Club Walk EGM

Fownhope is home to the Heart of Oak Society Annual Club Walk, which is held on the Saturday nearest to Oak Apple Day (29th May) each year.

This Extraordinary General Meeting is being held to encourage people to offer their time to keep this unique tradition flourishing.

For many residents, the Club Walk is the community highlight of the year. It is one of those days that makes Fownhope such a special place to live.

Fownhope Heart of Oak Society can trace its roots back to the early 1800s when it was formed as a Friendly Society. At that time, there were many Friendly Societies in Britain based predominantly in the rural areas with agricultural workers forming the majority of the membership.

Heart of Oak on Club Day 1934

The Friendly Societies provided a form of insurance to their members. Members paid a regular subscription and in return, the society trustees paid the member or his family and dependants a small amount of money if they fell upon hard times.

Club Walk 1952

Most societies would have a celebration day each year when there would be a Club Walk through the village, a Club Dinner with speeches from local dignitaries and a fun fair with sports.
The Fownhope Heart of Oak Society (FHOS) preserves some of the traditions of the early Friendly Societies and we still have the traditional Club Walk.

Club Walk 1988

Our Club Walk is a parade through Fownhope village. Members carry sticks decorated with flowers and oak leaves. They follow a decorated oak bough carried proudly by our President and the Society banner. A local (Forest of Dean) band provide music for the parade.

There is a short service of celebration in St Mary’s church and the parade moves to gardens in the village where hosts provide suitable refreshments.

In the afternoon, there is a village picnic with music from the band, refreshments, family fun sports, attractions and displays.

We aim to preserve this village tradition. Come and join us.