Home page > Walks photos <		Eric's 90th birthday walk 15 March 2003
		For members of South Cotswold Ramblers and Stroud Rambling Club, Saturday 15th March was a very special day. Both groups had arranged to organise a joint walk to celebrate the 90th birthday of Eric Seymour, possibly Stroud's most famous rambler, with more conventional celebrations to follow in the pub afterwards.
		Eric himself led the six mile walk, and anyone who thought this might be an easy stroll led by a 90 year old were in for a surprise, as Eric led us through a beautiful and hilly walk up through the Toadsmoor Valley.
		Break time by the lake.
		Passing through Bussage.
		Members pointing out Eric's birthplace in Brownshill (18 March 1913).
		We descended via Brownshill, which is Eric's birthplace, to arrive back at Brimscombe where the partying began in the local pub.
		It was a beautiful sunny day and it seemed as if the weather and the countryside were doing their best to celebrate with us.
		Seventy five people turned out to be with Eric on this special day, creating a wonderful atmosphere of festivity, joy of life, appreciation of this magnificent countryside, and above all marvelling at the vitality of Eric. At 90 he still runs a weekly painting class in Stroud and is renowned for his homemade wines.
		Many people have known Eric for most of their lives and recalled with fondness and laughter many anecdotes from over the years. After enjoying the arranged buffet lunch at the pub, and giving Eric his birthday presents, there were speeches. The first speech was given by Jim Fern, another well known local walker and old friend of Eric's. In fact it was Eric who first introduced Jim to walking, and he's never looked back. Jim recalled several amusing stories about Eric and was clearly delighted at this celebration of his friend's life. Jim White then gave a speech, acknowledging Eric's commitment to rambling and long memberships of both South Cotswold Ramblers and Stroud Rambling Club. On behalf of Stroud Rambling Club, Jim then told Eric that it had been decided to bestow a Lifetime Membership of the Club, in honour of the high regard in which he is held. Eric was delighted by this and rose to his feet to give his own speech, thanking everyone for the party and the many cards and good wishes he had received. It was a wonderful day for an extraordinary man.