The John Bunyan Trail (3) Hexton to Shillington

It's one of those 'shall we, shan't we sort of days. The weather has been poor all week and has worsened with the arrival of Storm Darragh'. A Red Weather warning has been issued with winds forecast for 90 mph and flooding rain. The South-West of England and Wales are the most likely to be worst affected. The decision is made we are going to risk it! I for one would be glad of some fresh air and exercise after being shut in all week. The walk itself is only around 7 miles and there are points where we can can cut is short if need be. The journey down the motorway is pretty grim as expected. However as soon as we reach the starting point in the village of Hexton things are becalmed. The rain has ceased and the wind seems to have dropped a little. No time to waste we set off from outside The Raven Pub in Hexton. Something tells me that we may well be paying a visit in a few hours time. 

Looking at the map it looks like being a bit uneventful in terms of places of interest. We will be close to a few y they will either be obscured or inaccessible. We leave Hexton in an anti-clockwise direction down a pleasant lane. Blighted only by the presence of a couple of dozen used tyres. I didn't take a photo because it is too depressing and annoys me greatly. The map says we are passing close to a Mill on Mill Lane , where else? No sign f any Mill though. Just the Sewage  works. It's going to be that sort of day.

We pass 'Shillington Manor' which is well hidden behind a mass of trees. A bit further on though near 'Pirton' Grange we do pass a fully functioning Moat. Deep and flowing to the brim , not one of the dried up versions that is usually the case. Mind you given all the recent rain it is hardly surprising the ditches are so waterlogged.  

All Saints Church Shillington

In the distance the Church at Shillington stands proudly on the hill. A Grade 1 listed building dating mainly from the late 14th century. Described as the ‘Cathedral of the Chilterns’ by John Betjeman, the Church building dominates the village and the surrounding landscape. Father Christmas has even called by to open the Christmas Fayre. Just enough time to pass on my wish list. A local adage is that 'all roads lead away from Shillington' — somewhat true as more efficient routes avoid the village altogether. The Church is a contender for the most easterly in the triangular 'chalk belt' which includes most of South East England and East Anglia. 

Christmas Donkeys

Shillington is as far as we are going today. We loop round and begin the walk back through Hillfoot End. We cross a footbridge which is always a nice thing.Even better this time because there was a Mistletoe bush growing in a tree right by it. I couldn't resist picking a sprig to take home. In the Norse culture, the Mistletoe plant was a sign of peace and love. No doubt where the tradition of kissing under the Mistletoe comes from. 

We make our way back across Hexton Common. This will connect us back to Mill from where we started. Hexton dates from Saxon times, but was redeveloped as a ‘model’ village in the 1920s. 

We call into The Raven for that pint I mentioned at the beggining.A shortish walk at just over 7.4 miles. Very lucky really to get a walk in given the forecast.

Mostly Autumn - The Stables MK 2024

 

Johnny Dankworth

The roadworks that caused us problems this time last year don't seem to have improved. Thankfully we left early this time and are one of the first in the car park. An army of Hi Viz clad Stewards guide by torchlight ensuring we do not deviate from the road. Reminiscent of the brilliant 'An American Werewolf in London' film.'Keep off the Moors' moment. Safely parked up there is time to admire the lights in the trees. The statue of 'Johnny Dankworth' guides us into The Stables. There always seems to be a shortage of chairs no matter how early you arrive? They seem to cater for about a dozen people to sit in the reception/ bar area. We can't seem to get a drink at the moment either. Some last minute 'Health and Safety' Training is taking place. It's all these sort of the things that makes this venue so quintessentially twee. They seem to have dispersed with selling the raffle tickets to win a CD voucher now though.These are not criticisms at all, merely observations and I wouldn't like to see it change. 

We take our seats which are close to the stage to the right hand side. Last year we were right at the back in front of the sound guys. There isn't such a thing as a bad seat here though, and the sound is always excellent.I take the opportunity to get a photo of the stage while I can. The venue is notorious for clamping down on such things. Something I always find strange unless the band specifically request it. The first sets starts off with 'In for the Bite', followed by 'Into the Stars' from the superb 'White Rainbow' album. A brave soul at the end of the row is only taking a picture...My heart quickens knowing what is in store. It is all dealt with very discretely at the end of the song. Politely told to pit it away and not to get it out again. A bit like the BBC to Gregg Wallace recently.  Highlight for me from the first set would probably be 'Passengers' followed by 'The Night Sky' which took us to the interval. A wonderful atmosphere too , lots of expectations and the odd surprise served up for good measure.

Come to think of it 'Western Skies' was rather special too. Some lovely Flute work from Angela Gordon. Olivia (Sparnen-Josh)is sounding great too. I remember last year she was struggling through with a heavy cold. The second set kicks off with the slightly dark 'Tomorrow Dies' from the 'Sight of Day' album.From the same album we also have 'Changing Lives' which is another big favourite with Chris Johnson on vocals. It virtually goes without saying just how talented each individual band member is. Everyone plays their part to perfection and the result is something quite astounding. I still think they very much go underground and deserve a much bigger profile. That said it is great to be able to see them up close in venues as intimate as The Stables.It was also my wife's Birthday!Her favourite song 'Heart Body and Soul' also gets an airing much to her delight. Each song is accompanied perfectly by a backdrop of mountains, snow scenes and spectacular skies.It all adds to the drama of the content. The second set ends with the two epic pillars of 'White Rainbow' and 'Heroes Never Die'. 

We weren't sure if it was bit early to go with the Christmas stuff?  Quips Brian.It's only December the 1st! Hats at the ready and they are off with the Greg Lake classic 'I Believe in Father Christmas'. It feels like Christmas 2024 has officially been launched. Next up is a Spaceman came Travelling with Chris Johnson leading on vocals . Sounding very much like Chris De Burgh too and no mistake. The final seasonal offering is 'Fairytale of New York'( The Pogues ). By  now everyone , with a little encouragement is up on their feet getting into the party mood. Seeing Mostly Autumn at The Stables now very much feels like a Christmas tradition for us already. A fantastic night once  again and looking forward to the same time next year! Big thanks to John Gillespie and Kieran Chapman for use of additional photos. Also the Mostly Autumn Facebook page for the last one.