A round walk from Westgate to Westfield returning via Victoria Park and Queen Elizabeth Park at a total distance of 5.39 miles.       19.10.16

‘…and I stepped across the lane and into the meadow where the autumnal leaves of the distant copse blazed cheerful colour and once again  gave thanks to my cousin William Bull for thriving in such a wondrous location!

As usual I followed the coach rutted track through the avenue of ancient trees that lead into the forty acre field and surprised a flock of Goldfinches, who lifted and rose as one having gorged on fallen seed from the mowing of yesterday. With the chirrup of their happy voices I advanced toward them, through the copse and onward across the great scar via its footbridge.

My perambulation took me past a demolitioning of older dwellings, their closed doors seem still to retain memory of simpler times to me, and on to where the willow’s begin to grow next the new dug canal.

Musing on this echo of past life and future change, I paused to view new lock gates assembled by the Irish workmen who now frequent the neighbourhood and whose loud voices and general good cheer are a contrast to the sadness momentous change can often bring to those whomsoever are most affected.

Some little distance further, my gentle stroll took me into the West Field, an enchanting place for reflection and one I oft’ return if I feel an urge for a natural rather than spiritual nourishment; tis’ a place of calm within the hectic and busy life I lead with the needs of my new flock and is truly a balm for me to linger amongst the quiet and peace and muse upon their most pressing of concerns.”

Diary of The Reverend Henry Turnbull April 1865

attrib: Thomas Bell’s ‘The Turnbull’s of Suffolk’ pub 1949 by David Bell