| Monday
24th December 2007. Dinnington walk stats 3.8 miles 194ft of climb (photos Roger Conway & Andre Bernicot) |
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| An early start, but 14 god fearing souls managed to arrive on time to take the traditional route through the ammonite fields and pasture land surrounding the old Fosse Way, including the obligatory march on the Roman Road. Some walkers returned with pockets bulging with stones. Oh yes there were those with silly hats as well. The leader timed the walk perfectly this year to ensure that we were all back at the pub early enough to get a drink and a good place before the carol service started. Unfortunately the little 'den' where we were; had had the loud speaker removed so we missed some of the spoken elements of the service and managed to finish every carol at least a bar in front of the rest of the pub (or was that in front of the bar?). The group then moved on to Mike & Chris's for mulled wine and nibbles to complete the christmas mood. |
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From
top centre clockwise:- drinks stop; walking the Fosseway; The Vicar; Paddy Ashdown, who read the lesson (with Grandson); Chairman & Sophie sleeping; hearty singing; tucking in; Phil's little chum. |
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Sunday 16th December 2007. Town & Country via Norton, Langford & Staplegrove (photo Gill Robson) |
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| On a dry Sunday afternoon 20 walkers decided to forego the dubious pleasure of joining the pre-Christmas shopping scramble and gathered instead in Goodland Gardens, Taunton for a 5.25 mile circular walk, taking in Roughmoor, Norton Fitzwarren and Staplegrove. They had not gone far along the River Tone when they were rewarded with the sight of not "Three French Hens" but three herons on the far bank. Soon afterwards they were confronted with a notice which informed that the footpath alongside the river was closed due to erosion so a quick change of plan had to be made. Luckily this involved only a short detour before getting back onto track and arriving alongside the Silk Mills Road. Fortunately, the traffic was not heavy so there was no problem in getting across. The next challenge was the very wet and muddy field alongside the railway bridge leading to Norton Fitzwarren. On reaching the bridge the walkers looked down upon the forlorn sight of the rubble which is all that remains of the former Clarke's Cider company. After passing through the churchyard of the Parish Church the route led to the site of the old Roman Hill Fort where a refreshment stop was made. The walkers successfully negotiated the next busy main road with the kind co-operation of lady driver. After passing through Langford the group paused for a photo opportunity at the entrance to Lower Burlands before tackling Rag Hill. At the top an excuse was made to look back and admire the view to the Quantocks whilst everyone took a sneak breather. After emerging behind the vicarage at Staplegrove the route gradually returned to the urban scene with various short cuts being taken to bring the walk full circle. | ||
| Friday
7th December 2007. Christmas Dinner, Hillcommon (photos Anne Currie) |
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| There was a certain amount of confusion in the run up to this event, but thanks to Mike the new location was secured and everything went off brilliantly. After eating we did a little folk dancing before singing Christmas Carols (since when has 'my old man's a dustman been a carol?) |  |
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| clockwise from top left:- Anne, Betty & Pat; 2 Peter's, Wenna, Phil & Wally; Wally the raffle winner; Roger & Alan play, Christine calls and John & Alice watch: Les and Peter can't bear to watch but Richard's cool |
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