Pulborough, Parham and Cootham Day walk 7.6.2016

Marian, Maddie, June and Linda's day walk started from the car park of the generous White Horse pub. It was a warm day and humid as well but fortunately we were near water during the morning. The afternoon was warm as well and we were very grateful for the shade! 8.1/2 miles, but mostly flat and easy going. Full of interest with the Pulborough Brooks RSPB reserve, the Wiggonholt church, Parham Estate and the airfield at Parham with gliders on tow lines. Very interesting walk, with a great lunch in Cootham at the Crown Inn. Thanks for additional photos from Marian.

Wiggonholt Church was built originally to serve the shepherds and farmers who occupied the area. It is relatively unspoilt, the churchyard being left wild for the first part of the year to encourage wild flowers. Lots of orchids. The wooden bench outside is a recent addition, not without some protests. The Parochial Church Council gained approval from Chichester in spite of 15 different reasons why it shouldn't be there - here are the first 5 reasons:-

i. that the PCC was divided and not unanimous in its decision, and that a differently constituted PCC had come to the opposite view;

ii. that there has been no request for the installation of a seat in living memory;

iii. that there are plenty of seats in the contiguous RSPB reserve;

iv. that the proposal is merely pandering to the wishes of the widow of someone recently buried in the churchyard. Neither she nor her late husband had any involvement with the church;

v. that previous requests of a similar nature have not been pursued because they failed to secure the support of the then incumbent and churchwardens;