®Amblers 1 August 2010: Debenham

We travelled to The Mid Suffolk Village of Debenham for our August perambulation. Parking outside what must be the smallest library in Suffolk, nine of us set out in cloudy but dry weather. Crossing the river Deben we ascended into the fields by the White House to climb gently but steadily to Crows Hall cottages. The moated hall (Grade II listed) above the cottages was established in the 16th Century. A large notice on the approach to these buildings advises "Slow - Fast Animals and Children. - 25mph " Which is not bad for a junior runner - a mile in 2.4 minutes. We headed off into a green lane and followed a substantial way leading to Grove Farm, then on through more green lanes to Waddlegoose Lane. It is claimed that this was an old pack way for the wool trade. One of our number had a tangle with a rambling rose or a brutal bramble and it was judged a suitable point to stop;  first aid was deftly administered, dried fruit distributed and photos taken. Eventually we arrived at Linen Post Barn and Hill Farm to follow a short stretch of road before plunging into Hoggs Kiss Wood, planted in 1998. The area to the noth west of this was created in 2004 as a community wood with a lake and is known as Hoppit Wood; they do seem to like their descriptive names in Debenham!

Returning to the main street the party settled on the Angel Inn for tea and biscuits with other reviving liquids. It had been a muggy day rehydration was priority but it was also a pleasant end to a summer walk. The crops, flora and fauna had obviously been affected by the long period of dry weather. We were greeted by a green woodpecker and studiously ignored by deer on the walk but the countryside appeared to be in a state of heat induced enervation.

Debenham has some fine buildings. It is described as “unspoiled without being a showcase” and well worth a visit but might provide more interest on a working day! The building that caught my eye, grand but not very beautiful, was the former Chapel of the Ancient Order of Foresters. It was built in 1905 but is of significance as it was the local branch or lodge of a Friendly Society formed in 1834. The society which,is still in existence, provides its 70,000 members with insurance policies against sickness and death; an example of the Small Society?
A rough outline of the walk is available at the Ordnance Survey Explore site (opens in a new window).

Next Walk :- Snape  - on  Sunday 5 September, 2010  Meeting Time: 10:00 hrs. Tithe Barn, Bardwell includes lunch.
JM