Learning to push!

Because I am going on a trip which will include a child in a wheelchair, I have had to attend training on how to push one!

After lectures on technique, we went outside to try it all out. These are some of the staff from Jesson's Primary School, getting ready to start.

We were led off in an orderly fashion.

Crossing a road safely!

The kerb proved a little problematic. 

Some staff were happier than others in the wheelchair.

Afterwards, we learned how to help up someone who had fallen (hopefully not out of the wheelchairs we'll be pushing!) 

Then, how to move someone safely around a bed.

Plenty of practice for everyone.

A whole day spent, but if it means a child can enjoy a school residential, it will be well worth it.

Investigating...

Into Worcestershire today, investigating walks suitable for wheelchairs. In a month, I'll be going away with a school party, and we need to do a risk assessment.

The Hampstall Inn, by the River Severn, provided and area of flat walking. No time to go in to sample their drinks.
http://www.hampstallinn.com/

Then on to Shrawley Woods, and the "Narnia lamp-post". 

The path is certainly good here

On to Witley Court, checking out the grounds. The paths were mostly pretty level
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/witley-court-and-gardens/

The ornamental lake, established to provide a view from the house

Members of staff enjoy the view

Witley Court itself. It once belonged to the Earl of Dudley, and it has been a favourite school trip for children from Dudley for at least the past 50 years.

The gardens have been restored. I remember this as just bumpy grass

The famous fountain plays every hour. It is spectacular. 

Finally, on to the Malvern Hills, where we sat to eat a belated lunch.
I can't wait for a week's walking in the area (early October)

Although it was very warm, the views were rather murky. 

The Grand Union canal near Knowle

Why is this blog called Wednesday Walks?
I made up my mind to do at least one decent walk per week, and a blog sort of holds me to it.
But I do hope to blog much more often than that - and possibly to persuade others to walk too.

So, some of my summer walks coming up.
This doesn't look like summer, obviously, but it was mid-August

We were walking along the Grand Union Canal at Knowle (grid ref: SP182767) 

There is a flight of 5 locks, which are wide enough for two narrrow boats at once

This pair have their home at the Black Country Museum, but had been taken across country by volunteers to attend a rally. (What an excellent thing to volunteer for!)

A family of swans along the way

Ultimately, the weather got quite sunny 

On our return, this goat from a nearby petting zoo greeted us morosely. 

If you want details of any of my walks, email me at lucygriffiths1112%gmail.com, replacing the % with @. Or comment below

Totes A-maize-ing

A visit to to the Maize Maze near Kinver Edge today
http://www.kinvermaizemaze.co.uk/

It was lovely weather! 

 Mostly, this was the view!

But occasionally, you could see further afield

 Reached the centre!

 A handy child posed for a picture for me!

You get a clipboard and quiz - in the centre are all the answers

View from the summit

There are occasional obstacles

Back in the cafe, the lovely waitress poses for a photo. And she gave me my prize (a sunflower) for completing all of the questions on the worksheet!!!!

http://www.kinvermaizemaze.co.uk/

Lunch in high places

Today was the first official day of my retirement.

I went for a walk...

...on Kinver Edge, in Staffordshire. I followed the red route on this map (only about 1.5 miles, but a great walk )... 

...along sandy paths... 

...with views over to the Clent Hills.

At the top, I climbed out over Nanny's Rock - known very well locally but not signposted (because there's a big drop). I ate my lunch looking over the treetops,... 

 ...then reached the trig point...

...where there was a lovely view towards Dudley and the Black Country

From here, I could see the sun shining on Eve Hill flats in the distance (marked), about 100 metres from where I used to work.

An excellent start to retirement!