In the early summer of 1975 a group of Polaroid employees played a
comedy cricket match (which they lost!) against a local girls’ school.
Later, while drowning their sorrows with a drink or two, one of the defeated began discussing ideas for the next social activity. The team decided that something a little different was required and one of those present mentioned a 42-mile charity walk that he had done many years
earlier. This was known as The Lyke Wake Walk over the North Yorkshire Moors.
Often, crackerjack ideas that first emerge in the pub don’t seem as attractive the next day. But in this case, 12 fearless friends decided to go for it and embarked on the great adventure.
The weather that year was atrocious and nobody managed to get further than half way. Naturally everyone had excellent excuses for not continuing. Most claimed they would have made it if it wasn’t for others dropping out.
All knew that mistakes had been made and now understood the tactics necessary. These brave souls were unbowed and pledged to try again the next year. Polaplod was born.
In the early days it was just Polaroid departments competing against each other but over the years the event grew to include teams from Polaroid in Scotland, France, Italy, Germany and the US.
The advertising agency entered a couple of teams. Former employees formed their own team and representatives from other organisations were allowed to take part.
After that, Polaplod took on a life of its own. It became bigger and bigger until teams had to join a waiting list to secure a place at this popular event.
Each year the plod becomes more and more competitive, but remains loads of fun, giving a real sense of achievement to those who manage to make it to the finishing line at Berling Gap, near Beachy Head, Eastbourne. After more than 20 years of generous sponsorship by Polaroid, the walk was opened up to the entire photographic industry and was renamed Photoplod.
Today, walkers from all backgrounds are invited to take part and the event keeps its links with the photographic industry by encouraging teams to take pictures as they go.
Essentially the Photoplod is a team challenge open to anyone and everyone with the true grit and determination to go the distance!
