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Saturday, 3 January 2009

Hawkhurst, gateway to the south.

Hawkhurst was our choice for this first trip of 2009 and on this beautiful winter's day, cold but sunny, we were willing to walk the streets, look at the houses and the shops and maybe take a plunge into the public footpaths. The result was an amble, stuffing heated pastries into our jaws from the bakery in the Collonade shopping area and a wander towards the Marlborough School. We turned down past the school on a well dedicated pathway which led past the school grounds replete with rugby posts, and a pond that sparkled in the sunshine to wander down through what, in the spring will be a wonderful walk beside a rhododendron hedge. We landed on the area called The Moor and stopped to have a cup of tea and coffee at the Eight Bells Inn. Try the place, it is a Victorian building that serves food and good ale ( doesn't every pub?) with a garden bar out back that overlooks a duck pond.






From there take a look at the church which is worth a visit and enjoy the graveyard and the most unusual gate. Usually we waffle on about the Weald of Kent but we must not forget that Hawkhurst is the town that leads onto the fields of Sussex and eventually to the south downs and the ancient town of Hastings where poor, tired Harold found a need for eye surgery and cursed the archers of Willy the Conquerer. What the hec that has to do with Hawkhurst I do not know but one does get the impression of leaving one region for another.
And naughty me I did not take the name of the church but to compensate for that I did take picture of the chapel and its glorious staned glass window; a treat for any body be they
worshipper or not. Another treat is the magnificent kneelers made for the Jubilee that are evident beneath the pews.
From the churche we walked back toward Hawkhurst town and turned onto a a public footpath opposite the Cricketer Inn that led us through fields to the main road and delighted us with a bridge across a stream where we looked for Trolls (there were none unfortunately as I had a question about Billy Goats Gruff to put to them) and then on up to the road to another path that led around the town to emerge behind the Queen's Hotel (Posh dress or chucked out - not very friendly) and back to the town.


On the way we saw this wonderful winter scene that seemed to invite us to explore.





The Green at The Moor boasts a sign as you enter the town and a beacon used, so I am informed during the Jubilee celebrations. Whoopee!

By way of explanation; when we went into the church although it is not my usual practice to take pictures inside I had to take one of the window and the chapel which were illuminated by the winter sun and with my usual respect toward religion and its trappings I felt a little guilty but the church is worth a visit so bear with me. The day was so pleasant that I wanted to share my view with you, the reader.







On the right are the almshouse where our Aunt once lived and from a a sentimental value I include them in the story. My sister and I are fond of our Aunts.
In addition to these magnificent buildings after our walk we popped into the Kino cinema for a cup of coffee and a bun before returning home. Surprise! They were showing North Face, Australia and Inkheart on a three film program for this week. Amazinglingly this cinema was an adapted lecture hall built in 1875 - probably by the Methodist Church to educate the workers, but this is my guess and the project is to be praised. It was busy!

The walk was enjoyable and by circumnavigating much of Hawkhurst and yet seeing it as well we had a great day shortened only by the dusk and the need to return. The place is worth a visit.





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