January 29, 2021
by Jem Croucher

This field we walk
our saving grace
and for result
we love this place
Changing as
the year goes by
and different things
each time we spy
The joy of seeing
running paws
and flapping ears
to much applauds
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December 19, 2020
by Jem Croucher
December in Three acre field
so it’s wellies every time
as mostly it is raining though
sometimes it’s also fine
It’s colder now as well of course
but Obi doesn’t mind
as he still has his run about
and has a lovely time
And we still have a wander round
breathing in the air
and just like him enjoy the fact
of simply being there
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November 25, 2020
by Jem Croucher
A sheep looking chilly
there in the field
caught my eye when just passing
in the Sussex Weald
Forlorn it stood pleading
with a look it its eye
“Could it come with me?”
as I wandered by
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November 23, 2020
by Jem Croucher

I felt like a wander
out to the Loop
six miles again over the Downs
But the rain paid a visit
its objectives upheld
resigned to stay home with some frowns
And yes I agree with you
strongly in fact
the weather shouldn’t get in the way
but I tell you the stair rods
falling out there
made their point as they had their say
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November 4, 2020
by Jem Croucher

Last time I came along this way
it was chalk upon my feet
Clouds of dust cooked by the sun
in lovely summer heat
But what a change here now to see
now autumn rains have come
the dried out dip now water-filled
reflecting autumn sun
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November 3, 2020
by Jem Croucher

Clouds in the field
and up in the sky
caught my eye there
as I wandered by
Some in the green
and others in blue
reflecting each other
the fall to eschew
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November 2, 2020
by Jem Croucher

Up on the six mile circuit
these hills retain their charm
bathed in an autumn sunshine
they bring a certain calm
And wandering by these hedgerows
with berries bright and red
this is the perfect place to be
o’er anywhere else instead
So I put best foot forward
and walked because I can
so conscious of the simple fact
a lucky chap I am
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September 8, 2020
by Jem Croucher

I’d like to go out walking
but need legs to get me there
and as one’s out of action
and I don’t have a spare
I’m having to make do
with sitting with a smile
as a hobble and a limp is all
I’ll manage for a while
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August 29, 2020
by Jem Croucher

At the back end of August
with pause to regale
thoughts turned to the hills
and the much followed trail
So I put best foot forward
and headed out there
knowing it always
has much more to share
No selfishness here
it has so much to give
and for these Sussex hills
there’s reason to live
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August 28, 2020
by Jem Croucher
Walked through the woods
as it wended its way
uphill all the way to the Ring
The weather was kind
and we didn’t mind
as no waterproofs did we bring
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August 16, 2020
by Jem Croucher
The Circle, a walk
the morning quite warm
and three of us here for a change
showing others the view
made it all seem like new
though the route I did not rearrange
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August 15, 2020
by Jem Croucher
I quite like walking by myself
although company is best
out here in the countryside
to spark an interest
I can comment on a lovely view
but it’s a bit one-sided
Nice to have alternative
when in a friend confided
I can put a best foot forward
but it’s also nice to pause
encouraged by companions
unbound by rules or laws
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July 27, 2020
by Jem Croucher

Took myself back round the Circle
starting with Mill Hill
heading to the chalky Slonk
my boots with joy to fill
Said hello to rabbits
and horses in the field
Took in long the valley view
across the Sussex Weald
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July 5, 2020
by Jem Croucher
We all went up to Bignor Hill
the six of us as one
It wasn’t actually raining
but there wasn’t any sun
Yet none of us we cared one jot
as this was perfect weather
for a long walk in the countryside
the six of us together
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June 21, 2020
by Jem Croucher

With best foot forward
I take to the hills
following each chalky trail
It’s different each time
and abundantly fine
bring joy every time without fail
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June 16, 2020
by Jem Croucher
Never fails the trail
regardless of the time
that I have traced my steps up here
when the weather’s fine
Well trod chalk the wayside flower
the blue sky and the sun
combine here in God’s country
bringing joy whene’er I come
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June 5, 2020
by Jem Croucher
It’s around about six miles
twelve thousand steps or so
a circle up above the town
where to the hills I go
It works in both directions
but the better one I think
is via the park up to Slonk Hill
with pause to take a drink
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June 4, 2020
by Jem Croucher

I’ve found again my happy place
I’ve been away too long
but pleased that I was back again
my heart was filled with song
and beaming as I found my gait
with rhythm in my stride
I laughed and grinned with pleasure there
in Sussex countryside
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February 26, 2020
by Jem Croucher

Went for a walk for a birthday
All of us met at the Star
heading off to the Beacon
via Falmer so not all that far
Up through the woods over Stanmer
frolicking under the trees
rained a lot here so the mud was
quite frequently up to our knees
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February 17, 2020
by Jem Croucher
My brother sent a text
reminding me to book
some dates in May when
we’ll take another look
and with a best foot forward
and packs and beating heart
we’ll head into the Sussex hills
another walk to start
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January 2, 2020
by Jem Croucher
To Tottington Wood
in the mud and the rain
resolute and determined
we seven we came
And with best foot forward
we entered the trees
squelching through mud
which came up to our knees
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September 2, 2019
by Jem Croucher

Ditching Beacon in late summer
with views of Sussex Weald
walking slowly in the heat
cast by the sun’s strong yield
Wolfgang’s with us trotting slow
sniffing here and there
Inquisitive, excited
the moment here to share
By and by we’ll head on home
but an ice-cream first I think
Eating quickly, lest they melt
whilst Wolfgang has a drink
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August 14, 2019
by Jem Croucher
Long Mile walking
Darkening sky
Sun a warm glow in the west
Toe in the water
Cool lapping sea
Smiling at nature’s behest
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July 17, 2019
by Jem Croucher
10 of 10 in the Jemverse ‘Sussex’ series
Slonk Hill circle to the Dyke,
sky surfers with a beer
Much warmer in the sunshine,
filled our hearts with cheer
Cloud cover in the afternoon
but when the sun came out
It was warmer than we’d felt of late,
of that there was no doubt
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July 14, 2019
by Jem Croucher
7 of 10 in the Jemverse ‘Sussex’ series

Beachy Head to Birling Gap,
the lighthouse red and white
The Seven Sisters rolling cliffs
made an awesome sight
Day four of walking Sussex
and this one by the coast
The hottest day we’ve had so far
and the week is gone, almost.
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July 12, 2019
by Jem Croucher
5 of 10 in the Jemverse ‘Sussex’ series
Today we walked from Ring to Ring
beneath a winter sky
The sun shone bright despite the threat
of rainfall by and by
Plans long laid, fruition saw
a walk unlike no other
With smile and gusto two men went
friends yes, but also brothers
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July 10, 2019
by Jem Croucher
3 of 10 in the Jemverse ‘Sussex’ series
Crossed the border into Sussex
Chalk paths underfoot
Thirty miles behind us
Twenty more to go to boot
Harting Down to Cocking
along the South Downs Way
with the sunshine our companion
on a beautiful Spring day
The hills got ever higher
but the views from every crest
made the challenge so rewarding
When we stopped to have a rest
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July 9, 2019
by Jem Croucher
2 of 10 in the Jemverse ‘Sussex’ series
Familiarity breeds content,
of that I am quite sure
As for our final walk in Sussex
we’re back at the start for more
Two rings with woodland in between,
cows in the field and sheep
Undulating downland and hills
that aren’t that very steep.
Chanctonbury wealdland view
takes the breath away
And is particularly stunning
on a clear, bright Springtime day
And after five days walking Sussex
hills with Wainwrights at the bar
The rest respite with sunshine
was perfect at the Star.
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