An impressive 20 members got off the train at the small village of Newport, Essex. It isn’t on the coast or a river, but in Saxon times, apparently port meant market place. We made our way east across pleasant rolling farm and woodland, reaching the attractive 13th century church of St Mary’s, Debden. Our circular route took us back to Newport where an extended lunch was taken in The Coach and Horses. We were made extremely welcome, with our own room,though this may have been more for the benefit of there other customers. It was good to see such a well run and apparently thriving pub  when so many are closing down. Some us us had a look round this most attractive village. There are almost 100 listed buildings for a population of approximately 2000, many being timber framed with decorative plaster or pargetting, characteristic of this part of England. Our group then made its way north to the strangely named Wendens Ambo and Audley End Station. All in all a very pleasant day out, with further signs of spring by way of cowslips and  other wild flowers in the wooded sections. We were also rewarded with one or two spells of watery sunshine. Thanks Danny for doing the organising.

Mike Coyle