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Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group raised £506 from 27 supporters

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Closed 31/08/2018

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£506
raised of £1,000 target by 27 supporters

    Weʼve raised £506 to Blackburn Respiratory Unit Broadfield Specialist School The British Heart Foundation Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team

    Funded on Friday, 31st August 2018

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    Story

    Let us out!! Windy Witch, Wonder Witch, Wonky Witch, Arctic Witch, Bee Witch and Tatty Witch are leaving Just Giving on Friday 31st August 2018. We will no doubt be back. Thank you everyone xx

    We did it!! Here we are at the finish! ( Tatty Witch, Wonder Witch, Arctic Witch, Bee Witch and Windy Witch). What a fantastic journey we have had. We have met so many wonderful people along the way. The Witches appreciate the donations from you all. We are going to keep this page open for the rest of the month to collect as much as we can. There was a crowd of family and friends waiting at the finish for a beer and a cheer. What amazing support from you all. Thank you again xx

    WOW! This is turning into quite a journey for the witches. As you can see from the new picture the weather has not been on our side. (In order Bee Witch, Wonder Witch, Tatty Witch, Windy Witch, Wonky Witch and Arctic Witch). We have walked 34 miles in the last 3 days and we have seen our fair share of rain and wind. BUT we are still smiling and thank everyone who has donated from the bottom of our hearts. We will set off again next Sunday and finish in Barrowford at approximately 3pm on Monday 20th August. Hope to see you there for a beer and a cheer xxx

    In 2016 two friends were talking about ailments, injuries and general health.

    “Once you hit 50 years it all starts going wrong” “50? Try 60!!!”

    “I used to able to run that distance no problem”

    “I still want to get out in the fresh air and exercise”

    They decided to start a walking group. They called their group “The Wandering Witches” Why not? Living in and around the Pendle Hill area of Lancashire it was perfect. All women of a certain age with a variety of injuries but like minded to keep active and form new friendships.

    To all who live within a few miles of Pendle Hill, the mention of the Pendle Witches rouses a special interest. It is told that a witch was a woman who sold her soul to the devil, accompanied often by an evil spirit in the shape of a cat or a dog, could cast spells, raise storms and ride through the skies on a broomstick. In actual fact, a so called witch was usually a withered old woman often mentally deranged or disfigured by some physical malformation. In all cases she was feared for her reputed evil powers and children fled at her approach.

    On 20th August 1612 some of these unfortunate woman were hanged at Lancaster Castle accused of being witches. There are many books telling their stories leading up to their trials and the horrendous journey they were forced to take from Barrowford to Lancaster, descriptions like …

    “An untidy trail of horses, carts and ragged individuals following on foot left the shadow of Pendle Hill in the early hours bound for Lancaster Castle.”

    The Wandering Witches started with five members Windy Witch, Wonder Witch, Arctic Witch, Tatty Witch and Bee Witch. Two retired and three still working. A random mix of strong women consisting of two business women, one policewoman, one nurse and one care worker. All with a fantastic sense of fun and a love for adventure.

    Over the next few months tales of their wanderings were shared and enjoyed by family and friends alike. New members Hippy, Wandering, Wheelie, Wonky, Cone Head, Sparky and Crafty joined the group. Ages range from 45 years to 70 years. Problems range from two hip replacements (Hippy Witch) to Arthritis (most of us).

    They are learning all the time and growing stronger and stronger. Compass and map reading. Best walking kit. Safety for the group BUT above all wonderful friendships and lots and lots of laughing and a bit more laughing!

    Some members of the group believe in Herbal and Holistic medicine. All the group believe in fresh air, friendship and fun and although the walkers are women they have a support network of husbands, sons and friends.

    Walking and talking go together very well and a shared interest in the history of the Lancashire Witches was a regular topic of discussion. Interest grew and walking started to follow historic trails in the Pendle area.

    The Pendle Way, The Witches Trail, The Burnley Way, The Walking with Witches Trail and many a walk taking them over Pendle Hill itself.

    The Wandering Witches decided to walk The Lancashire Witches Walk. A walk from the Heritage Centre in Barrowford to Lancaster Castle. A 53 mile Walk which they will spilt into five walks over five days. The walk has been kept to the route taken by the witches as best it could be.

    On 12th August 2018 at approximately 10am The Wandering Witches are going to Walk the Witches Home. They will set of from Lancaster Castle and over five days will walk back to The Heritage Centre in Barrowford.

    The Walk: Sunday 12.08.18 Lancaster Castle to Lower Salter 14 miles Monday 13.08.18 Low Salter to Slaidburn 10 miles. Tuesday 14.08.18 Slaidburn to Clitheroe 9 miles finishing this leg on Booths car park. Sunday 19.08.18 Clitheroe to Higham 11 miles. Monday 20.08.18 Higham to Barrowford 9 miles finishing their journey at the Pendle Heritage Centre back where it all started over 400 years ago.

    In 1612 the women wore rags and most were bare footed. Some would be in their eighties and some were known to be blind. They had to walk the full 51 miles sleeping next to the carts on the road where they fell.

    The walking group have all the modern walking clothes and equipment thats available these days and will go home to a comfy bed each night. This is still a difficult walk with many testing obstacles.

    No broomsticks or other aids will be used but they will be wearing the best walking boots they can find!

    They have chosen four charities to donate their sponsor monies to equally.

    Blackburn Respiratory Unit

    Broadfield Specialist School, Fielding Lane, Oswaldtwistle, Lancs, BB5 3BE

    The British Heart Foundation

    Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team

    Updates

    2

    • Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group6 years ago
      Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group

      Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group

      6 years ago

      Thanks Nina!! Pie and a pint sounds like just the thing!!

      Share this update to help us raise more

    • Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group6 years ago
      Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group

      Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group

      6 years ago
      Update from the Page owner

      Share this update to help us raise more

    6 years ago

    Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group started crowdfunding

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    Page last updated on: 8/21/2018 18.09

    Supporters

    27

    • Anthony Lomax

      Anthony Lomax

      Aug 21, 2018

      Well done, Ladies!

      £20.00

    • Chris and Ruth Fowler

      Chris and Ruth Fowler

      Aug 21, 2018

      Well Done!

      £3.00

    • Kensie and his Dad

      Kensie and his Dad

      Aug 21, 2018

      Kensie gave us his pocket money at the finish of the walk so his Dad put £10 in for us. Thank you Kensie X

      £13.00

    • Marilyn and Ian

      Marilyn and Ian

      Aug 21, 2018

      Well Done Witches!

      £20.00

    • Graham Lomax

      Graham Lomax

      Aug 20, 2018

      You're all mad! 😉

      £20.00

    • Anonymous

      Anonymous

      Aug 18, 2018

      Well done, I'm happy to support you.

    • Catherine quigley

      Catherine quigley

      Aug 17, 2018

      Good luck Heather and witches 🧙‍♀️

      £10.00

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    About the fundraiser
    Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group

    Tracey Finn aka Tatty Witch of The Wandering Witches Walking Group

    I am one of five founder members of this walking group. We got together to keep fit and form friendships. The four charities we have chosen to support by walking The Witches Walk are personally important to members of our group. Simply a way of giving back.

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