More than 100 people and their dogs came together at Weston Park on Saturday 18 July for the Big Staffy Stroll, marking the end of the ten-week Staffy Trail.
The event, organised by Staffordshire County Council and the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), featured a guided 2.5km walk through Weston Park's parkland.
The walk was led by Sergeant Watchman VI and Sergeant Watchman VII, Staffordshire Bull Terriers from the Staffordshire Regimental Association, alongside their handler Warrant Officer Greg Hedges. Although the event was open to all dogs, organisers believe it was the region's biggest-ever Staffordshire Bull Terrier walk.
Trail Success and Economic Impact
The Staffy Trail was launched to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Staffordshire Day. Over ten weeks, the trail encouraged thousands of people to explore Staffordshire's towns, attractions and businesses, with one in five visitors travelling from outside the county.
Early estimates suggest the trail generated at least £180,000 for Staffordshire's visitor economy, supporting local businesses while showcasing the county to new audiences.
Martin Murray, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: "It was fantastic to see so many people and their dogs come together to celebrate the success of the Staffy Trail. The trail has inspired thousands of people to discover more of Staffordshire, support local businesses and experience everything that makes our county the nation's playground."
Unexpected Reunion
The event produced a surprise when 10-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier Maude was reunited with her sister Blossom. Their owners, who had never met before, discovered during the walk that the dogs were from the same litter in Nottingham.
Michelle Davis, Maude's owner, said: "We couldn't believe it. They are sisters, from the same litter, same parents, all the way from Nottingham, and we don't live anywhere near!"
Charity Support
Visitors also met volunteers from the Senior Staffy Club dog rescue, which has spent 14 years finding homes for older Staffordshire Bull Terriers. The charity raised more than £200 during the event to support its work.
Andrea Webster, Head of Marketing at Weston Park and LVEP Board Member, said: "It has been wonderful to see so many people, families and dogs enjoying Weston Park today. There was such a lovely atmosphere, and it felt like the perfect way to celebrate everything the Staffy Trail has achieved over the last ten weeks."