Nine walkers met at Heckington Windmill on a glorious sunny day. After moving their vehicles across the road, by request, visiting the toilets, awaited the lone cyclist to regain his breath back, and then persuading the mill official to take a few photos of the group, we eventually set off.

Taking footpaths by the roadside the group travelled through Great Hale and Little Hale to enter a new kissing gate and stile to cross two fields containing cattle. Fortunately the beasts didn't seem too interested in the trekkers travels. Then it was a case of crossing an old footbridge over the river and taking the track to Helpringham village via a side road with its gardens of bluebells (mainly hybrids), wisteria, clematis and valerian.

Once the Brass Windmill pub was sighted it was decided to forgo any further paths and to pop in for pints. Beers on included three from 8 Sail - King John's Jewels, Flour Power, and the powerful Old Colony (all sold at the same price as at the brewery), along with TT Landlord.

After a couple of rounds it was time to make the return journey back t'mill. 8 Sail had the moorish Millwright Mild, Windmill Bitter, and their ever popular Blonde on. The Sleaford Ukulele Orchestra were in top form in the garden, as part of the Sleaford Live festival, and the Fen folk happily sat, supped and sang along with some of the numbers. A great day was had by all.