The Un-reconstructed Wing

WADAS members met at the Walnut Tree, North Petherton for an autumn foray (19.11.06 - Absentees: 1). For years the Walnut Tree had been a mystery and, like the Station Inn at Yatton, perhaps should have remained one. Instead of a picturesque and rambling country pub interior (alas the outside has already been wiped clean of any distinguishing features) we found a hotel chain foyer. There was a notice announcing that the hotel was not part of a chain, but the very existance of this sign tended to hint at the opposite.

The walk around Fyne Court was boggy but stunningly attractive. The light began to fail before we got to a definite conclusion so we turned back. We retraced our steps to Fyne Court, passing the intriguing overgrown walled garden and some hedgehog tunnels on the way. We missed the window for cream teas, but learned about the nineteenth century fire which obliterated an entire wing as the result of a candle left burning under a curling iron. It was in the hectic preparation for a wedding. However, the disaster had a silver lining in some respects, since the elderly owner claimed the insurance money and went to live comfortably in a cottage nearby.

Fortunately the gates of the car park were still open when dusk became darkness and the party sped their separate ways home to check their hair straighteners weren't left on.