29 December 2017 Walk from car park to Granny Smith's in Cosby

Heavy rain the previous night had cleared away most of the ice and snow but there were still icy patches on the footpaths and lanes making it tricky to walk any great distance.

Plan B came into operation i.e. walk from the Village Hall Car Park to Granny Smith's cafe in the village - it turned out to be one of those good ideas! 

Hopefully, we'll be back on track next week.

Meanwhile, happy and healthy 2018 to all our walkers.

22.12.2017 walking in Bradgate Park. app 4mls.

Welcome to Bradgate Park. We all met at the Newtown Lindford car park, well wrapped up and most of us sporting hats with a Christmas theme i.e.  puddings, trees, chimneys, snow scenes and several Santa hats. There were sweaters and socks with a Christmas theme, even ear rings for the ladies whilst the some of the fellas simply sported Father Christmas hair styles.

Through the main gates.

                         

We came across the Memorial Wood, recently opened to the public to enjoy - a place to rest and reflect perhaps.

                                       

Moving on down the track towards the other main gate of the park.

Chatting while waiting for the others to catch up before turning around for the walk back through the park.

A des res in beautiful parkland- maybe a little too quiet at times?

At the Visitor Centre we found the cafe was closed but luckily the kiosk selling hot drinks was open.

We'd brought home baked goodies to help the coffee/tea go down - what a treat!

Willie, Sheila and Naire managed to get in on the act.

                                   
Leaving the Visitor Centre and back on track again homeward bound.
























         

Lady Jane Grey's ruined house.

                         

           








            
Old John - a local landmark.

Gorgeous Bradgate Park -whatever the weather - we'll be back in 2018.

Happy Christmas everyone.  🎅

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

15th December 2017 Christmas Munch Thurlaston Garden Centre

What can I say? On the day of the Christmas munch the weather beat us. A small smattering of snow overnight turned to ice on the pavements and lanes where we'd planned to walk. A decision was made to cancel the actual walk but carry on with the festivities. Everyone  was informed by telephone, E mail, word of mouth and possibly pigeon post. 

We all met at the Gardener's Rest at Thurlaston Garden Centre at 12.00 noon and proceeded to tuck into the magnificent buffet provided by the catering staff.

Below is one of the posters on the wall of the restaurant - very apt -no excuses needed to indulge in a piece of cake.

 Christmas hats and jumpers were out for all to see.

The sun was in the eyes of some people, depending on where you were seated. A very misleading picture when considering the condition of the paths outside. 

Plenty of time to catch up on everyone's Christmas plans. 

Twenty nine walkers joined in the festive munch.

More eating than talking going on at this table.

Excellent choice of menu, something for everyone.

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More pies? Yes please.

After the cracking buffet there was plenty of time to have a look at photographs by one of the groups photographers.

Thank you so much for the thoughtful gifts and card from everyone - you are very generous. 

                                     

                                               

 

A big thank you to everyone who helps with the walks - our photographers, walk sorter outers, and everybody who comes along making the group such a great success.  

Unfortunately, some of our regulars couldn't make it on the day but we wish them well and hope to see them soon.

Finally, a big thank you to Thurlaston Garden Centre for providing the superb buffet.

And the answer to the question is - yes, we're booked in again for next year.

Happy Christmas everybody.