Eight Rotarians, plus Mark Butcher’s wife, Kelsie, Val Haswell and Ian White’s daughter, Joanna, joined together to enjoy an informal walk, organised by Rotarian Dave Stewart.
Approximately 8km of riverside paths, a field or two and an ancient cemetery – just the right distance for a morning walk, finishing at the very welcoming country-style pub, the Bridge at Shawford.
Most of us took the short train journey from Winchester to Eastleigh where we began our walk. What an enjoyable, relaxing way to get to know each other better and deepen friendships; its free, no fundraising, no seeking sponsorship – just a very modest train fare and an inexpensive pub lunch.
On our way we met many other walkers, runners, and dogs out for a stroll or a swim in the river, all enjoying its beauty and tranquility, with its swans, ducks, and nearby fields with wildflowers and ancient trees.
Due to Dave’s extensive knowledge, he took us through a medieval churchyard in Kiln Lane, Otterbourne, where the remains of timeworn tombstones still stood deep in the grass – their names having disappeared with the passing of centuries. We saw visible remnants of the 13th century, St Matthew’s Church whose last remains, (the chancel), were demolished in 1971. The current St Matthew’s Church in Otterbourne which was consecrated in 1839, is closer to the village houses and further away from the noisy railway line which was under construction at the time.
There was probably a medieval tile factory at Kiln Lane which according to documentation supplied floor tiles to Winchester College and Winchester Cathedral.
We arrived at The Bridge pub at 13.05, just in time to see two ‘late comers’ join us for lunch – no names mentioned! Seriously, it was good to welcome those who for whatever reason could not join us on the walk. This was a social occasion with everyone welcome.
Thank you, Dave, for a beautiful walk and a very happy morning. When is the next one? We need more fun events like this.
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Diana Brooks
