© Gorway Probus Club 16th February 2012

Geoff’s Jottings

After the mild winter so far, our walking day dawned bleak and grey . Even the refuse bins put out in groups looked a little like emperor penguins huddled together for warmth. But we had a good turn-out of over 24 starters raring to go on our walk through Sutton Park.

As Brian promised, we had a varied walk with woodland, open moor-like stretches and a route that took us past six of the Parkʼs lakes. Wyndley pool is the oldest ,dating back to the12th. century or even earlier. At least three of the pools were created to power water mills, (no longer in existence) and more recently were given a new lease of life as recreational areas. Boating and swimming competed with the more traditional sport of fishing. It must have been quite a scene and many of our members will have happy memories of those easy days. But not anymore. Our risk-averse culture has removed most signs of those lively days and we are left with over-fed water fowl and not very communicative fishers. Open stretches of water often look bleak in winter but these also looked sad to me.

Iʼm beginning to regret floating the idea of a photographic competition. Stopping, for coffee or a suitable backdrop for posing is beginning to cut down our walking time! And have you seen the dramatic increase in photos now available on our website? I think a little moderation is called for. I speak as one whoʼs photographic skills are no better than our former walk leader. But at least I donʼt keep losing my camera.

As there were no stiles on this walk, we did not have the usual stretched crocodile, well not at first anyway but as joints and maturity kicked in on the final mile or so, the distance from first to last increased a bit.

As usual, most of the amblers and friends had arrived well ahead of the main party and were tucking into their lunch when we arrived. Queuing for food, as distinct from waiting at oneʼs table to be served is a bit boring and conversation has to include frequent over-the shoulder glances to keep tabs on progress at the counter, (has that woman still not made up her mind?). But that did not stop heated views being exchanged on the subject of quiz shows; a delight for one enthusiast but rubbished by one who had never knowingly watched one. Nothing changes.

Then it came to paying. Brian had previously informed us that there were offers of price reductions if we had the right piece of paper (I had tried the web site and failed to tick the right box). Some of us also had tokens offering cheaper (or was it free?) ice cream tofollow. There then followed a lengthy discussion on what was allowed and how much we saved. As John, our senior banker pointed out. How come all those worthies from so many senior posts in commerce and professions could take so long to work out the best deal? One carvery meal: £5.75. Two meals WITH deduction £10. And the ice cream? I think that was lost in the translation.

Geoff Griffin

Sutton Park  2nd February 2012