Rotary Walk

Twentieth Anniversary Rotary Walk

What an opportunity missed by those who were unable to join us for the Anniversary walk, starting at the County Golf Club, as were able to enjoy wonderful scenery, glorious autumn weather and the great company of those who were there.  I was reminded of the inaugural walk in 1996, organised by the late Peter Brown, and paused to reflect on some of my favourite ones since then although, sad to say, I have had to miss more than I would have liked recently.

After the mandatory health and safety briefing, the warm welcome to walking newcomers Ian and Loredana, and the booking of lunch choices, we set off through the golf course with the cautionary advice to be vigilant for flying golf balls.  None were observed in the early part of the walk, which took us through the recently revised lay out of the course.

After we left the course, and entered Harlestone Firs, we had to plough through the mud under the railway line.  However, we had been warned in advance to wear stout boots for the occasion (well advised leader!).   Cue mandatory photograph on a bridge, with us all looking like cattle as we peered through the railings.

With the sunshine twinkling through the trees, the next part of the walk seemed quite magical even though the leader seemed to want to meander, or actually ramble in all directions in order to extend the length of the walk.  We went past, then through, along paths and even round the saw mill.  I am sure, however, that we all saw parts of the Firs that we never knew existed.  But to be fair, it showed beautiful aspects that were new to us.

As we approached the golf course from the west side, on our return, we had sight of some of the prettiest countryside in the County as we looked along the 10th and 11th holes with the leaves just starting to change to their autumn colour.  Then we saw an unusual sight, as two golfers both hit their first shots onto the 15th green.  An occurrence not regularly achieved in my experience there, with my fellow players.

As we walked back to the Clubhouse we continued to enjoy the splendid environment, and luxuriate in the very clement weather.  Well organised, leader!

And so to the difficult part of having to force food and drink down our throats!!  Joined by Stan and Val, and Chris and John Allen, we all enjoyed a pleasant lunch.  All that is, apart from Lesley, who was served a fishless fish pie.

Stan had had to attend this part of the day in order to award the trophy to the new recipient, who this month just happened to be Margaret.  We all thanked her for the very kind gesture of buying us all a drink, so that we could drink a toast to Gethin who all that time ago had the brilliant idea of starting the walking programme.

I'm not sure how many different people have had the pleasure of joining the walks over the ensuing twenty years, but it must be in the hundreds.  The opportunity for fellowship, while getting healthy exercise was an inspired idea, and one that we must all thank him for.  Although the walks are now shorter than when we first started, they are still most enjoyable and must be continued as long as we are able to manage them.

Kevin Greatorex