January
Post Christmas meal and walk
After days of frost and snow the day of our post Christmas walk and meal was lovely and sunny and a few degrees warmer. We had a great 2 mile walk on the South Downs at the back of the Deers Hut. Ably led by Ray it was challenging in places but gave us a good appetite for our meal.
The food was good and we had excellent service. The quiz prepared by Sue was fun and first prize went to Jenny, She and I were meant to be a team but I didn't contribute much!. The picture round was won by Elaine.
Subs were collected and Eric and Slyvia were made Honorary members due to their long association and support of the
group
There were only 20 of us enjoying the event and it was a shame more of you were unable to attend.
March
A select few of us had a lovely 2 mile walk round East Meon yesterday. The sun shone and yes there were some muddy bits but overall dry underfoot. I may have gone the wrong way round (talking too much) but we just did the circuit in reverse order.
The wild garlic is out, the daffodils blooming and heavily pregnant sheep in the field all point to Spring having arrived.
It was good to be out after the February walk had to be cancelled due to the wet weather
Some of us ended up at The George for coffee/lunch and the food was declared really good.
No pictures as usual I forgot.
Our next walk on 8th April will be led by Marjorie. With the warmer weather coming I hope more of you will venture out and support the group.
April
Yesterday on a glorious spring day we walked 1.5 miles around Catherington Lith, amazingly as it was led by me we kept to the planned route, taking in the sculptures along the way.
The bluebells were still out as were the other wildflowers along with the fact that the ancient trees are turning green, it was a sight for sore eyes.
The sun shone on the South Downs and we had a clear view of the Isle of Wight,
We ended the walk with a refreshing drink at the Farmers Inn.
It was a pity there were only a few of us to enjoy the walk.
Our next walk on 13th May will be led by Elaine. I need a volunteer for 10th June
May
Last Wednesday a small party of us enjoyed a lovely 2+mile walk around Selbourne ably led by Elaine. We started and ended in lovely sunshine but inbetween the weather was not kind to us , sunshine, rain and hail which sent us sheltering under the trees with some NT volunteers who were trying to erect new fence fencing.
Along the way we passed ponds, walked through woods and open countryside and we saw a heron as well as a hawk.
The walk ended for most at the Gilbert White cafe for a welcome hot drink.
JUNE
Good morning
Juliet led us on a lovely walk round Sheet yesterday taking in Sheet Mill and Sheet common. We started and ended at the Half Moon PH. The walk was about 2 miles and we all managed the one stile there and back. All new territory for me and I didnt realise how far Sheet stretched.
The weather was kind to us despite black clouds overhead at times there was no rain and we had some lovely sunshine.
Apologies to Julia as we didn't manage to meet up as arranged. A lesson learned if for whatever reason you don't meet up with the group please phone me as emails don't always get through on my phone straight away.
Tricia and Rob joined a few of us for lunch which was lovely and with quick service. Tricia is hopeful she is on the mend and will be able to join our future walks.
Thanks Juliet
Lindsey
Don't forget our next trip is Thursday 9th July to Woolbeding, organised by Christina
JULY
Well it was hot but 10 of us had an enjoyable day at Woolbeding on Thursday. We all managed to get on the free coach from Midhurst without problems.
Because of the heat of the day it was decided we all split up and did our own thing rather than the planned talk and picnic as suggested by Christina. Our paths crossed as we wandered around and most heard the very interesting talk about the history of Woolbeding at some stage of the day. You can always tell when a volunteer guide loves the place he is representing. I for one was surprised to learn that the ruins and gardens were not as old as they appeared to be.
It was good to be able to leave when we wanted having had a lovely wander in the sun and welcome shade.
No group photos, just the odd picture taken at random.
Several of the group suggested another visit when hopefully it would be cooler and we could have the group picnic etc
Thanks to Christina for organising
