A big thank you to our Chairman and all those members who joined the Berkshire and Mid Thames Group on our 50th GOC Anniversary Walk on Walbury Hill on 21 June.

The day started bright and sunny and we all hoped it would remain so for the rest of the day. By lunch time the wind had increased and and when we all met on the top of Walbury Hill, Berkshire's highest point with views over 5 counties, we were met by fairly strong south westerly breeze which sent a shiver down our spines. But we are a gallant lot and the majority of us had brought some warm outer clothing which we donned before the Chairman unfurled his  GOC's 50th Anniversary banner to commemorate the event.

We then set off on our walk along the Wayfarers way passing  Combe Gibbet originally erected in 1676 and on which the bodies of two local people who had been accused and found guilty of murder were hung. Since then it has never been used. We followed a route which led us down from the exposed ridge to the bottom of Walbury hill which we circumnavigated passing Wright farm and a few attractive properties nestled in the lee of the hill.  After some fairly easy road walking we reached the east side of the hill which we then ascended driven on in part by the thought of our celebratory picnic.

I had originally hoped we would picnic by Combe Gibbet but because of the cold breeze we made the car park our base and using Bill's van as a windshield we spread ourselves out over the grass and enjoyed an excellent variety of food and drink all contributed freely by our members.

Thanks again for all those who joined the walk and contributed to the 50th Anniversary meal which I hope we will, repeat again when we celebrate GOC's 100th Anniversary in 2094!!

I look forward to seeing you all again on some future walk.

Regards

Simon