2021 Walking Group

As from 7th July 2021 the walking group will now normally
meet on the first Wednesday in the month

Ladies Invitation Christmas Walk – Wednesday 1st December 2021

Seven Wyvern Probus (Octogenarian according to Allison!) members plus two guests, Gordon and Pat Squires, met on the car park of the Black Boy in Hungerton on Wednesday for our first Christmas walk for two years. The weather was sunny with a cool breeze, ideal for our walk. As we assembled the main topic of conversation was Allison Pearson’s column in that morning's Telegraph – honourable MID’s being accorded to our President Brian and our retired solicitor David.

We started our walk of five and a half miles along the road to Baggrave Hall, after about three quarters of a mile turning onto a bridle path leading us across to the Midshires way. This led us downhill to the historic, grade two listed Carr Bridge dated 1770 – 1793. The bridge was supposedly built by the vicar of Lowesby called Carr so that the hunt could cross the Queenborough brook more easily. We then walked parallel to the brook across fields to the road close to Baggrave Hall. Crossing a stile, we alighted upon a wicker basket which had been secreted earlier that morning by Susan and Mike Stephens. We were then treated to its contents, hot mulled wine and Susan’s mince pies. Suitably refreshed we headed off across the fields to South Croxton. We walked down Kings Lane past the Golden Fleece onto the main road. After a hundred yards or so we crossed another style and proceeded across the fields towards Waterloo Lodge. On the way a couple of stiles proved difficult for Max, Susan’s dog, to negotiate. He overcame these problems with the able assistance of David Caines and his owner! After crossing a recently deeply ploughed field we walked around Waterloo Lodge and then back to the Baggrave Hall road for the final mile back to the pub.

David and Liz Mitchell could not stay for the meal but we were then joined by four more members and two wives so thirteen sat down for a very tasty and well served Christmas lunch. Our timing was perfect as during lunch the threatened downpour arrived so it did not spoil a very enjoyable day.

Richard Ward

Probus Walk 3rd November 2021

Last Wednesday seven walkers plus Bonnie Stewart met on the Pug and Greyhound car park in Great Glen for Martin’s alternative five-mile walk. The sky was a little grey with some dampness in the air but that soon dispersed. Walking out onto the A6 we soon turned onto a field footpath heading towards Burton Overy. It was a pleasant walk across the fields during which Bonnie indulged her passion for water by jumping into the stream to retrieve sticks which were thrown in for her to retrieve.

We walked through the village where Martin reminisced about his early boyhood, living in the village. Leaving the road and cutting across country again we eventually stopped for our coffee break. As on previous occasions Martin’s coffee break was excellent. As well as the coffee we had the choice of mince pies, biscuits and jaffa cakes with serviettes provided to catch the crumbs! He sets a high standard. As we left to continue the walk Bonnie unfortunately brushed against an electric fence – an unpleasant shock for her! Her high spirits returned as we crossed a field nearing the end of the walk when she found an old tennis ball which, with assistance from the walkers, kept her entertained.

We were delighted to be joined for lunch by, not only Jim Sherlock but Jill as well. Very nice to see them both. We remained on our best behaviour whilst we enjoyed a very tasty lunch.

Richard Ward

Probus Walk 5th October 2021

The Tollemache Arms in Harrington was the venue for five members of the Club out to enjoy the October walk organised by Martin Waddington. The morning was sunny but with a strong and fairly cool breeze.

Shortly after leaving the village and walking across grass fields we came to the remains of the Manor House - a Historical and Archaeological site. Known as ‘The Falls’ all that can now be seen are the depressions in the ground which are the remains of the sunken gardens and the fish ponds. The building was demolished in 1745 by Lionel Tollemache.

Continuing across open country we encountered several awkward styles which caused the walkers some difficulties in climbing over them! Shortly before reaching Arthingworth, we crossed the River Ise - stopping on a very old brick-built bridge to admire the river and the view.

From Arthingworth we walked along Desborough road stopping after a mile or so for a coffee break. Excellent coffee and a variety of biscuits provided by Martin. On arriving at the Desborough Road/ Arthingworth Road cross roads we turned onto the road back to Harrington. As we progressed down the road we came across a pile of fly tipped rubbish dumped on the roadside by a cretinous individual, who from the looks of it, was refurbishing a bathroom.

Arriving back at the Tollemache Arms, exactly on the stroke of noon, we removed our walking boots and headed for the bar. We then repaired to the dining room where we enjoyed a splendid lunch served by a very becoming young lady.

Another enjoyable outing spent, as is always the case, in very good company.

Richard Ward

Probus Walk, 8th September 2021

With the sun blazing down out of a cloudless blue sky seven Walkers met at the Bell Inn, Gumley for the September walk organised by David and Chris Mitchell. After a quick appraisal of David’s temporary home under the watchful eye of his landlord we set off into delightful countryside.

Heading south west over rolling fields, stopping occasionally to admire the views, we were aiming for Laughton. Unfortunately, whilst stepping down from a stile Martin Waddington slipped on a loose log and cut his arm on some barbed wire. Undeterred he soldiered on!

On reaching Laughton we rested awhile whilst Chris Mitchell dispensed cans of orange juice and Jaffa cakes. We then walked round the village, admiring the thatched roofs and the ancient, preserved mud wall, around the churchyard.

Leaving this peaceful village, we walked along the road back towards Gumley. We paused at the village war memorial to admire a recently installed memorial seat with the carved, in metal, outline of First World War soldiers as a backrest.

Exemplary timing resulted in our, by now, thirsty walkers reaching the Bell just after noon. With drinks in hand, we perused the menu, placed our orders and soon afterwards enjoyed an excellent lunch which rounded off a very enjoyable walk.

Richard Ward

Probus Walk, 4th August 2021

The car park at the Rose and Crown in Tilton on the Hill was once again the meeting point for the August walk organised by Richard Ward. Six Wyvern members plus ‘Bonnie’ Stewart assembled there at 9.15 am on a beautiful summer’s morning.

Setting of along the Old Melton Road we left the village and after a quarter mile joined Marefield Lane walking through the shade of Marefield Spinney. It was surprising to see large amounts of water lying in parts of the lane- evidence of recent heavy rain. We met two ladies out exercising their horses - not very communicative! Crossing the old railway line and a ford we joined the road just short of Marefield

We then started the gradual climb up Hyde Lodge Road, meeting two more horse riders who were quite chatty. At the top, before a quickly corrected navigational error, two more horse riders passed by causing one of our walkers to admire and comment on her excellent ‘seat’! She was by this time, out of earshot!

Carrying on along Hyde Lodge Road we stopped at the very smart entrance to Melrose Lodge for a drink and light refreshments. Shortly after leaving our ‘pit stop’ we left the road and joined a way marked walk across fields heading towards Halstead House Farm. We then approached what initially looked like a cliff edge but in fact was a steep drop into an old railway cutting and a stream. On the other side there was a steep set of steps talking us out of the cutting. We continued our walk across fields to Halstead House Farm and then onto the road, across the fields at the back of the village and back to the pub. Throughout the walk we had been treated to some superb views of the East Leicestershire countryside on an ideal summer’s day.

We drove to the Queens Head in Billesdon for lunch where we first slaked our thirsts before sitting down. At this juncture we were delighted to be joined by Jim Sherlock, who, as he did last month, had driven from Leamington Spa to lunch with us. We all enjoyed an excellent meal cooked and served by the landlord Mark.

Richard Ward

Probus Walk, Wednesday, 7th July 2021

Five members, met at the Horse and Jockey, Manton for the July Walk, organised by Richard Ward. We were delighted to be joined by President Brian Marlow who had travelled up from his new home in Wiltshire to join us. The group set off at 9.30.am on what was advertised as a 5.4-mile walk. Due to a miscalculation by the walk organiser the distance we walked was 6.8 miles!

The weather was kind, bright with a slight, but welcome breeze. We were able to view the new Manton Railway bridge, weighing 425 tonnes, which has just been completed in a £2.8 million project. The old bridge was 150 years old and no longer fit for purpose. We walked through the grounds of Gunthorpe Hall and carried on to Brooke where we joined the Macmillan Way. We stopped by the Brook Covert, with a fine view of Oakham, for a refreshment break. As we crossed the railway line to join the road to Egleton our President was able to relive his boyhood trainspotting hobby as a goods train rumbled by!

From Egleton we joined the footpath/cycle path back to Manton, a long stretch. We were passed and met a number of cyclists, only a few with warning bells!

At the pub we were very pleased to be met by Jim Sherlock who had driven from Leaming Spa to join us for lunch. The pub, which we had used before, did not come up to its previous standards. The beer and the food passed muster but the disorganised and slow service were disappointing. Nevertheless, the weather was fine, the exercise and fresh air was beneficial and it was great to see two old friends again.

Richard Ward

Tuesday, 1st June 2021

What a splendid way to welcome the month of June – a very enjoyable Probus Walk. Eight members of the Club met at the Old Red Lion in Welham for the Monthly walk organised by David Caines. David had prebooked our lunches so we set off- on time -along the road to Weston by Welland. A steady walk with a few passing vehicles and some club cyclists out for a spin. We carried on through Weston, along the footpath by the road, and up the hill towards Sutton Bassett. On the edge of the village, by the now closed and neglected Queens Head pub, we joined a bridleway which would eventually lead us into the Welland valley.

At a farm gate into the first field we stopped for welcome bottles of Buxton water and kit kats provided by David. Suitably refreshed we carried on across the field, covered in shining buttercups, and across two more fields before joining the Midshires way. We next came to a footbridge with a clear and gently moving stream below. Pooh sticks were mentioned but suitable sticks could not be found! Meanwhile dog Bonnie Stewart had found the water and was eagerly waiting for sticks to be thrown to her. As previously mentioned, there were no sticks available. Chris Mitchell had a sudden rush of blood to the head and without hesitation, threw his walking stick into the stream for Bonnie to retrieve. This she quickly did, swam to the bank and dropped it, where it sank. Brother David dropped down the bank to retrieve said walking stick to discover the concrete edging was quite steep and he was in danger of joining Bonnie in the stream! He was then anchored by a colleague, retrieved the stick, and order was restore!. We then carried on eventually joining Great Bowden Lane and returning to the Pub. We sat outside having rearranged the tables into one which accommodated the eight of us. The beer, Doom Bar, was excellent as was the meal and we enjoyed very good service. All in All, a splendid walk and a first rate choice of venue.

Richard Ward

Tuesday, 4th May 2021

Five members of Wyvern Probus plus Bonnie met on the car park of the Rose and Crown in Tilton on the Hill. We set off just after 9.30 am, along the Skeffington Glebe Road – no rain but extremely windy. After a mile or so we turned of the Glebe Road and shortly afterwards crossed the Eye Brook heading over fields towards Skeffington. We encountered a few styles and it soon became evident that our levels of agility had diminished somewhat!. Blame Lockdown. On reaching Skeffington, Walk Organiser Mike Stephens produced his previously secreted wicker basket containing very welcome coffee and Jaffa Cakes. The nearby Bus Shelter provided a pleasant shelter from the wind.

We then set off on the return leg to Tilton, joining the Midshire Way. Although the wind was almost gale force it remained dry with good sunny intervals. About half a mile short of Tilton concern was raised when Charles realised Bonnie had disappeared . After some whistling and searching she re-appeared from a totally unexpected direction!

We then repaired to the Queens Head in Billesdon where we enjoyed, firstly, some very welcome beer followed by well-filled baguettes and chips.

We all agreed that it was a great feeling to first, enjoy a good walk followed by a pub lunch- a first step back to normality!

Our thanks to Mike Stephens for organising an excellent and enjoyable walk.

Richard Ward

Probus Away Walk 23/24 August 2005

On Tuesday 23rd August five Wyvern Probus members travelled to Yorkshire to join Michael and Audrey Crowe at their delightful cottage in Low Mill for a two day away walk. After a very nice lunch taken in the cottage garden we embarked on the first walk. A steep climb from behind the cottage took us up to a beautiful heather strewn moor where we enjoyed a three mile walk.in lovely sunshine. The evening began with a quick visit to a nearby pub before driving to the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge. An excellent meal and a very enjoyable evening ensued, rounded off by a glass or two of port when we returned to the cottage.

Heavy overnight rain had reduced to a drizzle by morning. After breakfast we drove to Pickering. After a quick visit to the shops we caught the steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors railway alighting at Newtondale Halt. This stop can only be reached by the train or on foot. We started the walk with a steep climb up through the mist shrouded trees to the heather strewn moor above high above us. We walked across the moor eventually stopping with a view of the Devils Elbow to consume buns provided by John Raven. Continuing across, by now, a rain swept moor we eventually reached our lunchtime pub- time to dry out and rest! Again, we were able to observe the consummate skills we had first seen last night at the restaurant of one of our colleagues in engaging attractive girls in polite conversation! This time a Scandinavian Barmaid.

After lunch we walked, now in warm sunshine, to Levisham station to catch the train back to Pickering where we had left the cars. We said our farewells and left for the journey back to Leicester.

Richard Ward

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Miscellaneous 2020-2021