The Wednesday Walk 22nd July 2015

The Plan

A shore walk from Boscombe

Who Turned Up

Wendy, Trisha, Trudy H, Sue, Jackie, Diane, Beatrice and Tony H, David

The Walk

We parked at the end of Knyveton Road and walked down through Boscombe Gardens to the pier. We all know that Bournemouth is a relatively new town, but did you know that Boscombe goes back several centuries? In 1273 there is a record of a place called Boscumbe, possibly derived from Old English words meaning a valley overgrown with spiky plants. Gorse, maybe? In 1574, a place called Bastowe (believed to be Boscombe) is included in a survey of possible enemy landing places. The survey map shows a Copperas House at Bastowe (or Boscombe, if you prefer). This refers to the manufacture of ferrous sulphate in the area. By the start of the nineteenth century, Boscombe was an extensive heath much used by smugglers. Possibly the most famous smuggler of this area was Isaac Gulliver. Ignoring any inclination to smuggle contraband goods into the area, we strolled innocently along the shore where adults and children were enjoying the beach and sea.

After lunch, we took the overcliff route back to our cars. It was still warm but clouds were forming on the horizon. Nevertheless, we stopped at the Clock Café in Boscombe Gardens for a cup of tea and a discussion about bloaters. To settle the argument, bloaters are a type of cold-smoked herring. They are salty and lightly smoked without gutting, and are particularly associated with Great Yarmouth. In fact they are sometimes called Yarmouth Bloaters. They are distinct from kippers in that they are cured whole. Kippers are gutted. Bloaters get their name from the fact that they swell or bloat while being cured. According to George Orwell in “The Road to Wigan Pier”, the emperor Charles V is said to have erected a statue to the inventor of bloaters. Good old Charlie!

Finally, we were pleased that the rain held off until we were on our way home.
Thanks to Trudy and Diane for the photographs.

The Pub

The Spyglass and Kettle, Boscombe Overcliff. This was our first visit here and we much preferred it to the Commodore. The food was good and the interior atmosphere was pleasant. Worth another visit.

Next Week

A Salisbury walk. Meet at Diane and Tony’s house at 0945