Dress rehearsal…

26/04/2007 by the walkers.

We packed our rucksacks with what we wish/need to carry each day, squabbling about how much we should be taking or leaving out. Our idea was to walk from our home to Walltown Crags a steep climb about one mile or so away; rearrange the rucksacks if necessary, on the covered picnic tables next to the cafe, and hopefully get a good idea of the weight.

When we reached our intended destination we realized our plans were scuppered as all the tables were taken by a coach load of school children from Uttoxeter, Staffs. As it was, we were content with the weight, but our presence drew the attention of the children who were interested in the walk and charity. We left leaflets about the A.O.S. with them as we did with others we met on the very short walk.

Following this we decided to walk to nearby Thirlwall Castle This was built as a strong defensible home like the local bastle houses. Between 1300 and 1600 life in these parts was dangerous and unstable with cross-border raids or “reiving” between England and Scotland. The words bereave (from to reive) and ‘blackmail’ are now part of our language from these times. Although the castle in uninhabitable it is run by the Northumberland National Park which has enabled the Castle and its wildlife habitats to be conserved for visitors.

The newly opened Thirlwall Castle Farmhouse Tea-rooms was a welcome break and we sampled Tina Scott’s goodies on the return journey - all of three miles! Later we joined our good friends and neighbours Margaret and John Doherty who are driving us to St. Bee’s on Saturday for the start of our walk - their contribution towards the charity.

We are truly blessed with the number of well wishers and continual donations. Among those welcomed was a special card depicting the Our Lady Star of the Sea icon sent by Sheila Bailey and all the staff at A.O.S. head office. She ends with an old Irish saying:-
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back; the sunshine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Veronica.

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