Cropwell Bishop Village Parish Plan

Leaving Spring Behind (19-5-13)

The official start of summer is still over a month away but this morning there was the feeling that this year it is definitely on target. It was T-shirt weather and even, for some, shorts weather.

Fifteen people set off with the Cropwell Bishop Walking Club at 10 o'clock and after the first stile near the Wheatsheaf, it was effectively level walking all the way. Only the slight climb up the field towards the Colston Bassett Road reduced the amount of chattering (a little).

Then it was a brisk walk westwards along the Canal towpath as far as Hoe Hill Wood. There we had the chance to walk along the 'new' path through the Wood.

Now that the path has a hard surface, walking is much easier than it was through those muddy hollows of last year. The land owner (Russell Price) is to be commended for making it more like a country park path than the dark muddy track it was.

After just an hour and a half we were back home again. It was just long enough to get some exercise, have a natter with a variety of people and still be home early enough to pop something in the oven for Sunday dinner.

And you don't have to be a 'member' to come along; everyone is welcome. If you want to be informed of the next one, send me an email.

Tony

Stepping into Spring (7-4-13)

At last the weather has changed for the better—at least for a few days anyway.

Fourteen people were at the Wheatsheaf Car Park at 10am this morning and by mid-day they were all home again. But in between they were happy to be in the brilliant sunshine striding along a new route leading to the highest point in South Nottinghamshire, high enough for Nottingham Astronomical Society to have its Obervatory: we passed on our way.

The Walk had everything; steep climbs, great views, woodland walks and long downhill slopes. We stood to look at the new A46 and picked out landmarks in Nottingham City Centre. We also spotted the QMC and Nottingham University.

Just think, a week or so ago those hills would have been covered in snow, we have shivered in the cold north wind, and views of the City Centre would have been impossible. How lovely it is to have Spring here at last (fingers crossed!)

Tony

(Photos by me, Ed Ward and John Greenwood)

Boxing Day Walk (26-12-12)

Over 30 people joined in the 5th Boxing Day Walk this morning.

At this time of year, it come as no surprise that the weather caused some problems. As we made our way along the Canal tow-path and then along the old Fosse Way behind Cropwell Butler, the intense sunshine often made it necessary for us to shield our eyes. Even so, no one complained!

Because it was Boxing Day, the end of the Walk was not home, but the Old School where Hilary and her helpers Sue, Elaine, Judith (plus mother) and Linda prepared a feast.

Barlows hot pork and sausages tucked inside cobs were awaiting everyone. With jars of preserves and sauces provided free by Barbara Pugh, plates of warm juicy cobs soon filled the tables. And then there was mulled wine followed by mince pies and stollen cake. A lovely morning.

Tony

(Photos by Mel and Tony)