Section 29: Wick to Keynsham
John and Jean were joined again by Brian who had a much better journey this time from Somerset. |
Brian receiving his certificate for completion of Book 1
Brian had previously completed Book 3 and only needs to walk sections 29,30 and 31 to become an End to Ender (End to Enders are a select few who have walked the whole of The Monarch's Way)
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Upton Cheyney War Memorial
This very different war memorial in the form of a shelter and seat has the inscription "1914 - 1918 Upton Cheyney, Beach and Golden Valley sent 55 men to the Great War of whom 7 gave their lives". |
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Brian at Keynsham, The Monarch's Way waymarker just visible on the post to the left
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Section 30 Keynsham to Abbots Leigh : Peter Gould
John handing Trevor's Boots over to Peter who was walking the first part of the section as far as Temple Meads Station. Unfortunately Peter had a rain shower along the way adding to the already very wet paths. |
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Peter holding Trevor's Boots with Julie and Nick
For the next stage of Peter's section the journey started at the M shed "an expensive flashy museum which replaced Bristol's basic industrial Museum on the Docks. Peter was joined by Nick Wilkes (Minder of the next section) and also by Julie Boston the local Ramblers Association Press Officer. The route continued through Bristol's Dockside, this is an area under threat from development and so should be visited before this happens. Peter was concerned that all the recent rain would have severely affected Nightingale Woods, however recent work had made it very easy and relatively dry!!. Maureen Johnson joined the group and took photographs to commemorate the arrival of Trevor's Boots at Abbots Leigh. |
Julie, Peter and Nick arriving at Abbots Leigh Church with Trevor's Boots |
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The walking party then retired to The George a Gasto pub, but one which welcomes walkers. |
Section 31 Abbots Leigh to Winford: Nick Wilkes
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Peter handing Trevor's Boot over to Nick at the start of the section |
The group continued on the same day with Trevor's Boots as far as Long Ashton On Wednesday 9th January Nick parked his car at Dundry and walked Trevor's Boots to Long Ashton to continue the relay along the section. The section was completed on Wednesday 16th January when Nick again parked at Dundry this time and continued to Winford. |
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Section 32 Winford to Compton Martin : Pat Hicks
The picture to the side shows Nick handing Trevor's Boots to Pat Hicks at Winford |
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Pat collected Trevor's boots from Nick Wilkes in Winford in the middle of January but due to poor weather conditions, including a good fall of snow, it wasn't until the 2nd of February that she had chance to walk her section. It was than that she set off with a friend, with Trevor's boots in my rucsac, on a lovely clear and sunny day. Pat had super views, especially as they descended into the Chew Valley, which gave them a chance to appreciate Trevor's choice of route. However, the conditions underfoot were horrendous in places, due to the excessive amount of rain this winter and it was difficult to keep their footing at times. So, after the walk, Pat was grateful that she only had her boots to clean and not Trevor's as well! As Pat neared the end of the walk and were approaching Compton Martin, she was reminded of the time that she met Trevor at the intersection of Villice Lane and Undertown Lane in March 2007. The sun was still shining as Pat finished her walk by the gates of Compton Martin Church. |
Unfortunately, Brian Bourner was unable to meet Pat at the end of the walk that day to take over the boots, so the exchange was made at a later date outside The Ring o' Bells pub, but we were too early in the day for a celebratory drink! |
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