WALKING GROUP (and history lesson)
Mary, our newcomer of last month turned up again, and nine of us began our walk from Ashover Village Hall, past the Old Poets Corner (once The Red Lion), down Hollow Lane and over the swollen River Amber.
We arrived at Overton Hall, the date stone showing 1702. This great house once belonged to Sir Joseph Banks who sailed on the
Endeavour with Captain Cook and made a fortune from the lead mines, one of which still stands opposite the Hall. Also noticed near the Hall was a variety of hens, clucking and pecking at the ground – and a question arose “What is the difference between a hen and a chicken?” This was discussed at great length by Mary and Steve, a dialogue which included eggs and ended with poultry on the shelves in Tesco. I am not sure if an answer was arrived at but it helped to pass the time.
We crossed a wooden plank bridge over the river and then a second one and looked over the edge to the deep chasms below. Eventually we reached Fallgate Station and the River Amber yet again. This station was on the Light Railway which ran from Clay Cross to Ashover, built in 1925, it closed in 1950.
We came across Eastwood Hall, which once must have been an imposing building, and was destroyed by Cromwell’s troops in 1646. They also did much damage to Ashover Church. We arrived at Fallgate Mill, which was built in 1731 and finally closed in 1961; after being restored it is now becoming derelict again.
After plodding through various muddy areas and wet fields we heard, and then saw two buzzards flying high.
A very pleasant walk, ably led by Colin Hand.
The next walk on Sunday 2nd March will be led by Eric and Helen from Millhouses through Ecclesall Wood. Please meet as usual at the church gates at 12 noon with a packed lunch when transport will be arranged. Everyone welcome.