We have never visited the old
village of Hedgerley before
so the invitation to join John
and Sally, from the Hedgerley
Historical Society, for a
guided tour, was gratefully
accepted.
It’s unusual these days to visit a village
that doesn’t have a constant flow of traffic
through it. Luckily for Hedgerley, the village
isn’t on a cut-through so the roads remain
relatively quiet.
With buildings dating back to the 17th
century there is plenty to see. In 1893 Mrs Stevenson, a prominent figure in the village,
turned her grand manor house into a home for Waifs and Strays, boys aged 12-16, who
were given agricultural training. Some of these boys ended up in Australia where they had
very good careers.
Being bluebell season we were excited to visit Church Wood where we had heard the
bluebells were spectacular. And spectacular they were. We followed the quiet, circular,
woodland path, and were in awe of the bluebells, like the sea sweeping through the trees.
Put a note in your 2018 diaries to visit here and don’t forget your camera.
At the entrance to the wood the RSPB have signs asking for people to keep their dogs on
short leads. From March to September Church Wood is home to many birds nesting close
to, or on, the ground. Their slogan is “Inspiring everyone to give nature a home” and we
totally agree with this.
Of course, we couldn’t avoid popping into
The White Horse pub, a freehold pub that has
been run by the same family for decades,
after our walk.
Dating back to 1679 it’s full of olde-worlde
charm, with a beautiful display of hanging
baskets at the front and a scenic garden to
the rear. No wonder they have won so many
awards. A ploughman’s lunch it was for us
then to end our visit to Hedgerley.
Monthly Meetings of Hedgerley Historical Society take place
at Hedgerley Memorial Hall, Kiln Lane Hedgerley SL2 3UZ at
8pm and visitors are most welcome.
Further details from John Lovelock 01753 647187
[email protected]
Helen Gerrish
Editor
hiyabucks.com
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