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A History of the Coastal Walk

Publicity & Sponsorship

Some ten years ago the Club was fortunate in obtaining corporate sponsorship of the event; initially by Cadbury Typhoo, followed by other establishments in subsequent years. Unilever (previously Lever Faberge) have provided considerable financial and practical support for the past eight years. Such sponsorship gave the event a considerable boost and has enabled us to cover many of our increasing overheads. As a result we were able to maintain our standard entrance fee at the 1986 level of £2 until 2000 when it was increased to £2.50. Originally, the entrance fees did not cover our expenses, but with corporate sponsorship, things improved. Even the concentrated orange juice has been donated by the Heswall Branch of Tesco for the past few years. (Requirements - 1 litre of concentrate + 4 litres of water for every five walkers).

There is no doubt that our success in attracting 'thousands' rather than 'hundreds' of walkers’ in recent years is due to the excellent publicity received in the local press and other publications. With the exception of a 'little blip' in the year after the birth of the National Lottery, numbers taking part has steadily increased. The weather has a great influence and, if fine, we can expect many hundreds of uncommitted walkers turning up on the day. Family and friends often accompany participants for the fun of it and, of course, the handicapped are always accompanied by carers or wheelchair pushers. Whether 'registered' or not, everyone, including the dogs and babes in pushchairs, get a certificate.

Although the Wirral Coastal Walk has become one of the main sources of income (from net ‘gate’ receipts) for the Club's 'Good Causes Account', through which we have been able to give financial  assistance to numerous Local, National and International causes; it still remains a Community Project as first envisaged. We have made so many friends over the years from - local schools, youth organisations, churches, other Rotary clubs, etc. - Organisations such as the St John Ambulance, Raynet, Merseyside Police, Mersey Ferries, Wirral Rangers and local Bus Companies continue to play an important part in the operation. Without their involvement, and despite the involvement of almost every member of the Club, our ‘Inner Wheel’ and family and friends, the Walk could not continue to operate at the present level. Even those who provide music and entertainment, and participants who don fancy dress, all add to the carnival atmosphere we have tried to maintain.

We have not only been able to bring the Rotary Club of North Wirral to the public's attention but The Rotary Movement has gained invaluable 'free' publicity as a result of media coverage.

The History of the Coastal Walk was prepared by Rtn. Tony Hill for the President of the Rotary Club of North Wirral and the Coastal Walk Committee.

The Wirral Coastal Walk main sponsor for 2008 is

There are also many other organisations that help out. You can visit our links page to find out more, or click on any of the logo's in this margin to visit some of our sponsors and helpers...

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