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Clare Balding joins notable and interesting people for a walk through the countryside

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Ramblings: Series 39

Clare Balding

Karen Gregor

Ramblings: Series 39: Reigate, Surrey

Reigate, Surrey

24/05/2018

Series 39

BBC Radio 4 - Ramblings, Series 39, Reigate, Surrey

Clare Balding walks with former detainees of the Gatwick Immigration Removal Centres.

Clare Balding is walking in Surrey with former detainees of the Gatwick Immigration Removal Centres.

Today Clare is walking in Surrey with a group of asylum seekers who are former detainees of the Gatwick Immigration Removal Centres. Alongside them are volunteers from "Refugee Tales" which is a project run by the Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group; it involves monthly walks as well as an annual event which combines walking and storytelling. The idea, they say, is to "reclaim the landscape for the language of welcome". Over 50% of those held in Immigration Removal Centres are released back into the UK community though their cases may be unresolved, their living conditions precarious, and their future uncertain. These walks give the former detainees a chance to meet up with their friends, enjoy the countryside and - for just a few hours - forget their challenging and unknown future. 

Today the group is in Reigate. The group will walk from the station to the top of Reigate Hill, then along the North Downs ridge where there are views towards Gatwick and the detention centres. They then work their way back along the Pilgrim's Way, and return to the station.. 

All photos by John Barrett


Producer: Karen Gregor.

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Clare Balding joins notable and interesting people for a walk through the countryside.

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