JANUARY
We had an amble around parts of Petersfields Medieval Boundary, led by Juliet. We were given leaflets prepared by the Museum to help our understanding. The whole walk is 6km but we only covered about 3km, on roads and some paths which were not too muddy. A cold overcast day but no rain thank goodness.
Because the post Christmas lunch and quiz had been cancelled Jane arranged with Juliet that she had her quiz at the post walk lunch at the Piazzetta. We had an enjoyable meal followed by an entertaining quiz won by Sue.in a tie break. Wendy was second.
Thank you to Jane and Juliet
FEBRUARY
To avoid the countryside mud we had our first group trip to London to see parts of the City of London on a tour led by an official tour guide Andy.
We avoided the mud but not the rain, however we had an enjoyable and informative morning which included a visit to a roof top garden with a birds eye view of the City as well as many historic buildings/institutions.
We had lunch at The Liberty Bounds close by the Tower of London.
After lunch the group dispersed and did their own thing.
A further trip was planned this time to Highgate Cemetery later in the year.
MARCH
It was disappointing that only 7 people joined us for the walk on Wednesday but that didn't detract us from what was a lovely 4.8 mile walk round Swanmore ably led by John. We tackled the inclines and stiles with aplomb.
We were able to appreciate the wild flowers, apple orchards and views in lovely warm sunshine (most of the way)
Lunch was at the Hunters Inn Swanmore. The food was good but service was very poor despite our pre orders.
A walk to do again John, next year to coincide with the apple blossom
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APRIL
We had a lovely walk on Wednesday, just over 4 miles round the Dutton estate, Hinton Ampner. Some inclines to get the heart pumping but mainly flat and thankfully parts in the shade as it was very warm.
It was termed as our annual bluebell walk and they didn't disappoint. A fantastic display and we also saw some wild garlic out in flower. On the final stretch we were watched by some very interested cows, thankfully they were behind an electric fence.
We had two new members Tricia and Robert recently moved from Surrey
Our lunch at the Fox in Bramdean was very good, all freshly cooked.
Thank you to Jenny for ably guiding us round.
Next walk on 28th May will be led by Sue, around West Dean
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MAY
We had a great walk last Wednesday starting by the River Lavant in West Dean heading towards the Centurion way which used to be the part of the Chichester to Midhurst railway line, leading back to the village and an excellent lunch at the Selsey Arms.
The sun shone, no mud, wild flowers and views, whats not to like.
As I said a great walk, thanks to Sue for leading it
Our next walk 25th June will be led by Ray and Diana on Thursley Common.
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JUNE
We had a challenging 3.8 mile walk around Thursley Common and Nature reserve ably led by Ray. The sun shone with some respite from cloud and trees.
The walk was generally on sandy paths, and a long wooden boardwalk over boggy areas. It is a dragonfly hotspot and has great views across to the North Downs Way
We were rewarded with both. Bird watching is also a popular pastime there and we came across a group who had spotted an unusual bird in a tree, sorry can't remember the name but they were excited about it.
The walk was followed by lunch in the covered area outside at The Three Horseshoes where we had started our walk.
Thanks to Ray and Diana for organising it.
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JULY
We had a lovely 4+ mile walk yesterday starting at Emsworth round to Thorney Point and back via the coastal path, taking in both Emsworth and Thornham marina. The tide was out but it didn't detract from the coastal views, although there was a distinct lack of sea birds
The sun shone and with an opportunity to have a supply of free victoria plums (the owner had an abundance) and nature's bounty along the way of amber plums, cherries and sloes made for a very enjoyable walk.
Lunch was at The Coal Exchange in Emsworth and enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Elizabeth for arranging it.
Our next walk in August is again being led by Ray and Diana.
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SEPTEMBER
A select few joined Ray on his lovely walk through Hankley Common taking in the views from Kettlebury Hill, The Lions Mouth and Yagden Hill. The walk had been rescheduled from August due to unforseen circumstances
I was unable to join them on the walk but made lunch at the Duke of Cambridge which was lovely, good food, service and company. What's not to like?
During lunch Jenny was able to update us on her work she's doing on behalf of the Management committee, involving the Convenors of all the groups and improving communication up and down. More later.
Photo attached courtesy of Ray.
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OCTOBER
Ray again stepped up to lead seven hardy members, including new member Alex, They braved the rain and walked just under 4 miles around Iping and Stedham common. It was wet, no getting away from that but not bad underfoot. Only one member dropped out because of the weather so that was good.
Apparently fun was had looking at the fungi
Two of us joined them for an excellent lunch at the Hamilton Arms ( rather smug with our drinks in front of the fire when they arrived)
Thanks to Ray for organising the walk and maybe third time lucky next year and we manage the walk in dry weather!
Lindsey
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NOVEMBER
We had a joint trip with the Amblers to Highgate Cemetery organised by Christina.
It was a full on day and we were lucky with the weather.
Peter our guide was excellent with tales of the good, the bad and spooky, and as we were with a guide we were able to visit the catacombs as well, well worth a visit.
We saw the graves of the rich and famous and very poignant one of the unmarked pauper graves containing the bodies of the forgotten children from a nearby refuge (now demolished).
The tour was mainly on the West side and we had time for a brief glimpse of the East side which included the famous grave of Karl Marx.
We had a lovely lunch at the Flask Ph. We hadn't booked but they served all 16 of us with no problem at all and the food was good.
Our driver Christophe was very amenable and drove us to the pub to avoid the need for a long slog up Highgate hill. Despite leaving in good time we had trouble on the way home with two accidents on the A3 extending our journey and meaning we were back two hours later than we should have been. Christophe coped with the diversions and heavy traffic admirably and it didn't detract from the fact that we had a lovely day.
Thank you Christina for a successful and well organised trip
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NOVEMBER
Eight of us enjoyed a 3+ mile walk around Kingsley common on a glorious sunny winter's day. Frost still remained in places and a bit muddy but nothing to worry about.
A gentle walk up the incline to Firs Hill and we met some of the army who had just finished maneuvers, one of whom kindly took the group photo.
We were treated to some lovely views as well as sight of geese, alpacas and a flock of really black sheep.
We ended the walk with an enjoyable lunch at the Three Horseshoes.
Thanks to Ray for organising and leading the walk
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