downsmail.co.uk
Epicwalk ‘brought new meaning to life’
NINE hundred and twenty-nine miles, two pairs of walking boots, and only yourself for company for a month – it makes you think. And that’s exactly why Michael Lawrence decided to walk from Lands End to John O’Groats. Back at work, running the Bearsted and Barming Family Fu- neral Service, the 57-year-old di- vorcee told the Downs Mail: “Itwas the most exciting adventure of my life.” He added: “The best part of the journeywas the wonderful people I met along the way, including some South Korean lads I shared lunch with; cyclists fromMedway I met on Rannoch Moor, and lots of live- stock.” The prettiest place he passed was
St Tudy in Cornwall; the highest, fromWindermere and over the fells; his hottest daywas in Lockerbie and the most peaceful place was a very, very wet 14-mile walk from the Blackwater Hostel in Kinlochleven to FortWilliam. Michael added: “The most spec-
Highlands, I was frightened half to death crossing the two-mile Dornoch Bridge in very high winds, withA9 traffic at the side of me.” Although he was lonely at times, Michael said he had returned re- freshed and motivated to take the rest of his life in his stride. “Iknowthere is somuchmeaning
Michael Lawrence at his destination
tacular viewwas at 1,500ft, on Creag Dhearg, beside Loch Ness and my most longed-for moment was the sight of a small figure beside the John O’Groats marker post,waiting for me at the end.” Rain, sunshine, a saturated phone,
a leaking rucksack and a haunted hotelwere just some of the moments that made hiswalk memorable. “As well as a spooky hotel in the
in life for those willing to make ‘the journey’ with an open mind and love in their heart.” While the walk was a personal challenge, Michael was also raising money for The Blackthorn Trust in Maidstone and has so far made more than £3,500. He said: “I will forever be grateful
I had the chance to do it, thanks to my lovely staff and my amazing partner Shirley.” His efforts have been rewarded by
TheWeald of Kent Rotary Club, of which he is a member. President Richard Shersby presented him with a Paul Harris award – the fourth time it has been given in 30 years. Michael said: “I was speechless. It’s my Rotary highlight.”
News Breweries in
beer guide TWO new Maidstone breweries have earned a mention in the Good Beer Guide for 2015. The Maidstone Brewing Com-
pany in London Road and Musket Brewery at Loddington Farm, Lin- ton both caught the eye of real ale afficionados to make it into the guide, produced by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. CAMRAsays 31 pubs aweek are closing in the UK, yet real ale con- tinues to grow in popularity. TheMusket Brewery, which cele-
brates its first anniversary this month, is run by Tony Williams, from Vinter’s Park and Mark Stroud, from Hollingbourne. The brewery produces five themed ales – Fife and Drum, Flint Lock, Muzzle Loader, Trigger and Powder Burn. It also released a lim- ited edition beer, Flash in the Pan, which was limited to 1,440 pints and only available at selected pubs. The Maidstone Brewing Com-
pany is on the site of the former Style and Winch brewery and is run by Dave Davenport, landlord of the award-winning Flower Pot pub in Sandling Road, and Rob Jackson, from Bearsted. The brewery’s six “experimental”
beers have so far only been avail- able at the Flower Pot.
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Maidstone Town November 2014 3
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