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Fownhope Heart of Oak Walk

Fownhope Heart of Oak Society (FHOS) can trace its roots back to the early 1800s.  At that time, there were many Heart of Oak Societies in Britain, based predominantly in rural areas, with agricultural workers forming the majority of the membership. Most societies would have a celebration day each year, often with a Club Walk through the village, a club dinner with speeches from local dignitaries, and a fun fair with sporting activities. There have been changes, but the Club Walk still continues in Fownhope to this day. Every year, in early June, generations of Fownhope folk flock home to take part. Originally, only men and junior members of the society took part in the parade, but in more recent times, all members have been encouraged to take part.  

Those taking part carry sticks decorated with flowers freshly cut on the morning of the Walk, and are led in the procession by Club members carrying a decorated oak bough and the club banner. The art of decorating a floral stick for the FHOS Club Walk is passed down from generation to generation and it is a tradition locals hold dear. It was an event Derek Evans returned to again and again, fascinated by a tradition unique to Herefordshire. 

Photo Gallery

Explore these wonderful photos of the walk, the drinking and the beautiful floral arrangements.

Two gents enjoy refreshments
A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins
Two gents enjoy refreshments

Two gents enjoy refreshments

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A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins

A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins

Tag: Beer

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Two gents enjoy refreshments
A band accompanying the walk
A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins
Two gents enjoy refreshments

Two gents enjoy refreshments

Tag: En-route Visits

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A band accompanying the walk

A band accompanying the walk

Tag: En-route Visits

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A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins

A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins

Tag: En-route Visits

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Gentleman in contemplation at the Flower Walk
Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part
88 year old Mr E. Fortescue Grange, who had taken part in every walk since the beginning, and 5 year old David Gilbert, 1955
Gentleman in contemplation at the Flower Walk

Gentleman in contemplation at the Flower Walk

Tag: Generations

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Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part

Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part

Tag: Generations

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88 year old Mr E. Fortescue Grange, who had taken part in every walk since the beginning, and 5 year old David Gilbert, 1955

88 year old Mr E. Fortescue Grange, who had taken part in every walk since the beginning, and 5 year old David Gilbert, 1955

Tag: Generations

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A band accompanying the walk
A band accompanying the walk

A band accompanying the walk

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Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part
Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part

Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part

Tag: Group

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The Club Walk was a staple in the local calendar, and hundreds would turn out.
Colour photograph of the procession
The decoration of the sticks, central to the Walk. Individual styles have traditionally been passed down the generations.
Harry Jauncey (Front) and friend greet the photographer with their caps off
The Club Walk was a staple in the local calendar, and hundreds would turn out.

The Club Walk was a staple in the local calendar, and hundreds would turn out.

Tag: Procession

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Colour photograph of the procession

Colour photograph of the procession

Tag: Procession

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The decoration of the sticks, central to the Walk. Individual styles have traditionally been passed down the generations.

The decoration of the sticks, central to the Walk. Individual styles have traditionally been passed down the generations.

Tag: Procession

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Harry Jauncey (Front) and friend greet the photographer with their caps off

Harry Jauncey (Front) and friend greet the photographer with their caps off

Tag: Procession

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Children take part in the Heart of Oak Walk
Children take part in the Heart of Oak Walk

Children take part in the Heart of Oak Walk

Tag: Children

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Two gents enjoy refreshments
Gentleman in contemplation at the Flower Walk
A band accompanying the walk
Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part
The Club Walk was a staple in the local calendar, and hundreds would turn out.
Colour photograph of the procession
The decoration of the sticks, central to the Walk. Individual styles have traditionally been passed down the generations.
Harry Jauncey (Front) and friend greet the photographer with their caps off
88 year old Mr E. Fortescue Grange, who had taken part in every walk since the beginning, and 5 year old David Gilbert, 1955
A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins
Children take part in the Heart of Oak Walk
Two gents enjoy refreshments

Two gents enjoy refreshments

Tag: All

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Gentleman in contemplation at the Flower Walk

Gentleman in contemplation at the Flower Walk

Tag: All

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A band accompanying the walk

A band accompanying the walk

Tag: All

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Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part

Group photo of male members of the Society, taken before women and girls could take part

Tag: All

Swipe Left or Right to See More...

The Club Walk was a staple in the local calendar, and hundreds would turn out.

The Club Walk was a staple in the local calendar, and hundreds would turn out.

Tag: All

Swipe Left or Right to See More...

Colour photograph of the procession

Colour photograph of the procession

Tag: All

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The decoration of the sticks, central to the Walk. Individual styles have traditionally been passed down the generations.

The decoration of the sticks, central to the Walk. Individual styles have traditionally been passed down the generations.

Tag: All

Swipe Left or Right to See More...

Harry Jauncey (Front) and friend greet the photographer with their caps off

Harry Jauncey (Front) and friend greet the photographer with their caps off

Tag: All

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88 year old Mr E. Fortescue Grange, who had taken part in every walk since the beginning, and 5 year old David Gilbert, 1955

88 year old Mr E. Fortescue Grange, who had taken part in every walk since the beginning, and 5 year old David Gilbert, 1955

Tag: All

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A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins

A man has drink at the New Inn, where the Walk begins

Tag: All

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Children take part in the Heart of Oak Walk

Children take part in the Heart of Oak Walk

Tag: All

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