Nearly 30 Poly Ramblers gathered at Great Missenden station on a Sunday in early June for a short walk to whet our appetites for a traditional afternoon tea at Missenden Abbey, an event organised to mark the Club’s 140th anniversary. Although it was June the weather forecast was uncertain with rain threatened so everyone turned up in sensible walking gear. Plans by some to wear tea dresses were abandoned.
Yvonne Delahaye led us on a lovely circuit of the town with some gentle climbs rewarded by splendid views over the Chiltern Hills. After descending through woods a small group led by Danny took a shortcut back into the town (to go to the pub?!) while the rest of us climbed through woods and descended again to reach St Peter’s and St Paul’s church where we paused to view Roald Dahl’s grave before continuing to the Abbey.
Missenden Abbey is a 12th century former medieval abbey, now used as a conference and events venue. It was the first time I had been there since Stuart and I got married there 24 years ago. Thirty four Poly Ramblers gathered for tea in the very pleasant Fleetwood room. I had requested a traditional afternoon tea served at the table so I was a bit disconcerted to find guests queuing for self service tea and coffee! Once that (and some confusion about the vegetarian sandwiches) was resolved, we sat down to a plentiful array of delicious sandwiches, cakes and scones with cream and jam.
Jennifer, our Chair, spoke about the history of the Club and recounted some memories of committee members of their time in the Club. These included trips to Italy and France, walking across Morecambe Bay, and, closer to home, one member’s first walk with the Club in Epping Forest. More prosaically another member remembered being mildly hypothermic on the way home from a particularly wet walk in the Chilterns! Geoffrey, who has been a member for over 40 years, recounted a memory from each of his six decades in the Club. We headed home pleasantly full with our doggy bags full of scones and cakes after an enjoyable afternoon. We were sorry to hear in the news ten days later that Missenden Abbey was being sold and was due to close in November.
Gillian. Photos by Nita, Vanessa, Suzanne, Lan and others
