Like many others, Roger Johnson and his wife began embarking on lots of nature walks to keep fit and occupied during lockdown. But for Roger, these walks plus the inspiration of Captain Tom, inspired him to create 100 videos in which people can enjoy and then donate to two local charities.
Captain Tom was a British Army officer and fundraiser who raised over £32.8 million for charity in the run-up to his 100th birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic by walking 100 laps of his garden.
Roger, who lives in West Bridgford said, “When Lockdown first started to bite, our badminton group was evicted from the Gamston Community Hall (which later became a vaccination centre) and so we needed exercise.
“My wife and I embarked on a series of what we called ‘Virus Walks’ in the local community and beyond. Nearly every day we would discover places in the locality we never knew existed. As a photographer, I took my camera with me on each walk.
“When the Captain Tom 100 appeal was launched earlier this year, I decided to compile these photos into a set of 100 videos and raise money for two local charities – The Friary on Musters Road and Renew Wellbeing on Abbey Road. A friend of mine, Simeon Wood, who is a professional musician, donated his music for free to be used as backing tracks.
“Some of the places we have visited are: Gotham, Colston Bassett, Hickling, Belton House, Calke Abbey, Beeston Lock & Attenborough Nature Reserve, Wilwell Nature Reserve, Gotham Nature Reserve, Sharphill Wood, Cotgrave Canal, Holme Pierrepont, Rushcliffe Country Park, Holy Rood Prayer Garden in Edwalton and many more.
“I initially named the project COVIDeo.”
So far Roger has raised £400 for the Friary and £200 for Renew Wellbeing.
To see the videos and to support this initiative by donating to the Friary or Renew Wellbeing, please visit: https://rogergjohnson.wordpress.com/covideo/