The Meanderthals: CHORLEY

OCTOGENARIAN

JOHN R = 80

Yes John R was 80 today and celebrating with him were :-

Mike. Anthony, Danny. Jim, James, Vic and John W. and later Martin

Yes... It's a rather sobering, though wonderful thought, that about 35 % of our regular walkers are 80 +

Not so much a "Walk" today as a gentle plod towards a celebratory lunch destination. Starting in Astley Park

Here we are leaving the Astley Park car park and passing by the cafe and Museum.

A right turn took us down past the bowling greens and into the woodland area.

Only a short distance into the woods and over the nascent River Chor before we stopped to look at a newly renovated "artefact".

This "Font" had, it seems, been buried beneath layers of rubbish and leaf Mould. Most people didn't even know it existed.

Just next to the font was a seat which made us aware that it was Autumn. "Fungi" time.

Almost immediately after we left the font we turned left to follow the woodland walk.

Here we see Jim & Jim..or.. James & James..or...Jim & James...or...ENOUGH ! Anyway, They're Ambling though the woods.

With the Autumn colours beginning to appear the woods look beautiful.

There are five Meanderthals in the photo, Can you see them all ?

Here are the other two..... and don't forget the photographer.

As the walk was a familiar one and there was no particular timetable everyone rambled along at their own pace stopping at intervals to gather together.

Another reminder of Autumnal Fungi time. Apparently Fungi are neither plants or Animals but are placed in their own "Kingdom" ???

But here are some "Proper" wild flowers.

Out of the woods and heading towards the main gates into Chorley town centre

Then Danny, ever alert, spotted the sensory garden just a short distance from the path. We stopped to investigate.

As we looked around the garden a strange sculpture had us puzzled.

What was it ? The strong paws and claws should have given us a clue

A lady passing by explained that it was a Mole. REALLY ?

Mind you.... there was something even stranger sitting on the wall in the garden

Mike, who took these photos, seemed highly amused and was still laughing as we left the garden.

Before we left the Park we stopped briefly to pay our respects at the war memorial.

And so out of the park into Chorley in search of Wetherspoons,

Passing Chorley Parish Church,

With aid of our highly trained Wetherspoons "Sniffer Dog" (Anthony) we were soon inside that hostelry and ordering our various lunches,

With our meals consumed and after Martin's arrival to join us for lunchtime There was a

HISTORIC MOMENT.

From the television on the wall came the announcement that the Prime Minister - Liz Truss had resigned. The room went quiet ,,,,, then burst out into many animated conversations.

As we left Wetherspoons John W caught a glimpse of a previous educational establishment he had attended, The former Chorley Grammar school and Teacher Training College.

Lunch over and goodbyes said to Martin, we crossed the road in front of the town hall and re-entered Astley Park.

Passing this old drinking fountain as we went. The drinking device is on the left !!!!!

James 88 ........ drinking fountain......... Mmmmm ? which is the older 😕 ?

Just inside the Park and in front of the War Memorial the gardeners are busy planting hundreds of Tulips, "Bright red for Poppy Day" they told us.