A-WANDERING TO WIMPOLE

Oh Summer – you have returned… and what fortuitous timing you have, for September’s Joy Ride was on Sunday. Esther had a great day leading the ride and meeting old friends and new.

In Esther’s words;

“A beautiful day greeted us…  Blue skies, warm sunshine and a gentle breeze – perfect cycling conditions!  We cycled from Shepreth train station along the lovely Cambridgeshire country lanes and passed through some of the county’s most picturesque villages, including Orwell and Barrington.

Arriving at Wimpole Hall, we cruised down the grand entrance and were instantly transported back in time to Wimpole’s wartime days, as we encountered vintage 1940s cars and an ARP stop (all a bit unnerving – where were our identity cards?!)  We took a welcome break with coffee and cake at the Stable’s cafe (excellent lemon sponge cake!) and absorbed the ‘forties atmosphere.  With jolly bunting up around us and surrounded by visitors dressed as wartime RAF, Land Army, and stylishly-attired civilians, we were loathe to leave and enjoyed the vintage clothing stalls and wonderful stands selling locally produced food.  We even came across Winston Churchill!

It was soon time to wend our way back through the country lanes to Shepreth and we arrived feeling a real sense of achievement (we had, after all, cycled a total of 12 miles!) and the camaraderie of being part of the Joy Ride!

Huge thanks to Malcolm, who devised and led the ride, and to Louise, Steve, Niki, Dave P, Dave B, Bea, Nick and Sarah for making the September Joy Ride so special!

The next Joy Ride is on Sunday 30 October – we’re busy choosing the route at the moment.  Hope to see you there!”