Neil Gits A Red Face

I never set out to begin some sort of healthy exercise regime, but with more free time this year having taken early retirement, I have surprised myself with one or two things I’ve found myself doing. Back at the start of June I looked up at Radar Hill in South Woodham Ferrers whilst driving past and thought “I’ve never walked up there” so a few days later … I did just that ! And recently I read in the local free mag about a “community walk” taking place alongside the River Crouch, but though I didn’t join in with them that day, I did do some research out of curiosity, and decided that actually their route could be a pretty cool one to take.

So, last Wednesday, with the weather just right for a stroll, I arranged for my walking companion Lorraine (we were both born on exactly the same day and went to school together!) to meet me at mine and we headed off from my house along Fenn Creek,down to where it joins the River Crouch opposite Hullbridge, then along the river bank past the familiar sights of Marsh Farm and into the unknown as the river meanders off towards Burnham via the two Fambridges and Althorne. Sticking rigidly to a carefully planned route in between Hawbush Creek & Clementsgreen Creek (you can end up trapped by water and have a long reverse trek to get back on course!) we ended up as planned in Compass Gardens …. two hours and 45 minutes later !! Cue a big Full English All Day breakfast in the town …

I think the last time we did a similar walk, from Two Tree Hill into Old Leigh, it took about the same time, but it was more painful on the legs and feet as hills and pavements were involved. Not only that, nice as the last walk was, this was surprisingly pleasant on the scenery side of things, with the sun shining gloriously on the water, many boats and swans a plenty in the river and some never seen before splendid views looking back across at my home town. The one downside was felt yesterday ! The lovely refreshing rbeeze by the water we had enjoyed on our walk had blown my cap off at one stage and I decided to continue without it on my head for over an hour, resulting in a slightly burnt bonce and looking in the mirror today, also a very red face !

All good though and I feel totally invigorated today, ready for the weekend and another big FA Cup footy trip tomorrow then some serious show prepping on Sunday – I expect to be super inspired with my choices for this Monday and maybe even top this wonderful playlist below, which you can hear on the ‘Repeat Play’ on Saturday at 5pm or right now by going to “Listen Again” …

The Tunes – Monday 29th August

Leon Haywood – Don’t Push It Don’t Force It

Chi-Lites – Stoned Out Of My Mind

Hil St Soul – Nostalgia

Womack & Womack – Celebrate The World

Sam Cooke – Another Saturday Night

Bob Baldwin ft Kathy Rosins – Let’s Rewind

O’Jays – Let Me Make Love To You

Khani Cole – Somebody

Patrice Rushen – Watch Out

Three Degrees – Take Good Care Of Yourself

Keith Sweat – I Want Her (12” Version)

Chaka Khan – Sleep On It

Dawn Penn – You Don’t Love Me (original 1967 version)

Johnnie Taylor – Testify

Jackie Wilson – Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher

George Benson – Never Give Up On A Good Thing

Jocelyn Brown – Somebody Else’s Guy

Full Flava ft Ce Ce Peniston – For My Baby

Vasti Jackson – I’m Still In Love With You

Dusty Springfield – Son Of A Preacherman

Candace Woodson – She’s Back

Chairmen Of The Board – Finders Keepers

Kenny Hamber – Used Ta Be My Girl

James Taylor Quartet – Got To Give It Up

Feel free to get in touch with your soulful request or just for a mention on the show – put a post on “The Old Gits Soul Show” page on Facebook, text (01268)833978 or message me via e-mail : [email protected].

The Old Gits Soul Show is on Gateway 97.8FM in Basildon & East Thurrock and also around the world via www.gateway978.com , as well as on your smart speaker or your phone, from 7pm–9pm every Monday, repeated on Saturday evening from 5pm–7pm … plus you can hear it again anytime you like via the “Listen Again” button on the Gateway website – search “Cool Soul” !