Walking. Gossip. Travel.

Author: admin

  • Tacolneston – All Saints Church

    Tacolneston – All Saints Church

    This is All Saints Church in Tacolneston and I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t open, but rather more disappointed to read in numerous places on-line that this parish has been, shall we say, perhaps slightly overly keen to keep their building closed to visitors over the last few years.

    On this, I’d add:

    “Our churches belong to everyone. Each stone marks the location where history happened and tells of a significant event in our nation’s story. They are steeped in history. And their architecture will inspire you. Few historic buildings are as easy to visit as a parish church. They are open and welcoming to all. During the week, many churches are unlocked during daylight hours, and those that are not have details on display of where a key can be found.”

    This is the Church of England policy on opening churches, and pandemic aside, I hope there’s more progress in this area over the next few years.

    Why does one church need three scratch dials (or mass dials for those who prefer that)? I have a theory that it’s because one might have been rendered over or just not seen as accurate as it needed to be. There’s something rather quite lovely though that these have likely been here since the medieval period, and were once really useful ways of knowing when the next service was going to be.

    Old graffiti inside the porch.

    The south aisle and the south porch. The building itself mainly dates from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, although these was a previous church here on this site before then. Francis Blomefield, the reliable Norfolk historian noted in the mid-eighteenth century that this church had been reconstructed in 1503 and he mentioned that the church was thatched when he visited.

    Why is there a kitchen sink at the base of the tower? I don’t know…. For those whose eyes aren’t drawn to this eyesore at the base, the tower itself was built in stages between the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries.

    The north doorway, with some random lump of metal by its side.

    The priest’s door.

    A rather pretty little churchyard. The rear section of the church was partly covered by ivy until recently, fortunately now removed.

    And, I have no idea. The random bits and pieces around the church made it feel like something of an art installation.

    Inside the church there is an historic section of the rood screen, an old font and numerous other interesting items of note, and hopefully I’ll get chance to go back when the building is open to see them.

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Caroline Tennant)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Caroline Tennant)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    This interview is with Caroline Tennant from East Lancs group and it’s her first go at the 100, and I’m in a similar situation, as 55 miles will all be new territory to me as well. Not that this is all about food of course, but I like the mention of pies.

    How many 100s have you completed in the past?

    None, this is my first attempt. I started thinking about 100s a few years ago, looking at 2022 to be my first try. Then I decided I wanted to recce the Y 100 Sir Fynwy, just in case. When the virtual event opened, I jumped at the opportunity.

    If Covid rules allow, you are walking as a group of eight from East Lancs group. Are you hoping this plan keeps you sane and encouraged?

    There are a number of East Lancs members walking various routes for the virtual 100. Our little group is, currently, made up of eight of us that have all walked and entered various events together, none of us have ever completed a 100 before and we are mostly at the slower end of the walking scale. We plan to walk together, as a team, rather than at our own individual paces.

    Being of a wide range of backgrounds, ages and experience, we always have something to talk about. And a sense of humour is essential. I’m not sure anyone else would tolerate my listing, charts, maps and incessant organising. I’m hoping we all keep each other entertained to pass the time and get through the miles. I don’t think any of us are sane to begin with, so that’s not an issue.

    What has appealed is the chance to give it a go, even if we don’t succeed. Not having a limit on entries gives people an opportunity to give it a go, on their own terms. We might not all get to 100 miles, but we will go as far as we can, which I think together might be further than we all think.

    What route are you planning to take?

    We are doing a route connecting three of our homes/gardens, allowing us to have 3 checkpoints with good facilities and food. We tried to have a range of terrain to keep it interesting. Canals, parks, moorland, riverbanks, hills and few sights to keep both our feet and our heads entertained. The route is centred at Rivington, extending out to Hoghton Tower, Tockholes, Smithills, Haigh Hall, Yarrow Valley and Cuerden Valley.

    What other support are you hoping to have on the route?

    Between our three home checkpoints, the route has been planned to go via various shops, cafes and even a motorway service station. Whilst we will have to carry a certain amount, we have plenty of opportunity to resupply on the way. There will be a couple of people on standby for emergency rescues, which hopefully we won’t need. And two long suffering husbands, who are cooking dinner and breakfast for us.

    Are you following a GPX route, a map, or do you already know your route well?

    Hopefully, between us, we should know the route well as it is all very local to us. We will have the GPX, maps and a brief description to refer to. What we think we know well may be very different on the day, depending on the conditions, and more so once we are tired.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    Planning and recceing the route has been a great opportunity to up the mileage. My plan is to just keep walking and get the miles in.

    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?

    Being able to choose our route and having been able to recce is a huge advantage. I think what will make it harder is not having the support of marshals and competitors on the day. Whilst we will have each other to cheer ourselves on, there is nothing more encouraging than being met by a cheerful marshal, brandishing crumpets, at 2am.

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Salt and vinegar crisps, cheese and jam sandwiches, custard. But not together.

    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?

    Stubbornness and possibly some general shouting (with my hands on my hips). A few years ago, I tore a quote out of a walking magazine and stuck it to my fridge. The gist being, “Pain and tiredness are temporary, just keep going. But always stop for a cup of tea when you can”. I spent much of my first 50 repeating that to myself and drinking tea. I suspect this 100 may be the same. Either that or singing Monty Pythons “I’ve got two legs” to myself. It’s the only song I know all the words to. Hopefully the 8 of us will pull each other through and I won’t have to resort to singing.

    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, pigs, or anything else?!

    Having been whacked in the face with the poop covered tail of a bull and survived, I’m not too worried. Though it does freak me out when my head torch reflects of sheep eyes in the dark. Are they really just sheep, or something more sinister?

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    Keep toenails short and use Vaseline and taping, if needed. Wear decent socks, there is nothing worse than a lumpy or threadbare sock for causing problems. On the event, see to any issues as soon as they arise.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Yes. I don’t know what will happen, it’s all new territory after about 55 miles. But I’m really looking forward to giving it a bash, in very good company. We will get each other through. And there are pies to be had at Pike Cottage.

    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?

    In theory I think we will be looking at about 42-44 hours. Who knows in reality?

    Do you have any advice for others, one top tip about long distance walking?

    Keep eating and drinking throughout, even when you don’t want to. And take a few photos because you won’t remember half of it properly afterwards.

    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?

    Go for it. You can walk further than you think you can. Build up from shorter events. And if you don’t finish, you can always try again. At the very least, you will have met some lovely LDWA people and been well fed. I can’t wait for LDWA events to start again properly!

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Julie Cribb)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Julie Cribb)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    And this interview is with Julie Cribb, the new national chair of the LDWA, and she’s on top form (I have already received Twixes, she’s world class at her role)! I’m pleased to say that the crowds of mourners wailing and crying following the departure of Dave Morgan as national chair have now dispersed from the streets of Norwich, they’ve now been energised with hope for the future. Julie has been the rather excellent, and I won’t say formidable (as that makes her sound scary, and she’s not!) groups’ secretary for the last few years and will be much missed in that role. Anyway, that’s enough praise, I don’t want to look fawning.

    Incidentally, Julie must also have a better support team than Nathan and I are planning for our walk, because there’s no way ours is good enough to stop us giving up….. I’m very excited about the shortbread in 2024, although a little less excited about the haggis (unless it comes in some form of pastry covering, which improves most food, even vegetables).

    This photo is of Julie during the Lyke Wake Walk, which she very bravely did in all black, with a little hat and black lace veil, black lace gloves and black nail varnish and make up and big black feathery earrings – as she notes definitely befits the Coffin Walk. And Julie admits to getting some strange looks. And before Nathan asks, no, we’re not.

    Is this your first 100?

    No – I started the Dorset 100 but withdrew just before the breakfast stop – don’t ask – that’s another (long) story! [don’t worry, I’ll get the gossip on that in due course] I have done non-LDWA long distance events in the past though and have really enjoyed those.

    What route are you planning to take?

    I live in Inverness, about 10 miles from Loch Ness. There are three trails that now make up the Loch Ness 360 route – The Trail of the 7 Lochs, the South Loch Ness Trail and the Great Glen Way. By joining these I can make up around 90 miles and by adding on around 10 miles at the end by finishing over the Iron Age Hill Fort and going along to the end of the Caledonian Canal it should be 100+ miles by the time I get back home. It also means I pass a really good cafe and a McDonalds just before the end! Don’t know if I’m allowed to name names? [well, I do, quite frequently, and perhaps even obsessively]

    Are you following a GPX route, a map, or do you already know your route well?

    All 3. I have all the maps and we are recceing the whole route over 7 sections, getting the gpx plots as we do the recces. I have walked all of these trails many times, but usually in the opposite direction to that which I’ll be doing on the event.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    We are recceing a section every other weekend and doing longer walks or hill walks in the weekends in between. I’d like to build up to 30 mile walks during March and April before tapering in May, when I plan to do a long distance path covering around 10-15 miles a day for 14 days. We are also recceing the probable night sections at night.

    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?

    Much easier. Travelling from Inverness to anywhere else usually means leaving at least two days beforehand and a long drive or train journey, then a couple of nights in a strange bed and getting up at an unearthly time to get to the start and register. Unless you carry all your food you need to depend on what the checkpoints offer – which is usually great – but often not what I would choose myself. Doing it this way I can sleep in my own bed, get up and start when I want, not be stiff from travelling, eat and drink what I want more or less when I want and give instructions to my support team to not let me give in!

    Your group, North West Grampian, is organising the 100 event in 2024 (the Speyside 100), how much work is that entailing so far? Any suggestions at this stage about what food treats the entrants might expect?

    We suspended planning in 2020 due to Covid and the deferment of the YSF100, so at the moment we have an Organising Group, a route, an HQ and most of the checkpoints covered. We are about to get started again with planning meetings. As far as tasty treats go – Haggis of course (only kidding). Lots of shortbread and tablet (like fudge but different) and depending on catering regulations in 2024 we will have our Dream Team back in the kitchen at event HQ.

    As an aside, will your route in 2024 be really hilly?

    It’s on the border of the northern Cairngorm – nuff said! [hmmmm, it’s not selling it to me as someone from Norfolk, so I’ll focus on the food side of things….]

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Cheese straws, rice pudding, hot cross buns with cheese and jam, mini-melton pork pies and Percy Pigs. My back up team will hopefully be able to provide burgers, pizza and other hot food by order for the main meal stops. We are hoping the cafes in Fort Augustus will be open for breakfast on the day. [some nice choices there! Although there’s arguably more to doing an event than just thinking about the food]

    Will there be any whisky consumed en route?

    I don’t take alcohol during a walk but there will be several cans of draught Guinness in the fridge for the finish and if I make the 100 there will even be a bottle of bubbly on ice.

    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?

    I have an A4 laminated sheet with inspirational and motivational sayings that my daughter has strict instructions to wave under my nose at every checkpoint! My main technique though is to walk to the next end of section. Never look too far ahead and then you can always make it. I like doing complicated planning and calculations in my head while I walk to pass the time too. And there may be others around – it’s a popular time on popular trails.

    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, Loch Ness monsters, pigs, or anything else?!

    Nessie is our friend and I’ll be joining her for a swim at the end to ease my tired legs :-). Not really concerned about meeting anything though the eyes in the night can be a bit startling at times. I try to avoid frogs – but that’s another story too!

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    I am definitely not the one to give out foot care tips – my feet have been in a terrible state since a very wet walk on the Lairig Ghru several years ago and they never recovered (at least I didn’t try hard enough to let them mend before trashing them again and again!)

    Will you have anyone cheering you on and giving encouragement during the walk?

    Our ‘bubble’ walk and swim buddy is planning on doing two sections with us (one of my daughters is going to try the 100 but will be happy to get to over 50), perhaps going into the first night and then the last 20 miles. My eldest daughter will be main car back up, catering manager and chief cheerleader. My husband will also support when he can. Youngest daughter will deliver and collect our canine walking companion from time to time on sections he will be safe on. He is always fun to walk with.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Tremendously. It’s a walk – who wouldn’t be? [I’m dreading the damn thing, but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it when I get going]

    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?

    I’d like it to be 37-40 hours but we have agreed we will try and stay together through the first night if possible – so timing may be different to planned.

    Do you have any advice for others, one top tip about long distance walking?

    Set out to enjoy it and take it stage by stage but don’t stop too long at any point as it’s amazing how time can add up over a number of checkpoint stops.

    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?

    It’s a walk – don’t overthink it and you may even enjoy it. After all you have nothing to lose – what else would you be doing that weekend that you can’t do another time?

    Finally, congratulations on becoming LDWA chair, how have you enjoyed your first few days?

    Thank you. I’ve focussed on two main things – taking over the social media accounts from David and getting to grips with those and getting to know the NEC members and their roles better on a one-to-one basis. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing both but will probably have to get on with some real work soon!

  • Wreningham – All Saints Church (James Ebden)

    Wreningham – All Saints Church (James Ebden)

    This is the gravestone of James Ebden, located in All Saints Church in Wreningham. It caught my eye as the right-hand side of the grave was never filled in, a husband and wife that aren’t both listed.

    James Ebden was buried on 7 March 1836 and the church’s burial record notes that he was aged 59, although the grave says that he was aged 60. A little unusually in terms of the records of this church, but James’s residence was listed as being in Lakenham and not in the village itself.

    The name of James’s wife was Bathsheba Bates (a religious name that wasn’t uncommon, but is much rarer today), which isn’t perhaps entirely clear from the grave itself, and the couple had been living at Portland Place in Lakenham. She was buried in the church on 30 December 1859, but her name doesn’t appear on the list of gravestones which have survived.

    There seem to be two possible outcomes here, since I can’t imagine she ever remarried and she never changed her surname. She was either buried with her husband, but there was no money to complete the inscription, or, she was buried elsewhere in the graveyard without a stone because no-one realised to connect the couple.

    One source notes that the couple had one child, James Ebden (1811-1874) and at first sight that would make the situation strange, as this situation would have been something that he could have resolved. However, the only James Ebden listed as alive in Norfolk in 1871 was at Bethel Hospital which was then listed as a lunatic asylum (better known now as a mental health hospital) in Norwich, which might explain why he hadn’t intervened.

    There’s some guesswork here from me, but I suspect that the couple have been buried together, but there was no money to pay for the stone to be inscribed, hence why it was never completed. I do rather quite hope that the couple were reunited in death.

  • Ashwellthorpe – Village Sign

    Ashwellthorpe – Village Sign

    As another one of my random asides, I thought that this was one of the more interesting and creative village signs that I’ve seen. Village signs became popular in the early twentieth century when King Edward VII saw a sign in Norfolk that he liked and he thought that they were a marvellous idea, so the numbers spread quickly.

    I thought that this was all rather modern in how it looked.

    However, the sign was created back in 1977 to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, and it appears to be well ahead of its time. The current sign is some sort of more plastic replacement for the original which seems to have somehow fallen apart in the 1990s, but the design was kept exactly the same (I think).

    All Saints Church stands behind the village sign.

    This depicts the tombs of Sir Edmund de Thorpe and Lady Joan de Thorpe (and dogs at their feet), located in the church.

    A reference to the Knyvett Letters, which included correspondence from Oliver Cromwell.

    And perhaps my favourite, the dragon door knocker thing (that’ll have to do as my technical explanation) from inside the church.

    And here’s the real one. Unfortunately, the church was locked so I couldn’t get photos of the tombs.

    Definitely a very creative village sign, with the style of font (I mean in terms of printing, not the font in the church) still feeling modern.

    Also, whilst trying to search for more information about this sign, I found an article from the Sunday Mirror in 1978 which noted:

    “Farmer Cyril Muskett has dropped plans for a US trip by Concorde and is giving the money to his local parish church at Ashwellthorpe in Norwich for their church repairs”.

    What a very admirable decision.

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Kathy Tytler)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Kathy Tytler)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    And this interview is with Kathy Tytler and the Percy Pigs is a great idea, I don’t think that I had them on my extensive food list. Not sure I want to experience a chasm in my mind during the latter part of the walk, but it’ll be some excitement I suppose….

    You’ve completed numerous 100s in the past, what makes you keep coming back for more?

    I love the event. It is great to see everyone and we get to visit so many interesting parts of the country. There is nothing like the feeling of completing the 100, a mixture of pain and ecstasy.

    What route are you planning to take?

    I have modified the route of the Centurion Running 100 mile trail race, which is based at Goring – the crossroads of 2 National Trails, The Ridgeway and The Thames Path. It uses 4 different out and back 25 mile routes. My modification is that I start and finish at my house, joining The Thames Path at the appropriate point in Reading.

    Are you following a GPX route, a map, or do you already know your route well?

    I know most of the route very well. The Thames Path from Reading to Goring is home territory, and I have completed The Ridgeway Challenge Trail Race several times. Being National Trails they are well-signed, but of course I will be carrying my maps and compass.

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    I am increasing the time I am spending on my long walks, currently exploring Reading and beyond from my front door – and have discovered some very interesting places. Often I walk with my neighbour, Jocelyne.

    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?

    Being on familiar territory should make it easier, and there are fewer hills than on recent 100s. Mentally it may be more difficult, not having the lovely people at the checkpoints to look forward to and the lure of the railway station with its regular trains to Reading, each time we return to Goring

    What support will you have during your walk?

    Pat Seabrook and I plan to walk together, as we have done on many 100s. I have invited friends to walk sections with us, or to come to Goring to meet us. A couple of people are interested so far. We plan to start at dawn on the Saturday and my neighbour has said to call for her and she will walk to Goring with us and get the train back.

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    Percy Pigs! and other sweets.… A balance of sweet and salty – pretzels are easier to carry than crisps. A load of flapjack for sustenance. Maybe I can find someone who will let us set up a treats box in Goring?

    You took part in the Hadrian 100 that was very tough at night with the weather conditions. Would you say that was your toughest 100?

    The part after Greg’s Hut was very hard, not helped when we missed the flags and veered off track. Despite wearing 2 layers of waterproofs I was still soaked to the skin. We got to Dufton and retired. Luckily I wasn’t aware of the devils and demons that are said to haunt Cross Fell (aka Fiend’s Fell).

    All 100s are challenging, but the ones I have retired on must be the hardest!

    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?

    As I will be quite near home and I will have told a lot of friends what I am doing, there is the threat or promise that they may pop up at any time along the route.

    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, pigs, or anything else?!

    Ghosts on The Ridgeway! It is such an ancient track that there must be some, but I have been there at night many times on The Ridgeway Challenge and it’s been OK

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    I wish! Every time I think I have got the right shoe/ sock/ foot cream combination, I have problems on my next long event.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Yes I am. After so many cancellations and am hoping that this is something that will go ahead

    Have you had hallucinations during a 100 walk?

    Yes, one of the things to look forward to. Often entertaining, only occasionally scary – when we reached a black tarmac road after crossing the rough moorland in the Elan Valley on Cant Canalberth, it looked like a chasm and I had to test it before I stepped onto it

    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?

    By starting at dawn we will be maximising the use of daylight and hope to finish before dark on Sunday – for the first time ever!

     Do you have any advice for others, one top tip about long distance walking?

    Once you get started don’t think of the whole distance, break it down into manageable chunks. Promise yourself something really good when you have finished.

    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?

    If you are worried about the night sections, recce it before in daylight if you can. Night walking is great – enjoy it, try not to worry too much about who or what is out there.

     

  • British Airways – Tier Status Announcement

    British Airways – Tier Status Announcement

    Excuse my veering back to airlines, but I haven’t mentioned them in ages. The press release contains positive news though, it means I can continue to pop into BA lounges until the end of 2022 to enjoy Brewdog Jet Stream….. That’s the follow-up to Brewdog Speedbird, a really quite lovely beer that was produced for BA. I note back in 2019 that I commented that I wasn’t an enormous fan of Brewdog, but that’s changed somewhat now, I’m much more pro-Brewdog   🙂

    Anyway, and for anyone who hadn’t seen it, the press release read:

    “Members whose Tier Point collection end date falls between 1 July and 31 December 2021, will have their Tier status protected for an additional 12 months, irrespective of how many Tier Points they earn.

    It means that no British Airways Executive Club member, including Bronze, Silver and Gold card holders will lose their Tier status in 2021.

    This follows members receiving a one-year extension last June

    Tuesday 9 March 2021 – To thank customers for their loyalty during an extremely difficult period in its history, British Airways has today announced it will be protecting the Tier status of Executive Club members for a further year. This means that any member renewing in 2021 will enjoy their status for another year, irrespective of how many Tier Points they earn.

    Eligible members will receive an additional 12 months on their Tier status expiry date which will be updated in their Executive Club accounts this week.

    Niall Rooney, Head of the British Airways Executive Club, said: “As we await the Government’s decision in April and plan for the safe restart of travel as soon as possible, we want to thank our Executive Club members for their loyalty during the most difficult time in the airline’s history.

    “We know many of our members haven’t been able to travel, but today’s news means they can keep their benefits for longer and use them when they’re able to fly again. We hope this complements a number of measures we’ve already introduced, including our book with confidence commitment, which provides flexibility and reassurance for our customers.”

    Today’s announcement means that qualifying members will have received two years of protection. It also means that no British Airways Executive Club member will lose their Tier status in 2021.

    On top of this Tier extension, in February, British Airways announced a six-month extension to all Executive Club vouchers, due to expire before 31 December 2021. This was the third extension that was applied, following similar extensions in March 2020 and October 2020 and included Gold Upgrade Vouchers and American Express Companion Vouchers. British Airways is also adding an additional six-months validity to all new Companion Voucher or Travel Together tickets earned between June 2020 and the end of December 2021.

    And finally, British Airways continues to reduce the amount of Tier Points needed to reach each Tier by 25 per cent for those whose Tier Point collection year ends before July 2022.

    ENDS”

  • Wreningham – All Saints Church (John Henry Ireland)

    Wreningham – All Saints Church (John Henry Ireland)

    There are two Commonwealth war graves listed in the churchyard of All Saints Church in Wreningham, and neither of them have the traditional shape and style of stone as the families must have opted for something unique. This made identifying them a little more difficult, although fortunately the CWGC provide details of their approximate location in the churchyard. For anyone wanting to find this grave, it’s in the north-east part, behind the church and just a short walk from the chancel.

    This grave commemorates the life of John Henry Ireland, the son of William and Sarah Alice Ireland. It also lists the death of his younger brother, Robert, who died on 12 October 1916 and is commemorated at the Thiepval Memorial in France. There was also another brother who went to fight in the war, but he survived the conflict.

    This makes the 1911 census relevant, and indeed poignant, as it is a snapshot of time for this family when there was perhaps lots of hope for the future. The family lived in Wreningham, with William (aged 56) working as a farmer, Sarah Alice (aged 51) looking after the house, William John (aged 26) working as a groom and cowman, Robert Ireland (aged 21) working as labourer, Martha (aged 14), John Henry (aged 11) who was at school and Florence (aged 7). In total, William and Sarah Alice had ten children, of whom one had died by the time of the 1911 census.

    When the First World War broke out, John Henry would have been 15 and it must have all felt very distant for him, although his brothers were already off to war and so he would have been aware of what was going on. Perhaps early on he was quite excited about going to fight alongside them, but his brother’s death in 1916 must have been very tough to deal with. And John reacted to that by still going to serve his country, a decision of some bravery.

    During his time in the military, he served as a private in the 7th battalion of the Royal West Surrey Regiment, with service number 70053. I don’t know what he was doing in that regiment (I have little knowledge of the make-up of regiments during this conflict), but this had been formed as one of the new armies (or the Kitchener Army). Unfortunately, his war records haven’t survived, another loss during the Second World War air raids over London.

    The grave gives more information than usual about the events that led to the death of John. It notes that he was injured at Albert in France on 2 August 1918, which is part of the Somme region. He was unfortunate, the Hundred Days Offensive started in early August 1918 and was the last major conflict on the western front that took place during the First World War. John was returned home to the UK from France, but he then died of his wounds in Newport, Wales on 26 November 1918. John died at the age of just 19. His body was then returned to the village where he grew up, and probably had rarely left before he went off to war.

    The 1921 census will be published in early 2022 and for this family, the ten years were certainly ones that they could never have been imagined when they completed their previous forms a decade before. The two young men were injured very close together, although a couple of years apart, as Thiepval is only about five miles from Albert.

  • LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Shirley Hume)

    LDWA – 2021 LDWA 100 (Interview with Shirley Hume)

    On the 29 to 31 May 2021, the LDWA’s 100 mile event will be taking place. Unfortunately, national restrictions mean that the Y 100 Sir Fynwy won’t be taking place as hoped, when in more normal times the South Wales group would have welcomed hundreds of walkers. Instead, there is the chance for entrants to walk a 100-mile route of their choice anywhere in the country, so the event has more of a national feel this year. And it’s fine to enter to do a shorter distance, with anyone walking 50 miles in 24 hours qualifying for the 2022 Trans-Pennine 100.

    I’m taking part in the 100 and I’ve been compiling some resources relating to that. When the new LDWA web-site is launched, this and lots more other material relating to the event will be copied there. Over the next few weeks, I’m speaking (well, writing) to entrants on the 100 and following their efforts up to, and after, the big day. We’ll be using the text from these interviews and updates on social media and also perhaps in Strider, the LDWA’s rather excellent magazine which is sent to our 10,000 members. Hopefully it’ll help inform, educate and inspire others to take part or become involved with the LDWA in other ways.

    For anyone who wants to take part in the event, have a look at the SI Entries page, or further information at the LDWA’s web-site.

    And this interview is with Shirley Hume, who is one of the organising committee for the event which should have taken place in 2020 (and then in 2021), but it wasn’t to be….. And it’s very hard not to be impressed at the sheer number of 100s that Shirley has taken part in, and just to think of all the fuss that I’ve made about just planning to take part in one…..

    Is this your first 100?

    Number 38 in the official list , but 39 if you count the two in 1990. 2021 would have been my 40th if it wasn’t for Foot and Mouth and, of course, Covid 19. My first 100 was The Pilgrims 100 in 1982, about a year after I joined the LDWA and before 50 mile qualifiers were introduced. I turned up in Guildford wearing a cotton polo shirt, a pair of denim shorts and with Clarks Nature Trek shoes on [older members may remember these]. I had no idea what I was taking on but got to the end in under 36 hours.

    The following year I went to Snowdon for the 100 wearing the old style walking breeches, leather boots and woollen socks, number 3 was Dartmoor and by now I had changed to Brasher Boots and finished in 32 hours. 2 years later it was trainers, running gear and sub 24 hours. I have entered and completed every 100 since 1982 with my times steadily going back up as the years advance. If I keep going much longer I will get to experience the joys of a second night.

    What route are you planning to take?

    After much deliberation, and not being sure what the travel arrangements might be by end of May, I have decided against doing the actual Sir Fynwy route – given I will have no support I would prefer a route with a base I can visit several times to pick up water and food. As a result I have booked a cottage in Winchcombe and plan to do the Winchcombe Way [42.9 miles] twice. It is a figure of 8 route round Winchcombe so I can have a CP every 20 miles or so. I still need to measure how far it is from the cottage on to the route and then plan a shorter loop to get me up to 100 miles [plus a bit for luck and validation].

    Are you following a GPX route, a map, or do you already know your route well?

    Map, although if it turns out to be possible I might try and fit in a recce of the night section. Hopefully it will be way marked, at least in places

    What training are you undertaking at the moment?

    Not enough! I haven’t walked over 30 miles in one go since the Roundhay 50 in February 2020. Although I have walked a lot of miles this year [680 to date] I need to get some longer distances in. Sadly I have discovered how boring my own company is!! I also do a lot of cycling and am concentrating on hills as the training does seem to translate to hill walking [although this may be wishful thinking].

    Do you think this will be easier or harder than the actual 100 that is traditionally held?

    A bit of both to be honest. Fewer checkpoints will suit me well and it will certainly be good to have my own choice of food. I have done quite a few Marshals Walks in recent years, so walking on my own at night doesn’t bother me, but i will miss the regular meeting up with LDWA friends at checkpoints.

    You were on the committee planning the actual event, so you knew the actual route well. What were the highlights of the route for anyone thinking of walking the route in the future, whether in one go or over several days?

    I would recommend taking 4-5 days to enjoy the route, especially if you are looking for accommodation on the way round. The highlights for me are the section from Abergavenny to Pandy, an easy day walk with a bus service between the two locations, and the Wye valley section from Monmouth to the finish [again a regular bus service between the two locations most days].

    What food treats are you taking with you?

    With 20 mile gaps between checkpoints I don’t anticipate needing much between them and I find it hard to transport apple crumble and custard, but you will never find me without a supply of emergency chocolate!

    What tactics do you think you’ll use if you feel like giving up on the walk?

    I have done a lot of 100s and haven’t given up yet, or even seriously thought about it – even with trashed feet, stomach problems etc. Chris, who will be manning the checkpoints in Winchcombe, has strict instructions to check me out after 15 minutes and he seems to be relishing the prospect [a bit too much if I’m being honest!]

    Are there any wildlife that you’re concerned about meeting on the walk? Sheep, cows, snakes, pigs, or anything else?!

    Out of control dogs off-lead.

    Do you have any foot care tips?

    Stop worrying about how your feet look – if you can still wear open-toed sandals without people fainting in the street after completing a 100 you are doing OK. Although in fairness, after 37 hundreds I never wear open-toed sandals. Always remember that nobody actually needs 10 toenails. I’m really not the person to ask about feet – a physio in Bristol on learning that I was Chris’ wife said to him ‘Lovely lady, horrible feet’, to which Chris allegedly replied that at least he was right about the feet.

    Will you have anyone cheering you on and giving encouragement during the walk?

    Sadly not, but hoping to have someone at ‘HQ’ to boil the kettle and chuck me back out after 15 minutes.

    Would you say you’re looking forward to it?

    Only if you want me to lie!

    Do you have a time in mind of how long it’ll take you to finish?

    Since I don’t really know the route it would be a guess, but somewhere between 30 and 36 hours [depends how rigorous the CP staff are].

    Do you have any advice for others, one top tip about long distance walking?

    Don’t overthink it and don’t try to incorporate advice from numerous people as it will probably all be contradictory [e.g. best foods, best footwear, how to look after your feet etc.]. Just walk from one stop to the next [assuming you have planned your fuelling stops] and NEVER think about how far you still have to go until it is below 20 miles.

    What would you say to anyone thinking about entering the 100, or thinking about doing a 50 mile challenge event, who might be a bit nervous?

    Just do it and don’t beat yourself up if you fail to finish the first time. If you are worried about night walking on your own try to find someone to walk the night section with you [if not the whole thing]. And enjoy it, the result doesn’t matter, the journey is what counts – so take time to enjoy the scenery, smile and greet people you pass on the trail and remember that sore feet are rarely the primary cause of death.

  • Norwich – Speeding, Road Rage and Hit & Run in 1871

    Norwich – Speeding, Road Rage and Hit & Run in 1871

    150 years ago this week, there was a case heard in the Shirehall in Norwich with a Mr. J. Longs in the chair and it’s quite an early case that combines speeding, road rage and hit & run. I’m not sure that I’ve read about an earlier case involving these breaches of road etiquette, but I’m sure that Colonel Custance wasn’t entirely pleased to hear about this incident.

    Incidentally, the above image is from Attlebridge, on the old Norwich and Fakenham turnpike road, although I don’t know where exactly the accident took place.

    I shall quote the case from the Norwich Mercury:

    “William Dann, teamman, in the employ of Colonel Custance, was charged with driving furiously on the Norwich and Fakenham turnpike road on Tuesday last, and causing wilful damage to a cart driven by Mary Ann Fisher, of Reepham. It appeared that the complainant was driving home from Norwich when she overtook the defendant, who was at that time driving quietly. After passing him, however, defendant whipped his horses and dashed along, apparently with the view of getting before the complainant, who drew close to the edge of the road, but could not avoid a collision.

    The result was that defendant’s wagon caught the wheel of complainant’s cart, smashing it to pieces. The woman was thrown out of her cart, and became unconscious, but notwithstanding this, the defendant drove on without rendering any assistance. The amount of damage the defendant had already agreed to pay, and pleading guilty to the charge, he was now fined 5s and £1. 9s. 6d costs”.