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Pulborough, Parham and Cootham Day walk 7.6.2016

Marian, Maddie, June and Linda's day walk started from the car park of the generous White Horse pub.  It was a warm day and humid as well but fortunately we were near water during the morning. The afternoon was warm as well and we were very grateful for the shade!   8.1/2 miles, but mostly flat and easy going. Full of interest with the Pulborough Brooks RSPB reserve, the Wiggonholt church, Parham Estate and the airfield at Parham with gliders on tow lines. Very interesting walk, with a great lunch in Cootham at the Crown Inn. Thanks for additional photos from Marian.

Wiggonholt Church was built originally to serve the shepherds and farmers who occupied the area. It is relatively unspoilt, the churchyard being left wild for the first part of the year to encourage wild flowers. Lots of orchids. The wooden bench outside is a recent addition, not without some protests. The Parochial Church Council  gained approval from Chichester in spite of 15 different reasons why it shouldn't be there - here are the first 5 reasons:- 

i. that the PCC was divided and not unanimous in its decision, and that a differently constituted PCC had come to the opposite view;

ii. that there has been no request for the installation of a seat in living memory;

iii. that there are plenty of seats in the contiguous RSPB reserve;

iv. that the proposal is merely pandering to the wishes of the widow of someone recently buried in the churchyard. Neither she nor her late husband had any involvement with the church;

v. that previous requests of a similar nature have not been pursued because they failed to secure the support of the then incumbent and churchwardens;

However, It's a nice bench and well worth visiting, as is the church.

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Trundle to Lavant Morning Walk 1st June 2016

Paul's walk down to Lavant and back up to the Trundle car park, 4.3/4  miles, 426ft gain. Quite cold on the top of Goodwood but much warmer in Lavant village. Splendid lunch back in the Royal Oak in Midhurst and it was only then that the rain came down! It had been cloudy all morning but there were still  good views as far as the Isle of Wight.

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Up Marden to Stoughton, Day Walk. 25th May 2016

Up Marden, West Marden, Stoughton and back to Up Marden. A cloudy day with sun at the very end of the walk. The hills seemed steeper going back and the excellent lunches at The Hare and Hounds didn't help! A quick look at the 12/13th century church at Up Marden - probably the least spoilt church in southern England. Thanks to Marian and Denis for super photos.

 

Simon Jenkins, once chairman of the National Trust, wrote "But the Downland churches are different. They weave not neither do they spin, yet there is not a cathedral in England that has their power to move the spirit. ------- The Downland churches have a stronger magic. The unbeliever departs them ill at ease."

Read more here:- Simon Jenkins

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Walderton Morning walk 18th May 2016

Much credit to Denis for going ahead with this walk! The forecast was wet all morning and it did rain much of the time. However the walk was enjoyed by all, with fields full of growing crops and vast areas of woodland heavy with the scent of wild garlic. We also caught sight of at least 40 wild Fallow deer. Lunch was in the Barley Mow in Walderton where we met the new landlady/owner of 4 weeks. Splendid lunch - Rump steak for £8.95 and Venison casserole for £11.25. Can't think where the venison came from!

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Midhurst U3a

The University of the Third Age (U3A) movement is a unique and exciting organisation which provides, through its U3As, life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities. Retired and semi-retired people come together and learn together, not for qualifications but for its own reward: the sheer joy of discovery!

 

U3A Midhurst website

 

 

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