11th March
We arrived at Nev and Mary’s home for coffee before beginning our local walk around Barton in the Beans. At around 11 o’clock, we all set off, heading along the roadway towards the main house and workshops of the famous Deacon clockmakers. Their long-case clocks are well known to collectors as “Clocky Deacons.”
Passing through the small village, our route took us along a footpath beside a farmer’s field and then onto a bridleway. Keeping to the signposted path, we continued for another half-an-hour before reaching the main road in Carlton, where the Gate Hangs Well public house has stood for many years.
Now beautifully renovated, the pub proved to be a lovely spot. The whole group had booked to eat, and everyone enjoyed their meals – very nice indeed.
Afterwards, it was time to make our way back to Nev and Mary’s. Most of the group retraced their steps along the bridleway and through the fields, while Mary and I opted for the tarmac finished lanes – a shorter route of about a mile, leading us back to the promise of cake. Sure enough, coffee and delicious cakes were waiting for us, kindly served by our hosts.
A great time was had by all on a gloriously sunny day. Many thanks to Nev and Mary for organising everything – especially the beautiful weather. Blue skies at last – hooray!
Gerald and Mary Ladkin