Organisers of the Isle of Man walking festival have issued their annual appeal for more volunteer guides.
About 200 people are visiting the island for the five-day event, which begins on 15 May.
Although 50 people have already volunteered their services the festival is looking for about 20 more to act as walk leaders and assistants.
The festival, now in its seventh year, has grown year on year and 2011 is set to be the biggest yet, said organisers.
Co-ordinator Mick Salmon said: "We are looking for anyone with a love, and knowledge, of the island in general.
"The leaders and assistants are asked many questions about the Isle of Man itself so we need people who are reasonably knowledgeable about our heritage and traditions.
"We are not looking for historians or specialist walkers - just local residents who have pride in their island."
Source:
BBC - 14th March 2011
BBC - 14th March 2011
MORE walk leaders and assistant leaders are needed for this year's walking festival.
A record number of people have already booked for the event with two months still to go.
So far there are more than 200 visiting walkers set to take part in the event in May and co-ordinator Mick Salmon said another 20 leaders or assistants will be needed.
Mick explained: "We have a list of about 50 people but ideally could do with quite a few more.
"They wouldn't need to be committed to every day of the festival – once or twice in the week would be sufficient.
"They are not expected to be experts on any particular trail as training will be given and they can be shown round the walk to acquaint them with any outstanding features so they can explain about them to the people in their charge.
"We are looking for anyone with a love, and knowledge, of the Island in general.
"The leaders and assistants are asked many questions about the Isle of Man itself so we need people who are reasonably knowledgeable about our heritage and traditions.
"We are not looking for historians or specialist walkers – just local residents who have pride in their Island."
Anyone interested in joining the ranks of the official leaders, or assistant leaders, can ring Mick on 331369 - or contact him via e-mail at office@manxwalks.com
This year's festival is from May 15 to 20 with various new walks having been added, including the 15 mile long Herring Way, together with the Millennium Way which involves a distance of 24 miles spread over two days.
Another long-distance trek which is always popular is the coastal path where the participants cover 18 to 20 miles a day over five days.
A new walk, at the other end of the scale, is a gentle stroll based around Dhoon Glen in the north of the Island.
The Festival is now in its seventh year and for the previous six the favourite walk was usually that around Port Erin and Port St Mary but this now has a rival.
The Laxey-Snaefell-North Barrule one, which begins with a trip on the Snaefell Mountain Railway, was introduced for the first time in 2010 and, because of its success, is now offered on two separate days.
Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK said: "The Isle of Man is an ideal location for this event and it's a great way for visitors to explore the natural beauty and diversity of our countryside.
"The walking festival also has the spin-off of attracting ramblers and walkers throughout the year.
"I would like to thank our existing walk leaders for their tremendous support of the event."
The social programme has been re-vamped but still includes entertainment every evening.
This year's schedule incorporates Manx Country Dancing, a local choir, Dixieland jazz, an oompah band and free prize bingo – as well as dancing to 60s music and a stand-up comedian.
It is the first time there has been a comic spot and the role has been entrusted to well known Liverpudlian Bill Woolard.
A conducted tour of Tynwald will be given by Rushen MHK Quintin Gill.
In terms of the success of the festival Mick said: "It is a case of success breeding success.
"Our guests go home and tell their friends and walk club colleagues what a great festival it is.
"We estimate that around 70 per cent of our new bookings come via word of mouth and the more people who come, and enjoy their time here, the more the word is spread around the UK and even further afield.
"In addition, we monitor where the walkers come from and target the publicity accordingly.
"We now feel we are advertising in the right magazines and publications and this is another factor in the success story of the Isle of Man Walking Festival
Source:
Isle of Man - 14th March 2011
Isle of Man - 14th March 2011
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