Rothersthorpe & Grand Union Canal Wak

The first official walk of 2024! Remember, if It's not on the blog it doesn't count! I have actually done quite a bit of walking, but all very local, and nothing to write home about. It has been bitterly cold too with days of subzero temperatures. A change is on the way though as things start to warm up.There are weather warnings in place this weekend for 80 mph winds.... We should be OK today as Sunday is expected to suffer the worst of conditions.  Starting point today is the village of Rothersthorpe in Northamptonshire. 

More specifically we are outside the Church of St Peter & St Paul. On the opposite side of the road a board shows some interesting features around the village. Right in front of us is 'The Berry', medieval fortifications dating from the late Anglo Saxon period. There is also a 'Motte and Bailey' which stood at the centre of medieval Rothersthorpe. We walk downhill passing the Manor House to the bottom of the village. Turning right we then pick up the footpath on the left. We cross the field diagonally to the corner. We cross the concrete bridge over the brook into the next field. Following the field edge we arrive at the towpath of the Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal.  

Crossing over the small footway to the other side, following the towpath in the direction of Gayton Marina. This is a busy stretch of the canal with 17 Locks over 4.8 miles. It is a connector between the Grand Union Canal and Northampton. It was first opened on  1st May 1815. Almost immediately the Arm began to carry a large volume of merchandise and stayed busy for over 100  years through to after the First World War. There is always something very pleasing about walking canalside, I might have mentioned this on other walks. 

After about a mile we arrive at Gayton Marina. It's a hub for boat hire, very quiet though as out of season. You can go off in all sorts of direction and routes from here. We continue as far as Gayton Junction. It is here that we turn right in the direction of Braunston which is 16 miles away. We keep going until we reach the second bridge.There are still patches of ice on the water despite the thawing out. I won't be risking stepping out though that is for sure. Sadly we have to leave the canal as we head back cross country. It is still very cold with the windchill  factor. My fingers are numb and I regret not bringing some gloves. 

 

 

 

Walking the field edge there are no obvious signs of any footpath. There is always a sense of jeopardy as you get towards the end and hope to see a gap in the hedge or a helpful sign. Otherwise It is a case of backtracking and finding an alternative option. It is with some relies that a gap appears and drops down to a very pleasant little footbridge over the stream. There are still a few couple more large fields to negotiate after leaving the copse. Considering all the rain recently conditions underfoot are not too boggy. Just one last little hiccup, this is resolved by crossing to the other side of the hedge. The village of Rothersthorpe and the Church comes into view. 

It has only been a short walk today at just over 4 miles. Enjoyable as always though and a route I shall keep in mind for better weather when it can be extended.

'Wonka' VUE Cinema Northampton

A rare visit to the cinema on a cold January evening. I'm hoping that as the film has been out a while It will be quiet. Quiet means less noise, eating and generally not being irritated by those in close proximity. I've also had the odd panic attack in the past, so keeping all things crossed for tonight. 

It is the third film base on the Roald Dahl novel of 1964. The original film ' 'Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' was released in 1971.It saw 'Gene Wilder' taking the role of 'Willy Wonka'. The story of a poor child named Charlie Bucket who upon finding a Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar, wins the chance to visit Willy Wonka's chocolate factory along with four other children from around the world. All sorts of chaos and disasters follow, as one by one character flaws are exposed. A tale of morality and good triumphing over bad. It's a great film, one I've watched many many times. 

The 'Tim Burton' version of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' was released in 2005. 'Johnny Depp' starred as 'Willy Wonka'. A much darker version which saw 'Depp' playing a more reclusive 'Wonka'. Comparisons were made to a 'Michael Jackson' type existence of and Adult living a child's existence. Something that was denied by both 'Burton' and 'Depp'. Strangely enough I haven't actually seen this version. Most of the filming was done at Pinewood Studios in the UK.

Back to matters in hand,the adverts have started on the screen. People are arriving armed with huge buckets of Popcorn. Why they need one each I really don't know? Most seem to have brought a feast with them , a few Christmas leftovers no doubt. As long as they are not rustling, chomping  and chattering when the film starts it will be OK. Talking of the film, it is actually a prequel. It takes us back to a time when the young 'Wonka' was an up and coming 'Chocolatier' and Magician. The role being played by 'Timothee Chalamet'. It is an all star cast which includes; Olivia Coleman, Hugh Grant, Matt Lucas, Rowan Atkinson and Jim Carter.       

It is the sort of film you where you just sit back and let your imagination take over. There is a bit of a 'Dickensian' feel as a naive 'Wonka' is taken in by the deceiving  'Mrs Scrubbit' and her dimwitted assistant 'Bleacher.' His inability to read and write sees him fall foul to the small print of the contract. He is thereafter condemned to working in the cellar laundry to pay off his debt. It's a tale of adversity as his dream to open up his own chocolate shop is thwarted at every turn. 'The greedy beat the needy every time' he is warned. I won't spoil the full story for anybody who might like to see the film. I thoroughly enjoyed it though, an hour and a half or so of pure escapism. 'Seeing 'Hugh Grant' as an 'Oompa- Loompa' is quite something. I did feel that the 'Priest' played by 'Rowan Atkinson' was somewhat underused though. Definitely a film I would recommend though.