Tuesday 8 May 2007

COOPER'S HILL AND THE CHEESE ROLLS

You take some risks following the Cotswolds Way across the Painswick golf course. As golfers, Maurice and Hilary thought it looked a difficult course but at least they knew where to stand to avoid low flying balls.
It was a pleasant walk up to Cooper's Hill looking out for wild orchids along the way. The view from the top was spectacular. Unfortunately we disturbed a courting couple who were not particularly there for the view and then when a fit family of 8 appeared over the edge of the very steep hill the couple disappeared to find a quieter spot.
Consequently it was a very steep decline ending in someones back garden,reminiscent of Aunty Edna's steep little garden path in Welshpool.
It was fairly flat from then on over the M5 and under a railway towards Gloucester Airport. We phoned our contact for a lift back to Painswick where we had to collect the car. Barbara, who, with her husband Ken, manages the Gloucestershire scout HQ at Cranham, said she would be there in 10 minutes, so there was no time for plane spotting, or to nip into the airport cafe for a cup fo tea and a free session on the wireless internet.
We had an interesting conversation on the way back to Painswick, Barbara told us all about the cheese rolling event held on Coopers Hill, where Double Gloucester cheeses are rolled down the hill, followed by their owners ,every August Bank Holiday. Dating back from the Middle Ages this highly dangerous tradition is now under threat of being banned by the Health & Safety Dept. We were pleased to hear that the locals were having none of it.After all ,it's up to them if they want to risk breaking an arm or a leg.
Barabara also told us that there are 99 Yew trees in the church yard in Painswick. Many attempts have been made to plant one more but each time the tree has died, very strange.
Painswick is a picture perfect postcard town. Like a film set,nothing marred the perfect setting, the 99 Yew trees are groomed to perfection. All the buildings are built out of the same mellow stone. Even the shops are quaint. Books, Fabrics , Pottery and Antiques and then, I found a "Londis". How did this happen? Well I suppose if you live here and run out of tea bags you can't just pop into Gloucester - it's too far. I spotted a sweet little tea shop which was unfortunately closed until further notice due to "continuing back problems" hope your'e feeling better soon Pauline.
Poor Maurice, despite constant references and so called sightings of Cheltenham racecourse, he never got even near. Maybe next time.

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