News Bulletin - July 2026
Hello Centre Members,
Those of you that came to our June talk, will almost certainly have enjoyed listening to Martin Peet, and reminiscing, whilst sampling sweets from years gone by. And, our visit to Hack Green was also thought provoking, albeit in a different way, with a sobering reminder of the potential horrors of a nuclear war. However, several of us enjoyed a pleasant, leisurely lunch at the Boar Inn afterwards. Our walks programme resumed again this month, when we ventured into Derbyshire to take a look at Carsington, water. The walk was originally planned for last month, so I’m pleased that we were finally able to go ahead with it.
Our next walk is around Swynnerton on Wednesday 1st July. Judith will be leading this short walk, which starts and finishes at the Fitzherbert Arms, and, of course, all are welcome to join us for lunch afterwards. I look forward to seeing you all at our next talk – Bravo November on 14th July, when Jess Boydon-Jukes will return to Walton Village Hall to tell us all about this Chinook helicopter, and the role it played in the Falklands war. Then, on the following day, Wednesday 15th July, Ruth has organised an evening car visit to Uttoxeter, with a guided tour of this historic town, followed by refreshments afterwards. Other dates for your diary: On Thursday 13th August, Cathy will be leading a walk around Norbury, and on Friday 18th September, Judith has arranged a visit to Biddulph Grange Gardens, with a 2-hour guided tour by Head Gardener, Paul Walton.
Nigel Holmes
on behalf of your committee
TALKS
Bravo November is one of the original 30 Chinooks ordered by the RAF for its heavy lifting capability.
In 1982, it was enroute to the Falklands on the Atlantic Conveyor container ship which was struck by Exocet missiles, destroying the vessel along with its cargo. Bravo November was on an airborne task at the time and managed to land on HMS Hermes, gaining the nickname The Survivor. It was the only serviceable heavy lift helicopter available to British forces involved in the hostilities. Bravo November remained in service for the rest of the campaign, helping deliver victory through carrying out essential tasks, moving troops, supplies, casualties, and prisoners of war. Its significant contribution was a testament to the skill of the aircrew.
It was in service until 2022, was upgraded several times in its history and saw action in every major operation involving the RAF in the helicopter’s 39-year service life. Since 1982 it served in the Falkland Islands, Lebanon, Germany, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Jess will tell us about the history of this aircraft and the exploits of its aircrew – three of its pilots were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for actions whilst in command of Bravo November.
Bravo November is now on public display in the RAF Museum Midlands at Cosford.
Other talk dates for your diary
The English & Gardening by Danny Wells, on Tuesday 11th August
Sleight Of Mind by Peter Turner on Tuesday 8th September
All talks start at 2:30 pm at Walton Village Hall.
WALKS
This circular walk starts and finishes at the Fitzherbert Arms. The car park is at the rear, and there’s more parking outside the nearby village hall (Early Lane), if the pub car park is full.
The route consists of mainly off-road footpaths, with a few well-maintained stiles on the last section and one of the green footpaths is slightly overgrown, but passable with care (however, shorts are not recommended).
Meet: in the Fitzherbert Arms car park at 10:15, ready to depart by 10:30
Sat Nav: ST15 0RA – W3W: ///wings.trend.train
Terrain: Some uneven paths, so boots or strong shoes recommended.
Lunch: 13:00 (approx.) Please let Judith have your menu choices by Monday 29th June
Organiser: Judith Carder
Norbury Junction – 4.5 miles – Thursday 13th August
(with an easier short walk option)
This figure of eight walk, starts and finishes at the Junction Inn, adjacent to the Shropshire Union canal. The pub doesn’t open until 12:00, but if you need to access a toilet on arrival, you can use the facilities at the Wharf Tea Room (over the bridge on the opposite side of the canal), providing that you make a small purchase from the tea room or shop.
We should complete the first loop before midday, so if you want a shorter walk, you can get a drink at the tea room, before returning to the Junction Inn for lunch. The route is mainly flat, on dirt tracks and quiet roads with one stile, two short steep inclines, one tunnel (about 20 yds long) and a short section of main road.
The second loop continues along the towpath, under the canal bridge, then after approximately ½ a mile there’s a steep incline adjacent to ‘High Bridge’, leading to the A519, opposite Loynton Moss. We then need to cross the bridge carefully (no footpath) facing the oncoming traffic, and paying attention to Cathy’s instructions. We then follow a dirt track, between fields and young woodland, to meet a surfaced track where we turn right. After a hundred yards or so we’ll pause to look at the remains of the historic moated manor, eventually returning via a short flight of steps, back up to the canal bridge, for a well-deserved lunch.
After lunch, if anyone would like to look at the historic church on the way home, please let Cathy know, and she will try to arrange to open it for us.
Meet: in the Junction Inn car park at 09:45, ready to depart by 10:00.
Sat Nav: ST15 0RA – W3W: ///trendy.operating.overtones
Terrain: Mixed (as described above) – boots or strong shoes recommended for the second loop.
Lunch: 13:00. Please let Cathy have your menu choices by Monday 6th August.
Organiser: Cathy Evans.
Please remember that you join our walks at your own risk, and are responsible for your own safety. Leaders will indicate the difficulty of the walk so walkers can make an informed choice on whether or not to join in. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.
VISITS
Historic Uttoxeter
An Evening Car Visit – Wednesday 15th July
This visit is now fully booked. Any additional bookings will placed on a waiting list.
Uttoxeter is an attractive market town that retains its medieval centre, built upon the success of its historic sheep and cattle market.
Its origins are Anglo-Saxon and following the Norman Conquest, the town passed from the Earls of Mercia via the Crown to Henry De Ferrers, Lord of Tutbury.
In 1251 it was granted a Market Charter which was held on Wednesdays. Today there is a monthly Makers Market.
The Market Place has several notable memorials, the War Memorial, the Millenium Monument and the Conduit (Dr Johnson Memorial) where, in 1780 Dr Samuel Johnson stood in the rain as a penance for not helping his father who had a bookstall at the market.
There are many examples of historical architecture from 16th century timber framed buildings to beautiful Georgian properties.
Our guide will take us on a walking tour around the buildings and alleyways, telling us more about them.
At the end of our tour we will retire to Redfern’s Cottage, the Museum of Uttoxeter Life ,for refreshments.
Meet: The Maltings Car Park, Silver Street, Uttoxeter (free parking after 6.00 pm
Sat Nav: ST14 7QD Start Time: 18.30
Price: £11.50 per person. Places are limited and booking is essential
Booking deadline: 4th July. Organiser: Ruth Williams
Note: All visits must be paid for in advance.