Home

Village Groups

Village Events

The Village Walk is always the day after Boxing Day the 27th December

Starts between 10-00 am and 11-00am at the Memorial Hall.

 "On a fine December day, over 25 years ago, Ken Adams from Aston on Trent had the bright idea of organising a short walk around the area of the village on the day after Boxing Day. The walk included an observation game to interest both young and old. It finished in the Memorial Hall with a plentiful supply of laced coffee and home‑made mince pies. After 9 years Ken handed over the organisation of a now very popular event to the Church Bell-ringers.

 Over a quarter of a century later, through sun, snow, rain and gales, the Village Walk, as it has become known, is more popular than ever, with over 400 people taking part. They include men, women, children, parents and grand parents along with their pushchairs, dogs and Zimmer frames. Two routes are usually planned, a short one of about 2 miles and a longer one of about 4 miles. Permission is gained from landowners to walk over private land on the day - so often a special view of the countryside is enjoyed. It is a highly social event to give everyone some fresh air and a chance to walk off the Christmas excesses.

 Organisation by the Bell-ringers starts each November and is now akin to a well oiled machine -indeed the propensity for being 'well oiled' is one of the better known qualities of the said group. The route is negotiated with the landowners and jobs like marking out, publicity, catering, prizes, etc. are all delegated.

 Come the day, the weather plays an important role. We now have records going back to 1974 of conditions on December 27th each year - this must be worth something!

 In 1989, the weather was so warm we had a record 433 walkers and catering went al-fresco with tables outside! Contrast that with 1994, when the rain was horizontal and the whole route appeared like a French impressionist painting! - many people turned up, but it was not a record year! 

The walk itself is free and route cards are issued to those who turn up, We do offer a game of Bingo, for a small cost where walkers are asked to mark off numbers that are placed on boards around the route. Back at the Memorial Hall, there are many prizes for the winners.

 While waiting for the walkers to return, there is always tension among the organisers -the first ones come back - What was it like? Was it as good as last year? The replies are always honest -we know when it has been a really good one!

 As more people return, the Hall is filled with noise and steaming bodies. The smell of laced coffees, mince pies, mud and hot dogs (real ones that is) pervades. The conversation is about Christmas, the New Year and that magnificent view over the Trent valley during the walk.

 All that remains now is to go round the walk again to clear up, to write the letters of thanks to all those who have donated spirits, mince pies or given permission for their land to be used. The major part of funds raised go to local charities - this year it will be the Memorial Hall fund. Previous years it has gone to the Church, the Welldressing fund, the Youth initiative etc.

For another year, the Bell-ringers retire to the Pub to reflect on an enjoyable day and to partake in their primary pastime. "

Setting the trail on top of Aston Hill

Setting the trail up to the trig point/Aston Hill

Back in the Memorial Hall after the walk for mince pies and coffee etc.

What year was this?

Back in the Memorial Hall

Preparing the walk 2003

Preparing the walk 2003

Preparing the walk 2003

.

Setting the trail on top of Aston Hill

Walk History

Top