On Saturday 22nd June, I shall be walking 16 miles in aid of "Finley's Touch" starting from the southwest Battle of Britain memorial in Weymouth and progress along the Weymouth promenade following in the footsteps of the US Rangers during their D-Day embarkation march. The walk will progress past many historic WW2 sites including the hotel where Barnes Wallis stayed whilst developing the bouncing bomb, Weymouth Harbour, Fort Nothe, HMS Bee and along Portland Harbour causeway (taking in the 2 Mulberry harbour Phoenix Caissons) to the D-Day Centre at Castletown, and then up to VC winner Jack Mantle's grave. We will then turn around and walk back again. The total distance should be approximately 16 miles and I shall be doing the walk with some good friends from my military history group, the Dorset IC.

"Findley's Touch is a marvellous charity set up by Findley's parents after he sadly died from a rare form of blood cancer. Inspired by Findley himself it provides children with 'Survival Bags' full of goodies to help them endure long spells in hospital. It also provides financial grants to families who suddenly find themselves having to stay away from home to care for their sick child. If you'd like to see what is in these bags, please look here: https://finleystouch.org.uk/hospital-survival-bags

Started by Ant ‘Bomber’ Brentnall's epic personal dieting journey and his desire to raise funds through walking, many regional units of the Independent Company (avid followers of the We Have Ways Podcast and general WW2 geeks) are collectively doing sponsored walks for 'Finley’s Touch' ahead of the We Have Ways Fest in July 2024. Dorset IC have joined them.

Incidentally, on the same day, the Armour & Embarkation convoy will be heading from Dorchester to Weymouth beach, which in itself is a spectacular sight.

It is also the day of the Lotus Drivers Club Weymouth Fish and Chip run so lots of cars will be parked/broken down by the clock tower for you to view.

Feel free to join us or say hello and thank you for your support.