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Ann Salmon should be an expert on this course, for she has taken part in this race for over 10 years.

Sadly, she lost both parents and her mother-in-law to this killer - although her sister did survive with surgery and chemotherapy.

It does bring this sadness near to home when we have the opportunity to sponsor a runner from our own community. Either see Ann in person or pledge via the website http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/anniesalmon

Just pop along for any advice or just a chat to cheer her up!

She can be contacted on 01305 226815.

Admittedly, they do look more attractive since trailing plants have replaced the previous suburban bedding plants - which is a plus for them staying.

This year it will take place on Monday, June 9 and consist of an hour-and-a-half round trip on the River Exe from Exmouth, followed by free time in Exeter - cost £12.50 to include a tip to the coach driver.

The coach leaves Martinstown at 9am, returning at 5.30pm.

To book contact Eileen Brotherton on 01305 889459.

Though to be honest, not all of us did the tough walk up over the moors from Shipley Bridge but enjoyed the riverside version up to the Avon Dam reservoir.

What could have been more rewarding than to sit by the lake enjoying lunch and being entertained by the fishing activities of a crested grebe while four soaring buzzards put on a display of aerobatics?

No doubt the macho males were trying to impress the ladies Another day took the walkers back into pre-history, with the Merrivale antiquities consisting of standing stones, stone circles and cist.

There was also the track which once served the railway line from the quarries but which now seems to serve as a des-res for a weasel or was it a stoat?

Traditionally, the Mileaters were based at Brimpts Farm, where they knew from past experience that their appetites would be sated by delicious classic fare.

Brimpts is an original Duchy of Cornwall tenement farm since 1307 and set beautifully amid woodlands and tors.

Though the old tin mines have now been gently covered by woodland and flowers - in this case carpets of bluebells.

A lovely valley walk led to the stepping stones and a clapper bridge, but only Richard and Val seem to have had the courage to negotiate them this time.

Although in the past they have been done by most walkers.

The highlight of post-dinner coffee time proved to be a wonderful talk and slideshow by a most knowledgeable local birdwatcher.

And most appropriately, the owls were hooting as we all made our way to bed. The local bat population helped us on our way even more quickly.

The sound of the cuckoo in the East Dart Valley reminded us of the fact it is a good many years since one has heard calling in our own Winterborne Valley.

Incidentally, Brimpts Farm has won both the best food producer of the year and the farm diversification award.

Looking at the happy cattle it is easy to see why this form of farming made this such a memorable holiday for the Mileaters, who were in for a shock when the homeward journey shot the eye with the bright, unnatural yellow of the bio-fuel crops.

4:26pm Monday 12th May 2008

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