Leigh - The Plough

Walking Back to Backwardsness - does anyone else remember Helen Shapiro?

 Tuesday 29 March

Walkers: Windy, 2 legs, Lil and Clat. - no Farty/T.B. due to Uncle's visit, and everyone else occupied. However, Hoots became an F.T.J. as she had overslept - that's what an SFO does to you. Sue who has now been re-built, joined us for lunch - hurrah.

Find of the Walk: a gloved tree

Distance: 6 1/2 miles, which was a comfortable length.
After trying to contact Hoots, we checked the time. Lil told us it was a minute past a freckle (that's what happens when you don't wear glasses) so we decided to get going and do this walk backwards, only Windy took that a bit too literally, and we had to turn her round - oh dear. Off we went, weather a bit grey, and we soon had a bit of rain accompanying us.

Over ploughed fields, through a little woodlet where we found a serpent-like vine wrapped round a tree. The spring flowers are really coming on - wood anemonemonemonemonemones unfurling their petals, and maids-a-milking in bloom and proud of it. Being just four of us, our conversations were shared and soon we were discussing recent t.v. programmes. It seems that one of the Chilean miners has now become an Elvis impersonator, and is feted and lauded wherever he goes - from miner to mimer then? 2 legs did a convincing Essex girl dialogue from the relevant programme, and how you dry your hair, from Embarrassing Illnesses was also mentioned - i leave this section to your imagination.

We headed towards Wonham Mill which is really getting sorted, and the renovation work has begun. A planning application for 6 dwellings has gone in - we shall watch and wait with interest. Here, Windy removed her cagoule and 2 legs remarked that she usually did this accompanied by music - and a pole.

Passing a cottage, we noticed two men emerging, covered in black dust. 'Are you chimney sweeps?' we asked 'no, we have been taking down ceilings' was the reply - you live and learn. The Blue Dolphin pub hoved into view, in we went, and had the most delicious coffee and peppermint tea. Whilst chatting, a tadpole entered. This is Lil's name for a cyclist, as they are clad in black rubbery stuff, rounded at the top, and then taper-off at the end. Talking of clothing, we've decided that trousers should be able to roll up and down, at whim, like blinds - someone needs to invent Venetian trousers.

25mins later, and we out walking once more. Along by the river, and through some fields, then more of the same, before eventually reaching the road which leads to the pub. This section had us walking at quite a pace, so not much was talked about. We spied Sue in the churchyard, with the other 'legs' who were overjoyed to see us - it's been a long time. We examined her tiny scars and bruises, and are pleased that she is doing well. Keyhole in the kneehole.

The pub was fairly busy, and it was warm enough to eat outside, so we went inside. Something has happened here - something is missing. The staff are the same, the prices have gone up, and the menu seems rather limited. Although we were served attentively, it just wasn't the same. The food arrived, some of it o.k. , nearly all of it tepid or just warm, salads were tired, and Chris couldn't eat her chips. What a shame, so here are the marks: service 4 (we weren't asked if the food was o.k. and it wasn't), ambience 4, value 3 (there's a lot of little +£1 signs all over the menu), food 3.

Out we came, muttering our dis-approvals and decided to arrange next week's venue, which is: The Barley Mow at Tandridge - see you there.