Castleman Trailway on Tuesday 19th August 2025

We met at the car park and had a lovely stroll along Castleman Trailway towards Ringwood. With plenty of shade, it was a perfect location on what potentially could have been a very warm day. We split into a couple of groups as some of us wanted to walk a bit further, and we did, then we met back at our cars. The trailway wasnt too busy however we did pass several cyclists, dog walkers and others walking like us...indeed a perfect day to be out.

A short drive away at The Lantern, we all enjoyed our usual coffee/tea and cake. The staff were so helpful and really couldn't have done any more for us. With a lovely selection of cake, we rounded off a very pleasant afternoon in good company and lots of talking/listening to each other.

 Lady's Mile in the New Forest on Tuesday 5th August 2025

What a lovely afternon we had walking along Lady's Mile on the Forest. The weather and company were both great and we managed to spot a few ponies too....always a bonus. We had a new member yesterday and thankfully he had such a good time, he has decided to become a regular. Fabulous!!

 After a lovely walk both in the sunshine and the shade, we headed to The Pantry Barn at Breamore House where we  were very well looked after by the lovely staff. The cakes were delicious and as always, a lovely way to round off another pleasant Tuesday afternoon.

We were a few people missing yesterday due to different issues, everything crossed we are back to our full quota on our next walk on 19th August.

 Summer Outing to Longdown Activity Farm, Ashurst on 17th June 2025

 

What a fabulous day we had this week on our summer outing. The owners of Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst, Bryan and Dawn Pass, very kindly invited us to join them on a tour of the farm, meet and feed some animals and even have a tractor ride. It was an offer we couldn’t refuse. We were astounded by their generosity when they said there would be no entrance charge for our group. Bryan and Dawn, thank you both for extending such generosity and Farmer Bryan, we really appreciated your guided tours also. So we all gathered at the car park by 12.15, ready for the day ahead.

 

Our treasurer, Andy Wilson, secured a grant from T.H. Russell Charitable Trust which enabled us to have lunch and a cake break late afternoon and also some essential training for all of our volunteers. The delicious food was provided by The Cottage Loaf, Fordingbridge. Another thank you to Mike Penton for listening to our dietary  requests and ensuring a delicious selection of food was enjoyed by all of us. I will have to add that the drinks we appreciated on such a hot day were also courtesy of Bryan and Dawn. Your hospitality was amazing and greatly appreciated by every one of the thirteen of us. What's more the two members of staff in the tea room, Alice and Steph, really went out of their way to accommodate us in lots of lovely ways. Thank you very much.

               

    We had lunch on our arrival then strolled around the farm meeting guinea pigs, a large tortoise, goats, chickens and then headed for our tractor ride. Steve, our driver, was very skilled and although it was a wee bit bumpy, none of us experienced any travel sickness. Thank you for your assistance in and out of the trailer, Steve, and of course your careful driving....very much appreciated.

       
  

     

  

Afterwards, Bryan took us to the Animal Encounter shed where we were fortunate enough to be able to hold a little chick and later pat a guinea pig, this time only one between two. It was then time to feed the kid goats which was an experience some of us had never had before or if we had, it had been quite a while ago.

Fast approaching 3pm, it was definitely time for tea/coffee/soft drink and a delicious piece of cake to round off a wonderful afternoon.

We cannot thank Bryan and Dawn and T.H.Rusell Charitable trust enough for allowing us to have a splendid summer outing without any cost. We all left knowing how fortunate we are in so many ways being able to enjoy such a wonderful experience courtesy of other people's generosity. THANK YOU.

                         Walking on the Forest on Tuesday 3rd June 2025

When we first met up, the heavens opened so we spent some time browsing in the Hyde garden centre admiring their beautiful displays. Thank you for making us feel so welcome, hopefully some of us will return to make some purchases soon. The rain did stop and we headed off for a gentle walk in some warm sunshine...what a wonderful surprise.

                                           

 

As usual, we shared some funny stories which is always a treat. There weren't many animals on the Forest today, however we did enjoy the company of one who followed us for quite a while.

When we arrived at The Potting Shed we gathered together and enjoyed some delicious cake with our coffee and tea.  Thank you once again to the staff who made every effort to make our visit such a pleasure. Having thought we might get a little bit wet today, going home dry was an absolute delight.

Next time we meet is for our annual summer outing which will be at Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst on 17th June 2025.....a lovely afternoon ahead.

 

                            Walking at Avon Beach on Tuesday 20^th May 2025

 

We met at the car park at our usual time and then headed off to Mudeford Quay…what a beautiful day for a walk. The views of the Isle of Wight were super as it was such a perfect weather, not too busy either which is always a bonus. 

We arrived at Mudeford Quay having watched lots of activity on the water, where we  had amazing views of Hengistbury Head. Of course , a cuppa and some cake at The Haven House Café was a lovely halftime treat. We sat for a while chatting and sharing stories and complimenting the delicious cakes.

Afterwards, we strolled back to Avon Beach where we chatted about how nice a day we had enjoyed, before we headed home. Next walk is scheduled for Tuesday 3rd June.