Friends of the South Downs are thrilled to announce that our newest bench has been installed at Ditchling. Here is the story of the group who are sponsoring this one, a Walker’s Bench.
We all worked for British Caledonian Airways which disappeared into the grasp of British Airways in 1988. We then went our separate ways – some to BA but mostly elsewhere in aviation in the UK or overseas. Like most things that are lost early, BCal was remembered with great affection and the friendships and acquaintances remained and still continue. BCal was based at Gatwick, so most of its staff lived between there and the sea. Sussex, the Weald, the Downs and the coastline are home.
There are nominally ten of us but a reliable core of six, with occasional dining members. Now the walk is generally male but, on occasion, wives and partners join as they did regularly at the start. I came back from Malaysia to the UK in 1995, having had a painting of the Seven Sisters from Seaford Head on my office wall, and thought it would be good to meet with old friends on a regular day’s walk.
We have largely remained in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Across the Weald with the Wealdway, the Vanguard Way and the Wey – Arun walk. West to east, with the High Weald Landscape Trail and the Greensand Way as well as the North and South Downs Ways and the Sussex Border Path; plus minor flurries with the Hangars Way, the Literary Trail, the Royal Military Canal, the Sussex Ouse, the Medway and the Lipchis Trail. We have even prospected the “Not the South Downs Way “, which makes it a great deal easier to reach pubs at lunchtime – we should write it up! In the beginning, it was early starts, 20 miles or so and quick lunches; now it is 10 miles, lunch is important and less walking after lunch than before.
Why we do it is simple; good company for 25 years and outstandingly beautiful country, whether the long vista or the enclosed wood, extraordinary coastlines and splendid villages, farms and houses. Even though the South-east is crowded, there are still many wonderfully restful places of outstanding beauty.
And, of course, there is conversation. We keep up with our industry and our diaspora of friends. There is mad and outrageous conversation but there are also sharp, funny, supportive views and discussion made all the better by being with people that are not seen enough to become boring. Miles just get rolled up when the walkers are in full flow.
Why sponsor a walker’s bench? It’s not difficult to answer! Aging walkers need a place to rest. What better place is there than atop Ditchling Beacon for a walker’s bench? Well, there are lots in this exquisite part of our country, but this has the advantage of being accessible for older limbs! We will meet there every year to remember, to laugh and to enjoy the sublime pleasure of being outside in fresh air with the beauty of The Downs all around.
Peter Smith
Bench sponsors can choose the hidden South Downs creature or plant which will be carved on each bench. Peter’s group have chosen a thistle to remind them of the Scottish origins of BCal. If you would like to enquire about sponsoring a bench, please contact Caroline Douglas through our office on: enquiries@southdownssociety.org.uk
