Colnes Footpath Association
The CFA is about 20 years old and has a membership of about 100, Its
shop window has always been a regular monthly walk on the first Sunday
of the month.
Up until recently the CFA has done much to maintain the public rights of way
in the area of the four Colnes as they are shown on the definitive and pathfinder
maps. In addition the Association has been a driving force behind negotiations
relating to the diversion of certain paths to the advantage of both landowner
and walker. Where the creation of new legal rights of way has not been possible
the Association has also negotiated courtesy paths.
In the '70s and '8Os the County Highways authority was insufficiently
funded to police the paths for obstruction and to carry out the necessary
maintenance. Improvements in funding devolving much maintenance down
to Parish level and the employment of local footpath representatives
in each Parish have all meant that the CFA can be less involved in
physical work; and can concentrate on helping anyone who cares to join
toward a better understanding of local issues and a better knowledge
of the paths themselves.
Upcoming Events
The positions of treasurer and secretary remain vacant. We are a small association and these posts do not involve a lot of commitment. If you think you could help us, we would love to hear from you. Please contact our chairman John Munson telephone 01787 224631.
October Walk
At the start of the annual memorial walk, held each October, names
were read out of past C.F.A. members, remembered with respect and affection
for the part they played in bringing the association to the strong
position it holds today. The walk was dedicated to their memory.
Starting from Tey Road walkers crossed the busy A1124 onto the causeway, a path
adjacent to Colne Priory. A very historic site, the Church was begun in 1105
by the first Aubrey de Vere and was twice the size of our present day parish
church. It was the resting place of many of the de Vere family, but the only
four remaining effigies are now housed in St Stephens Chapel at Bures. When I
first moved to Earls Colne, more than 40 years ago, a pile of rubble was all
that remained of this fine Norman church. Sadly a subsequent owner of the present
day priory had no regard for their historical value and nothing remains.
We are very fortunate to be able to walk a concessionary path on the golf course
that follows the River Colne as far as the iron bridge. This area has been most
attractively landscaped and is ideal for a short stroll.
Crossing over the river and then the disused railway track we soon emerged onto
Mill Lane. The path along the Peb was impassable, with high nettles, so instead
we took in at the next path at Millbrook Farm, passing the lovely Overshot Mill,
resplendent with late summer flowers. More history here, Overshot was a fulling
mill, built in 1640 and converted to a corn mill in about 1800. In 1966 the water
wheel was replaced by a water turbine to generate electricity. Green energy!
Crossing some grazing pasture there was a heart stopping moment when we came
upon a massive bull, reclining with his lady friends. I must say he was handsome
but huge! He slowly rose to his feet but thankfully made
no attempt to intercept us.
Leaving Overhall behind us we walked up to the Pebmarsh road. At Countesscross
Farm we headed down to the valley and skirted Aldercar Wood. We crossed
the driveway to Home Farm and were then on Colne Park. No bulls here, not that
we could see, but Brian recalled being chased off the park once (not recently)
by a herd of charging bullocks!
With Earls Colne once again in sight we crossed the railway track and picked
up a short stretch of the Wildside Walk. Footpaths on the river meadows lead
us back to Lowefields where we were joined by more C.F.A. members and refreshments
were enjoyed by all.
The next walk is on November 4th and will be towards Ford Street, meeting at
2pm at Chappel Station car park. I understand this walk will be slightly longer
than usual. Liz will lead and can be contacted on 01787224278 for further information.
All welcome. Ann Runtle.
Forthcoming walks and Events
| Date 2007 | Area | Meeting at: | Guide | Time |
Footpath problems
Contact your local Footpath Officer.
Wakes Colne, Peter Chillingworth 01206 240230 Earls Colne, John Munson or phone 224631
How To Join
Anne Runtle the membership secretary will be delighted to receive your call. In return for £1 minimum subscription members will receive a membership card with the years walks and two newsletters a year.
Anne Runtle 14 lowefields, Earls Colne, C06 2LH (01787) 223409
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