Home page > Walks photos <		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Rodborough ups and downs 3 February 2007 Diana's first walk leads to a large turn out of 33. ..
		We meet at Rodborough Tabernacle .
		On a frosty morning .
		And head down through Rodborough fields .
		To the viaduct at Capels Mill, Stroud .
		Heading into bright winter sunlight .
		Where we find the going tough along the river .
		On the canal we meet this family out for a morning swim .
		And we stop to look .
		Before crossing over Jubilee Bridge .
		Looking back along the canal .
		And then crossing the railway line .
		Before heading up the hill .
		And follow the course of the old road towards the common .
		Where we have our coffee break near the ice cream factory .
		Refreshed we set off along the road round Bownham .
		Past the pond looking very full .
		Before climbing back up to the Common .
		Pausing at one of the large houses on its edge .
		Before heading across the top to .
		Whitfield's Tump where Di, our leader, emulates the great George Whitefield (pronounced Whitfield). He was born on December 16, 1714 at the Bell Inn, Gloucester, England, and died in Newburyport, Massachusetts on September 30, 1770. In contemporary accounts, he, not John Wesley, is spoken of as the supreme figure and even as the founder of Methodism. He was famous for his preaching in America which was a significant part of the Great Awakening movement of Christian revivals. He has been called by some historians "the first modern celebrity." Read more .
		And talks to her congregation .
		At 33 slightly down from the 20,000 who gathered to hear George in 1739 In 1750 Rodborough Tabernacle was built Read more (2 pages) .
		Then its time for lunch .
		Guess who won the race for the seat .
		After lunch we spot these .
		As we head down into the valley .
		With views of South Woodchester .
		We cross the old railway line and Tim tells us something of its history .
		We pass the old teasel tower .
		After which we climb up .
		To South Woodchester .
	And then along the valley .
	To North Woodchester .
	Pausing to look over the wall .
	At the site of the Roman Pavement .
	Where Mike (and later Jim) tell us something of its history .
	Then it's down into the valley .
	Zooming into Rodborough Tabernacle, our goal on the other side .
	Although there are still some pretty serious descents to be made .
	Passing some of Stroud's industrial history .
	Before an equally serious ascent back to the Tabernacle .
	Over difficult stiles .
	At the Tabernacle we are welcomed with tea and cakes .
	And hear an interesting talk from Ron Cook on its history .
	The Tabernacle in the days of Whitefield and Adams .
	Ron continues his fascinating talk in the church .
	A depiction of George Whitefield's visit .
	And a celebratory memento of the 250th anniversary .
	More words of wisdom from Ron .
	The sanctuary was refurbished at the beginning of the 20th Century with fine examples of the work of Peter de Vaals of the Arts and Craft movement including this lecturn .
	And the detailed carvings are very fine .
	We move to the Little Chapel across the road with its carvings and fittings produced by the Barnsley Brothers and other members of the Arts and Crafts Movement .
	As well as its more recent stained glass windows .
	And admire the detailed work on the light fittings and the graceful windows .
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	A truly memorable walk - thanks to Diana our leader, with photos and caption thanks to Richard, Mike and Bernard.
		As you can see, we thoroughly enjoy getting to know the South Cotswolds. We try to keep fit and succeed in having a good old chat. If you are interested in coming with us, see our walks programme and ring the leader if you have any questions about a particular walk. After two or three walks we hope you will then want to join the group as part of the national Ramblers' Association.