East Garston

Thinking Caps and Hiking Boots ~ 2008

On Saturday the 22nd of June, an array of villagers came together to take part in a family treasure hunt. The primary purpose of the event was to raise funds towards a new ground for East Garston Cricket Club. Efficiently overseen and organized by Alan Breadmore, the day was a veritable success. The poster read ~ "Have fun with your friends and family whilst discovering your village. Join in this walking treasure hunt in and around the village of East Garston. It’s a puzzle, quiz and nature trail all rolled into one. The walk will not be strenuous and will take about 1 ½ to 2 hours, finishing with Sunday lunch (optional) at the Village Hall." With the Sun beating down on a glorious morning, that is an invitation difficult to pass up, so I tagged along.

The meeting point was the Village Hall car park, the time 11am. The entrance fee was £10 per team (max 4 adults but as many children as you like!!). Alan logged the teams, collected the fees and issued the questions. Now obviously on any treasure hunt, there needs to be a gap between the departure of the teams, as they set about the task ahead. To speed up this process, Alan sent alternative teams off in opposing directions, meaning some would walk the course in a clockwise direction, and some anti-clockwise.

In no time at all everyone was fully equipped and on the move. My task as photographer was made easier by forehand knowledge of the whereabouts of some of the questions, so I headed out on a route of my own that would hopefully bring me into contact with at least some of our intrepid explorers.

Now we all know the old adage - "Dogs have owners ~ Cats have staff". Well, Charlie the tabby must have decided, that his staff weren't going out on their own to enjoy the day, while he stayed indoors. There were no cat exclusion clauses on the entry form ~ so he came too.

This well thought out enterprise also catered for our younger residents, with a list of collectables for them to seek out during the walk

And what of Charlie? Well as you can see he threw all he had into the challenge, striding it out along the meadow returning from Maidencourt. Leading the way along the footpath above Manor Farm,(above centre)- and - Taking the high road, no doubt in an attempt to sniff out those sneakily hidden, Alan Breadmore questions.(above right)

Frustration boiling over?? ~ no not at all. I asked Colin and Chris to pose for a fake "tearing the question sheet in half " photo.
Such was the enthusiasm that Colin exceeded the parameters just a little.

Joanne and Victoria agree on an answer, whilst Jill and Jessica sit under the tree, on their second visit to question one. Jill told me that they had simply passed it by the first time, thinking it was an advertising poster for the event.

George takes on a serious look as he ponders a question ~ Jonathan seems to have done well with his bag of collectables. No, hang on, something not quite right here, oh well, all in a days fun. Above right ~ The Quinn family run a last minute check on their answers.

All back safely and Alan sets about marking the papers.
The participants can now enjoy a well earned lunch, accompanied by a drink or two from the social club bar.

"Charlie" in the meantime had issued instructions for Brian to pick him up, feeling, I am sure, that he had done enough walking for one day..

Chris, Bonnie, Colin and Dawn were declared the winners and were presented with a trophy - and more liquid refreshment.
Dawn said afterwards ~ Yes it was jolly good fun and she hoped that it would encourage others to walk round the parish, and enjoy the wonderfully beautiful countryside we are fortunate enough to live within.

A final word from Charlie-? ~ No perhaps not.

Photos and Text : Ken Tarbox
All Photos featuring "Charlie the Tabby" : Courtesy of Brian Quinn & Penny Locke

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