Lancashire RR – Witton Park Blackburn 18th November 2014
Witton Park gave us a warm welcome not only by bringing the 5 loan Trampers we had booked to the car for the users but the sun had us peeling back the layers. Those new to using a Tramper had easy tarmacked path out along to Pleasington Nature Reserve with a little weaving between the trees through the wood before entering the walled garden. Not much sign of wild flowers today but the birds were singing and the squirrels were cheekily keeping an eye on us. Volunteers are gallantly trying to maintain this walled garden which was opened by David Bellamy but as with many things financial restraints have left it a little overgrown but still a tranquil haven for a quiet winter walk. We left the Nature Reserve and ventured up the lane towards Pleasington Priory to look at the views over to Darwin Tower – where we were last month and in the other direction Rivington Pike – where we will be next month! As the photos show all in brilliant sunshine just a cloud over Pleasington Priory so not such a good picture.
Amongst our party it was lovely to see old members Patrick and Jenny who were surprized to see Witton Park had so much to offer as they only live a few miles away and had not been there before. They brought friends and first timers, Alan and Kath. We also had first timers from East Lancs and friends of Owen’s, Eric & Joan. Laurence got ‘the man with most miles travelled’ prize as he joined us from Wigton in Cumbria with his carer Shona.
After lunch Nick our leader took us on a more adventurous route up through the woods and we carefully picked our way around the ruins of what was once Witton Hall. We would like to thank Tember Walsh who made a special effort while still on sick leave with a broken wrist to see our day out went well. Nick Burton for leading us on the day and the team at Witton who keep the Trampers in tip top condition. Witton Park are keen to get the six Trampers they have out on more of these events so please contact me or them if you would like to join us.
Eileen Tomlinson
DR Reg Rep Lancashire