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Bubble outing at The Sculpture Park 6th October 2021

Mary organized a wonderful day out for members at the Sculpture Park in Churt but through a late change of dates, was unable to attend. We all had a great time getting lost in an absolute jungle of amazing sculptures in all sorts of materials worth a huge amount of money. Even after three hours we still had not seen everything but were forced to stop for lunch. There happens to be a very pleasant Inn across the road called the Bel and Dragon, where they looked after us very well. Well worth a visit!

and when I got there, the pump was empty!

This huge sculpture is made from horseshoes!

Yours for £1,950

Little more expensive at £60.000

Gorilla in bronze for £13,200

£19,500

Bronze Jazzman £15,000

Coffee stop in the jungle

Nice seat!

A robin kept hoping for crumbs.

Bubble walk on 29th September 2021

Bernard and Celina promised lots of wildlife but we were a noisy group so apart from pheasants and invisible birds in trees, wildlife was scarce. However with fine weather and clear skies, views were plentiful. We started from the Cowdray Cafe car park and after welcoming a guest walker, Sally, we headed north, using part of Wick Lane and paths through fields and woods to reach Whitters Copse and a very convenient spot for a refreshing drink. After heading north we went south-east towards Grevatts before turning towards Loves Farm and Lower Vining. The final part of the walk was to take The Race back to Easebourne village, where some walkers tested the local Hostelry. A very pleasant walk on a fine day. About 5 miles.

Stepping out from the car park.

Towards Wick Lane

Up a deep gulley heading for the field.

Space at last

So what's that town down there ?

It's Midhurst!

Luckily our walk leader carried a map

Far away South Downs

A very suitable drinks stop

Hurrah, it's sweeties at birthday time!

Someone looks at home.

Just crossed Easebourne Lane

Heading for Loves Farm

Lower Vining

The Race. Many of the trees were well established by 1712 and Capability Brown may well have added a few when he worked on the estate in1770.

Group portrait.

Bubble walk on 22d September 2021

Jean's walk was the very interesting walk around Bramshott. Just to make a change, the walkers went in the clockwise direction. From the Canadian war graves in Bramshott churchyard, the route went through Conford Park Farm (taking care not to annoy the highland cattle) and on to the lovely village of Conford with a rest by the village hall, once the village school. After making our way to Passfield Manor, Cooper’s Bridge and back to St Mary’s Church, the route went under the A3 and back to the waiting cars. About 5 miles.

Bramshott churchyard

Highland cattle, with a double coat of hair which means they don't need too much fat.

Conford Village Hall

Rest time

Hop country ??

Resting

Bubble walks on 15th September 2021

We had a very pleasant walk from Benbow Pond to Lodsworth and back. The weather was very pleasant and after some tramping though fields of maize we eventually reached Lodsworth village. We turned down Church Lane after passing the house where E.H.Shepherd, Winnie the Pooh illustrator lived, towards Lodsworth Church, which contains an amazing tapestry. Further down the lane is Well Cottage, once the home of Ranulph Fiennes and his mother. The well is reputed to cure blindness but it is not recommended. After making our way back up Vicarage Lane, we met 2 villagers, both of whom had worked on the tapestry. We had a pleasant stop for coffee outside the Hollist Arms, where some of us later enjoyed a very nice lunch. Refreshed, we walked through Vining Copse before reaching Vining Farm, whereupon we turned down a sunken lane that took us back to Benbow Pond.

Memorial to the Third Viscount of Cowdray who died in 2000, at Benbow

Black swans at Benbow

Climbing up the hill.

Heading down Heath End Lane.

Lovely view across to the South Downs

I think it's down this way......

or it could be that way!

Don't worry, I'll beat a way through.

That's much better!

Careful, we're being watched!

Aha, we've managed to shake off the maize at last

Lodsworth village

St Peter's Church

Inside, a huge tapestry depicting houses in the village. The one above is Well Cottage, the lady to the left must be a phantom!

Well Cottage for sale at £1.75m, however, it needs very deep pockets to restore it.

Looking at the tapestry.

Hidden in a hedge is St Peter's Well.

Very good coffee stop where we serenaded a birthday girl in 4 languages!

Heading back to Benbow pond

About 5 miles

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Peter's group walked from near the Trotton Gate Garage.

Bubble Walk 8th September 2021

Celia and Miguel led an interesting walk which was mostly shady - very suitable for a very hot day. It meandered around the commons and rivers near Stedham. After crossing Stedham Common we found ourselves approaching Woolmer Bridge where locals will be aware the footpath is normally wet, whatever the weather. Pre-walk hedge cutting by Celia and Miguel meant we were able to avoid the hazard altogether and reach the bridge with clean feet! Woolmer Bridge was the site of some heavy roadworks, as it appears the tunnel under the A272 needs some repair. After passing through the Severals and Midhurst Common, we crossed the road and took the river walk back to Stedham Mill, having a break on the way as soon as we could find some decent shade. After another stop at Stedham Mill we carried on along the river to eventually reach Stedham Lane before taking a path to The Hamilton Arms, where some walkers enjoyed a tasty lunch.