The Wednesday Walk 11th January 2017

The Plan

A Boscombe shore walk

Who Turned Up

Sue, Tisha, Trudy B, Wendy, Jackie, Ros, Beatrie and Tony H, David

The Walk

It was one of those sunny but chilly days when a decent walk is guaranteed to put the spring back into your step and a glow in your cheeks. We planned to park in Knyveton Road – and most of us did – but the road was much busier than usual and some people had to park farther back. The farther back they went, the closer they got to Langtry Manor in Derby Road. It was built in 1877 by Edward the Seventh for his mistress, Lillie Langtry. Now it’s a hotel. Once we had all gathered at the bottom of Knyveton Road, we set off down through Boscombe Gardens to the shore. This when we became aware of how huge is the sewage system repair work being carried out here. A diversion pipe line runs for 2.4 miles through the gardens and along the cliff top. It had to be done in winter while the holiday area is relatively quiet. The walk along the shore was pleasant with less wind than expected.

After lunch we took an equally pleasant walk back along the cliff top, albeit we were following the trail of the temporary sewage pipeline. We walked out along Boscombe Pier and gave some attention to the musical walkway with bells and bowls put out for visitor’s use. This pier goes back to 1889 when it was opened by the Duke of Argyll, who had connections with the builder. It cost £3,813 to build the pier and it had a landing stage on each side where steamers could tie up. A pier head was added in 1926 but was partially demolished during WW2 to prevent German invasion barges landing here. The Mermaid Theatre was built at the end of the rebuilt pier, but it closed in 1989.

A pleasant walk and we thank Trudy for her photographs.

The Pub

The Spyglass and Kettle. The food was good and plentiful, and two crosswords came close to completion. What more could we ask?

The Wednesday Walk 4th January 2017

The Plan

Whitecliff to Poole

Who Turned Up

Beatrice and Tony H, Wendy, Trisha, Trudy B, David… and Sue for lunch

The Walk

The heavy frost of the previous day had given way to a cool, but pleasant atmosphere, just right for a winter walk. We met at the Whitecliff car park and walked along the shore to Poole. We stopped at a quayside café for a refreshing cup of coffee before continuing up through the town to the pub. Did you know that the area we now call Poole was settled before the iron age? Of course it wasn’t called Poole then. The earliest recorded use of the name Poole came about in the twelfth century. That was when it began to emerge as an important port linked to the wool trade. At its peak, sometime in the eighteenth century, it was one of the busiest ports in Britain. During the Second World War it was a main departure point for the Normandy landings. Of course, as locals, you all knew that but I thought I’d mention it for our overseas readers.

After lunch we walked through the park and so back to the cars. A short but pleasant experience. Our thanks to Trudy for the photograph of the sun sinking in the sky above Poole Harbour.

The Pub

The Foundry Arms, Poole. The pub was being refurbished but we were able to get a table big enough to take all of us together. Six of the seven walkers found the food to be either good or very good and the service was friendly. One walker was unlucky to have a meal that was not hot enough.

Next Week

Meet at the end of Knyveton Road at 1030 for a walk down to the shore.