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In addition to our usual full programme of walks and social events, for the first time we added a coach outing to the coast. It was the perfect opportunity for all our members, plus family and friends to come together and enjoy our wonderful seaside without the hassle of having to drive a long way. So, on Wednesday 4th September we met at Hall Place, Bexley, where our coach was waiting to whisk us away to Hastings for the day. We sat back and enjoyed the passing scenery of the Kent and Sussex countryside.
\nOnce we were deposited on the seafront various groups dispersed to find their own amusement. There were optional walks on offer so some of us set off to walk the cliffs. I can't speak for other members but I suspect the many hostelries gained a few customers! Or maybe it was the trampolines, crazy golf and amusement arcades which proved to be the attraction!
\nA couple of groups of us climbed the 200 or so steps up above the Old Town and followed the Saxon Shore Way, through Ecclesbourne Glen and Fairlight Glen to Hastings Country Park Visitor Centre for lunch before returning via the easier route on the 1066 Country Walk. It certainly was a lung-buster of a walk with almost 1300 feet of ascent over only 6 miles but we were rewarded with glorious sunshine and, of course, stunning views. We got back in time to enjoy an ice cream, a pint or even fish and chips.
\nSome of the group chose to enjoy a more leisurely outing, sightseeing or shopping for fresh fish, or perhaps a relaxed lunch or afternoon tea. But for our intrepid organiser, Carole, the lanes of the Old Town with their antique shops proved too much of a draw. She appeared back at the coach at home time clutching an Edwardian oak coat stand which, she declared, she had been searching for over the last 20 years! Luckily Carole managed to persuade the coach driver to stow her purchase in the luggage compartment for the journey home.
\nThe excursion was deemed to have been a great success and enjoyed by one and all. With many thanks to Carole Flowerday for organising.
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On the 28th October a dozen of our group set off for the Cotswolds for a four day walking holiday at the HF house, Harrington House. My husband, Jim and I had enjoyed a holiday in the area in September 2023 with a view to arranging this opportunity for the group. On our return we put it to the group and the places were immediately filled. It seemed a long way off but, as is usually the case, the time raced by and before we knew it the date was upon us.
\nBourton-on-the-Water is an ideal location for a walking holiday. It is easily accessible by train from London Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh which is a short bus ride from Bourton. The village is a real honey pot for tourists from all around the world and, as it was half term, there were also many families flocking to the tea rooms and shops.
\nWe had three full days of self-guided walks planned, averaging 11 miles each day. Some of our members opted to be guided by HF leaders which meant they could choose a shorter option, making the holiday inclusive for all.
\nOn day one we followed a circular route along the Windrush Way to the lovely villages of Naunton and the Slaughters before returning to Bourton. The name Windrush has become associated with those from the Caribbean who were invited to the UK in the post-war years to help rebuild the economy and fill labour shortages. One of the ships they came on was the HMT Empire Windrush, named after the River Windrush along which we walked. Upper and Lower Slaughter are beautiful villages whose names have nothing to do with killing! The name Slaughter is derived from old English "slothre" which means simply "muddy place" and we certainly encountered some muddy places along the way! The villages are also a handful of what are known as "Thankful Villages" in England and Wales where no lives were lost in the First World War and all the men returned home.
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The second day was also a circular walk from the house. This time we followed the Diamond Way to the villages of Wyck Rissington and Little Rissington. The most famous resident of Wyck Rissington was the composer Gustav Holst who was the organist and choirmaster of St Lawrence's church in 1892, aged 17.
\nOn our walk between the villages we happened across this beautiful house decorated for Halloween. It certainly was a talking point!
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