Winter Walk 2003

. It seems to be tradition now that the heaviest rain of the season falls on Winter Walk Day, and this year was no exception. Nevertheless, there were no defaulters, and 22 brave souls met at Pooh Car Park on the Ashdown Forest and quickly changed into the equivalent of their 'oilies' for the two mile circular walk that would earn them the right to a pub lunch.

The paths were squelchy and the trees were dripping, and there was no let up in the rain as we made our way through the woods and down the lane to Marsh Green. Then out over the same stream that we would see later at 'Pooh Bridge', and across some open country. Into the woods again and time to gather the Pooh Sticks as all the trees near the Bridge have long since been stripped of twigs. Arriving at the Bridge the river was full, with a good tide running, and all 22 of us managed to squeeze onto it to launch our sticks over the side. In true Ashdown style, there was no racing, it was a cruise under the bridge and out the other side thoroughly enjoyed by all 'boats'.

Back up the hill to the car park, off with the oilies, and on to 'The Anchor Inn' at Hartfield where there was a welcome drink and roast Sunday Lunch waiting. Good food and good company always make an enjoyable time, so many thanks to all who turned out and made the walk a success. Next year we'll try and add good weather to that combination.

Trevor Denham