 has been a complete write-off for all LGBTQ+ Pride Events, who knows what the next 12 months has in store for us, however, let’s try and give ourselves something to look forward to. Please see below the 2021 Greater Manchester Pride Date Calendar.
Bolton 17th – 19th September
Bury 17th & 18th April
Manchester 27th 30th August
Oldham 24th & 25th July
Rochdale T.B.C
Salford 19th June
Stockport 25th July
Tameside 17th July
Trafford 17th – 22nd May
Wigan T.B.C
Finally just a thought….
As we enter the second week of a second lockdown, it’s important to take time to check-in with how YOU feel!
Remember:
It’s OK to feel anxious
It’s OK to feel worried
It’s OK to feel tired
YOU don’t have to go through this alone… The LGBT Foundation are there if you need them:
http://www.lgbt.foundation/ 0345 3 30 30 30
Thanks to Carl for his regular updates and all the great work he does for the LGBTQ+ community
Out on Sunday will be back as soon as we possibly can.
Meantime, take care of yourselves, keep safe and stay healthy!