On 21st August, twelve members of the Walking Group enjoyed a four-and-a-half mile stroll across Blackmore Down and through Collingbourne Woods. Although the day was fairly hot there was a pleasant breeze on the Down and the Woods, which are more famous for their spring bluebells, were nicely shaded. The route skirted the remains of Ludgershall Castle, which was a royal hunting lodge in the thirteenth century, and later crossed Church Ride, the last surviving equestrian hunting trail from that time. After re-crossing Blackmore Down to the east, the group were joined by three non-walking members for a fine lunch at the Queens Head in Ludgershall courtesy of landlady Jane.

Submitted by Rosemary Crumplin
 
Sadly, our day started with the news that Bob Taylor had been taken ill and would not be able to lead the group, but the day still went ahead with me picking up the reins.  We are pleased to say that Bob is making a slow recovery and we all wish him well.
 
We had a good turn out for the day and a beautiful drive across the Wiltshire downs to Chedworth, near Cirencenster, where the Roman Villa is situated.  Although the site was first discovered c1870, it has only been in recent years that they have come to realise that it is of significant importance. 

The Smales family have an organic farm and dairy herd to produce the milk from which the Lyburn Cheese is made and also grow vegetables for the organic market. They run a few open evenings each year in July and the money raised is given to charity.
 
On July 12th after weeks of uninterrupted sunshine the heavens decided to open as we were setting off for the New Forest. The journey there took us through scenic countryside (which was in great need of the rain) and by the time we arrived at the farm thankfully the rain had almost stopped.

Approximately 20 members of the very active AHA Group visited Wilton for a ‘walk through history’ on 29th June; guided by our old friend David James who is one of the most knowledgeable Blue Badge Guides in the area.  It was a fascinating visit to the town which gave Wiltshire its name & which was founded centuries before England was a united country.
There is evidence of Roman, Saxon and Norman habitation, but the most extensive & important era for the town remains the Saxon period when, it benefited from Royal patronage, with an extensive Abbey re-built in stone by Edith wife of Edward the Confessor. The Benedictine Order prospered there from about AD830 through to the Dissolution in 1539. Much of the stone was then utilised by Earl William Herbert, one of Henry VIII’s favourites, to build Wilton House.

Members of the Questers Group met in Winchester on a sunny day in June 2018 for a guided walk lead by Vanessa Silcock, one of the city’s Blue Badge Guides.   Commencing at King Alfred’s statue, we proceeded through the gardens to the path along the River Itchen which has played such an important role in the history of Winchester.
Vanessa, told us that Winchester College is the oldest school in the world still using its original buildings, the Cathedral has the longest nave of all gothic style cathedrals in Europe, the city has a thriving University and an extensive history dating back before the Romans.  After approx. 200 years of Roman occupation, the city had expanded to one of the largest in Britain, & stone walls were erected.

​It was one of the hot days in mid-April when 18 Questers met at Bowood House in Wiltshire between and Calne and Chippenham
Set in glorious parkland we were glad to be guided round the cooler house and learn the story of Dr Priestley, a priest, non-conformist, philosopher and scientist.
Whilst living at Bowood as tutor to the children of Lord Shelburne, Priestley had the time and facilities to experiment with different “airs”. He discovered many gases the most important being oxygen. Some of his home-made appliances were shown in the small laboratory in the centre of the house.
After our tour we were free to see the rest of the house and grounds and the many artefacts and sculptures and learn the history of the Lansdowne and Shelburne families. A lunch in one of the two restaurants ended a most interesting day.