Volunteers on the right path

COMMUNITY spirit saved the day when The Dava Way Association set out to reinstate a footpath following bad weather damage.

Spokesman, Pete Mitchell said that thanks to an appeal which appeared in the ‘Gazette’ that they had plenty of willing helpers.

He explained that following the article a good group of around seventeen volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help with some real grafting to remediate the path.

They were able to help improve the path surface on the Dava Moor ready for the overnight Ghost Train Walk which took place at the weekend.

Thanks to their efforts, the 100 plus Ghost Train walkers had a better footpath surface, after the previously flooded areas were filled with reclaimed railway ballast and the old railway drains were reinstated.

HELPING OUT

“Thanks to the Forres Gazette appeal we had four new volunteers and three Duke of Edinburgh people, helping out,” said Mr Mitchell.

He said joint efforts from everyone and support from the ‘Gazette’ and local businesses means that a great deal has been achieved at a very low cost.

“Without their help, and kind generosity from Glenburgie cars and those who volunteered the use of their 4x4s, we would not have been able to complete the improvement works in time for the Ghost Train walk on Saturday,” he said. “We would also like to thank Highland industrial Supplies for supplying some of the hand tools for the volunteers and the Seafield estate for their support.”

Mr Mitchell said that work on the Dava Way is going from strength to strength which bodes well for future improvements to the path.

Potential volunteers are encouraged to visit the Dava Way web site at davaway.org.uk to see what it is all about and to volunteer to join the Dava Way Friends.