Walker given 'fitting kiss goodbye' by pals

15/07/2009

A kissing gate is a "fitting memorial" for a recently deceased walker from Sonning Common in Berkshire.

The field gate has been officially opened to commemorate the life of founding member of Sonning Common Health Walks Clare Bailey.

Colleagues were keen to commemorate the life of the 72-year-old, who passed away in August last year after a long illness, reports the Henley Standard.

Chris Brook, chairman of the Health Walkers, told the newspaper: "The gates are a fitting memorial to Clare that will benefit the Health Walkers and many others."

She added that Oxfordshire County Council put up half the money towards the gate which meant that two stiles could be replaced.

The gate has been installed on a track by the Maltsters Arms pub in Rotherfield Greys, nearby Ms Bailey's home.

It comes after Tolleshunt Major Parish Council had its application for a community grant to improve a local play area, potentially including new gates, rejected.

According to the Malden and Burnham Standard, district councillors told parishes they must fund the refurbishment using their own precept funds.