Dressed for all weathers, regardless of the autumn sunshine, parishioners assembled at the Bray Institute, Marham­church for the start of another of the regular walks, organised by the Village Hall Committee.

A very mixed group, with all ages represented, walked the inclined plane route down to the new pedestrian underpass below the A39, where a formal opening ceremony was held.

As the sun shone the assembled crowd watched Grace Candlin, 92, the oldest person present, assisted by some of the youngest, cut the ribbon and declare the underpass formally open. Grace spoke of her memories of the "old main road and bridges at Helebridge that used to throw traffic into confusion" and "how it was often impossible to cross for a safe walk into Bude, but now, after more than 30 years of people pressure, the underpass has become a reality."

The walk continued through the underpass and over the partially constructed route of the new footpath along the canal to the new Whalesborough Lock, resplendent with new oak gates, and recently filled with water. Although there is still much to do, the walkers were very impressed by the progress of the works on the new amenity.

The route was then reversed and the walkers climbed the Plane Keepers Path back to the village where welcome lunchtime refreshments were provided by volunteers, with the added bonus of an opportunity to view the full version of the Marham­church Parish Plan.