I've just updated a Google Maps version of my regular walk around The Hill, taking in the magic tree on the little hill. 3.85 miles. Humph, I thought it 4.5miles. There you go. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 20/2/12; 6:48:40 PM
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Round The Wrekin Walk

Some Australian friends of mine have been here for 5 weeks, leaving just this morning, I have been tied up with showing them around the ancient sites of Britain, so haven't had a lot of time to get to the protest camp. # Posted by Pat judson at 25/5/10; 6:29:43 PM
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Australian visitors appreciate the Ercall and Wrekin

Amy used to run the cafe at The Halfway House and has written three novels based around her life on a farm near The Wrekin. Go buy 'em!

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 21/3/10; 10:48:15 AM
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Amy Lecouter's 3 books

It was a hot summer day, July 1968, the Wrekin forestry gang were weeding, or as it was known colloquially ‘brushing’, in compartment 19, better known as Spout Lane Plantation. This plantation, some 11 acres, had been replanted 4 years earlier on a cleared old hardwood site with Norway spruce, larch & some oak. The site, a very fertile bolder clay, is south facing & the summer of 68 had produced a good growth of ‘weeds’, in places 3 to 4 feet of bramble, grasses and bracken. Finding the planted trees, even though these had been planted in straight rows at 5 feet intervals, was proving troublesome, the gangs humour had not been improved with the hot sunny weather and the high incidence of wasp nests encountered in the plantation.

A recent addition to the woodmen’s equipment, an Allen scythe, was proving its worth in speeding up the work, although the older & wiser woodmen in the gang had doubts about its effectiveness and reliability. (These doubts were to be proved well founded later in the year but that is another story!!) For the readers edification an Allen scythe is a motorised, pedestrian machine consisting of reciprocating blades mounted to the front. (A bit like a large hedge trimmer but on wheels) Two large diameter wheels driven by a two stroke engine provided mobility. The drive to the wheels was via a hand controlled clutch mounted on long handlebars. (It was this mechanism which was to prove the Achilles heels of this cumbersome machine)

Back to the story, the gang consisting of five experience woodmen & a young “forester in training”, decided around 12 noon that it was time for bait. (lunch) A comfortable bank in a shady spot was agreed upon, out came the assorted bait boxes, thermos flasks from the younger gang members, cold tea in old lemonade bottles from the senior gang members. (In winter the same bottles were used but filled with hot tea and insulated with old socks & newspaper) Once bait had been devoured it was time for the midday sleep.

Bill, the operator of the Allen scythe, decided to undertake a little maintenance on his trusty “modern” invention. This maintenance normally involved changing spark plugs, cleaning air filters and the like. One of Bill’s coveted possessions was a red squirty oil can, a big beauty just like an old steam train drivers. This beast could fire a generous squirt of oil for up to thirty feet if the right technique was adopted. Our canny head forester, who thought it a waste to let Bill use normal clean oil for the mere lubrication of reciprocating blades, had supplied him with some used dirty, black engine oil to go into this big red oil can. Good enough for the job!

By the time Bill had completed his maintenance tasks, Jim, one of more senior members of the gang, having removed his shirt to take advantage of the dappled suns rays, was dozing in the sun enjoying his rest. It was hot but Bill, being a young enthusiastic mechanically minded chap was bored, to pass the time Bill started to squirt his powerful trusty oil can here & there, not been too mindful of direction or velocity. Unfortunately a big dollop of the black, dirty waste oil flew across Jim’s bare chest causing the half asleep victim to announce to all as he rubbed his chest “come on lads it’s raining we had better shelter”. Slowly as Jim regained full consciousness, he realised he had only been vigorously massaged his bare chest with dirty, black engine oil for the past two minutes. Bill, now sensing all was not well took to his heels, closely followed by a raging Jim brandishing a lethal long handle weeding hook. Luckily for Bill, Jim soon gave up the chase to find breath for expletives as befitted the occasion, all enthusiastically cheered by the rest of the gang.

Oh well back to work!!!

Alan Massey # Posted by Steve Hooker at 15/3/10; 12:16:03 AM
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Tales of The Wrekin Woods: "The Red Oil Can"

Here is the extra information they added to the sign up form:

About: From the age of 2 until I was 12, I lived in Telford. In my family history research all my family on my grandmothers side come from Wombridge & Bishops Castle.
Future: I would like to see a wooden walkway set up going through Heaven& Hells Gate so protecting the Wrekin as its almost worn away. lets hope that I win the Euro Millions as I would buy the hill to let it be preserved by the woodlands trust for all the people's of Shropshire.
Not future: I do not want the BBC to make their mast & transmitter station any bigger.

Julian Smart # Posted by Steve Hooker at 17/2/10; 12:14:03 PM
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New member wants walkways

All over the world there are places that are very special to local people, some of them world famous. Perhaps the most obvious is ‘The Holy Land’, though much of what nowadays happens there is far from holy. Perhaps the fact that Jerusalem is special to Jews, Christians and Muslims is its main problem; it certainly has a long history of conflict.

Chomolungma, called Mount Everest by us ignorant foreigners, is not just the biggest mountain on Earth but also sacred to many, as is Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia, Mount Fuji (Fujiyama or Fuji-San) in Japan and many other hills and mountains in every continent.

Pilgrimages still take place to holy sites as they have done for centuries. Some are enormously popular; the largest being the Muslim ‘Haj’ or pilgrimage to Mecca and Hindu festivals to the River Ganges. Most of the greatest modern events are highly organised by religions but there are very many smaller pilgrimages of varying kinds that may not be religious or organised. One of these is very close to Wellington.

Friends and regular readers have by now anticipated what this essay is coming to. For those who haven’t, it’s going to be about The Wrekin, our very own little Sacred Mountain.

Those of us who were sent away far from home during the Last World War will remember how eagerly we looked forward to our first glimpse of The Wrekin when coming home on leave, especially when our war was over. With a tremendous feeling of excitement we anticipated the hill’s appearance over the horizon or the blinking red light. We knew we were home.

This isn’t just a landmark. Never mind the legal documents, The Wrekin belongs – emotionally at least – to us all. Perhaps we should claim it as Tribal Territory? Or would that be going just a bit too far?

Over seventy years of walking up The Wrekin, I’ve seen a lot of people who treat their walk as a regular pilgrimage to a much loved place. Some come every time they return to the area; some bring their children to enjoy the experiences of their own youth. It has only recently occurred to me that this is a pilgrimage to many of us. Perhaps we should call the regular, most popular route from the Forest Glen to the top and back – the way almost everyone goes – the Pilgrims’ Way. Why not? That’s what it is.

Around thirty years ago I was sitting on a patch of soft grass just below the Cuckoo’s Cup (Raven’s Bowl if you like) looking at a jumble of large rocks. The idea occurred that something might happen here at the vernal equinox, perhaps at midday. There was no reason for supposing that – it just seemed right. I returned at the appropriate time and watched what seemed like a thrilling magical event. A shaft of light came through a fissure in the rocks and formed a small circle, moving slowly for ten minutes and disappearing.

This year my ‘vision’ was authenticated by the Shropshire Star chief reporter and a photographer. Prehistoric inhabitants could foretell the equinox - vitally important to a farming community.

Last year I photographed sunset on the shortest day – exactly through the entrance of Heaven’s Gate - and put it on Wrekin Friends website. Promptly a photo came back of sunrise on the longest day – exactly between the entrance to Hell’s Gate.

Are these three events accidental? I rather think not.

More than ever I am convinced that at least one of the functions of the hillfort on The Wrekin was to organise the worship of the Sun. If this is true, then it was not just an Iron Age village or a place of refuge but of a similar function to Stonehenge or many sites around the Earth where the Sun was venerated.

If that’s correct there would be regular assemblies of the tribespeople to witness ceremonies and celebrations, probably associated with fairs and markets. It would also mean the protection of the sacred sites and the training and education of priests, Druids or shaman; perhaps also training and drill for young warriors.

What was the function of the Needle’s Eye? This is a very strange place. Was there some secret and special ceremony associated with this famous rock formation? We always ensure each new member of our family goes through. I last did that on my 60^th birthday, pushed by one son and pulled by the other.

Ours is just one of the local families who have stories and performances on The Wrekin; many others have their own traditions and small ceremonies in this special place, often including, ‘Good Morning’ to our sacred mountain every morning.

We decorate the ‘Top Tree’ with ribbon, like the Arbour Tree at Aston on Clun. We have our own names for special places; the area around the old navigation light is called ‘The Old Top’ because it was the top before the mound was raised at the trig point; the wood between Hell’s Gate and Heaven’s Gate is ‘Purgatory Wood’ and there’s a yew grove called ‘The Devil’s Coach-house’

Allan Frost and I have both written children’s stories set on The Wrekin; Mollie Bolt, Gill Thomas, Jim Hatfield and others have written poems. There are many versions of the Giant story; we always emphasise that Crispin, the Cobbler was a Wellington man – accounting for his fearlessness and high intelligence. To thousands of us over the centuries The Wrekin and its forest were our childhood playground. This place is just as special as anywhere else on Earth.

Is there something in the genetic makeup of local people; a tribal memory from thousands of years ago? Is it possible that we have an inborn propensity to venerate this little old mountain? No? Then how did I know that something was going to happen at the Calendar Stone?

How dare anyone suggest opencast mining? Or drop litter?

This is our own Sacred Mountain.

See you on the Pilgrims’ Way. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 17/1/10; 6:08:04 PM
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Our Sacred Mountain

Also seen on The Hill today... Snowboarders! Yay!


# Posted by Steve Hooker at 13/1/10; 7:24:09 PM
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Spot the dog

Hi Steve
Just seen this article about Ernies wood for sale. Is this the Erny I knew from my childhood who unfortunately passed away last July 2009? I was brought up in Spout Lane and spent many happy years up at Wrekin Farm with Erny Holmes' family. Who is selling this wood then? Not the Holmes'?

I am glad you are enjoying the Wrekin as I did many years ago.

Tanya
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 28/12/09; 11:43:29 PM
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Who's Ernie?

Here's a picture of the Winter Solstice sunset last Monday from the Little Hill.
We decided to chicken off The Wrekin when finding solid ice at the first bend. No place for an ancient, go to plan B. I hope AFRTW enjoy the picture as I have an apology and some bad news to add later.
Happy Yuletide all,
George. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 23/12/09; 10:21:08 PM
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Wintersun 2009

Just around the bend from The Little Hill, in a clockwise direction, is this view, looking toward north Shrewsbury, or the sugar plant.
Earlier, on the south eastern flank, near the necropolis, I noted to an twitcher that there aren't too many birds on this part of The Hill, "it could be the sparrow hawks, but there aren't many to be seen, or it could be the peregrine falcons, of which there are three pairs..." He said. Certainly in the early part of dusk you can hear the stags baying for their own birds :-) "Don't think they'd be frightening them off," says I.

Where this picture was taken, you can hear the buzzards and the ravens, and there's far more bird activity and tweeting on this north western flank. Shoals of tits, busy wrens, laughing green woodpeckers, scared blackbirds, the odd, crazy starling.

My dog says there's fairies here too, near The Little Hill, but I never believe a word she says, and I'm too old to see them anyway. So I'm told.

Ah! It's a great time of year to wander The Wrekin. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 18/10/09; 7:02:28 PM
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Rutting stags

Hi Steve, Thanks for email asking me to vote on developments.  Unfortunately I couldn't see how I could do it on the website.  [Steve: it's the big votey thing at the top of the central column on the home page. Maybe you have javascript disabled?]

No, I don't want a visitor centre, it will be a white elephant.  All that needs to happen, if anything, is the toilet block should be re-opened.

Perhaps you could help me with a small dilemma.  Should I continue to financially support the SWT if I don't believe their plans for The Wrekin are in the best interest for the wildlife?
Regards
Jackie

[Steve: were it me I'd stop giving SWT any more money and write to tell them why.]

[Later... Other people are reporting that they can't see the votey panel... Must be a javascript thing. I can't control it, it's a widget off another site. So I can't rig any votes.]
Dave Hunt says:
I want to vote on the development issues but can't see how to on the web site. For the record, I am against any development apart from reopening the toilets and replacing the sleeper bridge. Please add me to the NO list for more car parking and a visitor centre.
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 11/12/08; 2:06:22 PM
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Should I stay or should I go?

Name: Ken Evans. Regular walker on Wrekin, usually 3/4 times a week. Once a month into Welsh mountains.
Future: No 'development' at all.Hands off SWT and subsidiaries. Just leave it alone!
Not Future: As above. This landmark shouldn't be sanitised to make things look pretty.

Sounds like my type of geezer :-)
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 10/12/08; 7:32:57 PM
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New member says...

It's a different planet. A different world. Frozen drips, spider webs, sparkly, twinkly. But very cold! We put up with it and break for a hot choc at Tom's.

Up top we travel. Asking those on the way down, "what's it like at the top." Blue skies. Warm. Wonderful. We're inspired and push on through the deep, thick freezing fog. Esme's toes are painful. (Reminder to self, wellies ain't good in the cold.)

We're fascinated with the ice on the trees. The way if you look at it from one direction it looks really thick, another and you can hardly see it. "It's the wind," I decide.

Up top! Awww! Amazing. Cold. But amazing. Sometimes. Mostly we're still in the fog, but for a minute or two, it cleared and we're above the clouds. Thrilling.

Some geezer tells us about some 'wasisname's sprites.' A rainbow you can see in your own shadow. We don't see them. "In a minute he says," and wanders off, gobbled up in the re-blanketing of mist.









[bonus links to:
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 30/11/08; 2:45:50 PM
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Frozen world

Curious.
In some interpretation centres, I hear, dogs aren't allowed on seats. I like The Wrekin's interpretation and information and refreshment centre, just because it does allow dogs on seats.

As you can see, our dog is very well mannered. Though I do tell her off for standing on the seat. "Good dogs, sit on seats!" I say. And she does. "Good dog." # Posted by Steve Hooker at 30/11/08; 1:54:38 PM
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Interpretation centre

Pippapotamus says:
About: Regular Ercall and Wrekin wanderer
Future: Traffic calming and refurbished toilets
Not future: More carparking/charges, building, landscaping, ski lifts, visitor centre, paved paths, signage, play area for the kids, ice cream sellers etc, etc.
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 19/11/08; 2:44:42 PM
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Another like minded

Linda Hemming: I have lived with my family in Wellington since 1982.
I am a primary school teacher and myself and other members of my family are regular walkers up the Wrekin.

future: I would like the Wrekin to remain natural and wild. I don't think toilets are needed there. I definately don't think any more concrete paths should be built. I realise that the paths will erode with use but that is the natural process. The information boards are ok but I don't think any more are needed. If people want lots of facilities ie toilets, cafes, information centres and all the other things that come with commecialism there are plenty of other places to go. Leave it in its natural state.

not future: Any form of buildings put up. Car parks, toilets, information centres, cafes, shops, benches, footpaths. In fact anything at all apart from NATURE. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 16/11/08; 3:42:33 PM
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New member says...

e didn't make the top as The Wrekin had her cap on and the sunset was postponed.However, we saw Pete's Hillfort poster board and here it is.I think it's great and will tell everyone what to look out for.What do All Friends think?

Ancient George. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 23/6/08; 9:47:17 AM
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The hill fort information board

Amanda C Cox, says: I don't come from your area, but I do appreciate the wilderness. I am a tourist, but I respect the places I visit, and don't complain if its not as sterile or convenient as Hyde Park! I like stumbling about on rocks and sods, I don't need paths and roads. We should respect nature.

future: Nothing. Leave it alone.

I saw your campaign on the 'net and I think its indicative of the way the countryside is going, where its either a theme park or gets built on.

notfuture: Bringing in chavs with lager cans and crisp packets. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 23/3/08; 12:38:09 PM
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New member signed up says...

Look who shared my lunch on top of The Wrekin this month.George the Ancient.
# Posted by George Evans at 21/3/08; 7:18:19 PM
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Wrekin Friend

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 22/10/07; 1:12:26 PM
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Busy Sunday

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 22/10/07; 12:39:28 PM
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Late evening, Autumn

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 22/6/07; 9:31:05 PM
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Emailing: DSCF2415

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 19/6/07; 11:15:00 AM
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Wimberries, poo and swing

The Ercall wardens , a voluntary group of  local people who have a special interest in the care of the Ercall nature reserve have their next informal  evening meet on Wednesday 1st November  at 7.30pm in the lounge bar of the Buckatree Hotal , Ercall Lane . Pete Lambert , the Wrekin Forest Officer of the Shropshire Wildlife Trust will be there talking about his programme of practical events for the rest of the winter . If you would like to join us please ring Pete on 01743 284285 to let him  know to expect you . # Posted by this member at 2/10/06; 2:59:14 PM
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Ercall Wardens

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 23/9/06; 3:44:30 PM
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More swing

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 23/9/06; 3:03:49 PM
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Live from Beech Tree Avenue swing

Hello, just joined the Friends of the Wrekin, I was born in St.Georges. many years ago now. I was beginning to feel a bit of a traitor living in Wolverhampton, but nice to know others here too, even though I miss Shropshire and visit very, very often, finding any excuse to visit, even went to Ludlow Food Festival last week. Any way nice to meet you. Regards, Alan Davies

Alan, hope you can come tonight! And if you could learn to use the discussion group! Any nice memories of The Wrekin? No matter if they're just personal, of no news worthy nature. Just tell us more about that journey up in an old Austin, OK, it was a new Austin then :-) And what happened at those Forest Glen Parties??? Spill the beans dude ;-) Kiss and tell!
# Posted by Steve Hooker at 14/9/06; 10:36:01 AM
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Mail from Alan Davies

Allan Frost has been asked to bring copies of his forthcoming novel, WREKIN WRAITHS, REBELS AND ROMANS, to the meeting on Thursday night. Allan has agreed with George Chancellor that attendees can buy them at the special price of £5.00 each instead of the normal £5.99 on the night, after which they will revert to the full price. As the book isn't due to be launched until the end of October, this is a great opportunity to get your signed copy before anyone else. If you can't make the meeting, the launch will take place between 10.00 a.m. and 12 noon on Saturday 28th October in Wellington Library, Walker Street, with an unprecedented follow-up signing at the Halfway House on The Wrekin the next day, Sunday 29th October, again between 10.00 a.m. and 12 noon. # Posted by Steve Hooker at 13/9/06; 9:52:01 AM
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Rebels and Romans and Wrekin Friends

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 6/8/06; 7:06:27 PM
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Wrekin mountain frogs!

# Posted by Steve Hooker at 25/6/06; 3:03:19 PM
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Wimberries