Local charity walk – Great Bromley to Southwold

STRIDES OF HOPE CHARITY WALK SUCCESS IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH

“Towards the end of 2009 an initial attempt to secure places on the Breast Cancer Moonwalk proved unsuccessful due to the high demand and high profile nature of the event. Not ones to give up Jayne Runnels Moss and Sharon Woodhouse, of Great Bromley and Ardleigh respectively,  planned an alternative charity event over a glass of wine in the local hostelry (The Cross Inn at Great Bromley).

With help and advice from the local Cancer Research team in Colchester it was decided to undertake a sponsored walk from The Cross Inn at Great Bromley to the Red Lion at Southwold  - a walk of just under 70 miles. The money raised would be specifically for bowel and prostate cancer research. At this time another member joined the team, Jeff Lubbock, who was already an accomplished walker and would provide support and enthusiasm. As both pubs are associated with the Adnams Brewery in Southwold they were approached for sponsorship which was provided by way of T Shirts and prizes for a raffle.

It was agreed that the walk would run over the period 16-19 July 2010 and training began in earnest in late December 2009 under the team name of ‘Strides of Hope’. Due to work commitments Jayne and Sharon were only able to meet up every Sunday morning and slowly built up the distance which included walking in the snow, rain and occasionally sunshine.

There was the logistical challenge of where we would stop each day but this proved fairly easy as Jayne and Sharon used Motorhomes and a tent was sufficient for Jeff. Thanks go out to the husbands who provided the backup support and ensured campsites were set up for our arrival and food on the table.

Prior to the walk we held two car boot sales and a raffle in The Cross Inn at Great Bromley to raise additional funds. The Cross Inn provided significant support  and assistance both prior to, and during the walk and we would like to thank them for this. Richard, the Landlord even got out of his bed before 0600 hrs to see us off at the beginning of the walk on 16 July 2010.

The first day (0600 hrs) of the walk was psychologically and physically the hardest as we had to complete 27 miles to get to Melton for an overnight stay in Rendelsham Forest. We made it in just on 9 hours of walking, not including rest stops. The second day once again saw an early start  (0600 hrs)in order to reach Sizewell where our next overnight stay, just over 21 miles in distance. Once again a well deserved rest was taken and we were able to have a slightly later start on day 3 (0800 hrs). The third day saw our last leg to Southwold which we achieved by early afternoon to a warm welcome from friends and family who were waiting for us to arrive.

Overall the walk was a challenge which we are all proud of achieving and culminated in us raising the fantastic sum of £3603.20 for prostate and bowel cancer research. Would we do it again? Maybe in another few years!”

Oriental Magic

On the 9th June we enjoyed the ultimate in day trips, to celebrate (rather belatedly) our Ruby Wedding Anniversary.  Thanks to the kindness of friends and relatives we were treated to an excursion on the Orient Express.  It was a magical experience – wonderful food and drink served by attentive, delightful stewards whilst we travelled in the utter comfort of one of the bespoke Pullman carriages, each of which simply oozed elegance and luxury.  En route to and from Bristol, we were waited on hand , foot anf finger and as we had the bonus of journeying through some of the loveliest of English scenery, we felt privileged and special.  In fact the courtesy and efficiency of the staff, the beauty of the lovingly restored carriages, the meals, service and the attention to detail made the whole day unforgettable.

Our heartfelt thanks to all o you who really made this ‘a day in our life’.  Lots of love from Brenda and Richard.

P.S.  A very special thank you to Dinah, who made it all happen – even the taxi service!

Strides of Hope Charity Walk

Please sponsor Jayne, Jeff and Sharon on their epic 70 mile Charity Walk in aid of Cancer Research.  For details please go to the Events page.

St George’s Day At The Cross Inn

We were fortunate to have our customary Morris men and ladies to celebrate St George’s Day.  Great Fun was had by all, despite the customary foul weather!  It was good to see some of our local menfolk getting stuck in to the ‘come all ye‘ dance!  Lewis and Steve looked very fetching waving their handkerchiefs.  Thanks to our visitors for making the evening such fun with their song and dance.

Dine With The Donkeys – A Huge Thank You!

By your generosity in cash, kindness and support, £600 was raised.  Everyone at the Donkey sanctuary joins us in thanking you all for making this event such a wonderful day and success – we are truly appreciative of your kindness.  Looking forward to next year’s event already!

You can learn more about E.S.T’s work by going to the Donkey Sanctuary link on the right of this page.

Welcome!

Welcome to the website for the Cross Inn in Great Bromley, Essex.

The Cross Inn