On the 8th April 30 members assembled at Wellingore All Saints to begin a tour of churches in the area. This was led by Nick and Eva Moore who welcomed us with hot drinks and biscuits and provided each person with a map and excellent notes for the day. The history and architecture of the church was outlined by Simon Erskine Crum and a new time-line of the village history was explained by Wendy Nugent. Nick then walked us into the churchyard to admire the wonderful view to the south-west from the church’s elevated position and then led us on a tour of village lanes and properties including Wellingore Hall.

A convoy of vehicles then set out across the heath despite a blocked road. We ate our packed lunches in the former school at Temple Bruer, briefly looking at the 1865 James Fowler church adjoining. We moved on to the Preceptory, (some via an unmetalled road!) where Nick explained the history and architecture of the extraordinary remaining church tower of the Knights Templar.

We completed the day at Welbourn St Chad, entering to rousing organ music played by Rodney Callow, who had also played at Wellingore. Emma Brealey welcomed us and Nick pointed out details of interest. The sun shone on us all day and we thoroughly enjoyed a splendid well-planned outing for which Nick and Eva were thanked.