Thanks
… to the Parks Trust for this year’s excellent Walking Festival. There was a great programme – covering everything from Nordic Walking; to local history; flowers and wildlife.
After Saturday’s MK Past & Present which I did with my Son and Daughter in law; I joined the Stony Stratford in Bloom Walk with my wife on Sunday morning – and then I joined the Iron Trunk and Ouse Valley Walk.
The weather may not have been brilliant – but I feel so much better; not just because of the fresh air and exercise – but all the walks were so interesting.
It’s fantastic what Stony in Bloom have done – a very nice town has been made brighter and more attractive by the work they have done. A new leaflet has just been produced – and is available in hard copy around the town. I’ll be going back to revisit the route as the seasons change.
Walkers on the “Iron Trunk and Ouse Valley Walk” were also given a useful map for future use – of the five “Iron Trunk Aqueduct Trails” which can be downloaded from http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/1551.pdf
‘The Park Trust’ and ‘Stony in Bloom’ can only bring these delights to Milton Keynes citizens through their volunteers.
Thank you for all you do.
Manno’s Manor
I promised a review after I had read Bryan Dunleavy’s book, “Manno’s Manor: A History of Wolverton to 1838”.
I know that Wolverton is to the East of Watling Street – but who cares – this is an excellent book – I found it difficult to put down. There’s a wealth of information about the history of this area – and yes “Watling Street” is crossed. (There’s some good stuff on Stony Stratford). There are some excellent diagrams; maps and photographs. It’s well worth reading – and keeping as a reference book.
Chapter one deals with the “transport network” of the area – from ancient trackways to the railways. Subsequent chapters deal with –
Chap 2 – from Neolithic times to 1066
Chap 3 – The Barons of Wolverton – from the 11th to 14th centuries
Chap 4 – mainly Stony Stratford
Chap 5 – Medieval life in Wolverton
Chaps 6 & 7 – the Longuevilles
Chap 8 – the 18th Century & the Radcliffe Trust
Chap 9 – the canal age
Chap 10 – Roads; Inns; the Coaching Trade & a new church.
Manno’s Manor
Last week I popped into the local studies library – part of the Central Library in Milton Keynes. I came across a book entitled “Manno’s Manor”, about the early history of Wolverton. I didn’t have time to read it all – but have now ordered the book. It’s by Bryan Dunleavy. As soon as I have it I will give a full review – but I was hooked by what I was able to read.
There is such a wealth of history underneath us in MK. Really, we have the best of both worlds – a modern city – and more than enough history to fascinate us for the rest of our lives. Bryan has a series of blogs – which I am enjoying reading at the moment. Check them out!
A brief respite
We took the opportunity yesterday, during the brief respite from the awful weather, to go for a cycle ride. We took the Millennium cycle route along the Loughton Brook as far as Bancroft, past the Roman Villa, across to our Son’s new house in Wolverton, and home via the Redway which runs alongside Watling Street.
There’s an awful lot of water in the Loughton Brook at the moment. The route had developed a number of large pools, but they were relatively shallow. However it was another matter when we reached Bancroft. The path disappeared under the water – and it was impossible to follow. A bench was close to being submerged.
More bad weather is on its way. I fear that the carefully constructed system of balancing lakes to avoid flooding is going to be put to a severe test – I’ve not seen Furzton Lake or Loughton Brook this full since we first came to Milton Keynes. Do take care!
The Number 7 Bus
My post today was going to be like the earlier one I did on the Number 8 service, but when I went to do my research, I discovered that the timetable will change from Sunday January 19th.
A statement on the Milton Keynes website states – “New electric vehicles will be introduced on Arriva service 7. The current timetable will be amended and some minor route changes are anticipated. Further details will be announced at a later date.”
As soon as I hear more, I will update you and publish a guide to the new service.
West of Watling Street 