Stick it to the man

‘The cane’s use as a method of self defence continued beyond the Georgian period’

OVER the past decade, it has become common to see men and women earnestly striding along British footpaths with what appear to be ski poles in both hands. They are engaged in a modern pursuit known as Nordic walking. Many gentlemen who see these figures passing by, arms swinging to and fro, will find themselves sighing wistfully and thinking of the good old days of Anglo walking. This ancient sport also involved a stick, normally made from ash and with the hard knobbly head of a veteran prize