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Duncton via Sutton to Barlavington 15th June

Last Wednesday's walk was very good. Nigel, Kate, Jean and Den walked from Duncton via Sutton and Barlavington Fishery and ended up at the Cricketers in  Duncton. Thanks for  all the photos, Denis!

Passed by St Richards Church, 11th century. Inside is a painting, info as follows:- 

East splay of the north nave window.  A robed female saint crucified upside down on a diagonal cross, probably early C16. It has been suggested that this depicts St Wilgefortis (possibly derived from virgo fortis) who is known by a variety of popular names throughout Europe - St Uncumber in England. According to legend, she was a Christian Sicilian or Portuguese princess around 130AD who refused to marry the man chosen by her father as she wished to become a nun. Her father had her cast into prison, where she prayed to be made so unattractive that no man would marry her. Her wish was granted and she grew a beard, which so enraged him that he ordered her to be crucified like Christ, whose heavenly bride she aspired to be.

Thanks to  http://www.sussexparishchurches.org/ 

That's really taking discipline much too far....

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Lulworth Cove holiday Day 1

Tyneham village was taken over by the Army in WW2 and hasn't yet been returned. It just happens to be in the vast MOD ranges used for gunnery practice. Only on some weekends is access permitted, so some of us chose to explore the village and look at some very interesting history, whilst the others walked the surrounding hills. We all met for a sandwich lunch on the beach. The hill walkers covered over 8 miles and climbed 1100 feet, the high humidity and a map reading error didn't help!  However we all survived and managed some refreshment before the evening meal. Thanks to Marian, Jane and Peter for additional photos.

 

 

Tyneham Dorset's Lost Village Tyneham is a small village nestling in the valley below Whiteway Hill. However, it is no ordinary village, but one where time has stood still except for the ravages of time, which have taken their toll. For Tyneham was once a populated village, the villagers living their daily lives without thought of what one day was going to happen. The Second World War came and although Tyneham was not a place likely to be targeted by bombs, the Ministry of Defence targeted it instead. The villagers were told to leave their homes in order that the army could take over the land for the duration of the war. They were promised their homes back at such time as the war ended, but in the event, they never got to live in their homes again. It is still to this day M.O.D. land as indeed it is all around the area. Access to Tyneham is only when the M.O.D. allow, mainly at weekends, when there is no practice firing on the ranges. Now the little village lies in ruins except for the church and old schoolhouse that has been preserved as it was left all those years ago. The names of the pupils are still there with their coat pegs, their work still on the old desks. A walk out of the village leads to the ruins of Tyneham Farm and the old farmlands where sheep still graze. Turning right and following the path for about 3/4 of a mile, passing the ruins of Sea Cottage, leads to a secluded beach at Worbarrow Bay. The beach is rocky with shingle leading to sand. The water is very clear, almost transparent. Thanks to  http://www.weymouth-dorset.co.uk/ for this information.

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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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