Walking. Gossip. Travel.

Category: LDWA

Sunday : Rodent Wriggle LDWA Challenge Event

There was excitement in the air on Sunday 8 May 2022, as Norfolk & Suffolk LDWA had a new challenge event, the Rodent Wriggle. It takes its name as the event meanders around the River Rat, with three different distances available for entrants which were 13, 23 and 31 miles. We had around 180 people taking part across the different lengths, with the longest one being 50km in honour of the LDWA being 50 this year. The shorter distance was to encourage some people to enter who wanted to experience how the event worked, and we were pleased by their feedback.

The calm before the storm. We arrived early at around 06:30 and it does feel odd being in such a quiet location in the knowledge that it will be absolutely packed within an hour or so with excited entrants getting a hot drink and biscuit before their adventure begins.

I had a little look around the village hill, whilst Richard was setting up. It’s important someone takes charge of proceedings and Richard was very useful support during the day when I was very busy.

A map of the three different distances. For anyone interested in the exact routes, the GPX files and the route descriptions are at https://ldwa.org.uk/NorfolkAndSuffolk/W/1409/n-s-events.html.

All ready in the technology corner.

Waiting for the off. I have to mention here that I was at the registration desk all day there aren’t photos from me from around the event, and I was so rushed off my feet there aren’t that many from the hall either.

There’s a generous amount of food and drink available throughout the event at numerous checkpoints, all staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. The HQ seemed to acquire a heap of bananas and not many crisps, but I’m pleased to say that they did make their way to the end eventually.

Incidentally, I knew that there were crisps at a checkpoint as Peter put this on the organiser’s WhatsApp group to annoy me….

The meal for those completing the event was a jacket potato with a choice of toppings, along with a dessert option as well. I selflessly volunteered to test the first jacket potato in the morning that was put in to check the oven was working, which proved to be a handy breakfast to sustain me through to lunch. Incidentally, as the group’s official food tester, I don’t mind checking whether everything is up to standard (terms and conditions apply here, there are some things that I don’t bother testing, such as bananas).

Simon H (who took this photo) managed to professionally deal with the Rattlesden village fete rubber duck race which was on the route of the event, but his swift actions prevented a pile-up of tourists and walkers. That seemed to be the only little unexpected organisational challenge that we experienced, but we had plenty of highly trained marshals on the ground ready to deal with any other issues such as this.

At the end of the event, this is Susanna taking control of the camera taking photos of the very brave entrants from Hike Norfolk.

Like watching an artist at work with her ordering about 🙂 Here are Susan, Heather, Ian, Maggie and Graham, with Clive about to appear on the scene. They all completed the 23 mile distance, but I have to note the even more exceptional bravery from Sarah, Andy and Mel, who completed the 31 miles. I suspect Sarah will be in with a shot of winning the “bravest walker of the year” trophy at the Hike Norfolk Christmas meal, a very prestigious honour that is currently held by me (did I mention I walked 100 miles in 2021?). But, I’d better add that it’s all about enjoying the day, it’s not about the distance walked or the speed, it’s all a personal challenge (although walking 100 miles is particularly brave).

Back in and I know how delighted the organisers were with the feedback, and I’m hopeful that the event will be repeated given what entrants told us about their positive experiences of the event. Those who walked the longer distance got to see ten different churches, a really quite marvellous walk to see that much heritage. Some of the entrants mentioned to me that they’d found time to have a quick look around them all, or at least the churchyards, I was delighted to hear that. We also ensured that there weren’t too many hills, they can go off to South Wales if they want to climb mountains.

And everyone who completes the event gets a certificate as a permanent reminder of their brave adventure in Suffolk. Thanks of course to all of the volunteer marshals at the Rodent Wriggle, it wouldn’t have been possible to hold it without their help. But particular mention to Nicolas and Simon, who organised the entire event and planned the route, which is no small achievement. And Richard, who is getting ever better at the registration desk, and I think I’m ready to let him have more responsibilities at the next event, which will include moving the certificates from the printer to the tables.

For anyone interested in challenge events, give them a go, they’re a marvellous day out for not much money. Food and drink is provided, along with a route description and GPX, with numerous checkpoints along the way. We didn’t have any issues with anyone getting lost or going off-course, but there is back-up available if anyone needs help along the way. We have some shorter distances for those who want to get started and this is absolutely not a race, it’s just about enjoying the countryside. For those who want to walk with others, there’s lots of opportunities for that on the day, so it can be as social (or not) as an individual would like. More information about the LDWA is available at http://www.ldwa.org.uk/.

May 30, 2022
Sunday : Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter LDWA Challenge Event and Back to London
I might have gotten a little carried away again, this post is mostly about the Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter LDWA challenge event and I managed to take 155 photos…. For anyone who wants to see them, they’re at https://flickr.com/photos/julianwhite-uk/albums/72177720298765447.

The NEC had met in Bristol the previous day and three of us, Julie, Bill and I went to do this challenge event in south Wales, with Stuart coming along to help with the marshalling. We were fortunate to get a lift with Bill’s son and partner, as the train options seemed a little challenging to get to the start before lunchtime. It was quite sad to leave the comfort of the Novotel in Bristol, but the sun was shining and the walk looked a good one.

As some background, Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter is an event run by South Wales LDWA and it took place in 2017, 2018 and 2019. It’s back this year and there were four different routes and it uses routes such as Offa’s Dyke, Wye Valley Walk, Wales Coast Path and Gloucestershire Way. As some added excitement, there was also a series of questions from key points along the walk although GPX and route descriptions were available as well. Having a GPX is fortunate, this is the way that I like to navigate….

After a quick snack of toast at the beginning of the event, I mentioned to Dave and anyone who I suspected might listen that I was being very brave taking part. The trained sympathiser that I had asked for wasn’t available, but the volunteers at the event were endlessly helpful and supportive. After a final failed effort to swap with Stuart so that I could sit and eat cake whilst he went walking, it was time to collect my tally card for the adventure ahead.

And off we go through the sunny town centre of Chepstow.

I don’t think that I’ve been to Chepstow before, but I will go again as there are numerous things worth seeing including pubs and also the impressive castle, which apparently is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. It seems a charming town, with plenty of information about its history, definitely worth another visit.

Unfortunately, Chepstow is in the footlands of mountains, with this being a long slog up the hill although the locals have kindly provided a bench. I messaged Stuart here asking for a car to pick me up, but that request was refused. I had a feeling that there might be more slopes ahead…..

An atmospheric path.

I’m slightly annoyed that this photo doesn’t show how big these rocks were that entrants had to clamber over.

That’s better, they look much more challenging in these photos, and there’s Julie charging over them. To be fair, Dave warned me about these rocks and I sailed over them as I needed to get to the other side quickly to message everyone at HQ about how brave I’d been. Imagine a mountain goat, well, that was me.

My friend Liam would take one look at this and want to cycle down it….

I accept that the Wye Valley does look rather lovely.

The ruined St. James’s church at Lancaut, one of the earliest Christian churches in the Wye Valley area and it’s thought that there has been a religious building here since the seventh century. The Vikings kept interfering with arrangements here (mainly by pillaging and destroying stuff), with this current structure dating from the eleventh century. The village of Lancaut doesn’t exist any more, it was likely abandoned after the Black Death, although a few residents continued to live in the area. The church was used until the 1860s, but then the Rector decided to take the roof and interior fittings away, which it’s fair to say wasn’t ideal for the building’s future. It nearly fell down in 1980s and since then the structure of the church has been secured and it’s an interesting building, with some remnants of lime plaster visible.

The ruined church was a little bit more ruined when a part of the door mechanism fell off in my hand, but the LDWA are a responsible organisation and we ensured that the issue was resolved….

I thought for a moment that we were allowed to get the bus back.

A standing stone.

This was not what I wanted to see.

I took this opportunity to message Dave and question in a very positive manner why the route went through a wood which was evidently packed full of snakes ready to attack anyone walking through. It seems the snakes have been left without supervision as well, there were no snake wranglers in the area.

I’m sure there’s an interesting back story as to what has happened with this gate, but it wasn’t anything to do with us or the LDWA.

The view from Devil’s Pulpit (or a few metres away from it) which overlooks Tintern Abbey. Judging from the number of people, this is clearly a popular walk with locals and visitors to the area, and I can see why. Very picturesque.

There’s Devil’s Pulpit and I didn’t feel the need to stand on it as it didn’t look secure enough to me.

Over the river at Tintern.

Whilst we had a little break for lunch, Stuart decided to message at this point as he realised that I was about to summit another mountain on this walk and frankly, I think he was trying to deliberately annoy me, but I didn’t say anything…. I think Dave also found my messages useful about my thoughts on this mountain, as I sent several to reinforce what I was saying.

Some bluebells.

This tells a story of its own about Covid and then, later on, Putin.

St. Mary’s Church at Penterry and this is another mostly abandoned village, devastated by the Black Death. Platforms are visible in the field showing where some of the buildings were and there’s also an area which has been identified as a plague pit.

Simon interviewing Julie for the video about the event. Simon is a runner who completes these things far too fast, including the marshals’ event for the 100 last week.

One of the clues for the challenge walk was on the mast. Fortunately, just on the boards at the base and not higher up.

It’s always rather lovely to have a walk which goes past several churches.

Beautiful, the Wye Valley.

Woodland is one of my favourite terrains to walk through, I really enjoyed this section.

The history behind this property is substantial and it’s a real shame to see it in its current condition. It’s Piercefield House which is Grade II* listed, with the park around it being Grade I listed, not that this has helped in the building’s preservation. It dates from the late eighteenth century and its history is quite intertwined with that of slave owners, which was turned slightly on its head when in 1802 it was purchased by Nathaniel Wells, the son of a white slave owner and a black slave. He had a successful career as a magistrate and also as the first black sheriff in Britain. It’s also thought that Horatio Nelson, the hero of Norfolk (we have a lot of brave people) stayed a night here.

I’m not sure what can be done with this now, with a problem that there’s a limit to what can be done with the structure because of its historic listing. Some compromise is going to have to be made with regards to its heritage as very little of the building is left, but this would make a lovely hotel, craft beer venue or Greggs.

This is why I don’t eat lamb, look at their little faces…..

How very sweet. I decided the jolly happy one in the middle, who bounced into where he probably shouldn’t be, should be called Leon ?

Back at the end, there’s Dave and Stuart at the back and Julie at the front. I’m not one for gossip, but Dave mentioned he had hurt his back or something whilst standing around the checkpoint. I, however, completed my mountain expedition with no ill effects although I imagine that’s my tough Norfolk training coming to the fore. I’d also like to thank all the marshals who put this event together, it takes a lot of work and everyone was helpful and kind. There was a major controversy when Julie got a time that was one minute faster than mine, I think she must have slipped someone some Twixes for that, but I didn’t say anything.

Very lovely, although the Viennetta promised by Stuart didn’t arrive…. However, there was a marvellous selection of cakes.

Back into Bristol (thanks Bill and son!) and at Temple Meads, ready for the train back to London.

I spend quite a lot of time in waiting rooms and here’s the one at Bristol Temple Meads railway station, with power I’d add, as well as an excessively hot temperature. But I did think that perhaps my body was still at the 8,000 metre height that I had spent some of the challenge walk at, so maybe that was just me.

The GWR train sweeping into Bristol Temple Meads. I didn’t bother trying to get my reserved seat as there was a table seat without any reservations on it, meaning I could get some work done on the train.

The Crossrail train at Reading.

Not very busy, but that didn’t entirely surprise me on a Sunday night.

The Southall sign that has caused some controversy because of the translation at the bottom, although I fear the negativity is perhaps a little unwarranted as it’s hardly a substantial change.

I was annoyed by the time I got into this Ibis Budget Hounslow hotel room. The receptionist randomly said “I need your ID” in quite a blunt manner when checking in. I thought this was very odd, as there’s no need for them to see my ID at all, but I had my passport and just handed that over, as I’m quite compliant at hotels in case they offer me a lovely upgrade. Although I accept that there’s a limit to what an Ibis Budget can do. I thought that the service was terse, but it was late at night and I guessed that the staff member had perhaps had a long day, although I was slightly disappointed that I couldn’t tell her how brave I had been on the walk.

Anyway, a youngish black guy next to me (and I mention his colour for a reason) said “they wanted your ID as well?” to which I replied “yes, which was unusual”. The receptionist then started on me, saying that it has always been the hotel’s policy. The guy next to me said that he thought he was a victim of racism, and I can’t possibly comment on that, but the service was very odd from the receptionist. I replied saying I had stayed at the hotel several times and had never been asked for ID, but she was insistent that it was a policy at the hotel and that it was in the booking e-mail. I know bloody well it isn’t in the e-mail and so I perhaps unnecessarily asked her to show me where it was mentioned. She couldn’t find it and said that she didn’t know about third party booking sites and their emails.

I was a little annoyed at this service and mentioned I had booked with Accor directly so it was their email and I didn’t understand her hostility. Her claim was that the hotel was having problems with people pretending to be other people and that’s why ID was needed. At this point I couldn’t be bothered to argue any more, it isn’t the policy of Accor, Travelodge, Premier Inn or just about anyone else, although it is the policy of YHA but that’s because of child protection issues. I hope the poor guy got into the room that he had paid for, as the staff member’s attitude towards him was I felt completely unnecessary. It was nearly midnight and so this was an unkind and potentially reckless way to treat one of their customers, although I was just relieved that I had my ID so as not to be caught up in the same dispute.

Fortunately everything in the room was fine as I hardly dared go back down to reception anyway…… But with that, my day was complete and I could reflect on the glorious views that I had seen on the challenge event and all of the mountains that I had summited without complaint.
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May 22, 2022
LDWA – Winter Poppyline 2022

This weekend was the Winter Poppyline, the 50-mile challenge event offered by Norfolk & Suffolk LDWA. It usually takes place every other year, and took place this year following the postponement in 2021 due to the pandemic.

This post is primarily photos that have been sent to be used on social media, so expect to see them soon on various LDWA social media sites. As ever, it was a wonderful event and it’s always a delight to hear all of the positive feedback that’s being received. The event was actually just over 51 miles and congratulations to everyone who finished and to those who didn’t quite make it, but they had a good go and that’s the main thing.

Jayne was a marvellous organiser as ever and the marshals worked hard to ensure that everyone had a positive experience in the checkpoints and HQ. We also trust that entrants enjoyed the variety of terrain that North Norfolk has to offer, including the fine coastal views. The weather wasn’t too bad, but the wind did pick up and that was mentioned by a fair few entrants.

Always happy to marshal these events because of the friendliness of the entrants and other marshals (and it saves me walking the event, as that can tire me out) and I’m proud that Richard’s training is coming on well at the registration desk. He’s able to cope on his own now, which makes it much easier for me to go and interfere with the arrangements in the kitchen on a much more regular basis. And it took me thirty minutes and the help of four marshals to work out to turn the lights off in the gym for those sleeping in there, before I gave up and someone else fixed the problem.

I loved the choice of drink that our medic picked…. Both our medics were professional and helpful, although the one on the early shift had a quieter time it’s fair to say. Raynet and 4*4 also offered marvellous support to the marshals and to entrants, it was good to have them there.

This was left to annoy me….. A complaint will be going to Stuart Bain nationally about Hilary for doing this…… 🙂

More to come about this event across our social media, but thanks to others who have posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram about their experiences.

There it is, the terrifying Beeston Bump….. This caught our many walkers, it’s a reminder never to under-estimate the Norfolk Himalayas.

Here is the head of risk assessment for the event, Simon, with his friendly and welcoming face at Cromer cliffs to greet the walkers and remind them to be careful of the cliffs (or not to fall off them to be more precise). This selfie he took doesn’t really reflect just how much of a welcome he really offers though 🙂

Anyway, I digress, onto the other photos…..

February 14, 2022
LDWA NEC Interviews – Stuart Bain

In a new series of content, I’m interviewing every willing NEC member that I can find about what volunteering for the LDWA involves. My first interview is with Stuart Bain, the Risk and Environment Officer. We’re looking at an on-line Strider (the magazine we produce three times a year for members) in the future as part of our new web-site, so content such as this will be moved on there.

Stuart is, if I’m being honest, quite annoying as he’s very professional, efficient and hard-working. He saw us through lots of the documentation in 2021, along with other incredibly hard working volunteers, and looks after risk, scanning in the NEC archive, environment and currently IT on the NEC. He also has numerous charitable roles and some of us suspect that he’s employing staff at his own cost to make him look so effective.

Anyway, I asked Stuart some questions and am partly hoping that it might inspire others to think about joining the NEC in the future or volunteering for the LDWA.

What inspired you to join the LDWA?

I love walking along the Wye Valley and by accident I noticed a so-called challenge event called ‘Offa’s Twisted Wye Kanter’. I’m not overly competitive, so the idea of it not being a race but challenging yourself really appealed. When I enquired further, I realised I could get a discount if I became a member and there were lots of other walking challenge events available across the country! I love a bargain.

What’s your favourite thing about the LDWA?

Having weekend trips travelling across the UK and entering the challenge events. The level of support and camaraderie at checkpoints and HQ is fantastic – the food isn’t bad either.

Where’s your favourite walk?

Pembrokeshire Coast Path -186 miles of stunning scenery. I deliberately haven’t completed the full route yet because I don’t want to ever finish it. My favourite stretch is Northwards from St. Davids to Porthgain. Although short, the route around Ynys Dinas is very special and mystical also with Cwm-yr-Eglwys.

What’s your perfect Sunday afternoon?

I regularly do footpath surveys for the Vale of Glamorgan Rights of Way team. So, I would say surveying footpaths in the morning, a cheeky pint when finishing then off to watch the rugby in the evening. I probably should have said a 25 mile hike across the Brecon Beacons in hindsight…

Why did you join the NEC?

I have a passion for the environment and sustainability. One weekend, when reading Strider I read an article looking to replace my predecessor for Environment, Risk and Data Protection. For my sins I work in a Bank doing Risk and Data Protection so it felt like a perfect fit. I called the previous Chairman, David Morgan, who can be quite persuasive (threatening) and I couldn’t say no.

You joined the NEC as the environment officer and have also temporarily taken over the IT role as well (along with numerous other responsibilities), what’s that like?

It’s really fulfilling. We all aware there is a lot of work needed to modernise certain areas of the LDWA and I felt I could really make a difference helping with IT and the website. If as an Association we don’t transform and modernise over the coming years, the LDWA will be irrelevant and become extinct. I want to see a modern, forward looking LDWA that is even more welcoming and inclusive to new members.

I’ve always been fascinated by history, so I’ve recently started doing some archiving work and reading old NEC documents running back to 1972. It’s been fascinating learning about how the LDWA has evolved over the years.

What is the most exciting thing about the new LDWA web-site we’re working towards?

There are a lot of ideas that have been raised by members and if we can deliver them, it would be fantastic! However, what I find most exciting currently is modernising the look, feel and content ready for our website redevelopment work. Engaging with other volunteers and getting stories and content changes will make the existing site more attractive and give members a reason to visit. I’m always on the look out for a photo or stories we can add to the website (sorry for the shameless plug), so if you have any let me know.

What’s the best bit about being on the NEC, other than working with Julian?

Very childish, but I have to admit it’s probably the grief Tim Glenn generally receives from you about… well anything. Cupboard-gate, Steak-gate, Mustard-gate, Golden Grahams-gate – the list goes on.

NEC volunteers are very like-minded, don’t take themselves too seriously [some of us do, we are very serious….] and have a passion to do their best for the LDWA. Although the social side is really good, it’s fantastic volunteering with people all working towards to the same collective aim of improving the LDWA.

What would you say to anyone thinking about joining the NEC?

Go for it. It’s really fulfilling. You work with a great team of volunteers, serving a great Association. And you get to work with Julian.

It’s much spoken about, but do you think that you’ll ever enter the LDWA 100?

No. It’s probably an unpopular opinion, but I don’t understand why anyone would want to put their bodies through that experience. 30 miles is enough, anymore and the fun disappears and it becomes a chore. [I’m going to tell Dave M about this….]

Inspired by the communications officer, you’ve started to use Untappd more. What are your favourite beers?

Anything from these Welsh Real Ale Breweries: Grey Trees, Salopian, Tiny Rebel, Tenby Brewing Company. I must call out the pint of Kveik you forced forced me to drink last time we met up.

What one thing would you like to see change in terms of the environment? More public transport and an increased opportunity to wild camp of having a right to roam?

Good question. We need to become Carbon Neutral in the next few decades and this has to be done sustainability and don’t impact quality of life. There is no point saying don’t use a car, turn off your heating, don’t eat red meat etc. We need to explore other innovative solutions to practically reduce our carbon footprint which don’t impact our quality of life. Banning Diesel and new Gas boilers in the future is a step in the right direction as long

Why should someone join the LDWA?

Cheap challenge events, wonderful welcoming social community and access to GPX files. For £15 a year, it would barely cover a round of drinks with Julian.

December 15, 2021
LDWA – 2021 Groups’ Weekend (Walk Photos)

Further to my post about the 2021 LDWA groups’ weekend, here are some photos of the 25-mile walk from the Norfolk & Suffolk representatives Chelle and Hilary.

November 14, 2021
LDWA – 2021 Groups’ Weekend

For the LDWA groups’ weekend this year we took over the entire YHA in Haworth, West Yorkshire. There were around 50 people present including NEC members and representatives from groups, with the weekend being productive and entertaining (or I thought it was, and I think that was the consensus). It’s always an interesting event to hear how our groups are getting on with promoting long distance walking, as well as their offering social and challenge events.

Some photos of YHA Haworth, a grand mansion which was originally built for a wealthy mill owner and turned into a youth hostel in the 1970s. These are the rooms on the lower floors, but there were no end of other rooms in this cavernous building across several floors, including the kitchen that could be reached by going down some gloomy stone stairs.

Some of the stained glass in the building.

I was disappointed to find that these weren’t just for me, but I tried to hide that disappointment.

Julie’s two daughters again provided the catering for the event, with another fine selection of food and drink offered up throughout the weekend. There wasn’t just main courses provided in the evening, these are three or four course affairs for everyone, with buffet breakfasts in the morning. I think it was unanimous just how good the food was and I’d definitely come back just for that.

Julie and I met the hostel’s rather lovely black cat, or at least it seemed to feel at home roaming the corridors of the hostel before demanding to be let out through a door. Good news that I don’t think that anyone saw any ghosts, but the building had a warm and homely feel. We did though have someone turning up late on the Saturday night hoping to stay in the hostel, not really an ideal arrangement for them as we had to say it was full as a private hire booking.

The room before my riveting inclusion and diversity session on the Saturday evening, which I am the project lead on as well as being the National Communications Officer. I won’t go into too much detail about what was discussed during the weekend as this was an internal event, but LDWA members will be able to see the discussions on the Toolkit in a few weeks time and there will be internal communications about it.

The wonderful Hazel Bound from Cornwall and Devon group with her British Empire Medal that she received a few weeks ago for her services to long distance walking and the LDWA. Much deserved.

I didn’t go on the walks on the Saturday as I needed to pop to a pub in Haworth, but I have photos from them which I’ll post separately. There were two walks offered though, a 15 mile and 25 mile option around the local countryside, with the weather holding out to be pleasant, mild and even sunny.

Anyway, hopefully the group representatives found the weekend useful and we’re likely to be in Derbyshire area next November. The majority of LDWA groups were able to send a representative this year (including from the history group which I founded last year), but hopefully next year we’ll get even more people so that the NEC can hear how they can best help groups. All very lovely.

November 14, 2021
LDWA – 26th Flower of Suffolk 2021

It seems a long time since the last Flower of Suffolk event, which was a very moist affair in October 2019. This was the scene at just before 08:00 a few moments before I set the first wave of walkers off on either their 18 or 26 mile adventure around the beautiful Suffolk coast. There were just shy of 100 people taking part in the event, some unfortunately unable to attend due to the national fuel crisis, but we were pleased with how many were able to get there. Although the 2020 event had to be cancelled, three of us did do the anytime version of the challenge walk last year.

I’ve trained Richard up at the registration desk and he’s actually getting quite good at it now. We’ll let him come back for future events. He was also able to work out how to keep the doors open, which was all far too complex for me. Richard and I also worked out a very decent system for combining bingo with checking registration numbers, something which we will perhaps repeat at future events given how efficient we were.

The kitchen crew and volunteers, ready for a day of feeding the entrants (and the marshals).

The kitchen, with the goulash on the go…..

Back to the route though, for those walking or running (or something in between) the 26 mile event, they leave Walberswick and head north for a short while towards Southwold, before heading down towards the lost town of Dunwich. They then cut through Dunwich Heath and RSPB Minsmere before reaching the Eels Foot Inn which is a pub with a checkpoint, a lovely combination for the marshals there. Entrants on the 26 mile route than do a loop which cuts near to Sizewell Power Station, before walking back inland towards Walberswick. It’s a really lovely route and there’s a high chance that some of it will be included on the Norfolk & Suffolk 100 which will be held in 2025.

That’s quite a lot of cheese. This is also the scene of where Hayley spent what seemed like several hours making custard, we must ensure that there’s an electric whisk type arrangement for the next event, although she did a marvellous job as always.

The goulash with bread roll, which I was very willing to check in my role as official group food tester. Chelle is definitely very good at ensuring that even vegetables can taste nice.

Just before the final entrants arrived safely back at the village hall in Walberswick, which is the event HQ, there was a little bit of rain and a rather beautiful rainbow. Unlike the situation of two years ago, there were no problems with the weather and it remained bright and warm throughout the day.

The feedback from the event was very positive, which is always a delight. Thanks as ever to the wonderful marshals for their efforts during the day, and the very helpful Eric Rolfe is sending on some photos which will appear on national LDWA social media (and perhaps also in Strider) of some of the action on the walk itself. As I didn’t get out onto the route itself (it was non-stop at the registration desk), I didn’t get any action photos of entrants enjoying their walk during the day.

October 4, 2021
LDWA History Group – York Visit

And a little advert below for the LDWA’s history group, which can be joined by any member of the LDWA. It was thought a marvellous idea for me to lead a two-hour history walk for anyone who wanted to come along during the NEC weekend a couple of weeks ago. Rather pleasingly, I can report that there were no disasters. No-one got lost, stomped off, complained (to my knowledge) or left the LDWA. I’m fairly sure that the redoutable Stuart Bain (the NEC’s Environment and Risk Officer) was impressed as well. Win-win!

The city walls around York, which are some of the most complete in the country. York Minster looks rather beautiful from the walls as well. I must admit to quickly rushing around the walls before the walk started to check that they were still there, although to be fair they’ve lasted quite a few centuries. I also had to check, several times, when they shut, which was fortunately just after we would be leaving them. As can be seen, there was a lot of preparation here…..

A photo opportunity with the York sign in front of the Minster, and a view from the city walls. The handy thing about leading a two hour history walk for the LDWA is that the distance was much shorter than our usual efforts, so it was likely just under five miles in length.

As another one of my irrelevant asides, I was one of the people who complained a few years ago at the hideous development that English Heritage were planning at Clifford’s Tower, ploughing straight into the mound with a new visitor centre. If I may say so, the proposals from English Heritage were arrogant, insensitive and showed a complete disregard for heritage, the latter of which really isn’t ideal given their name. In 2018, English Heritage scrapped the visitor centre element and said in a statement:

“English Heritage also has a new director for the north of England, Andrea Selley, who has been listening to the views of the local community. And while the proposed visitor building would have sat within a relatively modern part of the mound (dating from the 1930s) and did not pose a risk to the archaeology, it was clear that many people love the shape of the mound and disliked the thought of its circumference being broken. Because of these reasons, English Heritage will not now place a visitor building within the mound.”

Why they got so far with their proposals is another matter, but I digress…. Their new project is much better and respects the site’s integrity.

Coppergate, which is actually named after coopers, the men (as it was usually men during the medieval period who made barrels, casks and the like.

And some photos of York at night. I’d stress here that I didn’t get everyone lost for hours, I took these photos after the pub visit and on my way back to the hotel. I look forwards to leading a history walk in whatever town or city the NEC next spend a weekend in. Here’s to the next LDWA adventure!

August 18, 2021
LDWA – Fleet Street History Walk

This is the first walk I’ve been on that was listed in the new national LDWA history group and although it went from Kensington High Street to Canary Wharf, it was centred on the Fleet Street theme. The walk was led by Dame Julie Welch who worked in Fleet Street as, amongst other things, a sports journalist. She has written a book about women in Fleet Street, which is well worth a look and I’ve linked to it at the bottom of this post. There were fifteen or so people on the walk and it was interesting to meet LDWA members from other parts of the country.

The walk started outside High Street Kensington underground station.

This is Northcliffe House in Kensington, current home of the Daily Mail.

It’s fair to say that the weather was hot and there were plenty of people in Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. We bravely kept up quite a pace to cross the park.

Buckingham Palace.

The Royal Courts of Justice, which are on the Strand, which is at the end of Fleet Street. Incidentally Fleet Street is named after the river, a walk I went on a few weeks ago led by Des.

The former Strand underground station, which closed in 1994 as usage was low and the cost of repairing the lifts would have been too expensive. It’s today used for filming and there’s an underground train down there which can be used if required. There’s a connection to the Piccadilly line should there ever be a need to bring the station back into usage, although that’s not very likely.

The former Wig & Pen club, more about this at https://www.theguardian.com/media/2003/nov/29/pressandpublishing.uknews.

It was interesting to hear about what Fleet Street was like in the 1970s and 1980s. A male dominated environment where drinking and smoking was commonplace, but Julie also explained just how vibrant and exciting a place it was to be. They would hear the news first and it felt like a separate town within London, with the clattering of the print presses and the smell of printers ink in the air. I must admit, it sounds a working environment that must have been challenging (especially for women), but endlessly exciting.

One of the locations that Julie showed us was El Vino (more at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Vino) which for a long time required men to wear ties and didn’t allow women to order at the bar. This was only overturned in 1982 when the matter went to court, with the bar fighting hard to maintain their right not to serve women. There was work going on at El Vino, so no photo of the frontage, but instead I took a photo of the tempting doughnuts in the shop next door.

We had time for a drink at Black Friar pub which is located at the end of Fleet Street and Julie pointed out some other pubs that I’ll visit on Fleet Street during the week. Many of them are now closed on the weekends, but back in the day when Fleet Street was in its prime, they’d be open every day.

Julie mentioned that every newspaper would have its own pub where journalists and workers would go. It was possible for anyone to go to any pub, but people just tended to stick with the pub that their newspaper most commonly used. Above is the White Swan (also known as the Mucky Duck) on Fetter Lane, just behind Fleet Street, which I think Julie said was used by the Daily Mirror.

Nothing to do with the walk itself, I just liked the Poland Consulate building with its Polish and EU flags when walking by.

I left the walk at Wapping as I had to go and have my second jab at Guy’s Hospital (I was very brave), but Julie led the others on to Canary Wharf. Wapping was an essential part of the walk as the opening of the printing presses there by Murdoch in the 1980s saw an effective end to Fleet Street as the heart of the newspaper industry in London.

A few minutes before a group photo was taken. Thanks again to Julie for leading this walk, something very different.

Julie hopes to lead the walk again, so look out for it in the LDWA history group and LDWA London programmes. Julie also wrote the book below which was published by Trapeze last year.

July 18, 2021
LDWA – Norfolk & Suffolk Group AGM 2021

This weekend was the AGM walk for Norfolk & Suffolk LDWA, which was a ten-mile walk, lots of cake, a quick AGM and then a tour of Simon’s farm by tractor. It was also too hot, which I might mention a few times in the course of this post.

The walk went by the rather beautiful St. Mary’s Church in Stonham Parva.

It was commented on twice that I mentioned how far the walk was, and it was questioned why I’m in the LDWA given I’m forever trying to shorten walks. It’s that reality that given half a chance I don’t really do walking, but I get all involved with the gossip and chat, so that carries me round. And I quite like the adventure really, although I do sometimes think that some of these walks are a very long way when I could be in the pub (but, if people want walking inspiration they can follow David Morgan’s Twitter!).

The cakes, scones and sausage rolls which had very kindly been made by Diane, which was very much appreciated. At this point, I forgot that it was too hot, so the sausage rolls were a wonderful distraction.

The AGM section of the meeting about to begin. It was too hot, so I moved to a location in the shade. This meeting also marked the end of my brilliant (I used that word on numerous occasions) chairmanship of the group, meaning that it was time for someone else to hold one of the highest honours in the area in terms of long distance walking. I’m delighted that Simon Colchester will be taking over as chair, he’s very competent and I secretly think he’s now going to walk the 100. He himself did mention that every other former chair of the group has walked the 100 (did I mention that I’ve walked the 100?) but we’ll see….

I was also pleased that I wasn’t asked any difficult questions. Not because there’s anything to hide, but because it’s nice when things go to plan. My great idea to invite our group to numerous other groups also received support, so a fair sized group of us are going to Scotland next year to drink beer. I mean, er, to walk a bit and then drink beer.

After the AGM we went on a little tractor ride. I have to say, this wasn’t ideal for my hayfever in retrospect, and it was also too hot. I mentioned this to a few people on a few occasions. But it’s important not to be negative, so I tried to lift the mood by not constantly talking about the heat.

Simon has found the most remarkable selection of objects on his farm over the years. We have medieval items on the left, ancient bits and pieces in the middle (including dinosaur vertebrae) and stone age implements on the right. I might have got those a bit muddled up, but it’s something like that. Simon often brings items such as these to the Christmas parties in order for us to try and guess what they were. As a keen student of history, I always manage to get the answers wrong, but I make up for that inaccuracy with enthusiasm.

Simon talking about the history of the farm and he was able to show us how the farmland has been used over the last thousand years, including remains of medieval ploughing. It was quite hot at this point.

We walked to look a field planted with plants for wild birds, all part of the very diverse nature of Simon’s farm. For more information though, definitely come along to any future event that Simon organises, which will hopefully be at least annual as we need to experience Diane’s cakes and sausage rolls on a regular basis.

That was the end of the AGM for another year, and I gave my thanks to all of the committee who have been so helpful and supportive (and tolerant) over the last two years. I was very pleased to receive the lovely £30 gift voucher and Martin’s words were so lovely I tried to get the secretary to write them into the minutes, although I’m not sure she felt the same urgency as I did on that (but note “best chair” comments….)….. But, everything went off well and a new chapter begins in the future of Norfolk & Suffolk LDWA. Although, since I’m on the NEC for a few more years yet, they aren’t rid of me yet.

It was all really quite lovely. But it was too hot. I’m also pleased to report that my hayfever disappeared when I reached Norwich, as I’ve decided that my body copes much better in a city environment. Especially when it’s in a pub in a city environment.

June 28, 2021