Miss Enid Neighbour

CHAPTER VIII.
HARROW AND STANMORE.

On August 6th, the outing of the Pilgrims was to Harrow and Stanmore. The Cranford and Harlington members met on Hayes Bridge at 5.30, and about 5.45 they started for the White Hart Hotel, where they had arranged to meet the remainder of the members. On arriving at the above-mentioned Hotel, we found that the Misses Shawyer and Pool had not yet arrived, so we waited for a few minutes when they were said to be in sight, and abut five minutes after, they having made the acquaintance of everyone present, we started at 6.5pm, a party of sixteen. The flags – which are the badge of the Club – were very much in evidence nearly everyone having one floating in front of their handlebars.

Doubtless the few villages we met thought what a patriotic club we were.

It was not long before we reached the village of Northolt, which we did at 6.30.

We went on until we came to Northolt Railway Station. This station, we were informed, is not very much used, owing to the lack of travelling inclinations on the part of the villagers of that district.

Soon after this Harrow with it numerous hills was sighted, some of which were so steep that only a few succeeded in mounting them all.

After one or two hills had been climbed, it was found that some of our party was a minus quantity, so it was thought advisable to wait, and so prevent them going any farther astray. In this we were successful, and in a few minutes we were all once more proceeding towards Harrow Church, which was to be our destination.

After the cycles had been carefully stored along a wall, Mr Paul produced a pair of glasses and pointed out to us a factory of Messrs McVitie and Price, the celebrated makers of biscuits.

We then went into the church itself in order to inspect the interior which was found to be very interesting indeed.

One or two of the younger members were very interested in the tombs, the inscriptions on which showed that in years gone by the inhabitants of that historic town were rather partial to a superfluity of long names. We then, after investigating the interior, adjourned to the back of the churchyard, in order to admire the lovely view which is to be obtained from that position.

After the country for miles around had been inspected, we returned to the east end of the church, and were immediately pounced upon by Mr Phillips and Mr Whittington entreating us to have our photos taken so as to have a nice group.

After a few drawbacks, we were all, with the exception of the Misses Pool and K Blackmore placed as we should be by Mr Phillips, who was the first person to operate upon us. His place was afterwards taken by Miss Blackmore who was carefully instructed in all the necessary details of that very tricky performance. But sad to tell, she gave the first plate too long an exposure, so consequently we all had once more to be operated on, but this time, the exposure is believed to be too short, but it is hoped they will be successful.

We then left the churchyard, and continued our ride to Stanmore. Soon after leaving the church we came upon a very steep hill, which it was necessary to descend. About half way down the hill, a very polite youth informed Mr Phillips that there was a rattling steep corner at the bottom.

The road after this was fairly level for some distance. Just after leaving Harrow the ladies were informed that they were to take the first turning to the left and so return via Pinner.

But a mile or so after this turning had been taken, it was found we had taken the wrong turning, consequently we were taken a good way out of our way, but this was quite made up for by a lovely lane down which we had to go.

But – joyful news – it was not long before we reached Ye Cocoa Tree of previous fame.

On our arrival there, coffee and cakes were ordered by our esteemed Captain.

All then adjourned to the tea gardens which had evidently been visited by some other party, for on one of the tables was found some milk pudding, stewed fruit, Dutch cheese and biscuits, etc.

But oh! How easily is man tempted, for no sooner had the Messrs Phillips, Whittington, Jenkinson, Paul Calf spied these tempting morsels, than they had to transfer them from their proper resting place to the table which we had selected as being the most capable of seating our large party.

The milk pudding however, was pronounced to be unworthy of our patronage, and so it was returned. We had not been seated many minutes before a majestic young person with spectacles came out and informed us that if we intended to keep the cheese we should have to pay for it, and the charge would be eightpence. The price was thought to be rather outrageous by our Captain – in fact by all – Our Captain however, offered some to Mr Phillips who declined and respectfully returned it to the maid, who – according to Miss Heyward – as soon as her back was turned on us began to laugh. We did not have to wait long before our refreshments were brought out to us, Mr Jenkinson retained his sixpence. The cakes, of which there were many different kinds, were then put before us, but the contents of one dish especially seemed to take nearly everyone’s fancy owing to their being of a more fantastical nature than the majority of the others, so there was a free fight for them, and for a few minutes, cakes were flying from all directions, thick and fast. Towards the end of the repast, Mr Whittington and Mr Jenkinson, being of a mischievous frame of mind took on of the above-mentioned cakes, spread it with mustard, and tried to press it on Miss Blackmore, but it was of no avail, as she declared she did not require any more, so a small portion was given to the cat, who had made himself very friendly, and from all outward appearances, he thoroughly enjoyed it.

We then started on the return journey to Down Barns, which was to be made via Eastcote and Ruislip. As we were leaving Eastcote it was decided that we should dismount in order to light up. This performance took a longer time than was expected, owing to the fact that Mr Phillips had an acetylene lamp which refused to light. However, thanks to Mr Calf, it was discovered that there was no water, so it was decided to continue our journey to Ruislip as hastily as possible, our intention being to obtain some water there. Ruislip was soon reached, and by the time Mr Phillips had dismounted, our Captain had entered a small shop and obtained a glass of water, which was soon poured into the lamp, which no longer refused to light, but on the contrary gave a very good light. In fact it was so strong, that a mile or so out of Ruislip, Mr Phillips caused the destruction of a small rabbit which, it is thought, had been dazed by the dazzling light of his lamp. Mr Phillips, thinking that the other members would like to see his prey, tied a small piece of string around it and hung it over his lamp, but when it was shown to the other members, many were the exclamations of surprise.

Our Captain suggested that it should be carefully placed in the strong room of the club, and consequently took charge of it (the rabbit).

We might mention that during the time that Mr Phillips was killing the rabbit, Miss Jenkinson and one or two of the younger members, no knowing their way, enquired at a cottage, but could not obtain the information required, as the occupant, an old lady, was deaf. Also about the same time Mr Paul and Miss E Blackmore had an accident, the former running into Miss Blackmore’s back wheel.

Mr Paul’s machine was the only one which suffered in any way, the damage done to his front wheel being so serious that he had to borrow a bike from Mr Pool.

This was easily achieve, as after bidding adieu to the Harlington friends, the remainder of us went into Down Barns, thanks to the hospitality of Miss Pool. After partaking of some refreshments, we once more started on our way, only this time Miss Mary Pool instead of Miss Mabel accompanied us as far as the Jews’ School, where we parted ways for the last time, thus practically drawing to a close a very delightful ride.

ENID NEIGHBOUR

at Harrow

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