Bubble Walk 18th August 2021

Eight walkers represented all three bubble groups which started well with a gift of some lovely mixed beans left out by a kind person, walking past South Pond and onto the Wharf. The weather was warm but with a threat of rain. Continuing along the New Lipchis Way and into the wooded area of Todham Roughs and after finding a suitable place for a coffee break, the Serpent Trail path was used to reach Walkers Farm and then Dunford. The house at Dunford was once the birthplace of radical Victorian politician Richard Cobden, best known for the major part he played in the Repeal of the Corn Laws 1846. He was well respected locally, it’s said amongst other kindnesses that he paid his workers sixpence (old money) a week more than others were paying at the time. Many stories of the modest Sussex farm house where Cobden was born, to an Italian style family home that many years later he shared with his wife and family. After his death it became a centre for debate, with 30 bedrooms and many meeting rooms, the house now is about to start a new life with a new owner. The walk continued with a steep climb to Pendean and to the Royal Oak, where we not only welcomed some old friends that we had not seen for a long time but enjoyed a delicious lunch. After an enjoyable time catching up it was back to walking, cutting brambles as we made our way back to the cars.