CHAPTER IV
STANWELL
(VAIN ATTEMPT TO REACH DATCHET)
JULY 2ND, 1910.
Meeting Place :– Harlington.
Time :– 5.30 p.m.
Soon after the appointed time, five faithful Wanderers arrived at the meeting place, knowing that two more were on the way (though possibly delayed by the storm), and there being some doubt as to which road they would take, it was arranged that Mr F Shawyer should go to Cranford thrugh what is known as Back Lane, and that the others should go on to Harlington Corner lest they should be coming down the Bath Road. We were not kept waiting long, Mr Shawyer having met them very soon after we left him. After admiring Mr Phillips’ lamp (of which something more shall be heard later), and saying good-bye to Miss N. Shawyer, (who now had to return), we set out for Datchet. However, we were not permitted to go far. The rain began to come down once more, and shelter was taken near to a high wall. The moments of waiting were occupied in a more minute inspection of Mr Phillips’ lamp. Another start was made, the next stop being The Bays Longford. Here, after much persuasion, two more ladies joined the party, making a total of eight. It was thought by some members to be rather a foolish idea to attempt such a long ride, but true Wanderers are not easily made to alter their minds, and another start was made, but just before reaching Colnbrook Station the cloud, which was the cause of much discussion at The Bays, decided to hold us up once more. A short sharp ride brought us to the Station. The Captain, thinking this a good opportunity, began to hand round the Roll Book. Instantly there were murmurs of, six pound loaf, pound of candles, etc, but the Captain heeded not.
Another attempt to proceed was cut short at the entrance of Colnbrook Town. Here the Wanderers perhaps showed their wisdom by deciding to leave Dash-it for a less showery day, and content themselves with a visit to Stanwell. When Longford was reached, Miss Neighbour and Miss Heyward seemed to have had enough, and could not again be persuaded to venture from home. Arrived at Stanwell, the minds of all were busy thinking of the coffee now very much needed. The only place likely to serve this refreshing beverage was The Swan Inn. On entering what appeared to be the parlour, the first thought to strike one was that it was very stuffy, though the landlord did not seem to think so when it was suggested to him. After waiting while the fire was lit, and water boiled, we all enjoyed the cups of strong coffee with little milk.
Having heard thunder, it was thought advisable to hasten home, saying farewell to the Cranford friends at Harlington.
At Hayes Station we stopped to light up. Mr Phillips did not seem to understand his lamp, it being an acetylene; the folk just returning from their weekly shopping expedition were much interested and amused at the little scene. At last it was alight and very much so. The Captain tried to turn off the water and so make less gas, but he understood it even less than Mr Phillips. This powerful lamp was of great service later, when Miss Blackmore’s mudguard broke, the extent of the damage could be seen as clearly as it would have been at mid-day.
This outing would have been good for anyone just learning to ride, for we seemed to be practising mount and dismount all the evening.
DATCHET.
JULY 9TH, 1910.
After a good deal of waiting and hunting, a party of ten left Harlington at 5.30, bound once more for Datchet. The only incident on the outward journey was that a few inches of braid on a lady’s skirt became torn. This was soon set right by the use of a few of our little friends, the ever useful pin.
At Colnbrook, the Captain informed us that this town was noted for the peculiar way its main streets is constructed, the sides being bricked, to carry away the cook’s greenwater. Soon after leaving the Bath Road, we came to a party (parting) of the ways, six of the party taking one way, and four the other. The party of four arrived at the river first and were comfortably seated when the others appeared. As soon as all were seated, the Captain, his mind made up that business must be attended to an once, proposed that a more desirable name be selected, The Wanderers, not being quite to the taste of the members, and only used as a title until a more agreeable one was chosen.
A ballot was arranged, six names given, and after voting three times, The Pilgrims proved the favourite.
Hereafter the cycling party known before as The Wanderers, will be known as The Pilgrims.
The grocer’s order was now repeated. Those who understood knew that the Captain had produced his Roll Book. While this was being signed, another ballot was proposed to decide the badge of The Pilgrims, the result was a splendid majority for a small Union Jack, to be fixed to the upright of the handle bars. These badges will be purchased before the next meet takes place.
Miss Blackmore then read her very excellent report, which was appreciated by all.
The next business attended to was refreshments. Returning to the Bakery we were soon served with all we needed in a comfortable, if a trifle crowded sitting room (a great contrast to the room at Stanwell). Here, around a round table, many points were discussed.
Just after leaving Datchet, the writer was talking to Miss Blackmore, who suddently became excited, apparently lost control of her machine, and was hurriedly forced to dismount. While passing a very long high wall, a discussion arose as to what it could have been built for. Some said to prevent the spread of small-pox, but Mr Shawyer said it was to stop the bullets from the Rifle Range at Runnymede. This was accepted by all as nearer the truth.
Harlington was reached at 9.20pm. Here The Pilgrims separated to journey to their respective homes after a very enjoyable ride.
MABEL POOL
