Dates for your Diary Sun 14 – Tidza Ramblers. Meet Cherry Tree Square 10 a. m. Tidza Rambers Our guide promised ‘ a lovely walk with a bit of everything – river, moors, woods, lots of bluebells and other wild flowers.’ The latter were in evidence as soon as we started to climb up from Rowsley towards the Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor. Our previous visit hadn’t been perfect due to a large group of picnickers in the centre but this time we could appreciate the atmosphere of this ancient place in its delightful setting. Church bells in the distance were ringing to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VE Day. A cuckoo was also determined to be heard. Next of interest was the Earl Grey Tower. I’d heard of the Reform Bill but didn’t know this was the person who’d proposed it in 1832 giving all men the vote not just the wealthy. We passed three distinctive monoliths and noticed Riber Castle on the horizon. The attractive hamlet of Churchtown was new to us and surprisingly peaceful even though close to a main road. The yew tree in the churchyard, about 2,000 years old and with a girth of 33 feet, was definitely worth a look. We saw an orange-tip butterfly, a heron, deer and alpacas during the day. There was so much of interest that we stopped, looked and listened often. This walk more than exceeded expectations. The witch’s hat at Brook Bottom is no longer a mystery thanks to information from two villagers. It was a cover for the well – full marks for inventive design ! Helen Royle 872507
