Well wishes

4 September 2021. DH, RW, AC, PC, DL, Sully & Scrumpy

A beautiful early Autumn morning was waiting for us this week as we assembled at the old Charlton brewery site on the eastern side of Shepton Mallet. Following our normal morning pleasantries and the releasing of Scrumpy to meet Sully, talk soon turned to our missing colleague Trevor. We all certainly send him our best wishes for a steady recovery and hope that he will be back with us before too long. Adrian was sporting a new blue Trevor style hat as a mark of solidarity. I last walked this route to Doulting in October ‘20, although none of todays participants were with us that day, so a new one for most. It quickly became apparent how things change in a month as we started the walk through 8 foot high sweet corn this week, whereas last time it was a field full of stalks and the odd sweetcorn husk laying on the ground. Once out into more open countryside discussions ranged from recent holidays on the Scottish west coast, the delight of the island of Iona and the pending return to work (for those who still have to)!

The pathway continued through a number of fields with well maintained styles and gates as we slowly gained height towards Doulting. We were covering the ground at a good pace so it wasn’t long before we turned right, passed the upstream holding ponds (which of course Sully went in) and made our way to St Aldhelm’s well and with a fine selection of summer hats on display, posed for the obligatory selfie.

Having paid our respects to the memory of St Aldhelm we were entertained for a few minutes by Adrian and his re-enactment of Lamyatt village thespians recent production of Shakespeare’s Richard V. His demonstration of the English noble men’s swordsmanship at the battle somewhere near Calais where a force of British soldiers took on a French Army 5 times the size, had us all spellbound.

Suitably spiritually refreshed we made the short climb through a field full of nettles which had Deryck wishing he hadn’t worn shorts, up the hill to the main road by the little turret like building, origins of which are unclear. Our route should then have taken us across the road but on closer inspection the pathway was severely blocked by more nettles and was quickly deemed impassable. Thankfully a sign by the church yard gates indicated there was a permissive route through the churchyard to avoid walking on the road round a very nasty bend. St Aldhams church dates back to the 12th Century and has a tall spire rather than the towers which are more usual in Somerset. It is grade 1 listed. Coming out on the far side we passed a row of very quaint cottages and a disused 19th Century water pump which is actually the St Aldhem‘s well head.

Crossing the road we headed right past the 15th century Tithe barn, then over the line of the East Somerset railway before bearing right and onto the ridge that runs east to west (ish) towards the Canards Grave area. The discussion for some turned to the New Towns whilst others took the time to enjoy the almost 360 degree views. The highest point of the walk was when we passed the trig pillar at 215 metres and from there on it was all downhill, passed the rear of the trading estate and back to the cars to complete the 3.75 mile walk in exactly 2 hours.

It was then just a 5 minute drive to Dobbies Garden Centre cafe where we knew a good breakfast would be waiting for us. Joining the queue with only 15 minutes of service remains its always a bit of pot luck to get a full plateful, so being first Adrian took the option of ordering just a small breakfast, without toast. However due a misunderstanding he had 2 slices put on his tray so ended up paying almost as much as he would have for the next size meal up. By the time the last couple had placed their orders, substitute items were being offered so by the end 4 sausages and 1 bacon replaced 2 of each. Other items such as tomatoes and black pudding were then just offered to use up the cooked items. Plates were certainly coming to the table pretty well loaded.

Adrian seeing an opportunity and despite claiming he’s from the Home Counties displayed an element of Yorkshireness as he offered to take any of the surplus items to enhance his smaller breakfast, what a cunning move! He took all the forthcoming ribbing in good heart.

With clean plates all round, (and some bits of sausage for Scrumpy) we started our voting for the newly instigated overall breakfast scores. This week the average awarded for quality, quantity service and ambience was a very respectable 7.6 out of 10.

An enjoyable walk with good weather, scenery and banter but missing the input of Trevor for sure. We all send our heartfelt ”well wishes” for a speedy return to the group. Get better soon mate!