Saturday 16th March 2024.

Annual Christian Aid Walk around Tittesworth Reservoir

So very close to home, there is some remarkable scenic countryside, a fact that I have been well aware of since moving to my present home in 1975.  Back then, Fred Thurkell, whom I first knew as a result of house-hunting, introduced me to the spectacular sights of the Manifold Valley, probably less than 20 miles away. 

Sunday 17th March 2024. – continued from yesterday.

This time, yesterday, I was almost immobile, just about getting my breath back, hardly able to move far from the settee.  Without preparation, I joined the annual Christian Aid North Staffordshire Sponsored Walk, five very scenic and lovely miles around Tittesworth Reservoir.  I was assured the route was relatively flat, similar, perhaps, to the five mile round trip along the trackbed of the former Cromford and High Peak Railway between Parsley Hay and Friden Brickworks (which still operates).  I did have misgivings, but yesterday started with very bright, clear sunny weather, with the sharpness of an earlier frost morphing into a very pleasant morning. 

The Rev’d Martin Collins picked me up outside the currently disused St. James’s, Harpur Hill.  Being cool outside, I wore several layers, fearing that perhaps I might need to shed one or two as the day progressed and I became rather warm.  There is a God!   Cloud would eventually obliterate the lovely blue sky, and it would remain cool all day, even with a little rain!  

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Former churchwarden at St. Mary’s, Eric Thompson, would, along with Liz Collins, fill the rather nice little red car, which would be our transport for the nine mile ride through unspoiled countryside to Tittesworth Reservoir, very nicely developed by Severn Trent Water into an extremely attractive walking trail.  At the entrance, there is an appealing, well run visitors’ centre and café.   I understand 80 people or thereabouts had signed up for the Sponsored Walk.  Radio Stoke had set up a trailer (somewhat basic) with sound-system and mics, for “obscure” dignitaries who kindly came to speak before c80 of us, of all ages, including young children and posh dogs set off on the five mile trek.

When I go for a walk, I don’t like to stand around for twenty minutes, my back hurts; I need to get going, especially when the air is still sharp.  I didn’t feel in the mood for listening to various speeches and found myself somewhere to sit and also hand in my donations collected so far, at the same time.  Thus, I lost my walking companions!   Assuming they had raced ahead, I rejoined the crowd, attempting to catch up with Eric and Liz.  They were nowhere in sight, and I resigned myself to circumnavigating the reservoir by myself, generally managing to keep up with the seasoned walkers.  I don’t know how many short but fairly steep hills I had ascended, but now was time to avail myself of a bench at the summit of one such hill.  Ye Gods!  I was almost completely breathless. I gazed at the reservoir and felt that I had been teleported to Lake Windermere!  The task ahead had become daunting.  And it was no warmer.  I got up to continue and was already preparing in my mind, profuse apologies for keeping my walking companions waiting, and perhaps messing up the planned lunch, which would be our special treat at the end of the walk.  

I couldn’t believe my eyes!  I looked to see how many were still following.  There were both Liz and Eric.  No wonder I couldn’t catch up with them. They were behind me!  We all sat down again, surprised to be “reunited.”  I enjoyed one of Liz’s delicious homemade biscuits and was even offered a coffee.  We completed the full five mile circumnavigation, and it was fascinating to have no end of interesting things pointed out by a very knowledgeable Eric.  I was just in time to receive an official certificate, which will go on display at the Church.

The hills highlighted how unfit and ill-prepared I was, and the only thing I could manage after arrival home was a long relax on the sofa in my lounge.  Last night, I “slept for England” and was in good time to resume “light duties” at St. John’s Church.  Today, only the heel on my right foot is showing decreasing signs of sensitivity. 

Perhaps I should try Lake Windermere next time.

Many thanks for reading, David, at home, almost recovered, Sunday 17th March 2024, 19.23 hrs.

IMPORTANT P.S.

My Just Giving page is still open.  Further donations are always welcome.  Text/phone David Nevell, 07791 018 518 or e-mail at QM2@sky.com

Very best wishes, David.