Happy as can be! Welcome to Episode 9 of PRoWlers’ Progress. Today’s episode is a short pre-Christmas catch-up on what Ricky and Jonny have been up to in the last few weeks.
To remind you, Ricky and Jonny had been busy in the workshop creating numbered markers to go below the existing way-markers; The plan being that it will be much easier for everyone (locals and Grockles) to follow the map. This project was intended to be a “keep warm” workshop-based project, but really, apart from a bit of snow last week, it’s just been too mild and wet.
Friday – 1st November
In fact, so mild that everything keeps on growing. And so wet that whatever grows then disappears under water or, more often, under mud. So wellies in hand (on foot?!) they were ready for more outdoor surveying.
But before that, they had a scheduled meeting with a landowner who’d asked Devon County Council for a Footpath Diversion on their land. In fact, they asked over 3 years ago and DCC have only just got round to handling the request. The meeting went well and everyone understood that the diversion was the “only sensible” way for the path to follow. This is where the PRoWlers feed back to DCC and our Parish Council to support the request. Why has it taken so long? Someone will know – just not us!
So back to surveying – whilst out they came across a footpath that was not identified in any way at all. No posts, no way markers, no nothing! (My old granny used to say that “no nothing” meant “something”. I know she was right but can’t resist an occasional double negative – please forgive me).
Footpath 42 on the north side of Beacon Hill was invisible to all. Poor path was just laying there waiting to be walked, but nobody knew it was there. Maybe a slight exaggeration, but please, allow me a little artistic license.
As you can see from the map, Ricky and Jonny were right on the edge of the parish. To the north, lay Chardstock, a mere thick-black-line away and similarly, Membury just off to the east – so they had to keep their wits about them. Trying to put ideas like hostages and espionage out of their heads, Ricky and Jonny decided to – WAIT FOR IT – install a post! Not only a post, but a post with way markers on it.
Shhhh… Post position identified, they continued quietly on their way making more notes – ready to return with post, tools and way markers in a week or so.
Wednesday – 6th November
The following week, after a trip to Mole Avon, they trekked back up the hill carrying a post, some tools (including a hole borer) and some way markers. Added to this they had to carry the tea flask and the biscuits. They tried to look “casual”, but with all that gear they just couldn’t carry it off.
They arrived in good time and full of enthusiasm.
“OK,” said Jonny, “you can have first go with the borer and I’ll give you advice and guidance as you go.” “Fine” said Ricky with a knowing look in his eye, and he proceeded to screw.
Note for those who care: “Screwing” is what the professionals (!) do when a hole needs to be bored; Or is that boring (tee-hee! – couldn’t resist).
Jonny was working up a sweat just watching Ricky screw.
“Want me to have a go?” said Jonny.
Ricky was quick to nod his assent. Never let it be said he was a selfish screwer, but his enthusiasm was waning.
Time passed… (about 45 minutes) of constant screwing, emptying and removing half of Devon just to get this teeny-tiny 4 inch post-hole dug. There were so many flints and lumps of chalk that needed removing, they thought it was a “new build” garden they’d stumbled upon.
Eventually the hole was dug, the post inserted and rammed with most of the spoil.
“That’s not moving.” said Ricky. “Nope, ” said Jonny, “and neither am I! My back is quite sore now.”
“Let’s have a cuppa.” they said in unison… so they did!
They enjoyed their reward and chatted about this and that. They decided they must contact the landowner and let them know of their efforts. Jonny said “I’ll do that when we get home and maybe send a couple of photos to show what we’ve been up to.”
So now FP42 has its own post and way markers and walkers can follow the map in that area without too much trouble.
And that was the end of PRoWling for the 6th November.
Wednesday – 12th November
Today – we had a message from one of our favourite subscribers stating that she’d been out for a walk with her pup on the bridleway towards Beacon Hill (BW38) and was confronted with two things that displeased her.
Ricky and Jonny don’t like displeased subscribers. Here’s the story…
- The barbed-wire fence that borders the bridleway had collapsed as most/all of the posts were/are rotten. This meant that there was barbed-wire strewn all over the path which was a hazard to man, woman, horsey and pups.
- The field that is traversed north-east by Footpath 39 (off the bridleway) had been ploughed and sown, but without leaving a clear track for walkers.
Neither issue is strictly a PRoWler responsibility, but the first was an immediate health and safety issue, so Ricky and Jonny set about doing their best to re-string the wire and shore up the posts. Nasty business – barbed-wire – at the best of times. The second issue (in fact, both issues really) is more of a challenge. They need to come up with a plan to get some of the farmers “on side”.
Saturday – November 23rd
The next thing on the agenda was the Meet the Parish Council event, held in the All Saints Village Hall on Saturday, 23rd November.
Jonny was already going to be there as (one of) his alter-egos, so Ricky was invited to set up a PRoWler’s stall and talk to parishioners about what PRoWling is all about. It was a great event and it gave everyone the opportunity to ask questions of the councillors and the PRoWlers in an informal setting. And to cap it all – tea and biscuits (big smiles).
Ricky set out what his and Jonny’s hopes were for the future. See below for the small handout that was offered.
Before I go, it’s time for a chuckle…
We may see you before Christmas, even if it’s just to sing you a festive song! Until then… (you know what I’m going to say – don’t you?)
Enjoy your walking, follow the Countryside code and Shut That Gate!
See ya!
PS. Jonny wrote to the landowner about the new post on their land. They responded immediately and were very supportive and happy that the paths are being marked and maintained. That’s a very good result all round.
PPS. Some may have heard of a WhatApp group being set up so people can contact the PRoWlers directly. We’ll make sure you know when its available. In the meantime, you can always contact them using email at prowlers@allsaints-pc.gov.uk