Last weekend we were invited over to Pam’s in Ashby De La Zouche and her pre-Christmas party.
Having been to one of Pam’s parties earlier in the year (see Walk 45- Draycott Water smells like Venice) we had high expectations of a wild night. It seemed only appropriate that we should try to get as many people as possible to go for a walk on Sunday. As it turned out though the party was a sedate, pleasant affair and I enjoyed drinking champagne all night. That’s just the way we over 50s roll- hurrah! Even Pam managed to stay up past 8:30 and we were all in bed by midnight.
The next day Jane and I arrived from our hotel, back at Pam’s house ready for the walk, as agreed at 10am. Things in the house were a little more laid back and the walkers were still showering and waiting for Guy to cook their full English breakfast. We decided to go for a little drive round as Jane started to feel the effects of the dogs that’d be accompanying us on the walk today. This turned out to be quite a good break as I popped my car into one of those hand cleaning places. It was fab- we had about 7 nice East European chaps working on my car which came out gleaming and it only cost £7 altogether. Excellent service.
The walkers today roped in by Pam were: Pam and Guy, my Jane, Mad Jane and Martin, Emma and Jamie. Emma’s dogs (Molly, Frank and Harry) also joined us. They’re a family of Springer Spaniels and are very lively. Pam had planned for us to take a 4 mile potter around Ashby itself. The weather was not too bad as we set out although I think Mad Jane’s sunglasses were a bit optimistic! Apparently that’s something to do with crows feet prevention. She maybe mad but she’s also very glam!! She’s also very kind as she lent my Jane some walking shoes as I’d forgotten to pack her walking boots in the clean car.
The walk is one which Pam and Guy have done regularly over the past few months. So what is Ashby de la Zouche famous for? Well, it is home town of fictional character Adrian Mole and where Pandora became MP in later years. It is also home to a big United Biscuits factory and of particular interest, where they make Hula Hoops. Not that we could smell them today- disproving Pete’s theory that towns smell of the product they make. Mind you, it was Sunday .(note to self: return on a Tuesday and have a sniff)
We walked across the park where the dogs were let off their leads and ran crazy living upto there energetic name. As we left the park we passed the castle- an English heritage site. Sadly the local tour guide (Pam) was unable to impart too much info about this point of interest (POI). Luckily there was a very informative sign telling us that this was a ‘prominent Royalist stronghold’. There’s a visitor centre here too but today we felt that this was all we needed to know.
Next door there was a very smart looking tennis club which attracted my attention somewhat more that the castle. It had some very nice AstroTurf courts and I wondered if Adrian Mole and Pandora were members. We didn’t walk through the town itself but rather skirted around the edges. We passed the Regional headquarters of the Girl Guides. Pam and I posed for a pic as the only ex guides amongst the group.
Next we passed the St Helens church where there are some unusual patterned shields around the door. The various shields had wheatsheafs, farm implements and then one with three frogs on it. Maybe a reference to the towns connections with France after the Norman Conquests.
We then started to leave the town and walk down a main road. It was here that the weather took a turn for the worse and suddenly it was having an absolute downpour. I’d been spoilt in South Africa and not experienced anything like this for a while now. We put up our hoods and ploughed in. I have to say though, I was enjoying being back outdoors again walking, even in this weather, after being back at work for a week and indoors all day with my laptop.
As we walked along the road I found out that our fellow walker, Emma, was in fact Guy’s sister. You’d never guess this as they don’t look at all alike. Pam explained that Emma had grown up in S Africa with their Mum whereas Guy had chosen to stay in this country with his Dad (after they separated). Emma had only returned to this country five years ago after their mother passed away and when her concerns about security became too severe. Four attacks in a short period in Joburg was enough to convince her the time was up.
We got thoroughly soaked but it wasn’t cold and we were all in good spirits. Especially when we came across the pub!! It would have been rude not to pop in..
Inside Mad Jane and I warmed ourselves up on the radiators trying to dry our trousers. Bad idea ..very irritating On the legs apparently. We all had either a coffee or a ginger wine. Not much hair of the dog going on.
Then we were on our way again and made our way back for the final mile through some fields. This was my chance to catch up with Mad Jane and we chatted about star signs and compatibility. She has a strong belief that it is no use at all a Virgo dating an Aries. We’d already had a pretty comprehensive discussion about camper vans as Emma and Jamie had theirs parked on the front drive. Jane and Martin dream of having a camper van but they enjoy their caravaning in the meantime. This always amazes me as Mad Jane seems like the last person you’d expect to see camping in any form. But good on her- she loves it.
It was all quite civilised and not too muddy. Soon we were walking back down the streets again to Pam and Guy’s house. When we got back there was talk of mulled wine and mince pies but Jane and I were good and got off home as we’d got so much to do to get ready for Christmas having both been away.
I’d really enjoyed this walk, despite the weather, which is good because it looks like it might get even more challenging as we get to the end of the year. What’s that you say, Shefali? Snow…….eek.
And in other news this week….I won the team bake off competition at work. This is a competition that has been running all year and it was my apple, walnut and maple syrup tray bake that won the day. I mention this in connection with walking because I had hoped next year to lose some weight again. As those of you who have followed this blog regularly will realise, I have been having a lovely time and this is not, it turns out, necessarily good for the waistline. I thought maybe next year I’d put this right….but my bake off prize is a whacking great cake cookbook and the recipes look yummy….oh dear….
Walky Talky 