Medium Walks

by Lynda SmeathersMedium WalksPosted on Comments are Disabled

For our latest walk, we set off from Chilwell tramstop and headed for the River Trent, through the Attenborough nature reserve. We had a perfect late summer day, in contrast to the gales and rain early this year, when we first planned this walk, and which we reluctantly postponed at the time.

We paused at the popular Lock-keepers’ cottages, at Beeston lock, where we had our coffee stop in their garden, and where an obliging customer took our group photo.

We then set off along the canal towpath, and wondered why we kept passing groups of people walking the other way, all with their identity cards, and not really suitably attired for walking!

It was good to see the canal well used by narrow boats, and we also saw a group of volunteer litter pickers at work. We finished our walk with our picnic stop at the new Broad Marsh landscaped area, which was already looking well established in the very sunny weather.

Thanks to Philip and Liz Attenborough for planning this walk for us all. Our next walk will be at Brinsley on Monday 21st October, and we always welcome more members in this group.

Grumpy Old Men

by Lynda SmeathersGrumpy Old MenPosted on Comments are Disabled

After a lapse of some years, the Grumpy Old Men have taken up skittles again, this time courtesy of the Royal British Legion in Hucknall.

After initial surprise at the length we were supposed to bowl the, very heavy, wooden bowls and some effort in getting to grips with the rules, we played two rounds, which were admirably scored by Alan (‘nul points’) Snape.

To further confuse us, we changed the teams after the first round, after a suitable pause for the buffet. Some Grumpies were more consistent in their scoring than others, and not always in a good way!

This was an enjoyable evening, with thanks to Pete Wall for organising the game. We always welcome new members, just get in touch via our website or have a chat at our monthly meeting.

Easy Walkers

by Lynda SmeathersEasy WalkersPosted on Comments are Disabled

On 22nd August, 11 of us really enjoyed the 3 mile River Leen walk from Wilkinson Street tram stop back to Bulwell. It was so peaceful and a bit of a nature reserve.

We saw a heron, ducks, a swan family with 4 nearly adult cygnets, a moorhen and sparrows in the blackberry bushes.

Our ad hoc coffee stop was at the Riverside cafe. We sat outside enjoying the sun and were surprised when one person had a message asking if they needed a lift as it was raining, 10 minutes later, the rain arrived, but nothing spoiled our walk.

Singalonga

by Lynda SmeathersSingalongaPosted on Comments are Disabled

The theme for our next session on the 17th September is Sea Shanties and folk music.

We meet at 10.30 am, St Peter & St Paul’s Church Hall. All are welcome.

Long Walks

by Lynda SmeathersLong WalksPosted on Comments are Disabled

On the 3rd of September, a 7.9-mile circular walk began at Laxton Visitor Centre, near Newark, known for its unique medieval Open Field System. The walk started by crossing this historic landscape, where the communal strip farming method, still in use today, showcases a living piece of England’s agricultural past. The open fields offer expansive views of the countryside, providing a sense of the area’s long-standing traditions.

The route continued toward the Manorial Earthworks by Curtin Woods, remnants of Laxton’s medieval past. These earthworks are believed to mark boundaries or serve as defensive structures from an earlier time. Nearby, Curtin Wood provided a peaceful contrast to the open fields, with shaded woodland paths, rich in wildlife, adding a sense of seclusion to the walk.

Next, the path led to the Old Fishponds, which once played a role in medieval Laxton’s self-sufficiency, as fish were a key food source during this time. The ponds now offer a scenic, tranquil spot surrounded by lush greenery and abundant birdlife.

The walk then progressed into Egmonton Woods, an ancient woodland with a mix of old trees and rich undergrowth. This part of the walk offered a serene, forested environment, perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the sounds of nature.

The route concluded by looping back toward Laxton Visitor Centre, once again passing through the patchwork of open fields, ending a walk that beautifully combined history, rural landscapes, and natural beauty in one. This walk is a rich journey through Laxton’s medieval heritage and countryside charm, offering varied scenery and peaceful surroundings.