Two-dozen intrepid Steps2Health walkers defied the miserably wet weather on Saturday to take part in the weekly walk (writes B.S.). Waterproofs were the order of the day and walks leader Barbara Morris took the group on a carefully planned town walk to avoid any treacherous mud and flooded fields. But even a 'close to home' town walk can still spring some surprises and give an interesting and intriguing insight into local history. Cutting through Merlins Court, Barbara diverted up to Merlins Gardens for the walkers to view the ancient Market Cross. A couple of centuries ago, it had presided over the hub of Tenby, commanding a prominent position at the lower end of Tudor Square. But even in those days traffic was a problem! The cross, from the steps of which John Wesley had preached in 1763, was now in the way of Sir William Paxton's coach as it turned into the stables of Tenby House. And so it was removed and lay forgotten until the early 1950s when the broken remains of the cross were found when land was being cleared to build The Glebe housing estate. The top has never been found, but the steps and lower part are now an atmospheric focal point of the pretty little pond around which the houses of Merlins Gardens cluster. Some of us did not actually complete all the walk as we were so enthralled by this story which was given to us in great detail by Mr. Ken Lewis who, seeing the group gathered around the pool, came out of his house to give us the history and also a print-out of it in full detail. Amazing! Thank you Ken. Tomorrow (Saturday), the walk starts at New Hedges, so board the Silcox 352 bus leaving from outside Somerfield 10.30 am. All welcome.
