Hi Gang,

Well after multiple visits & reckys of the area around BAMPTON, W Oxon at least we knew where it WAS NOT safe to walk HaHa.

Nine of us met by the impressive church. Two new - Steven from Swindon on his first walk - Welcome. Godswill from GOC Cambridge - their Cor-rdinator - was travelling through with is sister - and joined us for part of the walk - Both "Thank You".

As we me so the church bells pealed out over us - it was not raining - so we decided on checking the church - occupied - then museum with the intention of exploring the outside scenes used for the "Downton Abbey" series.

We soon discovered that Andrew L from Faringdon (who will be taking us on what is going to be his first GOC Leading Walk next month) lived at Bampton before moving to Faringdon.

He gave us a precise running commentary on the annual events as we passed around the Market Town.

Clearly the water passing through is controlled as we were able to walk down water courses.

We discovered that Bampton had three vicarage's a Rectory for the visiting Bishop. Andrew explained there were several chapels, each linked by narrow high walled footpaths dividing the large houses. By going to a large gate were were able to see fields of snowdrops & crocuses along with walking in the cemetery edged with them.

After exploring the church we drove to the Garden Centre for an extended social lunch.

Thanks particularly to Andrew but all who attended and contributed.

Regards, Bill