The pictures above show (from the top) the site of Gainsborough's Home in Ipswich, the end of the first day's walking at Hadleigh Heath, walkers and friends at the White Horse at Edwardstone and the Mayor of Sudbury, Adrian Osborne, greeting Nick and Rendle at the Weavers Lane entrance to Gainsborough's House.
The sponsored walk for Gainsborough’s House, undertaken this weekend by a number of supporters of the museum including my husband, Nick, was a great success and raised over £2000.
The aim was to walk the 22 miles from the site of Gainsborough’s home and studio in Foundation Street, Ipswich to Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury over the course of the two days and this was achieved despite rather hot conditions on Saturday afternoon.
A number of landmarks were passed en route, including Sproughton Bridge, Hintlesham Hall, Hadleigh Church, Great Waldingfield Church, and the White Horse and Brewery at Edwardstone where the walkers stopped for lunch today. We were lucky to coincide with the Harvest Festival service at Chilton Church this afternoon, and dropped into the church to admire the decorations. Friends from Surrey, who had joined the walk, were very impressed with the condition of this beautiful little church and they were also delighted by the remote and unspoilt Suffolk countryside.
Adrian Osborne, the Mayor of Sudbury, greeted the walkers, plus Rendle the Lurcher, at Gainsborough’s House at a Reception this afternoon.
Thanks to all who sponsored walkers, participated, and helped with the organisation; in particular Colin and Glynis Wash, Brian and Elizabeth Tora, David and Alison Carse, Pippa and Richard Gray, Carol Whalley, Sue Whitehouse, Penny Payne, Christine Ruggles Brise, Brian and Val Moody, and Teresa and Phil Walbank. In due course a list of sponsors who donated in excess of £40 will be posted up in the reception at the museum.
