Club Walk from the White Horse, Old

ROTARY WALK - 21 MAY 2015

Departure (and I hope, Return) will be :-

THE WHITE HORSE, OLD NN6 9QX

Tel: 01604 781 297

10.15  for a 10.30 start

Recently under new management, both Ann and I were suitably impressed with the ambience and value for money food.

The walk is approx. 3.25 miles.  It took Ann and I 2hrs 15 mins of easy walking.  There appeared to be no Cardiac or Respiratory challenges.

Peter Davies

Walk Report 

As usual, we assembled at the Pub to change into clothing thought suitable for what was to turn out to be a beautiful sunny day. Philip in shorts, Chris in woolly jumper with Rucksack and Tilley hat. Our leaders were Peter and Ann Davies 

Peter excelled himself by his actions of crossing the local road out of Old to signal when safe for the rest of us to follow. A  leader indeed, who took our health and safety as of greater importance than his own. 

Once out of the village we climbed the first of many stiles through trees and a pleasing path passing a large number of ponds of varied size, each of which was surveyed by Philip to see if he , or we, could have a skinny dip. The waters in each were supporting much vegetation with  a dark green slimey coating.  At one, we met a local resident of an age thought to be older than any of us, but certainly more "with it" than some.  Asked if locals used to skinny dip in the ponds, she laughed and explained how they behaved in her younger days! 

Our walk proceeded towards the site of the medieval village of Faxton, but at a byway crossing we saw a man roofing a new triple garage; partly masked were a couple of houses that filled desires in many hearts.  A female voice called out to find out if the roofer wished for tea or coffee.  Stan did a quick survey and shouted back “another 9 please”.

The 9 extras did not appear, but a lot of friendly banter took place – an excellent reason to be able to continue to lust over the properties and surrounding views.  It was here that we were treated to a series of aerobatic displays by the former Red Arrow Pilots display team,  "The Blades", who are based at Sywell.  The sun was so bright, keeping track of them was not easy. Indeed it was better when they were shielded by the few clouds.. 

Moving on, livestock (not horses) were spotted on a mound in a field . We passed the "Bull at Large" notice, and found the farmer had encircled the foot of the mound with a few strands of electric fence. The bull was too exhausted to explore us, but curiousity did bring some cows plus a young calf up to the wire. 

Among other activities were plank bridges over streams and a wooden fence to be climbed, with no crossed style in place. This led to some opting to crawl under a piece of electrified fence held up for them by Stan. Stan then then lay down, but still holding up the wire that was live.  When standing he had been insulated by his rubber soled boots! 

To our left a new property had been built on the deserted Faxton site, and not unreasonably from their point of view the footpath diverted to pass the long way round the property.  This could have been achieved continuing on the track, but it had been decided that we should cut the corner off by trampling uphill through very long undergrowth. The toughest part of the walk. Was this just a ploy to convince Val that the walk might be about the distance advertised?

A few pauses to watch "The Blades" was welcome, and exciting. They remained in sight most of the way back as we proceeded into endless rape.  The farmer had clearly left the reqired width of path, but the smell of rape was strong, and some predicted the onset of Rape, Hay Fever.  Eventually for Old, Ann diverted us steeply uphill, crossing a multitude of alternative paths, all duly surrounded by this profitable crop of oil. 

Our choices for lunch had been pre-ordered. The Mortimers were listed for lunch only, but no sign of them, or of John Allen.  We waited and waited, and after an incredibly long time no food had been forthcoming. Our Leader, Peter, commenced  an enquiry.  We were all there, we are hungry.  We would like it now. Please. 

Enter the Mortimers. Basically with old age creeping up on him, Graham could only remember the Pub had WHITE in its name.  So tried all pubs in Northants with WHITE in the name. The nearest of these was at Holcot, but negative, so he went SE etc. 'til one thought to telephone a Rotarian who could re-direct them.  Further delay in service, as the chef decided the party should not be split, and declined to serve any food that did not include the Mortimers’ choice.  This caused high vocal response from 9 walkers, but saved chef admitting he couldn’t have served the 9 any quicker. 

The interval was solved by Brian May introducing Trivial Pursuit quiz cards, at which the women did particularly well.  Peter said he would decide who should be awarded the Carved Willy.  This brought annoyed protest from the donor, Brian (not at Peter deciding the awardee, but the outrageous name appended to what was clearly the Chris Mahony lookalike trophy! - Brian).  Peter is often a stickler for procedure, but in this he failed, as the choice lies with the person who held custody of the trophy.  Had Peter allowed this, it would not have been awarded to Stan for electrocuting himself... that Graham found amusing.  Val protested she had polished it long enough.  Peter indicated his decision was final. 

The hot pudding menu was limited, but Stan was allowed his extra custard, and the ladies opted for tea or coffee instead.  In summary an interesting walk pre-surveyed by Peter

Chris Mahony