On a cool and overcast Mothering Sunday 16 members set off from the Grade 1 listed St Mary the Virgin’s church in Great Bedwyn, where Jane Seymour’s father Sir John is buried.
They followed the Kennet and Avon Canal to the Crofton Pumping Station where the two steam driven beam engines are the only ones in the world in their original position, doing the job they were designed to do.
After a short coffee break they skirted Wilton Water, a reservoir for the canal, and into the picturesque village of Wilton. Then it was a short climb up the hill to Wilton Windmill for lunch. This windmill is the only working windmill in Wessex, and still produces wholemeal, stoneground flour.
They returned to the canal, via the wooded area known as Bedwyn Brail.
Starting from the church and returning to Great Bedwyn
Our leader Bob lends a helping "hand" to open the lock gate
"Be it ever so Humble, its Home"
Crofton Pumping Station
The picturesque village of Wilton
Time for lunch at the Wilton Windmill