Being December 30th, congregational numbers were considerably down on normal, but they are definitely a cheerful, friendly lot. We noticed a sign-up sheet for a New Year's Day walk followed by home-made soup!) and figured this would be a good way to meet people, and even see a little of Norwich.
The walkers were obviously a very august group - we fitted right in there. "Going for walks" is a very English activity, and one gets all kitted up in good strong mud-proof boots, and many people like to carry two poles - I was offered a pair (maybe I was looking a bit lame) but I noticed none of this group were using them, although we have seen many walkers heading across fields on public footpaths dragging on their double poles.
Graham, our esteemed leader explained the route across the marshes - not too muddy at present - and along the way stopped to point out various landmarks and great houses, explaining their history and which local family had lived there over the centuries.
The Brits are amazing like that, how they know and own their lords and ladies and all their business.
Graham explained that at some point we would see a mare, with swans on it. Even the rest of the group looked at each other with puzzled expressions.
There were quite a few different kinds of gate to pass through across the fields. This one is a "kissing gate" - you push the gate, go around the end of it, then push it back the other way and walk through. There was a sign that said "Don't feed the horses" - unfortunately the horses couldn't read it and really wanted to be fed. Black-and-whitey here was in the kissing gate, and had to be physically pushed out of the way so we could get through.
We saw a lot more horses along the way, and walked along the river and past this pond ... with swans on it.
The chaps called it a "mere", and Graham pronounced it "mare", and there were swans on it!
Finally we all headed back to Graham's place for a delicious soupy lunch and some great conversation.
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