Dadima’s Monthly Walk & Talk Sundays in the Chilterns

The focus and vision of our family-run social enterprise is on:

• Connecting families and communities across generations, encouraging intergenerational dialogues to combat loneliness.
• Promoting good health and wellbeing through home-cooked heritage recipes.
• Connecting with nature and exploring the great outdoors for good health and enjoyment.

We are keen to combat loneliness as a community, connecting in more meaningful ways where we slow down and find spaces to reflect and enjoy.

The Background: Dadima’s CIC

Dadima’s CIC started from a grandmother’s heritage Indian cookbook (published in 2016). It developed and gained momentum around various community food-related projects in schools and local communities, and then we started guided nature walks in 2018.

The guided community walks started around the Windsor/Virginia Waters area, where we walked with wonderful people across ages and walks of life, to include grandparents. Walkers shared important life stories and wisdom, and they welcomed the safe space of Mother Nature to unwind and connect in green spaces.

Having moved to the Chilterns in 2020, I wanted to continue building these important connections with nature and the great outdoors, doing my little bit to tackle health inequalities. I set up monthly guided walks in this beautiful natural landscape which is free for all to enjoy, but recognised quickly how some communities were not entering, engaging or feeling included.

As a British South Asian woman over 50, I’m very conscious of the health inequalities across different ethnic groups and have seen first-hand how the elders in my family faced many health issues at a younger age. My personal experiences have encouraged me to become more active, and an advocate of walking the great outdoors.

This monthly community is slowly growing in exciting ways, and I have plans for 2022 to include some themed walk and talks. I will share more details about these in December 2021, but examples include: Diwali nature floor art, menopause walks for good bone health, nature photography, nature writing.

Bring your family and friends along, and follow the details/FAQs below for the remaining three 2021 walks:

• Dates and walk start times:
• Sunday 17th October, 2021. 10am start (allow 3 hours)
• Sunday 21st November, 2021. 9am start (allow 3 hours). Christmas jumpers encouraged.
• Sunday 12th December, 2021. 10am start. I am planning coffees and a light lunch after this one so let me know if you’re keen. It will be in a Watlington/Chilterns pub. Christmas jumpers encouraged (allow 4-5 hours, depending on lunch duration).

Start times will usually be 10am, unless I state a 9am start. Please note: 21st November walk starts at 9am.

Where do we meet?

Get of the M40 at Junction 6, signposted Watlington/Princes Risborough. As soon as you exit the slip road, you’ll come to a T-junction. Turn immediate left and park in the free lay-by area where you’ll usually see several cars. I’m usually standing there around 10 minutes before the start time, and try to wave or wear something bright.

What is the distance and intensity level?

We walk for approximately 6-10 miles at a moderate pace. By this, I mean we can hold a good conversation. I intend to differentiate some walks in 2022, where we hold shorter and longer ones (these will be clearly signposted). The walk usually involves some incline up the beautiful Chilterns, but not too steep. This is why good footwear is important, to avoid slipping or ankle sprains.

If you’re unsure of your health, please do consult your GP beforehand for medical advice.