As a family we are huge fans of the Park Run movement and were delighted when first approached by local representatives to think about where best we could start up a local initiative in 2019.
We chose the Squerryes Winery off Beggars Lane which provides an opportunity to have coffee, breakfast and source some local produce at our Estate Deli. The route is over private land (only open on Saturday mornings for Park Run) the start and finish goes through the Squerryes Vineyards. The main part of the 5km course circumvents 2 arable fields where margins have been specifically widened.
The global pandemic affected so many different events including Park Runs and we were delighted to work with our local Race Directors to restart just as soon as we were able in June 2021. Each week has become a joyful community event and a highlight for our family and staff.
Following the havoc the Covid pandemic caused to everyone’s lives it was an enormous relief to have parkrun back up and running in July 2021. We have nearly 100 people who run/jog/walk with us, many of whom are regular attendees including a core of volunteers who help the event run every week. Many of our volunteers live in Westerham and enable us to offer our community access to a free organised event every week. The physical benefits of exercise are well known, however there are significant positive impact on mental well being too. So it’s great to have the Squerryes Winery parkrun back and offering a unique exercise opportunity for so many people from Westerham and further afield.
Stephen Aish