Many thanks to Sudbury Common Lands Ranger Nick Shimwell for leading the annual walk over part of the ancient freemen’s grazing lands. We were blessed with ideal weather for the event – warm and bright but not too hot. Partly due to Covid, turn-out was less than expected but those of us who were present had an interesting and absorbing afternoon on the beautiful water meadows.
Nick concentrated on the recent conservation and improvement work that the team of rangers and volunteers have carried out since last year. We inspected the new chicane access from the Valley Trail to Coote’s Meadow which is proving to be very popular. We also walked to the Salmon Leap and heard about the recent visit by television presenter Julia Bradbury for the ITV programme ‘This Morning’.
After the walk, the Freemen and their families enjoyed an excellent afternoon tea at The Christopher Centre in Gainsborough Street. We would like to thank Teresa Bishop for providing delicious home-made food for us in a beautiful setting. (All money raised is used to support the Open House Monday morning group.)
Photograph by Martina Rowe
Following a relaxed and convivial tea, the AGM of the Sudbury Freemen’s Society took place in the Common Lands Room.