WINTER WALK
Report by Cally Smith
The weather was bright and clear, sunny and cold, which is the best you can hope for in early February. Thirty eight of us met in central Ludham, many people early as they were keen to get round and out of the wind, and a fleet of cars ferried people to the start of the walk at Ludham Bridge. The Stoke Community Bus did sterling work making a number of trips and proving that 'Dial a Ride' is usually staffed by pensioners, though I understand there were no Wetheralls Originals or mint humbugs offered. And you need a flat cap, Jimmy.
Photo: Jane Stevens
Tom (Moore) and I then hot footed it up to St Benets to assemble the Famed EACC Pop-Up Tea Stop, while Paul (Stevens) led the walk along the new path beside the Ant.
Photo: Carolyn James
The tea team needed 40 minutes for the water to heat up and I should have known better than to rely on one of the fastest skippers to make it a leisurely pace - they did it in 20 minutes and caught us unready. Next time I shall look at handicaps and find a leader on at least 25.
Photo: Carolyn James
Roger ( Everett) happily filled the interregnum with an interesting wartime tale of vivid characters, secret equipment and espionage on the Bure, and then the kettle finally boiled. The group fell on the refreshments, especially the homemade cakes from Frankie (Little) which confirmed her as the Bake Off Queen. The recipe is here so you can recreate the joy at home.
Photo: Carolyn James
We had set the tea stop up in the mill itself and it proved a very convivial and atmospheric location, perfect for circulating. Not something we could do in the summer, but in early February we almost had the place to ourselves and the other walkers who arrived were glad to be offered coffee and cake.
The donations for the refreshments raised £25 for the EACC 2018 charity.
Photo: Carolyn James
Photo: Carolyn James
Thus fortified, and with a wee nip of Dalwhinnie to keep out the cold, the walkers set off up the concrete road and marsh tracks towards the village whilst the tea team packed up, resolutely assisted by a one-armed Lesley (Everett). In minutes the evidence of the sharing of food and drink, such a part of the history here of providing succour to travellers for hundreds of years, was just a memory and we slipped away leaving the site to its secrets.
Photo: Carolyn James
Back in Ludham village we sat outside the pub enjoying the sun for a while before settling into the bar for pre-lunch drinks, which were followed by lunch. Most people opted for the carvery, which all agreed was very good with excellent fresh vegetables and good value too at £9.95. Sam (May) demonstrated an engineering approach to loading his plate and proved that, contrary to the old adage, you really can eat something bigger than your head! It was a good event and much enjoyed and we look forward to seeing you all again at the next social event which is the Pub Night on 10 March at Acle Bridge Inn.
Photo: Carolyn James
Photo: Jane Stevens
Photo: Jane Stevens
Photo: Jane Stevens
Photo: Jane Stevens
Photo: Jane Stevens
Photo: Paul Stevens
Photo: Paul Stevens
Photo: Jane Stevens
Photo: Roger Everett
Photo: Paul Stevens