Text contributed by Lisa; pictures by Johnny, Lisa, Christina and Glen.
What a fabulous turnout of 19 enthusiastic participants for Francis’ 20-mile walk from Needham Market to Woodbridge on a lovely, sunny April Saturday.
Ipswich-based members had an easy bus journey to the starting point near Roots and Shoots garden centre, whilst those of us who live outside Ipswich had more of a logistical challenge in getting cars to Ipswich railway station in the morning, ready for the evening. But it’s good to have to use our brains sometimes, rather than our feet. Not too often though.
The walk took us east through the countryside north of Ipswich, past Coddenham House to the churchyard in Coddenham, where we stopped for a brief break.
We then walked on to Hemingstone Hall, where Glen kindly dropped Christina off to join us and, of course, took the obligatory group photo. Ian then met us as we passed near Henley.
A leisurely lunch was taken in a field that offered shade for some, whilst the shorts-clad sun worshippers lay out in full sunshine.
A few Suffolk equivalents of hills, lots of open, rural countryside and glimpses of yet more huge houses and halls led the way to Swilland church, with its unusual timber-framed spire.
We had an extended break here because, even though we were walking at a relaxed pace, we were still ahead of schedule for our much-anticipated pub dinner.
A few miles on, the Turks Head in Hasketon efficiently served us with excellent meals in smart surroundings. Getting up from the table, full of food, warm and a little sleepy was the biggest challenge, but we were soon walking the further three miles into Woodbridge, with most of us looking gorgeous in hi-vis, to the railway station where we caught the train back to Ipswich.
Thank you, Francis, for a well-organised, sociable, relaxed walk, which meant we hardly realised we had completed 20 miles.
