The walking group has met whenever ‘restrictions’ allowed and by the time this has gone to print the group should have enjoyed an almost ‘normal’ group outing.

During the past two months walks took place starting from Steeple close to the Star PH.  On the first occasion we had 12 walkers, split into two groups with one group walking clockwise and the other anticlockwise.  We met just about on the halfway mark for a socially-distanced chat.

We were lucky on both of the walks to have perfect weather with a light breeze, with the sun shining and the ground dry underfoot.

For a local walk this one never seems to disappoint especially from the photographic and wildlife element.  It has farm fields, a leafy footpath, the seawall overlooking saltings and the River Blackwater.  There are muddy inlets and views of Maldon, Osea Island and other small villages.  It has fields with lakes, a caravan park with jolly music playing, reed beds and a house decorated with model insects and fairies in the garden.

Several walkers from the first group enjoyed a pub lunch and the second group spent an unusually long spell resting on a bench enjoying the sunshine, refreshments and a chat.  This particular walk would well have suited the bird and wildlife group as we saw and heard, an amazing selection of birds.

It was certainly good to be back with the group members – you don’t realise how much you have missed this social, face-to-face interaction; long may it continue.

Diane Caulkett