The Isle of Wight branch of the National Autistic Society will be having its 3rd Annual Train Walk event on Sunday 24th July at IW Steam Railway, Havenstreet.

Families are to arrive for registration anytime after 5 as the Train Walk will start promptly at 5.30pm. The Train Walk event will finish at 7.30pm.

To register for the walk, please visit: http://www.trainwalk.org.uk/Your-Train-Walk/Find-Nearest-TrainWalk.aspx

Other Info:

Now in it's third year and being more autism friendly than ever before as they'll be no PA systems or loud speakers in use.

Thomas will signal the start of the walk at 5.30pm by giving us only one gentle toot to signal the start of the walk. Sir Topham Hatt aka the Fat Controller will be leading the walk by following the colourful bunting through the Woodland Walk Trail which is approx 150m per lap, families can decide on how many laps they would like to walk.

Children will be able to have their photo taken with Thomas (in the background) who will be having a rest after his busy Days Out with Thomas event.

After the walk there will be many activities available in the large playing field and large marquee to include: Bring & Buy Thomas and Friends Stall, Raffle, Silk Marbling, Facepainting, Three Bouncy Castles, Chair-o-planes, Sit'n'Ride Austin Cars. Sit'n'Ride Train, Ryde Extreme Performers, Play Rangers, BBQ + lots more! The cafe will also be open.

Matt 'Splatt' Woods with some of his team from Ryde Extreme Performers will be giving us the opportunity to have a go at Diablo, Poi, Spinning Plates, Devil Sticks, Juggling and Stilt Walking.

The Play Rangers will be bringing their van packed full of outdoor toys many of which are sensory related eg, spinning, balancing, motor skills and co-ordination.

Melanie Swan, project manager of 'No Man is an Island' will again be offering free fun activities for children in the marquee. Bristol artist Sarah will be doing silk marbling with the children again - which proved very popular last year and the children will have something to take home to remember them by!

All children who are registered for the Train Walk and manage to raise more than £25 each will be awarded a special Thomas Train Walk t-shirt!

And all of the children taking part in the walk will be rewarded with a certificate and some goodies.

There will also be a prize for the family who raises the most money.

Please do not hesitate in getting in touch if you have any questions regarding this event by contacting Louise Foley on 07827 308768 or email [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you on the day.