The Wednesday Walk 3rd September 2008

The Plan
To meet at Beatrice and Tony’s for a walk to Shapwick.

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trudy, Diane, Trisha, Sue, Beatrice, Tony and David

The Walk
We parked the cars near the church at Shapwick. Diane told us that the name means 'sheep farm' in old English. With plenty of time in hand, we took the longer route - skirting past Spetisbury - to Tarrant Keynston where we ate at the True Lover's Knot. On the way we found a huge puff ball. The morning was breezy but sunny, ideal for a walk. After lunch we took the alternative route back to Shapwick, including a long trudge across a dry-earth field. This time we came across a couple of deer, but they ran off before we could get too close to them. The weather kept dry and bright for us until we got back to the cars. Some slight rain as we drove home. We then went back to Beatrice and Tony's for home-made cake and tea.

The Pub

The True Lover's Knot at Tarrant Keynston. The pub has been refurbished and the food is a little expensive, but is generally good. Instead of a pie, David had pork loin chops in mushroom sauce and pronounced himself well pleased. Sue had a twelve inch sausage and chips. She was heard to exclaim, "I didn't know it would be as big as that." In the event she only ate the eleven inches in the middle. The only slight down side was the taste of Diane's chips. She wasn't sure what they had been cooked in.

The Wednesday Walk on 27th August 2008

The Plan
We had no clear plan from the previous Wednesday. Nearer the day, we planned to meet at Haskins Garden Centre, for a walk to Stapehill and return.

The Leader
Trudy

Who Turned Up
Trisha, Wendy, Sue, Ros, Beatrice, Tony, Brian, Diane and Serge.

The Walk (written by Ros)
Wendy, Sue, Trisha and Ros met at Trudy’s. Wendy took us to Haskins Car Park where we met Beatrice, Tony, Brian, Diane and Serge. Unfortunately, Wendy had a nasty fall in the car park fracturing her wrist and breaking her glasses. No more watching the Eddie Stobbarts lorries for you, Wendy!
Tony kindly drove Wendy home in her car with Diane following to bring Tony back to Haskins. A few of us set off along the main road and turned into Green Lane which took us to Ham Lane where we met the remainder of the group, Brian, Tony, Diane and Serge. Then we all set off for Stapehill. After lunch we set off on the return walk, turning off across Ferndown Common. The heather and the duck pond were very picturesque. All-in-all, it was a lovely walk but marred by Wendy’s fall as we were all thinking about her and how she was feeling. We all wish her a speedy recovery.
Diane is planning an early birthday party for Serge on Friday, before he and his family head off for America to live. Lots of good luck to all and hope it won’t be too long before we see Serge again.

(Tony added the following)

The walk was not without drama. Before we left Haskins, Wendy had a nasty fall. She tripped over the pavement curb while checking what was happening with a delivery lorry, which I believe was reversing. The result was that she cut her head and cheek, realigned/chipped her new glasses, hurt her wrist (later confirmed to be broken), and was thoughly shaken up. After first aid from Haskins and a cup of tea, it was decided that she should go home.

The Pub
The Fox and Hound at Stapehill. The meal was okay, but not wonderful. Tony enjoyed the liver. We can't comment on the pies as David was missing.

The Wednesday Walk 20th August 2008

The Plan
Meet at Wendy's. The walk will be either at Corfe Castle or Child Okeford. The decision will be made on the day.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Trisha, Roz, Trudy, Beatrice, Sue and David for half the day

The Walk
The group drove to Childe Okeford for a cross country walk to Shillingstone. David missed the morning walk due to a car problem (brought to his attention by Roz). After his car was fixed, he drove to the pub - via the Shillingstone Railway Project. He enjoyed an extra pint while waiting for the others to arrive. The walkers agreed it was a pleasant morning walk, but a little longer than they expected. They were half an hour late arriving at the lunch stop. After lunch, the return walk to Childe Okeford was pleasant and dry (the rain didn't arrive until evening) but there was a pause for discussion where the ground route seemed to be at variance with the written directions. All in all, it was a good walk, well worth repeating.

The Pub
The Old Ox at Shillingstone. Tel: 01258 860211. A relatively quiet pub in the main street at Shillingstone. The atmosphere was good and the staff very helpful. The meals chosen by the ladies ranged from all-day breakfast to baguettes, and all were of good quality. David had a lamb steak which was superb. He rated it ten out of ten. Because of a problem in the kitchens, the meals did not all arrive together. The staff were most apologetic and gave us free tea and coffee in compensation. A place worth going back to.

The Wednesday Walk on 13th August 2008

The Plan
To meet at Tony and Beatrice's house and do a local walk in the vicinity of Wimborne. The actual route will be decided on the day.

The Leader
Wendy

Who Turned Up
Wendy, Sue, Trisha, Beatrice, Tony and Ros

The Walk (recorded this week by Ros)
Facing the elements (very wet and windy) we set off from Tony and Beatrice’s house to the main Cranborne road taking the footpath which led to High Hall. At this point Sue took a photograph of us in our wet gear. After following the path and across a field we eventually reached the road which led out to the main Cranborne road, which we crossed over and took the opposite road to The Stocks. We arrived quite wet and early at the Stocks and had an enjoyable lunch. David missed his pie but will make up for lost time next week! When we eventually braved the weather once more we headed down Smugglers Lane into Dogdean Lane which led us up to the Horns Inn. Opposite the Inn we sussed out the Woodland Burial Ground with a couple of us looking to book a plot! It’s set in 25 acres of woodland and they are eventually introducing a walk around the grounds. A future walk may be!! When we got back to Tony’s the weather was really turning nasty and we thoroughly enjoyed a good cup of tea and cake.

The Pub (recorded by Tony)
The Stocks Inn, Grange, Wimborne
Three of the ladies had baguettes with curly chips, Ros had a jacket potato and Tony had a very nice curry. The food was very good and was rated 8 out of 10.