1891

Thursday January 1

The year comes in exceedingly wintry. The ground is covered with snow, and there has been a hard frost on for a long time. I did the journey, and, though it was so very cold, enjoyed it very well.

Sunday January 4

Went to Chapel morning and evening. Sacrament in the morning.

Wednesday January 7

I went for a ride this afternoon on the Whippet to Eversley, Heckfield, Swallowfield, Arborfield and Barkham. It was a very cold and wintry afternoon, but riding in my overcoat I was quite warm. The roads were very various, in some places they were tolerably good, while in others, very bad. Where the sun did not melt off on Sunday, they were frozen into lumps. All the way to Eversley Cross, they were very lumpy, and from there to Heckfield, worse, while the Basingstoke road was perfectly free from snow and as clear as in summer. It very much astonished and puzzled me. I cannot understand how they became so totally free from snow and ice here, and yet, close at hand, other roads still covered and frozen. This road was perfectly free from one side to the other, showed no signs of melted snow or ice at the gutter. Coming home through Swallowfield, I called upon Mr W. Hill. I should have enjoyed the ride, only the cold air gave me a headache.

20 miles

Sunday January 11

Went to Chapel in the morning, and in the evening did a little writing.

Thursday January 15

Henry and Kemp went to Ash by train and then walked to Compton and Guildford. I did the journey. It was a fine bright day, but piercingly cold, came over cloudy in the afternoon, and when I got to Bonds, came to snow, so that I had a very wintry ride home in a heavy snow storm. I kept warm and enjoyed the day very well.

From North Court down to the Barracks, the road was covered with ice, so I tied the wheels of the cart and let it slide down while I led the horse. Many of the fields are half covered with ice, and the roads everywhere exceedingly slippery. This is something like a winter. Mr Hawkins skated on the Thames from Reading to Oxford.

Sunday January 18

Was a very cold and frosty day. Though the sun shone bright and clear, yet it froze even in spite of that. Rednall and I went for a ride, he on his tricycle and I on Tom’s omnicycle. We left about ¼ to 10 and made our way to Barkham, Arborfield, Swallowfield, Stratfield and Basingstoke. We had a look round Swallowfield church. The roads in most places were frozen over and very slippery. Where the snow did not lay, it was very good going, but when we came to the snow, though it was only a thin covering, it made a deal of difference to the go. We had lunch at the White Hart, Sherfield, in most comfortable quarters and before a jolly good fire. I was ready for my refreshment and very much enjoyed it, and felt all the better after.

It was a very pretty run all the way to Basingstoke, and I enjoyed it there, but not after, for my legs began to ache from the strange action, and the further I went, the more intolerable was the pain. We attempted to get on the canal at Basingstoke but the basin was not frozen, so we went on to the foot of the hill leading from the town to London, and then turned to the left and so on to the canal there, which we found frozen as firm and solid as a road. From here, we went all along the canal to the swing bridge at Mapledurwell, and there left it and came through Andwell on to the main road again for home.

How the tricycle would go on the ice I cannot say, for my legs ached too much to be able to tell. Rednall said it went uncommonly well, I could nowhere keep up with him. We had to get out at three of the bridges, but under the rest the water was frozen as in the open. Had it not been for the slight covering of snow, which was like fine tapioca, it would have been a splendid sheet of ice.

The ice was the same right across, no ragged edges like in streams where the water runs away. I was very glad I came along it, as I may never have the opportunity to do the like again. I only regret I did not have a rotary machine, for it is so long since I worked the lever movement that the strange action quite paralyzed me after Basingstoke.

There was no mistake about it being a splendid day, clear, bright and sunny, and yet freezing, even in the sun, no sticky roads – a good honest winter day. I could see how slippery the roads were by the gingerly manner in which the people walked along. We did not get home until past 6 o’clock. We started at ¼ to 10, so we were 8¼ hours doing 36 miles, and no stop out of that except for lunch at Sherfield. How different from the Whippet on a summer road. When I got home, I found Mr Jelley here, his having come down to see us.

36 miles

Friday January 23

A thaw set in last night and continued all day, and very glad most are for this change, for they are got tired of the long continual frost. We never knew such a long spell of cold weather as we have had up to now. Had it not been for a slight fall of snow, what a time the skaters would have had, however they seem to have done very well.

Saturday January 24

Tom finished the little Safety ordinary, and in the afternoon we tried it in his store room, because we could not try it on the road for the mud and rottenness following upon the break up of the frost.

Monday January 26

I went to London by the 9.8. Called upon Barkshire, or rather, at 83 Park Street, for the Barkshires have left and left no address. This spoilt my day. From there, I went to Holborn Viaduct to inspect a Safety for Mr Arnold at the Coventry Machinists Co. show rooms. Then called upon the Whippet people, and to Cheapside to Reeds for dinner. After dinner, I went from London Bridge to the palace to see the Stanley Cycle Show. Met young Mr Knight there and we two went round together. It was a very poor show, none of the best makers exhibiting.

Left the Palace at 4.48 and got back to Chingford in time to have tea, and then off to Drury Lane to see the pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’. I was very well pleased with it. Came home with a bad head.

The thaw which set in last Friday was the end of the longest frost we have had this century. The frost lasted 60 days with only two or three half-day thaws. The Thames has been frozen from Henley to Oxford for some time. So severe has been the frost that it has destroyed a million oysters at Whitstable.

Thursday January 29

Old Mr Frith was buried today aged 95, So passed away the oldest male inhabitant of Wokingham.

Friday January 30

Spent the afternoon with Mr Arnold, principally discussing cycling matters. He showed me over his electrical works

1891

Wednesday February 4

I went for a ride this afternoon on the Whippet to Arborfield, Swallowfield, Shinfield and home by Barkham. The roads were too heavy going in most places to enjoy it much. It was very good to Arborfield, but from there to Swallowfield and along the Reading road by the Three Mile Cross and round by Shinfield church back to Arborfield, it was heavy travelling. I very seldom come this way, and never before have I been by Shinfield Church, so I just had a look round it and noticed that the yard was very full of graves and very untidy. The Parsonage, which was close at hand, was much more carefully kept. Tom went to London today to patent his new bicycle.

16 miles

Sunday February 8

½ past 9 was the time I had arranged to meet Mr Rednall, and it was about ¼ to 10 when we made a start, intending to go to Tilford and Frensham, but we did not get any nearer there than Farnham, for where the roads were not actually newly gravelled, they were in most places somewhat heavy and dead. There were a few nice dry pieces, but not much. Mr Rednall with his three wheels had to dismount at every piece of gravel, and they were very frequent, and so we made but slow progress.

Why it was 1 o’clock when we got to the Public House on the top of Beacon Hill. There we had lunch in the private parlour, and a talk with the landlord, who is very cripply from an attack of rheumatic gout. He told us he has not been quite the thing since the Jubilee Year, when he was run over by the Cavalry while driving his pony cart to Crondall one morning. He remembered both Rednall and me from having been there before. He also remembered Geo Woods when Rednall spoke about him.

When we got to Farnham, it was 2 o’clock, so to go further was out of the question, so of the three ways home, we chose via the Hog’s Back and Tongham and so home by Ash and Frimley. We thought perhaps there would not be so much gravel this way, but in that we were mistaken. Most of the Back was gravelled, but having had the steam roller over it, it was rideable. From the Back to Ash was free from gravel, but from Ash to Frimley was nearly all gravel. The frost had broken up the road, so that in many places it had to be new made. We did not get home until ½ past 5. I enjoyed the run very well, as I did not feel the heavy roads so much on my Whippet. The weather was dull and foggy all day, so that there was nothing to see at all. Even on the Hog’s Back, we could not see Crooksbury hill. The ride was not devoid of interest, though we could not see the beautiful country through which we were passing.

38 miles

Monday February 9

Tried Tom’s new bicycle on a run to the Halfway House and back on the Hurst road.

7 miles

Sunday February 15

Was a most glorious day for the time of year, but I could not enjoy it to the full because I was not very well and had a headache. Mr Rednall and I went out, he on his tricycle and I on Mr Wells’ Safety, which I had borrowed, because some of my Whippet had gone away to be plated. As I say, the weather was everything one could wish for, bright, warm, calm and sunny, such a day as we rarely get in February. We went to Waltham by Bennings, Billingbear, the kennels, and at Waltham we had a little refreshment, Mr Rednall a pint of ale and I a little whisky to clear my head, which I am glad to say it did. We now went by Littlewick into the Bath road and across the Thicket, stopping a few minutes at Camley Corner Church, and then on to Marlow and through to Little Marlow and Bourne End, where, at a Public House that lays a little off the road, we had our lunch. The roads to here were very good and exceptionally free from gravel. The last three miles into Marlow were grand. The sun was so bright and the weather was so mild that we had our lunch outside the Public House and enjoyed the open air. While we were at our meal, a traveller called in and sat down beside us. He was a harness maker from Wycombe and was taking a walk from there to Maidenhead. I struck up a conversation with him and got a lot of information about Wycombe and the improvement in the chair business there. After spending a happy half hour, we made a start for Maidenhead and took the Bray way home, but when we got to Touchen End, we turned off the main road to avoid the gravel, and then out of that into a road that brought us out at the New Lodge, and eventually to Binfield. To miss a little gravel, we went miles out of our way and got onto very bad roads, and I, being out of sorts, and on a strange and heavy machine, got very tired indeed before I got home again, which we did not reach before 5 o’clock, not having been over 40 miles all day.

40 miles

Thursday February 19

I did not go the journey today because I wanted to pack off the tandem frame and part of the Whippet to be enamelled. I have had a new tube put to the Whippet, and it was only last night that Tom finished it, and I knew that if I did not pack it off today, I should not be able to do so until next week. It took me all the morning to pack, and after that I had a good wine in at the shop and put that straight and ready for Friday.

Sunday February 22

Not having a machine I did not go out today, but had a rest at home, which did me good. I went to Chapel both morning and evening. Mr Geo Sale preached in the evening, because of Mr Cave’s father’s death, or rather illness, for he did not die until Monday.

Wednesday February 25

Mr Drake’s friend, Chappell, Bethel and I went for a ride this evening. We left home at 5 o’clock and proceeded quietly to Eversley with only one accident. Drake’s man got too near the edge of the road and skidded over. It did not hurt him or the machine.

Over the Flats and down Elvetham Hill, where we were brought to a stop by Drake’s man letting his machine rip down the hill, and lost control over it, and dashed into the bank and was violently thrown. Beyond having a good shaking, he received no damage, not even a scratch. I stopped and helped him, and put his bicycle in order again. The handle was wrenched round and the set nut broken, so unless I had been there, he would have had to walk home.

The accident caused a halt, and instead of going further round Elvetham, we turned back at Star Hill, and home that way. We didn’t all come home together, for the others went on round to the White Lion, and we missed them and got home before the rest. Had it not been for the accident, I should have enjoyed the run very well, but that spoiled it. This is very early to begin the Wednesday evening runs, and I thought how different from some years, when we have had a difficulty to get one in April.

16 miles

Friday February 27

My enamelling came down today, so after shop hours went down to Tom’s to put my Whippet together, but could not quite finish and so left a little bit to do on Saturday.

1891

Sunday March 1

Mr Rednall, Butler, Heelas and I had arranged to leave home at ½ past 9 for a ride. The last few days have been delightfully fine, warm and quite summer like. There has never been such a February known before. We have had no rain at all. It is not only the driest February on record, but actually the driest month ever known, summer or winter.

Today is another month, and quite a different kind of a day, and there is every appearance of wet setting, and we had not gone far before I thought we should have to turn back, for the wind rose and the clouds drove up, and instead of being sunny and bright, it was dull, windy, cold and very uninteresting looking. Last night we talked of going to Kingsclere and home by Whitchurch, but though we started off for that direction, it was quite out of the question attempting so long a run with the wind so high and the weather so cold, so I took them to Mortimer and round by Sherborne St John, Bramley and home by Sherfield and Heckfield. It was past 12 o’clock when we got to Mortimer, and by that time, I wanted something, so we called in at the Public House on the Common and there sat down in a cheerless, fireless room to our meal. I was too cold to enjoy it and was glad to get on the bicycle again. There was a great deal of gravel between Mortimer and Aldermaston, and that took up a lot of time, and then when we got on to the good road we could not move along because of the wind, which was here dead against us. Of course, home from Sherborne was easy enough because the wind was then at our rear, but still the others did not move along as they ought.

This was the worst Sunday run I have had. The roads were very bad, the wind bad and the company slow. However, because I write like this, it is not to say I disliked the day, for there were some very good pieces, but on the whole, we were disappointed. We expected a fine and warm day and did not get it, that was it.

44 miles

Wednesday March 4

I had a pleasant evening down at the Works. I fixed the Whippet rubber on, and then made an attachment for the cyclometer and fixed it to the pedals, and did it very well.

Friday March 6

After dinner, I went out on the Whippet to see if I could mark off the cyclometer. I went as far as a mile beyond Bracknell and marked off at each mile stone. Here I turned round because I was afraid of the fierce wind which was blowing me along, and against which I should have to work back. Not being satisfied with the markings, I took another spin to Buckhurst and back, and counted the number of revolutions of the crank per mile so as to be able to mark off at home.

14 miles

Sunday March 8

Friday it commenced to rain, and badly enough it was wanted, for we have had none for a week. I went to Chapel twice. Mr Jelley came down in the afternoon. He was also here last week.

Monday March 16

Being a cheap London train day, I went up by the 2.11 for 2/6 to call upon Mr Beerbohm. I made my way straight there and found them out, and had to wait nearly an hour, when I called again and got £10.0.0 off the account. I then went back to Charing Cross to tea, and bought a few things and came home by the 8.5.

Sunday March 22

Chappell and I took a run to Marlow. We went by Waltham and Shottesbrook, and when we got to Marlow, we at once turned back and came home by Hare Hatch. I did not much relish the ride home. It was cold and windy. Went to Chapel in the evening.

28 miles

Wednesday March 25

I did the journey today instead of tomorrow, and got on very well.

Friday March 27 – Good Friday

Was very windy and rough. I was at work all day in the house, doing a few alterations.

Saturday March 28

Mr Kemp called in and made arrangements for a run tomorrow and Monday. This necessitated my putting the tandem together, which I just managed to do by working at it all the afternoon and an hour after tea. We were very busy all day and especially so at night, the busiest Saturday we have had for more than a year. However, we got through it all right, and everything ready for the journey by 11 o’clock, but it was not done without a lot of hard work.

Sunday March 29

I went to bed tired and late last night, and, contrary to usual like circumstances, fell off to sleep at once. Bertha, like a good girl, got up and prepared breakfast. It was a nice bright morning, by far the best we have had for some time. There was a strongish NW wind on, but that troubled us not, because it would be all in our favour. A ¼ past 6 was the arranged time for starting, and Henry and I were ready then, but Rednall and Kemp had not finished their breakfast, so that I suppose it must have been about a ¼ to 7 when we finally made a start, taking the road to Col. Peel’s and thence to Broadmoor and the R.M. College.

Mr Kemp, being on a strange machine, was a little cautious at first, but soon gained confidence and led the way. He seemed in a particularly lively and talkative mood, and having got over the bad road to Broadmoor, he brightened up and just did talk and rattle on at a good rate.

From Blackwater, we went by Frimley and along the Aldershot road, which, much to my and Mr Rednall’s surprise, we found in good condition. Instead of going by Ash station, we turned under the railway directly after crossing the canal, which cut off a corner and brought us out at Tongham. The hill up to the Hog’s Back made us talk about a little refreshment and hurrying on to the Barley Mow, where we had a liquer up and some tongue and bread and butter, which wonderfully refreshed us and made Mr Kemp talk quite loud and much. The little rest we had here we thoroughly enjoyed and started off again quite gay and pert. From here to Elstead and thence to Milford by Peper Harow park was very easy and nice going. Just before getting to Milford, a storm came up and a little rain fell, which caused us to halt a few minutes under the shelter of a wall and evergreens. The rain soon passed off and the sun came out and we were once more urged onward on our way, but steadily, for we were running into the storm again. At Milford or Witley church, we dismounted to have a look at the edifice, a pretty little spot.

After getting up the hill, we had a splendid run down to Chiddingfold and put up at the old Crown Inn. We got there just in time. The house is open at ½ past 12 and we were there just before 12. There was a splendid fire, such a one as you can only get in a grand old chimney corner. Mr Kemp was particularly comfortable and talkative and as lively as a young lad. The half hour we spent here is one to be remembered.

After leaving Chiddingfold, the road became quite wet and muddy, and very heavy going to Petworth. At the Coffee Tavern we had tea, and a stroll round the town after, and a queer cut we must have made, for as Kemp and Rednall were walking along together they were met by a school of young girls, who thought them such odd fish that they could not help tittering and laughing. Then presently came the boys and they fell out of rank and turned round and made sundry remarks and addressed Mr Rednall as Jumbo. We must have had a very early tea, for when we left Petworth it was only about 3 o’clock. The weather was now delightful, the sun shone bright and warm, and the atmosphere was beautifully clear, and after ascending the eminence behind the town, we had a magnificent view of nearly the whole range of the South Downs and also of the Hind Head and Blackdown Range. We now had the best hour’s run of the day, and I think we all enjoyed the run from Petworth to Pulborough, ending as it did with a little rest on that magnificent bridge over the river Arun. The road also was good and dry, but from Pulborough they were damp and, in places, muddy, and all along heavy going, which completely spoiled the ride along the foot of the Downs through Storrington to Steyning. We tried the Chequers Hotel but could not get accommodation, so went back to the Star, where we were very well put up and, after a good tea, felt better. After tea, Henry and Kemp went for a walk, while Rednall and I kept the fire in, for it being dark and no moon there was nothing to see outside. A lecture from Mr Kemp and glasses round brought the day to a close.

61 miles

Monday March 30

I had a good night’s rest, for I was tired last night and fell off to sleep directly I was in bed. Henry and I slept in one room, and K and Rednall in another. There had been a little rain in the night, so Mr Kemp informed me, for he, not getting a wink of sleep, heard it. However, it was a fine morning, bright and sunny with a gale of wind against our return. We had a good breakfast, settled up our account, and then packed our luggage on the tandem, and while doing that, fell into conversation with a man there who turned out to be a Mr Marshall from Barkham and who used to go to school at the British when Mr Dawe was master there. We found the roads much drier than we expected, and I quite enjoyed battling with the wind, which was very fierce and strong, but then the weather was bright and sunny, and very cheerful, and I liked being out much more than I did yesterday. I felt better and was fresh and strong and cheerful, and very much liked my journey to Horsham. There we put up for an hour and had a walk round and a look at the place while dinner was preparing, which we had at the new Coffee Tavern, or rather the old one renamed from Market Square. We had a beefsteak pudding each. The others managed theirs, but I could not eat any of mine, it was much too hard and tough. However, I did very well with the potatoes and the gravy. We left at 1 o’clock, and for the first two or three miles the roads were damp and heavy going, but after that they were dry and uncommonly good going. Before getting to Bramley, we turned off to the right for Hascombe and Godalming. Here we had splendid road with beautiful scenery, but very hilly. Going down into Godalming was very cold, and a hurricane of wind against us caused by a violent snowstorm which passed very close to us, in fact we were just upon the edge of it. We now made our way to Compton and were very glad to get there and have a rest and a jolly good tea, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. While we were at tea, the storm passed away, the wind became a calm and a lovely evening was in store for us, so we got an easy and, compared to the rate we had been travelling, a fast run home.

The trip was a great success and everything passed off better than we could have expected for a two day run at this time of year. The drawback was the damp and muddy parts of the road on Sunday and the fierce wind against us today, but both of these difficulties were got over well. I was not quite up to the mark yesterday, but still most of the way I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and today I was in excellent health and spirits, and quite enjoyed battling with the wind. We passed by several windmills and it was rare for to see them swinging round at a rare pace.

Another great advantage was the weather was so nice and bright and sunny nearly all the time. I never saw Mr Kemp more cheerful and noisy than he was yesterday, but his having no sleep in the night made him much quieter today. Now I, on the other hand, was quiet Sunday and lively today, so we fitted in very well. Very beautiful scenery we had, but the great feature was the exclusive view we had of the South Downs, and for so many miles of the journey. We saw them nearly all day yesterday and today. There are many things and incidents I should like to mention but I have not time enough to write then down. I can truly say, as I said before, the tour was a grand success and I am sure that both Henry, Kemp and I enjoyed it far more than we expected. Mr Rednall, unfortunately, was a martyr to the neuralgia, which must have interfered with his enjoyment. We were a most suitable four and made good company for each other.

55 miles

1891

Wednesday April 1

Had a run to a mile off Burchett’s Green to test the cyclometer and found it register accurately. A nice though windy run of 18 miles.

18 miles

Sunday April 5

Went to Chapel twice. L.S. in the morning. A wet day.

Wednesday April 8

Had a run over to Greywell to see if I could select a spot for camp this year, but could find none.

29 miles

Sunday April 12

Mr Rednall, Spencer and I went to Greywell, Upton, Herriards and Basingstoke. I didn’t like the run so very much; the weather was too cold and stormy at times. We left here a little before 10 o’clock and made our way to Hartley Row, and soon after leaving Phoenix Green had to take shelter from a passing cold shower. It was not much nor did it last long. We went to North Warnborough, then struck the canal and walked to Greywell to see if there was any place along the canal bank that would do for a camp ground, but we failed to find a spot. By the pond at Greywell and on to South Warnborough occupied our morning. We put up at the Plough just in time to get shelter from a sharp hail storm. There we had a nice lunch in a room with a good fire. This I enjoyed as much as any of the journey. From South Warnborough, we went to Upton Grey and, after a good deal of deliberation, took the road to Herriards and so by that great park into Basingstoke. From South Warnborough to within a mile or so of Basingstoke was very pleasant, the sun shone bright and warm, the road was fresh to us, and tolerably good, and the park looked nice, but after that, the clouds came over and the wind got up and was very cold. We stayed not at Basingstoke, but waited til we got to the White Hart, Sherfield and there did a comfortable rest and drink before a jolly good fire. The rest of the journey home was not pleasant and I was glad to get there.

45 miles

Monday April 13

I went on the Whippet to Reading to see ‘Jane’. I left here at 6.25, had a nice sharp ride down and landed at the Boar’s Head as the clock struck 7 o’clock. I had my usual seat at the theatre and was very well pleased both with ‘Jane’ and the piece which preceded it called ‘A Bad Penny’. ‘Jane’ was a laughable piece throughout, and it was acted very well. I had a most enjoyable ride home, fast and easy, and landed here a little after 11 o’clock. I enjoyed myself much better than I expected to, in fact, I very much hesitated about starting.

15 miles

Wednesday April 15

After 4 o’clock, I again directed my way to Hook to look out a suitable camp ground. I got there just before the rain came down, and I thought I had found a spot that would do, and another which I knew would do if we could get permission, but that I found unlikely, as it appeared to be laid down for grass, as the woman told me at the cottage where I took shelter from the rain for a half hour or so, and then I turned back by the same route as I came. I did not intend going on to Odiham to meet Henry and Philip there, who had gone off on the tandem this afternoon and were to put up at the Angel, but as the storm laid so much over Odiham, I thought it very unlikely they would attempt that place. When I got to the Raven, I called in for glass of ale, and while I was at it, down came the rain again, and kept on heavily for half an hour, so that when it let off and I made a start, the road was very wet, and the water showered off the bicycle wheels like a fountain. While I was in the Raven, a man told me there was a blackbird’s nest with five eggs sitting close to where we were. If the roads were wet, I went along at a rare good pace and enjoyed the run very well. I passed Henry and Philip in the Lamb at Hartley Row, but did not know they were there until I got home and they informed me of the fact.

28 miles

Friday April 17

Had a nice little run after doing the orders, round Eversley along the Flats to Blackwater and home by Crowthorne. The machine went very easy and I liked the little run very much indeed.

20 miles

Sunday April 19

Primrose Day but scarcely a primrose have I seen growing wild, though I have been many miles and looked out for them, and today I went to Windsor and back but not a single primrose did I see save in cultivated gardens. I went to Windsor this morning intending to go for a longer run after tea, but the weather, which was bright and cold this morning, came over after dinner dull, cloudy, very windy and exceedingly cold, so I did not turn out. I enjoyed my run this morning, but I very much miss the ‘flowers that bloom in the Spring’.

24 miles

Monday April 20

As I was going to Tangley this morning, I heard the cuckoo for the first time this year. The first swallow I saw at Greywell Lake on Sunday April 12^th. We had an early tea and then Henry and I, on the tandem, made a journey over to Hook and round to the old camp ground by the Dorchester Arms. We surveyed the common in front of the old spot but could see no place there. We then inspected the ground I looked after last week and thought it would do very well, and then proceeded on to the pond at Greywell, but could see nothing likely along that route, so turned back and came to the old camp ground, and close to that spot just inside the wood we found just the place we wanted. Having been successful in our search, we made our way to Odiham by North Warnborough and put up at the Angel and had tea there. Mrs Figgins got it in her usual good style in the large room. There, in front of a nice fire and well laid table, we spent a very comfortable hour or so. Well rested and refreshed, we mounted the tandem and put it along at a splendid pace right the way home, and not only went quick but thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

32 miles

Tuesday April 21

The new steam fire engine came this morning, and in the afternoon, there was a display to its powers, and a tea given in the St Paul’s grounds.

Wednesday April 22

Was far too cold and windy for a ride.

Friday April 24

After business, I went to North Court with some tapioca and a crown for their house keeper, who is going to London Monday.

10 miles

Sunday April 26

The early morning was very bright but came over dull about 10 o’clock, with a cold NE wind. However, I had a run round Marlow and Henley and enjoyed it quite as well as I expected, and better than the weather would suggest. I started at ½ past 9 and was home at ¼ to 1. Had a good dinner and a rest, an early tea and then off again at ¼ to 5 for Fleet. After dinner, the sun came out and we had a beautiful afternoon and evening. From Fleet, I went on to Crookham, had a glass of ale, and then away to Odiham, and home by Hartley Row. It was a capital evening ride, and I enjoyed it very much. It was just 32 miles round and I rode all the way. This morning, I heard two or three nightingales at Ruscombe railway bridge, and saw one singing away on a shrub close to the road. The distance round Marlow and Henley is 32 miles. Mr Jelley came in about 9 o’clock, having come by GWR to Twyford and hence by cab. Not coming until so late, we were very late to bed, and as he was to go by the early Twyford train in the morning, it made a short night’s rest.

64 miles

Monday April 27

After dinner, I went to Tangley to see Mr Arnold and he ordered a Safety bicycle and was very kind and pleasant to me and showed me over the cricket ground etc. Came back and had a hurried cup of tea, and was off on the tandem with Henry at 5 o’clock over the same course as I went last night. The sun was obscured by an easterly air, so that the country did not look so pretty as it did last night. We called in at Crookham for the usual pint, and then made our way to Odiham. A little beyond Itchel Mill, we stopped a few minutes to hear the nightingales, one especially singling himself out by his loud and clear song, one of the best we have ever heard. We called in at Mrs Figgins and had a pleasant rest, and went off without paying. However, Henry thought of it very soon after leaving, and we turned back and paid them. We now had a very good run home.

52 miles

Tuesday April 28

This evening at 10 o’clock, I called upon Mr Ridgeway by appointment at Hillside to receive an order for a Safety bicycle. I did not get away until 12 o’clock. Mr Arnold dropped in about 11. We had a long talk upon things appertaining to cycling. Mr Ridgeway ordered an Apollo with cushion tyres.

Wednesday April 29

Was cold, windy and damp, so that riding was out of the question. I did few odd jobs but it was not a merry evening.

Thursday April 30

I did the journey very comfortably and got home at ¼ past 6, and at seven went to Philip Sale to meet Stephen Sale, who had just returned from India for a short visit to the old country. We had a very pleasant evening, and there was a nice company of his old friends. Stephen was just the same grand old chap he always was, and it was quite a treat to see him again and find him unaltered. There is no mistake about his being a nice person.

1891

Sunday May 3

It was wet all day Friday and Saturday and last night, so I did not attempt to go with Mr Rednall for an all day run, but went to Chapel this morning and marked out the text and stayed to the Sacrament. After tea I went to Elvetham, Crookham and Fleet. There I turned off to the right and eventually came out at Aldershot and then home by Hawley. It was a pretty evening and I very much enjoyed my saunter round. How well it came home from Aldershot with the wind at my back. Mr Jelley came down by the 3.30 and stayed all night.

34 miles

Monday May 4

After an early tea, Henry and I had a pleasant, though rather hard, run on the tandem to Crowthorne, Frimley, Ash, Normandy and up on to the Hog’s Back by Wanborough. We crossed over the Back and down to Puttenham to get a drink at the Jolly Farmer.

While there, we saw three horses try to get ten ton of hay up on to the Back. They made them do it by stages, driving them at a furious gallop for a few yards, and then resting. They had to do it thus because one of the horses was a filler and unless they whipped them into a gallop he would not go at all. It looked, and I think was, a most dangerous way of getting up.

After refreshing ourselves, we made a move up and passed the three horses that then had stuck half way up the hill. We came home by Ash and Farnborough, calling in at Hawley for a little drop of whisky. It was a very pleasant evening out and everything was enjoyable, only the tandem seemed to go rather too heavy for me. We went by Wanborough up to the Hog’s Back and that is a nasty, long and very severe way of getting there, and a way I shall not be in a hurry to go again. We did not hear a nightingale all the way round. Plenty of cuckoos.

44 miles

Wednesday May 6

Was the first warm, and I may say, the first mild day we have had this year and I enjoyed it very much and made good use of the evening. Chappell and I essayed to go on the canal and made a very quick run over to Odiham, getting down to the canal in less than 55 minutes. The evening was warm, but not quite so warm as we were when we got to Odiham. The canoes were not ready, so we had a boat and a most pleasant row on the water to the sand cliff and back, and then a lively ride home by Dogmersfield, Crookham, and Fleet. On the water was very nice, but the ride home was even better. It had the appearance of a beautiful summer evening, the roads were A1 and the machine went very easy. The birds were in song, and many nightingales we heard, and altogether we had a most successful, enjoyable and pleasant evening, and hope we shall get some more like them.

28 miles

Sunday May 10

Was a cold and dull day, and threatened for rain, so I did not go out for the day. Just after tea, Mr Marshall came over for some meat extract for a boy at St Neots who had been taken ill. We could not get it while he waited, so when Mr Rednall came home, I got it at Mr Spencer’s and then took it over to Eversley. I came back by the N.M. Ride. The evening was too dull and damp looking for a good ride so I went no further than there and back.

12 miles

Tuesday May 12

Was a piping hot day. The Yeomanry came here for manoeuvres in Langborough. John came down this evening.

Wednesday May 13

Was another splendid day and good use we made of it too. In the morning, John, Tom and Henry went for a very pleasant walk up in the old fir country, and then at 3 o’clock, Tom and John, on the tandem, with the necessary apparatus and provisions for tea strapped on, made their way to Odiham. I followed on at 4 o’clock on the Whippet and overtook them at Winchfield station. I went along sharp and was surprised to find them so far on the way, for this afternoon was wondrously hot, so hot that I was afraid they would have been done up with the heat, but no, they got on well and enjoyed the ride. We had a nice boat and were on the water by ½ past 5. A lovely row along the canal to the third or fourth bridge, and there we landed and in a very few minutes had got ready and were enjoying a good tea, and that we enjoyed it there is no mistake about it. John thought it a splendid idea and added wonderfully to the pleasure of the outing. After tea, and we did not hurry over it, we took a further row up the canal, and then Tom and I took it in turns to take the boat back. We met a large party of cyclists from Wokingham on the water as we were proceeding back. They also turned back to Odiham, but we waited not for them, preferring our own company. Mounting our machines, we made our way round to Warnborough Castle to show John our camping ground. From there across the stream, and so to Hurst and away for Hartley Row and home. As we were coming along the Basingstoke road and by Phoenix Green, we saw the club coming by the Winchfield road, so we slowed up and let them pass on. Just after this, the mudguard of the tandem was broken off by a piece of iron on the road catching the front wheel spokes. We got home without any other hitch having had a most glorious day out. I was very glad we came, for it has been quite a treat for John. He enjoyed the ride and was most highly delighted with the canal.

28 miles

Thursday May 14

I did not go the journey today because we intend going to camp Saturday, and so I stayed at home to get things ready and sent Chappell.

Friday May 15

Was wet but still we, or rather Henry, got the camp things together.

Saturday May 16

I was up earlier and got the Eversley orders all ready to pack in the cart and the shop tidy before breakfast. However, I need not have troubled about it, for we had a regular wet day and could not start the goods off to camp. Tom was ready to start at 12 o’clock, but we had a lot of rain just then and so put off the departure til 2 o’clock, but the weather was just as bad then, and then 4 o’clock was talked of, but again heavy rain came, and so we had to postpone it until early Monday morning. Chappell went home by the 7 o’clock SER.

Sunday May 17

Was a regular wet day and quite decided us not to attempt the camp this week.

Monday May 18 – Whit Monday

Was a damned wet day, NE and rain all day long. I did a little work at Osborne house.

Wednesday May 20

Rev Penney called with Mr Clades to see Osborne house. They had no sooner gone than a memo from the court was put in possession for Mr Sale’s gas account. I saw Mr Cooke about it and he sent a notice to the High Bailiff that the goods were mine. Henry, Tom and I went to Tangley to see the Fire Brigade display. We were the only persons beside the brigade that were invited to the meat tea, which was well served in the pavilion.

Sunday May 24

I had arranged a run with Mr Rednall, but the weather was too wet for me, so I went a walk round Easthampstead instead. Mr Donaldson and daughter came on Friday to stay a few days.

Tuesday May 26

Went to Reading to see Mr Maslen, the High Bailiff, about Mr Sale’s affairs.

Wednesday May 27

The Court appraised the furniture and I paid the account into Court. Henry and I went for a walk after tea round Easthampstead and home from Bracknell by train. Quite a nice walk.

Sunday May 31

Mr Rednall and I went a little run today. The weather was bright and warm, and, as the people said, the first day of summer. There was a strongish wind on up to 5 o’clock, and that was against us so far as the journey to Gomshall. Had it not been for the wind, we should have carried on our programme and gone round the foot of Leith Hill, Ewhurst, Cranleigh and Hascombe, but as it was, it was 1 o’clock when we got to Gomshall, and there we had our lunch, which brought the time up to nearly 2 o’clock, so I proposed, and Mr Rednall seconded, that we should go back to Shalford and across to Compton to tea. This would give us plenty of time to take the journey easy and have some to spare for a lay down, and besides we thought this part of the journey was sufficiently beautiful to stand twice going over in one day. I was very glad we did so, for I dislike a long distance between dinner and tea, and this afternoon being nice and hot, I enjoyed a lay down and a little nap by the stream at Albury. We got into Compton quite by 4 o’clock, and the new landlady made us comfortable and gave us a very good tea and plenty of it.

We left Compton after having a smoke in the hawthorns at 5 o’clock, and then had a lovely evening before us, which was worth more than all the rest of the day twice over. By riding and pushing, we got to the top of the Hog’s Back very pleasantly, and then I may say we were at Guildford, for we had nothing to do to get there but guide the machines. Of course, Mr Rednall was delighted with this piece of the journey, and so he was with the run to Ripley where we rested on the bridge and saw the cyclists of all description come sailing by.

After a glass of bad ale at the Anchor, we turned for home via Send, Woking and Chobham. As I anticipated, it was a charming run right to Bagshot. Soon after leaving Chobham, we had a rest down by the stream, which was very pleasant and summer like. At Bagshot we had a liquer up, and then home by Easthampstead. This was new ground to Mr R. and he had no idea of where he was until he got right to Easthampstead Church. He thought he was out by Ascot race course. We arrived home quite fresh having had a most successful day out, enjoyable all the time, but especially so after Compton. Although we did not go as far, nor just the route we marked out, yet by certainly the afternoon, we made the evening all the better.

72 miles

1891

Tuesday June 2

This evening, I had a run over to Odiham to see if the canoes were in order, and to order one for tomorrow. I stayed about ¾ of an hour at Odiham and then came home again straight away. I called in at Mr Porter and saw the picture by Gainsborough and then had a pleasant ride home.

26 miles

Wednesday June 3

A beautiful fine morning, just right for our trip to Odiham. I got Bertha, Annie and their two children, Bertha and Hilda, off by 12 o’clock, Frances following in Sam Walden’s tricycle. At 3.30, Henry and Tom started on the tandem and at 4.5, Chappell and I on our Safetys. At 3 o’clock, I thought it was coming on for wet day, but it turned out to be an East mist. We overtook Henry and Tom at Winchfield. We got on the water at ½ past 5 with two boats and a canoe. A pleasant pull up the canal for ¾ of an hour brought us to our usual tea ground, where we soon got the tea hot over a fire we lit on the towing path. Then sitting down on the bank, we had a most refreshing and enjoyable cup of tea. After tea, and that took some time, we had a further pull up the canal to the Barley Mow at Pilcot, then back to Odiham. Henry, Tom and Chappell went on while we followed behind. Frances had quite enough of it by the time she got home, which was just 11 o’clock. Altogether, it was a good turn out, and they all enjoyed themselves, especially Hilda.

26 miles

Sunday June 7

I went to Chapel this morning. In the evening, I took Fred Kent (who came down yesterday for a short stay with us) on the tandem to Odiham and round by Dogmersfield Park, Pilcot and Elvetham. We called in at the Angel, and there saw Mr Heelas and Butler, these two having been round Kingsclere, Whitchurch and Basingstoke and were now almost done up. Fred and I very much enjoyed our ride and got home quite comfortably.

28 miles

Monday June 8

After tea, Mr Kent and I had a ride on the tandem, this time to Reading, Caversham, Sonning, Sandford, Hurst and home. The wind was very strong and very cold, so cold that we could not enjoy much of the ride. From Caversham to Sonning, it was horribly cold. Coming home, it was somewhat at our back, and then it was more pleasant going, not so much because it was easier but because it was warmer.

17 miles

Wednesday June 10

Henry and I had a run on the tandem after tea to Basingstoke via Sherfield. A very pleasant run and we got there in very good time, 1 hour 45 minutes. We had a glass of ale and a rest for a ¼ of an hour or so, and then on through the town and away by Hackwood to Herriards, and there at the Public House we turned left, came in to a long avenue and eventually out at the Golden Pot, where we had another drink and then away to South Warnborough and Odiham. Called in at the Angel, where we found several of our Wokingham friends. After a sociable drink and smoke, we all came home together. The weather was beautifully bright and warm to Basingstoke with a SW wind there, then the wind changed to NE and so came overcast and dull. I was sorry for the change because it was not only against us, but wanted the bright sunlight to show up the country. The beech avenue from Herriard to the Golden Pot would have been greatly improved by it. It is a grand piece and forest like. We very much enjoyed our turn round and came home totally fresh.

46 miles

Friday June 12

Having lost Bulidges’ order, I, after 7 o’clock, went over to Eversley on my Whippet to get it, but she was out and so I came back without it. It was a pleasant evening and I had a nice ride of 15 miles.

15 miles

Sunday June 14

I made arrangements to go with Mr Rednall for a cycle ride to leave here at ½ past 7, but the morning was cloudy and looked like rain, so I went round to tell Mr Rednall I should not go. He fortunately had got Mr Butler there and ready to start, so I told them to go on and, if fine, I would follow on later. So, at 7.50 they made a start for Hind Head. I went back, had breakfast and packed up some lunch and made up my mind to start, for the weather showed signs of improvement. It was 9.25 when I left and made my way to Well Coll, R.M. Coll, Frimley, Ash, the Hog’s Back, Puttenham, Compton, to Milford and Godalming, which occupied just two hours. From there I hurried on for Hind Head and overtook Rednall and Butler just where I expected to, that is close to the ginger beer shop half way up the hill. After I started the weather rapidly improved until when I got to Godalming, it was something lovely. We had our lunch outside the ‘Huts’ and a rest and a smoke after. Now we had a lovely ride before us right down to Liphook, and very nice it was, and also very hot right to Petersfield. We just had a run round the town and, as it was only 3 o’clock, we thought it too early to stay there for tea, and so we made our way for East and West Meon, but we did not get there, for we missed the way, and after a long lot of uphill and rough lane, we came out at the foot of Filmore Hill and were done out of that lovely piece down by West Meon. I wanted to turn back for it, but the other two said no, and so we made our way up Filmore Hill, which is just about a mile long. I was under the impression it was two or three miles long, and so, of course, I was especially surprised to find it was so short. From the top, we had a lovely ride right to Alton, which I very much enjoyed that part of the journey.

It was along here we saw such a quantity of rabbits. They were like mites on a cheese, and so thick that the field seemed to be on the move.

We had tea at Alton at the Market Hotel, very well served and reasonable. Before tea, I called in and saw Mr and Mrs Chappell. While at tea, the Salvation Army band played a selection of music just outside our hotel. I felt very much refreshed by my tea and quite enjoyed the ride up the Golden Pot hill, and then away to Wanborough and Odiham, working up the hills with ease. We called in at the Angel, and there found Mr Heelas and Wells.

After a friendly glass and smoke, we all left together and had a splendid summer evening ride home. I enjoyed the day very much indeed and was so fresh and well that I did not want, nor did I push up, any of the hills coming home. We had a perfect day, and the roads were good. I was glad of Butler’s company, and while I rode on up the hills, he kept Rednall company. We had many nice little incidents along the road, saw many pretty sights and heard a large quantity of birds. Had I not gone, I should have missed a good day’s outing.

85 miles

Tuesday June 16

I went to Reading to see Mr Creed upon a point in my case with the gas company.

Wednesday June 17

A five mile bicycle race was held on the Finchampstead road in the evening, after which Rednall and I took a ride round the ridges and Crowthorne.

15 miles

Thursday June 18

Fred Kent came the journey with me and was of some help, especially as I wanted to get done early because we intend going to camp this week. I got home about ½ past 5, and everything straight and entered up before supper.

Friday June 19

I should have got the orders done early, only I had to see Mr Cook and also Mr Arnold in the afternoon, which ran away with a good deal of my time. However, by shut up time I had well finished, and then I got my takings ready for camp, and everything packed up. A beautiful fine day.

Saturday June 20

A glorious day, such that we could not have better for our day’s work. It was beautifully fine, no sign of rain, and a nice NE wind to temper the hot sunshine. I got the Eversley cart off in good time, and then packed the little cart for camp. I got all the goods and chattels in better than I have ever done before, and having put a cross spring to the cart, it rode very much better and more comfortable for Tom and Kemp to start at 12 o’clock, and by half past, they were both on their way to Warnborough castle. We did not have a busy day nor evening. Henry and I intended to leave at 9 o’clock, and about ½ past we made a start, leaving everything straight at home.

Had we had the pick of any of the evenings this year, we could not have selected a better, nor yet as good, it was simply perfection. Warm with a slight wind at our backs, a cloudless sky, and bright clear moonlight, and the roads in A1 order, so it goes without saying that we had a magnificent and long to be remembered ride over to the camp of 1891.

I was almost sorry to get to the journey’s end, for what with the smell of the new mown hay and the flowers all along the road, it made riding more pleasant than usual. We put our machines up at the barn, made our way over to the Castle and found the tent up and everything finished and in a more advanced state of comfort than we have found before. This was gratifying, and so was a drop of Rednall’s cider. We sat there at the tent door and had a smoke and light refreshments until near upon 12 o’clock. Then Henry, Kemp and I took a walk along the canal to where it crosses under the road to meet Philip Sale and Mr Rednall, who were to leave Wokingham a little after 10 o’clock. They did not keep us waiting very long. When we all got back to the tent, Philip, being very hungry, and Rednall thirsty, we set to and had another supper before laying down for the, shall I say – night. I suppose it was about 1 o’clock when we fastened up the tent. Until then, it had been clear moonlight, but just as I was fastening up, it came over cloudy all at once, and the whole sky was covered with an even thick mist. The wind also got up a bit.

15 miles

Sunday June 21

The thick NE cloud that came up late last night hung over us all the morning and it had the appearance of being a bad day, so we did not turn out very early. About ½ past 8 there was signs of the sun peeping through, and before we had done breakfast he came out most gloriously and dispersed the clouds, and we had a splendid fine and hot day. Henry, Kemp and Rednall went to Greywell and Tom and Phillips to Odiham to service during the morning. I stopped at home and put the tent tidy and made some shelves and cupboards for the crockery etc and got done just in time so that it was all straight and clean for the company. We had a nice dinner out in the open and, after that, a rest. Mr Chappell came over in the afternoon and had tea with us. There was a service held in the grounds and, like last year, we had a large company of small boys around our tent all the afternoon. After we had had a very nice tea, Henry, Rednall, Chappell and I went for a walk while Mr Kemp kept charge of the tent. We went along the canal to the tunnel, and there saw a small steamer go through the tunnel. We walked on and saw them the other side. We continued down the canal to the swing bridge by the watercress plantation, then back to the second bridge, and over that to Up Nately Church and along the road to Greywell and back by the canal. This was a very beautiful walk, and very much Chappell and I enjoyed it, and I suppose the other two did.

It was a splendid evening for a stroll by the canal. The bright sunlight showed the water up so well, and the foliage, being thick and green, stood a lot of light well. We could almost fancy ourselves in some foreign parts. The water was very clear and free from weeds and looked most charming as it bent round the corner into mystery. Then the bridges, too, how pretty they were, in fact, it was all pretty right the way round, and besides the sights, there was the sounds to be pleased, for the birds were on hammer and tongs all the time, and we got home highly pleased with our evening’s walk.

Phillips would have liked to come but he had to leave at 2 o’clock to go to Tangley to Williamsons. He came back again this evening. Chappell left about 9 o’clock, pleased with his afternoon’s performance. We had a nice cocoatina supper and got off to bed before 11 o’clock.

We had scarcely got off to sleep when we were awakened by voices outside. It was someone who had been away for near upon 20 years and had come to look at the castle again, bringing with him his friend. They were both the worse for drink. They came to the tent but did not molest us at all, then vanished back to the Castle and chattered something its being King John’s Castle, wonderful and 20 years. After a time, the mutterings died away, and we fell off to sleep. Just as we were closing up the tent we heard a call of fire; we looked out but could see none anywhere.

Monday June 22

Mr Rednall started off for Wokingham about 7 o’clock. The morning was not warm, and being dull, we did not turn out until 8 o’clock. Before we had breakfast, the sun looked through and we had a lovely morning before us. Mr Kemp volunteered to mind the tent while the rest of us went to Odiham boating. We had a charming walk along the canal bank there, and then the best time we have ever had on the water. The weather was perfect for the canal, beautifully warm and bright with a few summer clouds to temper the heat of the sun. Phillips was charmed with the scenery, so we all were. I suppose the canal now looked much better than it did this morning, and we of course were fresh and able to appreciate the beauty. We had a drink at the Barley Mow, and then on to the swing bridge and back to Odiham, and then by the road to camp.

I cannot describe this outing properly. How nice it was to take off my shoes and socks and dangle my legs in the water. How balm and beautiful the air was. How rich and luxuriant the foliage. How delightful the smell of the new mown hay and growing clover. How the birds did their best to entertain us, and how the black cap carried off the palaver. How we had to lift the boat out of the water to get by the barges which lay athwart the canal, and how we scrambled by them on the return journey. How in the midst of the bright sunshine we had a little summer rain, not enough to make us put on our coats, only enough to make it pretty and pleasant. Neither of us were tired, we each did our share of the rowing. Had we had only this morning, it would have saved the camp from being a failure.

As we drew near to the swing bridge by the camp, we saw Bertha and Frances on ahead. They had just driven over, and Frances, poor thing, had lost her gold watch. This cast a gloom over us, but not for long, for when we got to the tent, Mr Kemp had found it, he having been across the field in search of it. This set us all merry again, and we sat down and enjoyed a good dinner. Phillips left directly after. No, I am wrong. We had a rest, then Bertha, Frances, Hilda and I took a ramble to Greywell and back, and had a happy hour in the open country. Hilda was especially pleased with the flowers. An early tea, and then Phillips left, and I got Bertha and her family off safely by 6 o’clock. I think they very much enjoyed their visit. Mr Kemp took a walk up town, while Henry, Tom and I stayed at home.

About 8 o’clock it began to rain. For the last hour, it had looked like some coming, so I put the tent in order, closed the door and had a comfortable supper and a long talk, and then off to bed. The rain came down very heavy and the wind was strong. As we lay in bed, we put up the umbrellas to shelter us from the fine spray which at first came through the corners, and there we lay as dry and snug as we ever did, and quite enjoyed hearing the wind and wet. Thus ended one of the most successful days we have had at camp.

Tuesday June 23

It rained up to about 7 o’clock and then was still overcast, so we were not very early with breakfast. Tom volunteered to mind the tent while Henry, Kemp and I went for a walk, and we then went just the same course that we did two years ago on a Tuesday, and under very much the same conditions. The morning was luminous but wet at intervals, but though it rained heavy now and then, we did not get wet, as we had umbrellas to shelter us. We went along the towing path to Greywell by the lake and mill to South Warnborough, and home by Odiham Clumps, a very charming and beautiful walk. I chased and killed a mouse. He was a very long way ahead on the road, and I ran after it and, as it entered the grass, struck it with my umbrella. I felt guilty but excused myself on the grounds that I had no idea of being able to catch it. Two years ago, I described this walk, and today was very similar. The scent of the clover along the road from the Clumps was something to be remembered. We took the walk leisurely and arrived home not in the least tired or exhausted, which is something for me to be able to do. After tea, Henry, Tom and I had a beautiful summer evening walk along the canal bank to Odiham and on to the second bridge, then over the canal and across a pretty common to Odiham town and home. There was no rain after dinner, and the evening was pretty and gave promise of a fine day tomorrow. Last night here was a fire at Mr Woodford’s timber yard, and one of his saw sheds was burnt down, and some timber. We saw nothing of it, nor heard anything, although we were so close to it. I suppose the noise of the rain and wind in the night drowned the noise of the people and fire. I did not at all mind the rain today, and I can say of today that it has been quite a success.

Wednesday June 24

A nice bright morning and we were up earlier and had breakfast out in the nice sunshine. Mr Kemp again offered to mind the tent while Henry, Tom and I went out. Being such a beautiful morning, we decided to have another turn on the canal. A very pleasant and pretty walk along the towing path brought us to Odiham. We had the same nice light boat that we had on Monday, and had a delightful pull up to the Barley Mow and back. The water was beautifully bright and hot and a grand hour or two we had on the water. As we were walking back from Odiham we gathered a lot of pretty grasses from the bank of the canal to take home. After dinner and a little rest, Henry, Tom and I took a last walk to Greywell and round the village and back. A pretty little walk to wind up a most successful camp out. Had tea a little after 4 o’clock, and a very, very pleasant tea it was too. We placed the table and sat so that we had a view of the canal to Greywell and saw three barges go up. It was a pretty little bit dropped in just to wind up the outing, and which I shall not easily forget. We sat there until 5 o’clock, then started packing up, and so expeditiously did we perform the job that by 6.10, Tom and Kemp were on their way home. Henry and I stayed to have a little rest by the banks of the Whitewater until 7 o’clock, such a nice, calm quiet few minutes, and then we went round to the barn and got out the tandem and made for home via Hook. When we came over on Saturday night we went via Winchfield and Odiham. We had a lovely ride home, such a pretty evening. We over took Tom and Kemp at Hartley Row, and at the White Lion Kemp, Henry and I had a last liquer up. Then Henry and I went on and got home just after 8 o’clock. As we neared Wokingham we could see they had had rain today, and as it turned out, for while we were favoured with a lovely bright and hot day, they had some heavy storms at Wokingham and round about. Tom and Kemp did not arrive until near upon 10 o’clock. However, they got in all right and cheerful so we did not mind the time if they did not.

We all voted the camp a great success this time. We could not have wished for much better weather excepting night and early morning. We had grand weather for preparing and starting off in, not having the least misgiving about whether it would rain or not. Time did not hang heavy anywhere, nor were we kept in at all by the elements. The two mornings alone on the canal were well worth the coming out for if we had got nothing else. It was very pleasant and gratifying to have the same party as of old, and for each to enjoy it so much. We were very glad that Tom was not only well enough and able, but as pleased as the others to come. Last year, he was afraid to stay the night with us because he had so recently recovered from his severe illness after his American trip. But this year, he took to camp life more thoroughly and heartily than ever.

It was strange there should be a call of fire, and us to get out of the tent to see it on Sunday night, and for it to be a false alarm, and then on the following night for there to be a fire so close as Mr Woodford’s timber yard and for us to know nothing about it until next day.

The boy who helped bring the goods from the cart to the Castle grounds lost his coat over the job, so we promised to send him a new one in its place. The spade, also, someone kindly took and so saved the carriage of it home. Now when we were on the Common amongst the gypsies, we never lost anything, but as soon as we got amongst the good people of North Warnborough, we fell into the hands of the Philistines. One sad thought I had coming home, and that was shall we ever all meet again for a camping out like this. Well, no one knows. We must live in hope, for it is very nice to meet thus.

15 miles

Sunday June 28

Last night, Mr Rednall and I arranged to start at 8.30 this morning for the Berkshire Downs, and at a little after that time, we were off on our way to Reading under the most favourable weather we could have for the journey – warm, sunny, with some light clouds and a lovely sky, and a good breeze from the SSE. Under these circumstances it is needless to say we had a remarkably fine and pretty ride to Streatley. The roads were in A1 order.

How grand and beautiful the noble river looked, clothed as all the banks country round is, in such extraordinary fine and luxuriant foliage, and the hedges and fields and gardens with an abundance of flowers. Everything, everywhere is most flourishing, whether it is the corn in the fields or the grass in the meadow, the hedges by the wayside, with their deckings of roses and honeysuckle, the trees of the forest, the reeds in the streams, the roadside and ditches, the banks and the gulleys all loaded and crowded with the grasses and wildflowers and creepers. And from almost every thicket and over every hedgerow and tree, while the eye is delighted, the ear is enraptured with the songs of the birds, and this was the state of things all day.

Knowing the scarcity of pubs along the road we were going, we took the precaution to call at the Bull at Streatley, and we were not like the calf that went to that animal, we did not come away thirstier than we went, for we had a quart between us. Soon after getting on to the Wantage road, I took off my weskit and coat and rode in my flannel shirt, which was beautifully cool and comfortable. We dropped down into the town of Blewbury and had a ride round the place and a look at the church, where we saw a very old tombstone with the figures of the warriors carved in stone lying. Instead of passing straight through Upton, we turned down into and round that place also. I was not aware it was so large. Soon after leaving Upton, where the road branches off to the left, we called at a Public and had another drink of shandy, and then away for Wantage with a good strong breeze or wind at our backs, which made it uncommonly easy going. Very different from when Henry and I were along this way on the tandem with the wind against us. We did not stay at Wantage, but at once made our way through and on to the road for Kingston Lisle, for being half past 1, we wanted our lunch, and did not care to have it in the town, so the first village we came to, we dropped down to, which was Childrey. Here, at the pub we enjoyed a meal and a short rest. Then a very pretty two or three miles brought us to Kingston Lisle. We went up to the Blowing Stone, but being Sunday, they would not unlock it for a blow. At the very pretty village, we halted for some time contemplating which way we should go. Whether to the left for Faringdon, which was only a mile and a half off, or to the right for Newbury 16 miles. Mr Rednall cast his vote for the direct way to Newbury, and as an old man of whom I enquired told me that the White Horse was so overgrown that it was not recognisable from there, I fell in with Mr Rednall’s idea, so away we went down a long and very steep hill, over the canal and under the GW Railway into the vast plain of the White Horse vale to Goosey, Denchworth, East and West Hanney, Marcham to Newbury, a perfectly level run all the way and over, for the most part, very good roads. I enjoyed this part of the journey immensely, and although it was afternoon, I felt not in the least bit weary or tired, but enjoyed the ride over this fresh piece of country as much as I have any piece for a long time. Goosey, Denchworth, and the two Hanneys are very quaint and old fashioned villages, and pleased me much. Just as we turned on to the main road from Wantage to Oxford and Abingdon, we called at a Public and had another little drink, and the remainder of my lunch, which went down very nice. As I say, it is a level run from Kingston Lisle to Newbury, and the road good, though Mr Rednall said it was very bumpy. I, on the Whippet, felt it not, but went along with great ease. Strange to say, the wind was still for us, which made me laugh, and I felt proud of coaching Mr Rednall round so far, all with the wind. Soon after leaving Kingston Lisle we had some excellent views of the White Horse Hill, but never a horse could we see, let our imagination play as far as it would. Our way until we struck the Wantage to Newbury road seemed to run parallel with the Berkshire Downs, and we had a very fine view of them for many miles, We entered Newbury at ½ past 5, and had an excellent tea at the Temperance Hotel in the square. It was served well and clean, and plenty of it, and only 1/3 each. The cake, bread and butter, and eggs, also lettuce. After a very pleasant and refreshing tea, we made another start, and very soon left Newbury behind, and over most excellent and pretty roads, bowled along very merrily on our way to Dorchester, Shillingford and Benson.

It was a gloriously beautiful summer evening, the roads were perfect, and we were fresh and happy and lived a few hours of life worth remembering. Right away round to Benson, we had a view of the mighty Berkshire Downs, and they did seem mighty to us, for ever since leaving Streatley, we have had them. In the morning we battled with and overcame them, and all the afternoon saw our victorious battle ground.

At Benson, we had our last liquer up, and then commenced the rise to Nettlebed. Well we got up there very much easier and quicker than I anticipated. I think I could have ridden right up very well, but did not like to leave Mr Rednall to walk by himself. It was about ½ past 8 when we got up, so it was a little too late to get a good distant view, else I think we could have distinctly seen the White Horse hill.

From Nettlebed, such a run down to Henley I never had. The road was in perfect order and downhill after downhill followed until it seemed as though we must have got right inside of the earth. I was perfectly astonished at the remarkable quantity and steepness of the descent. The Chiltern Hills must be quite a range of young mountains. The road being good, we just did revel in this fast and easy five miles.

We did not stop at Henley, but came straight away home via Wargrave, Twyford and the old way by Bill Hill, coming home at ¼ to 11. Mr Rednall, I think, was a wee bit tired, but I came home fresher and better than I left in the morning. We were greatly favoured in the elements. The day was gloriously fine and warm, and very pretty above and below. The wind helped us all the time it blew, and when we left Abingdon, and should have to work against it, it had died down and was a perfect calm. The evening too was such that we could not wish for better, and when we got home, we felt we had had one of the best day’s outings we have had together.

How different we felt from the two cyclists who passed us just before we got to Benson and who were on their way to London, who mistook their way at Benson and had to retrace their way, and eventually came up with us at Nettlebed, and were so disgusted with the roads and the hills that they made up their minds to train it from Henley. Whether they ever got to Henley, I know not. They called in at the Public at Nettlebed and we saw no more of them. They had enough of it, poor things. Did not know how to organise a day’s ride. One of them had lost three or four of his spokes.

This made me feel thankful at the behaviour of my Whippet, which did not require any attention at all, all the journey round. The run did me a deal of good and cheered me up. I felt happy when I got home and not in the least tired or damp with perspiration. I had a good supper, enjoyed it and went to bed with a lighter heart than for some time past. The distance according to the cyclometer was 91 or 92 miles.

92 miles

Monday June 29

Mr Watts called upon me from Mr Holmes about the house. I offered it at 65 as it was on 70 with a 100 laid out on it.

1891

Wednesday July 1

Was showery, and in the evening windy and cold. Bertha and I drove round Hurst and Sindlesham after tea, taking Hilda with us. It was much too cold for either of us to enjoy the ride.

Sunday July 5

I enjoyed the evening service. L.S. in the morning.

Wednesday July 8

Bertha had a letter from Mr Jelley asking her to come up to London, something being wrong with him and James. So she went up by the 12.4. Henry bought off Mr Ducrocq a cushioned tyred Safety for £7.10.0, and paid him for it, and also for a bell 2/-. Rain came on just as I was going out on it after tea. I waited for it to clear up and then had a run to Binfield and back and found the thing go remarkably well. Yesterday, the mare ran away from Mrs Cordery and got into the ditch in the Finchampstead road. Broke the cart, but did not damage her. It was Mr Lusky’s cart, ours being at his works under repair. This morning. Mrs East sent in Mrs Chester’s cheque, £19.6.0, and book, which she found in the ditch where the horse lay. I sent Davis with the pony with some of the heavy goods today so as to lighten the journey for tomorrow, as I shall have to do with the pony and trap then.

Thursday July 9

Was a beautiful day out and I enjoyed the journey very well. I took over £45.0.0. I had the pony and small cart, which was very comfortable, and the pony went tolerably well. I had dinner at Lady Glass and tea at St Neots, so as soon as I had cashed up, I went for a ride on the cushion tyred Safety round Eversley. Took some tea at Goddard’s and called at Dupret’s for their order, and into the White Hart for a glass of ale, and stayed until shut up time, then had an enjoyable ride home.

12 miles

Friday July 10

As it was such a nice day, I got on well with the orders so as to have a run in the evening round Marlow. Just before I started, some heavy and stormy looking clouds came up and I quite expected a thunderstorm. However, at ¼ past 7, I made a start, intending if the weather got worse to turn back, but it did not do so, and by the time I reached Hurst, came out bright and clear again and looked like a nice evening. I was going to see how quickly I could do the journey, but being undecided to Hurst and having to stop to alter the saddle twice, I gave over the attempt to do a quick time and went at a moderate pace. It was Marlow Regatta day, and consequently round by the bridge was tolerably lively. At Henley I had a cup of coffee, and then a pretty ride home, there being a small portion of new moon to give a little light.

The cushion tyre did not go so easily as I anticipated from the opinion I formed of it yesterday. It guides very nicely indeed, but then the vibration is so great after the luxury of the Whippet that I was partially paralyzed and had not strength to drive the machine properly. I perspired more this evening than I have for a long time, and it is my opinion it takes a lot more out of one to drive this machine than the Whippet.

I was quite tired before I reached home and was glad Wokingham was not further off. I enjoyed the run very well, but not like some of the runs I have had round this course. It is needless for me to say that the country was very pretty. It ought to be on a nice summer evening.

32 miles

Saturday July 11

Henry joined the Volunteers in the review before the German Emperor at Wimbledon. He left here at 10 o’clock and got back at 8 in the evening. They had an excellent day for the review, and I had a very good day in the shop. Should the weather be fine, I have arranged with Mr Rednall for a nice ride round Surrey for tomorrow, to start at 7 o’clock.

Sunday July 12

After a tolerably good night’s rest, I got up at ¼ past 6 and found a lovely morning, and a good breakfast awaiting me, Bertha having turned out and got it all ready and comfortable for me. I did not feel so very fresh or bright, but this I did not much mind because I knew from experience it would soon pass off and I should feel all the better presently I ate my breakfast in peace and comfort, and then went round to see if Mr Rednall was up, which he was and had had breakfast.

Went back and packed up my dinner and bid the good folks at home goodbye, and then at ¼ past 7, Mr Rednall and I started off on our journey in great comfort and good spirits with great expectations of a good day out, and our expectations were never more fully realised than they were today. The barometer was high, the weather vane pointing NNE with no wind whatever. A very pretty sky with very high clouds and bright sun and the air delightfully warm and soft.

Our first destination was Hascombe via Compton, and to get there we chose the Yateley, Hawley and Ash route to the Hog’s Back. We jogged along at a very respectable rate and in three hours were at Godalming and never having had a better run over there. At Godalming I bought half a pound of strawberries and drank a bottle of home-made ginger beer. Not that I was so very thirsty, for we had a drink at the Anglers Rest, Ash Vale. We walked over the sets at Godalming, and then I rode up the hill towards Hascombe. Just before going up, I ate the strawberries because I could not carry them as the juice came through the bag. I had a rest on the top of the hill til Mr Rednall came up, and then we had a grand run down and to Hascombe.

At the fountain, we had a wash in the cold spring water, which was very refreshing, and washed the flies and dirt out of our eyes so that we were better able to admire the beautiful scenery by which we were surrounded. If, when on our way home from Steyning at Easter, before any vegetation was out, and the weather was cold and terrifically windy, Hascombe looked so pretty and inviting then, what shall I say of it today, when the flowers and foliage were at their best and the sun brightly shining on the prettiest of summer days, with just enough clouds to temper the heat and tone the light and shade as it gently moved and played amongst the hills and dales and over the trees that deck this mountainous part of Surrey. If the pond or little lake at the mill-head, with the mill house so low down below the surface of the water that it seemed half immerged, was a pleasing sight, then – how about today? With a midsummer sky reflected in its calm unbroken surface, transforming the water from a cold, wet pond to a clear limpid pool where the hills round about were mirrored and reproduced in perfect lines, save where the startled wild fowl disturbed and rippled its placid surface. Even the ducks, as they lazily floated about, appeared to enjoy this quiet spot where nature has been so lavish and prodigal, not alone in the arrangement and disposition of the hills round the valley, but also in clothing them with such varied and finely grown trees, whose large massive boughs majestically spread themselves out over the earth beneath and proudly offer to the cattle a shelter from the heat of the heavens above.

We too received the full benefit of this grateful shade, for our road to Park Hatch was very like an avenue, so plentiful were the trees all the way along. Had we been in the least tired or in want of a rest, it would have been a great inducement to have spent an hour or so here, but we were not, and so went on our way to Cranleigh. Then we struck the Brighton road and turned to the left towards Bramley for a short distance, then to the right, and was on the Cranleigh Road, and new ground to us.

A pretty ride along this country road or lane soon brought us to that now disused waterway, the Sussex Canal, the brick bridge over which the road crosses, instead of spanning the water, is now filled in with earth and banked up, so that instead of a passage or way beneath its arch, it forms a dam and severs the canal in two. What a monument to, and what a tale, this bridge way tells of the passing nature of man’s work. A hundred years can tell its history – how this mighty work was carried out and almost unsurmountable difficulties overcome by human skill and wondrous energy. How years of toil and labour and heaps of gold were spent to bring these waterways to perfection. How their glory was like that of the moth and butterfly, but for a day. Our grandfathers built and constructed them, and the present generation, if they know of their existence, scarcely understand their use. A century has conceived and nursed and buried the stupendous work and labour of men. In many places, the bed of the canal is dry and its banks levelled to the fields, and nothing left but a little marker grass and a few rushes to mark the course where not long ago the commerce of the nation was carried. While the little stream from yonder hill is running now as it did a thousand years ago.

Just over the bridge on the left is a pretty little cottage, and the garden, being a little below the canal and therefore well watered, attracted the notice of both Mr R. and myself by its wonderful productiveness and luxuriant appearance. I afterwards learned that it belongs to a Mr Townsend. Happy man to live on such a spot. Mounting, a few more minutes brought us to that prettily situated and excellent cricket ground on Cranleigh Green. This is a place where one could enjoy watching a game of cricket, beautifully situated as it is, and surrounded with fine scenery. Cranleigh consists of one clean and level street. With a splendid direction pillar at the south end of the village. It not only directs the traveller on his way, but tells the distance to each place.

We took the left road for Ewhurst, and had a grandly pretty and easy ride there. It is a little village or town I hope to see again. We called in at the Bull’s Head and had a drink of shandy gaff and filled the can with ale, and then made our way on towards Ockley, but before reaching that place, we selected a spot on a rising piece of ground whereon to have our dinner.

We drew our machines into a newly mown meadow, where in the centre stood a large oak tree, whose sheltering shade and well banked bowl offered us as fine a place for our meal as could well be found in the County of Surrey. Here we sat down and enjoyed a well carved dinner and one of the best hours of our life. Had we spent the whole day in looking for, we could not have selected a better or prettier spot for our repast than this. Many have spent their whole lives, and a fortune, in trying to get as good a dining room as this, and have failed, yet we had this for less than nothing. We not alone got the dining room, but the appetite and means to enjoy it also. From the rising position of our ground, and having no wall of brick and stone to shut out the view, as we took up our lodgings beneath the roof of ‘England’s Glory’ and one of nature’s mansions, we had before and around us as grand and beautiful a sight as the heart can conceive or the eye behold. Before us rose the mighty Surrey Hills, with Leith on the right, and its tall tower rising from the very summit and edge of its steep escarpment. On the left rose Stonebury Hill and the mountains round about Godalming, and in front lay the wooded heights of Felday, while the streamlets from the hills, as they wandered hither and thither, watered and nourished the verdant meadows of the valley at our feet, and gave to the cattle, as they leisurely grazed on the fine herbage, a welcome drink and cooling retreat on this midsummer day. Nor was the eye done feasted. After satisfying the body with wholesome food and drink, we lighted our cigars, and while enjoying the soothing effects of an afternoon smoke, the ear was enraptured with the many voices of summer. The songs of the birds, the lark in the sky, the grasshopper’s cheep in the meadow beneath, the ceaseless buzz of the bees and flies and the hum of the countless insects that live in the sun. The gentle murmur and rustling of the leaves and the grasses as they move to the breathing of a soft summer day, while the air was loaded with the odour of the wild rose and the honeysuckle, and the balm from the stacks of new mown hay. Here for over an hour we lounged on the lovely Sabbath day, free from all care and trouble, taking in as much as our senses could grasp of the beautiful temple the Lord has built for us, and listening to his music, which sounded from every living thing. Insensibly, our thoughts were lifted above the valley and the hills, above the bright clouds that floated in endless variety and shape, and helping our imagination beyond the sky above, to Him who made and pronounced all things good.

Again, we mounted our machines, leaving our resting place not with any feeling of regret, but thankful for the enjoyable time thus spent. It must have been about 2 o’clock when we made another start, on towards Ockley and Holmwood, to Dorking. The road was in A1 condition and tolerably level, and of course very pretty as it wound round the foot of Leith Hill. I was particularly pleased with this piece, for I have had, for a very long time, a strong desire to have a run round this hill. I hoped to see something pretty, and saw it. At Ockley, we struck the Dorking and Horsham road, and a very fine one it is too, white and broad and hard.

It was a ¼ past 3 as we entered Dorking, and the weather had now changed from being bright and sunny to very dark, for a dark eastern pall spread itself over the sky and shut the sun out. It had the appearance of a heavy thunderstorm coming on, but the wind being in the east, I had no fear of this, but knew it to be one of those thick dark airs we sometimes get from that quarter. This darkness, which almost enveloped Box Hill, gave a very imposing and mighty aspect to this grand hill, especially where we ran close underneath it at Mickleham and Leatherhead. What a beautifully pretty piece it is from Dorking round here. The River Mole, which runs close on the left, fertilises and makes verdant the lovely valley, full of parks and beautiful meadows and plentifully supplied with very large and well grown trees of various kinds, and then on the right rises immediately from the road and almost perpendicular those grand hills which form the Reigate range.

There were several excursionists, evidently from London, enjoying themselves on the heights and slopes, and I could not but admire their good taste in coming here instead of the seaside. At Leatherhead we had an early tea, which refreshed us for the rest of the afternoon and evening. I was glad we had tea here, because, while resting, the weather got lighter and clearer, and we had a very pretty ride to Stoke d’Abernon and the Cobhams. When we struck the Ripley road, we held a consultation as to our way home. Whether to go via Byfleet and Addlestone, or Esher and Kingston. We decided upon the latter because it was further and would better fill up our evening. At Esher, we had a liquer up, then away for Kingston and Hampton Court. This was a very pretty piece of the journey, and to me it went easy, for I did not feel the lumps which so punished my friend Mr R.

At Hampton Court were hundreds of vehicles of all kinds, Cabs, Flys, Drays, Omnibuses etc., and an innumerable concourse of people. I wanted Mr R to join one of the tea parties there, for there were plenty of them, indoors and out on the lawns. To me they looked inviting, but he shuddered at the very thought and hurried on lest I should be overcome by the temptation and inveigled in.

Round the Green to Hampton we went and there turned left for Sunbury, Shepperton and Chertsey, over some very vile and loose sandy road. It would have been pretty enough all along here by the river had the road been anything like good, but as it was, it took all our attention for the guiding and I was not sorry to reach Chertsey, where we had a pint of shandy gaff and I finished the remains of my dinner, which refreshed me and did me a load of good and enabled me to thoroughly enjoy the rest of the journey home. From Chertsey the road was excellent to Thorpe, and the scenery and sky lovely. Here we saw a glorious setting sun and a pretty summer Sunday evening. We rode up the hill to Virginia Water, and when we got on to the main road, instead of turning to the right for Wokingham, we went on to Bagshot and had our last drink, and then away for home via Easthampstead and Bracknell, and I enjoyed that ride home from Bagshot as much as any ride I have had from there.

I came home as fresh and free from tiredness as when I left home this morning, and had the best day out I have ever had. I had nothing to mar my enjoyment all the way round, excepting a very trivial matter of a broken spoke at Ash, which made no difference to the go of the machine. I think we saw no more than two cyclists all the way to Dorking, but from Stoke d’Abernon to Hampton Court was a multitude of them. Though the weather was so nice and warm, I never got very hot nor perspired much. My clothes were not in the least damp any of the day. The roads all round, with the exception of the stretch from Hampton to Chertsey and a little bit by Thorpe, were excellent. We had a good day right throughout. The evening was particularly pretty and soft. I had a good supper and enjoyed it. The distance was 101 miles.

101 miles

Wednesday July 15

Bertha, Frances and Eva went to Reading this morning by trap and called upon Minnie to see if she could go on the river with us this evening, but James would not let her. I went down by road after 4 and joined them at Caversham and round then to Tilehurst Lock. It was a very good evening, but we enjoyed it not. I shall not go on the Thames for a row unless I have someone to help row and steer. I came home by Twyford.

20 miles

Thursday July 16

Did the journey, and brought home another [illegible word] from Mr Chandler. After a feed, I went on the Whippet round Finchampstead and Eversley for a little exercise.

12 miles

Sunday July 19

Was a showery day, and as I had arranged with Mr Rednall not to go for a ride, I was glad to see the rain, for it will keep things going and in condition. Went to Chapel in the morning, and in the evening sat in the tent on the lawn and did some writing.

Monday July 20

Set out the window with sunlight soap. Henry tried the Safety but could do nothing with it.

Tuesday July 21

Set out the other window. Mr Eaton came down for the day, and as I wanted someone to witness my will, I got him and W.J. Brant to do so at 5 o’clock.

Wednesday July 23

I did the journey today because I have to attend the County Court on Friday. It was a wet evening. Henry had another try on the Safety and got on famously this time.

Friday July 24

Was at the County Court all the morning over the Gas Company bill.

Sunday July 26

Again, Mr Rednall and I had a splendid day out on our machines. 7 o’clock was the advertised time, and ten minutes later the actual time of starting. We went to Basingstoke via Sherfield and from there to Whitchurch, Longparish, Wherwell, Fullerton, back by Sutton Scotney to Basingstoke, Hook and home. It was a perfect day, calm, bright, hot summer weather. It was a little bit dull to Basingstoke, but from there I forgot my troubles and lost my cares in the beautiful scenery by which I was surrounded. It was splendid going to Oakley and Overton, and especially that pretty place by Deane Gate.

At the village where the River Test rises, we made a halt and had some refreshment, Mr Rednall having brought some ale in the can. Here we spent a considerable time looking round the village and church, and loitering by the stream. It was a most delightful time we spent here. Such a beautiful day and such charming scenery. How very much I enjoyed this lovely sight while resting on the bridge up the lane leading to the church and listening to the congregation singing, while I did a comfortable smoke.

Very much refreshed, and greatly improved in spirit, I made another start and passed through Whitchurch on to Longparish. Of course, Mr Rednall was very pleased with this very long village. I thought it very long the last time I came, but today I was more surprised at its great length. What a large number of houses, and not two alike, and what pretty gardens and quaint spots. As I expected, Mr Rednall was very much pleased with this village. The road from Hurstbourne to the end of Longparish is all level and of good quality, from there to Wherwell is undulating. At Wherwell, we turned aside to see the river, which is crossed by a very long wooden bridge, from which fishing is allowed. A very pretty spot to drop a line. At Fullerton, we had a drink and filled the can. Here we saw a gentleman with fishing boots and trousers walk up the river fishing. It looked awfully pleasant this hot morning, and I quite envied him his cool retreat. From here to Leckford, the road skirts the escarpment of the Downs, and runs parallel with and close to the rail, canal and river. Just past Leckford we selected a very pretty spot for our dinner, and under the shade of the trees, we had a happy and comfortable meal. It was delightfully warm and sunny and so pretty that we were loath to leave the place, but we did, and were soon at Stockbridge. We rode down the town, and then back, and made our way to Sutton Scotney and Basingstoke.

The afternoon was very hot, and we had the full benefit of the sun, for the road lays across the Downs, very hilly and no hedges. It just suited me, and my little Whippet took the hills and rough roads amazingly well, and they were hills worse than those between Salisbury and Andover. They put me very much in mind of that piece of road. We obtained some very pretty and extensive views over Winchester on the right, and the Berkshire Downs on the left, and in the valley below was the way we came this morning. A week or so ago we did the Berkshire Downs on the Oxfordshire border, and now we have been by there on the Hampshire side.

The road for the most part was in good order, some places the flints lay about, unworked in for want of traffic. In the old coaching days it must have been a fine highway, but now, as there are no villages or hamlets to feed but Sutton for 20 miles, it gets so little traffic that in places grass has grown along the road. Going down the hill to Sutton, Mr Rednall gave a lad a ride behind him on the tricycle. From Basingstoke we came home by Hook, arriving at Wokingham at ½ past 8, having had a splendid and most enjoyable day out. I found Mr Jelley here, and we had a talk over our course for the future.

70 miles

Monday July 27

Very much to the surprise of nearly everyone, today was a very wet day. Yesterday there were no indications of wet, but it looked as if fine weather had set in, and as I was going on with my journey round Stockbridge, I thought what splendid weather it would be if next week was like it for our run to Hastings. Last Monday, I went on the cushion Safety round Farley Hill to look up some of my debtors, but failed to get a penny. Mr Thatcher promised some for the end of October, so also did Mrs Cordery promise a £ then to settle her account.

14 miles

Wednesday July 29

Sunday and British School treat at the Holt, so of course it was a wet afternoon and evening. From Mr Stannon I obtained a Singer spring wire rubber and attempted to fix it on my Whippet wheel this evening, but could not get it on, so I took the spring wire out and replaced it with an ordinary wire with a swivel fastening. I had not time to finish the job.

Thursday July 30

I sent Mr Chappell the journey because I had Mr Holmes coming to look over the house with Mrs Holmes this morning. I also had an appointment with Mr Wescott at 9 o’clock.

This week Bertha and I have been looking round for a house. Monday we called upon Mrs Warner and went over her house, or rather the one next door to where she resides on the London road. It is a nice little place and very well fitted up, and I think very likely I should have taken the house, but the grates and mantlepieces were so very ugly and common, and the place being painted stone colour, and no graining.

After leaving Warner’s we looked over the middle house of the Retreat, but that was so dull and dark that I, at once, dismissed that from the catalogue. From there, we went to Gordon Villa, but Mr Wescott had taken that and had had it done up. We then looked round Langborough and saw that the house where Mr Tugham lived was empty, so we went down to Mr Brown’s about it, but it was already let to Mr Middleton at Tangley. This almost decided us to take Mr Warner’s.

Tuesday, I called upon Mr Oates to see if Mr Wescott had taken Gordon Villa. He had, but Mr Oates said he would see Mr Wescott as to whether he intended letting it again, and Wednesday evening I went to Mr Wescott about it, but he not being in, I said I would call upon him at 9 o’clock this morning, which I did, and he seemed disposed to let me have the place.

Friday July 31

Mr Wescott called in to say I could have the house and asked me to call upon Mr Oates, and he would meet me there. He also asked me to meet him at Mr Sargent’s to settle the gas difficulty, which I did. After doing our business with these two people, we drove round to Gordon Villa to look over the place, which is, in fact, in first class order, the place having been done up from cellar to attic. I agreed to take the place from June 91 and to give him £5.0.0 for what he had done.

This occupied a lot of my time this morning, and though we had a heavy lot of orders we finished as early as usual in the evening. I went down to Tom’s and fixed the rubber on my Whippet, and very much to my satisfaction and relief, for I feared lest I should not have the machine ready for Sunday and Bank Holiday. Henry went to camp, leaving here at 6 o’clock this evening. Yesterday was wet, and all the other days since Sunday, but today was fine, and as the day went on the weather improved and looked like a fine time coming on, but towards night there was a change for the worse, and as the glass not only stopped rising, but actually showed a tendency to fall, I feared it would be all up with our expedition to Hastings tomorrow. However, we got all things ready, and Mr Rednall and I decided to start at 5 o’clock, he coming to my house to breakfast at 4.30.

1891

Sunday August 2

Was up at 4 o’clock, having had a very good rest and sleep. Bertha was up a little earlier and got the breakfast ready, and so took off a lot of trouble and work from me and left us full and fresh for starting on our journey. The weather did not look at all promising for a good day, for though it did not rain, I never saw it look much more like rain coming. We had a good breakfast of rashers and eggs, one which we did not hurry, and should have started at our appointed time but that we waited ten minutes for Mr Butler, who arranged to go with us as far as Horsham, on his way to Brighton. As he did not turn up, we, at 5.10, made a start, and as we were passing the waterworks, Mr Butler overtook us. We had a very jolly run through Eversley, Hawley and Farnborough to Ash, but from there to the Hog’s Back, I felt it was all up with our journey to Hastings. The weather, which looked very doubtful at starting, now looked positively bad. There was a strong, damp west wind blowing, and heavy clouds rolling up from windward, and as we neared the Hog’s Back, a fine drizzle came on and all around looked like and foretold a wretched wet day. However, we went on and got up the hill, and Lo!, over the other side the weather was bright and cheerful, and full of hope and promise for a gloriously fine day.

I have often remarked how the Hog’s Back, though so named a ridge, divides not only two counties, and never more thoroughly was this clear than this morning. Looking over the county from which we had just come, and through which we had passed, we saw the whole of the sky darkly and heavily over cast and the rain coming down so near that it obscured the Fox Hill close at hand, while on our right and over the county through which we were about to pass, the sun shone bright, and what clouds there were, were of a cheerful and bright aspect and gave us much promise of a fine day as on the other side they foretold, and actually gave, a wet and wretched appearance.

Well, as we were up in the dry now, and with such cheering encouragement before us, I urged my friends along as quickly as they could go, for I could see that if we could get past Guildford in the dry, we should be safe, and so it came to pass. Mr Rednall and I just did move along the three miles of downhill into Guildford and left our Banwood friend behind us on his ordinary bicycle. Of course, we waited for him at the town and then jogged along at a comfortable pace and in very high spirits, the bright sun shining upon us and around, and all signs of wet and foul weather left behind. Away through Shalford and Bramley with cheerful hearts and thankful, and spirits made all the lighter and more thankful for this glorious weather coming after the dark prospect we had passed through. How pretty everything looked, whether it was St Martha and the range of hills around her, to the towering heights of Hascombe, or the pretty sights along this pretty road.

After passing Alfold Crossways, and soon after getting on the Sussex road, we made a halt, and on a piece of ground with a view of Leith Tower before us, we had a little refreshment and a short rest. Mounting again, we had before us a splendid view of the extensive scenery before us, with the South Downs in the distance. On the right was Hindhead, Blackdown, Petworth, Billingshurst etc, and on the left rose Leith hill and the Surrey Hills and before us, the great valley. I have never seen this view under better conditions than this morning, and no wonder I bowled along here, and shouted for happiness and joy, and fully appreciated my journey to Horsham, which we reached earlier than I calculated, it being not quite ½ past 10 as we entered the town.

We did not stop here but passed on slowly through the street because there was a detachment of the Salvation Army in front of us. Mr Rednall broke through them, but this I did not like to do. At the Black Horse, I sent Mr Butler off to the right for Steyning and Brighton. We took the Brighton road via Cowfold as far as the finger post about four miles from Horsham. Here we left it and struck off to the left for Cuckfield. We now had a splendid view both right and left, the Downs on one side and the Surrey Hills on the other. The road also was good and slightly on the decline. After passing through Lower Beeding, which is a tidy little village, we very soon had to take the road to the right, and that led us straight away to Cuckfield. About half way between Cuckfield and Horsham, we had a pint of shandy gaff and some biscuits, which was very refreshing. A little before reaching Cuckfield, we struck upon the main road, a fine broad and smooth road, and we also had a view of a long viaduct on the LB&SC railway and saw a train pass over. It had a handsome appearance from where we saw it.

As we entered the town, we passed the blacksmith’s shop where some years ago, I had the handle bar of my Matchless mended after its breaking coming down the hill from Handcross. How well I remembered the place, as though it was only yesterday that I was there. We did not stop at Cuckfield but passed on to Haywards Heath. While waiting under a tree to look at the map, a little shower came down, which did not last for more than a few minutes and not enough to come through the tree. Half a mile further on, it had not been.

From Haywards Heath, it was mostly uphill to Scaynes Hill, which is a little village on the top of the hill. At the Public House we filled our can, and then on the green close at hand, we sat down to our dinner. There was a convenient hedge to shelter us from the wind and the heat of the sun. We could not have selected a better spot. In fact, a man who I was talking to at the Public House said it was considered the prettiest place in Sussex. Being very high up, we had a splendid view of the South Downs right away from Arundel, Steyning, Brighton, Lewes, Newhaven and Eastbourne, and inland all over the Weald of Sussex, and back right away to Leith Hill. From where we sat, we could see quite a lot of windmills. One, especially, on a very high eminence, showed up well. I don’t think I should have admired it so had I known how close an acquaintance I should have to make with it, for it so happened that our road lay right by it. It was a peculiarity of our road that it went down into the deepest valleys and then made for the highest hill, so that if we saw any extra high spot in the distance, or any elevated windmill or church, we knew where our road would be. Well, all this we knew not when we were at dinner, so we could admire the scenery and hills with calmness and pleasure.

It was most happy and comfortable dinner and very much I enjoyed the time spent here. I was not in the least tired, had enjoyed the journey here, and was looking forward with joy for the remainder to Hastings. My appetite was good and I satisfied it with some good bacon and ale, and then had a good smoke after. Not knowing the names of the places round about, I cannot describe the scenery as well as I would wish. I must sum it up with saying that it was as grand a piece as I remember having seen. After this treat, we made our way to Newick and Chailey, on to Maresfield, before entering which we passed by a splendid park. At Maresfield we turned to the right and a few miles dropped us down into Buxted, and then it wanted a few miles to get up out of it. It was a fearful descent, like going down a cliff, and then the ascent lasted until we came to the turning to Mayfield, which was about two miles from the town. We had a splendid sight of the place. It stands on a hill and as we were on a hill also, there was a valley between us, and nothing to hide the town. I should like to have gone to see the place, that being the birthplace of the English [illegible word]. However, Mr Rednall thought we had better not and so we went on to Heathfield, where we tried at a Public House to get some tea, but as we should have to wait for the kettle to boil, we declined and passed on down the broad road forming the village. A mile or two further on, we came to a large Public House or Hotel, and there we got well served with plenty of tea and eggs, and good accommodation for 1/- each. Very much refreshed by this, we entered on the last 18 miles for Hastings via Wood’s Corner and Battle.

Near Battle, we called at a Public House and there I learned what part of Hastings George lived in, and I took Rednall straight to the place, landing there at 8 o’clock and just in time to miss the rain which came down directly we had got the machines under cover. George was most attentive to us, and provided us with hot water baths, while Mary got the supper. The bath was a great blessing, and as I had a change of clothes, I felt more presentable and not in the least tired, and was fresh and lively and enjoyed my supper much, and then after that, a smoke and a talk. The distance was 96 miles.

The conditions of the roads were such as I cannot expect to see them in so good order again. I do not mean they were perfect as roads, but the weather has exactly suited them, and I suppose they were, as I say, as good as ever they are. From Wokingham to Horsham, they were as good as I have ever seen them. From Horsham to Hastings, on the whole they were good. Of course, up and down some of the very steep parts of the hills they were a little stony, and in some places, very rough with large boulders of stone, but taken as a whole, good. It was moderately undulating to Haywards Heath, but from there, right away to Hastings, it was a series of ups and downs of the steepest kind. I never before rode down such hills. They were positively dangerous. However, we got both down and up without a single accident to either machine or rider. Mr Rednall, having a machine so much heavier, and also carrying the luggage, found the hills very trying towards the last, but as the pace was so quiet, it enabled me to accomplish the journey without sweating in the least, and it seemed as though I had not a stroke of work all the way down. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The only thing that troubled me was, I was afraid Mr Rednall would be knocked up, and we should not be able to accomplish the whole of the journey. This was towards the later part. We passed by a stone put up to mark the spot where Archbishop someone shot his keeper. Another thing I noticed was the great distance we could see Leith Tower. The roads were good, and another great thing was we had a strong wind several parts in our favour, which wonderfully helped us, and the weather was such that we could not wish for better. It eventually came on to drizzle at Battle and rained when we landed at Hastings, but for all that we had a lovely day and without fear of wet. At home at Wokingham, they had a shocking bad day. We both rested well and slept soundly.

96 miles

Monday August 3

I awoke about 6 o’clock and turned out at ½ past 7 and then had a bath all over in cold water which George had kindly got all ready for us, and then went down to breakfast, well, happy and fresher than I have for a long time, and after I had put a good meal in me I felt like a strong man and ready for anything. We had a look at the photos George has taken while he has been at Hastings, and some exceedingly good and pretty ones he has, especially of the yachts coming in. We then had a walk down to the beach, or rather, the parade, for the tide was in, Mr Rednall, George, Margaret and I.

The sea was too rough for a swim, and no rowing boat could go out. It was a glorious morning, and very pretty it was to see the yachts keep going out and coming in. Hastings was soon full of people from one end to the other. There was no need for touting to fill the boats. The difficulty was to keep the people back. Those who went must have had a lovely time. They came in wet though they were out only about ¼ of an hour.

I very much enjoyed the morning by the sea and came home ready for my dinner. I bought Frances a little present. We went up the lift to the top of the cliff and home by the castle. I proposed riding home, or else ride the machines to Redhill and take train from there home, but Mr Rednall would not because of the hilly nature of the way, so we agreed to train it to Redhill and then work our way home. We left Hastings at ½ past 2 and had a pleasant ride by train. Between Tonbridge and Redhill, we passed through a thunderstorm. At Redhill, we had a light tea and then left a little before 6 o’clock. It looked marvellously like as though we should have a regular soaking very soon, for over on the right and a little in front were dark inky clouds, and we could see the lightning and hear the thunder, and see the rain coming down close at hand. For this cause, and to escape the wet if possible, I hurried Mr Rednall a little more than he liked but I am glad I did, and so was he, for by doing so we escaped the rain entirely, and when we reached Betchworth and Dorking, were quite safe, having quite slipped by the storm, and from there home, we had no more fear of it. This is a lovely ride any time, but this evening it was gloriously grand and most impressive. We were in bright sunshine, and the hills on our right, close at hand, were enveloped in this heavy thunderstorm and clouds, and the white cliffs below, with the sun shining upon them, showed up in strong contrast to the darkness at the top. Mr Rednall felt his yesterday’s work up to Dorking, but from there, he bowled along quite nicely and was much more lively and better altogether, and we had a most charming and as pretty a journey home as one can well imagine. After leaving Guildford, all clouds were gone and we had a clear sky, lit up eventually by the summer lightning, which had a very pretty effect. It was just after 11 when we got home, and I landed as fresh as when I started Sunday morning, having had a splendid time out, and one I shall look upon with pride and great comfort. Never were we more fortunate with the weather. We had no rain on the journey either day, but all round about were heavy thunderstorms and wet weather. Neither did it rain before we got to any place so as to wet the roads, excepting from Guildford home, and then, the nearer home we got, the wetter the roads were, but as our pace was not great, we did not feel it. Why at Wokingham today they have had a lot of wet, rained nearly all day, and heavy too.

We had been looking forward all the year to this run to Hastings, and we can’t help thinking how fortunate we have been in having such good weather and such a very successful journey. A splendid run down and enjoyable day at Hastings, and a pretty journey home.

40 miles

Wednesday August 5

After 4 o’clock, I had a run over to Odiham on the Whippet and a pleasant hour in a canoe on the canal. I took it very leisurely on the water and pottered along quietly for some way towards Dogmersfield and then back and past Odiham to the bathing place.

26 miles

Thursday August 6

Chappell did the journey because I expected Mr Holmes over on business.

Friday August 7

Mr Holmes signed the lease of Osborne House.

Sunday August 9

Mr Scorey preached. I went to both services and enjoyed his discourse.

Monday August 10

Had a communication from Mr Oates to say I could have Gordon Villa.

Wednesday August 12

Was busy measuring the rooms at Gordon Villa in the evening, and then I took down the counter in the office at Osborne House.

Friday August 14

Bertha and I drove to Reading in the afternoon and bought some things at Newberry.

Saturday August 15

Mrs Sale went by excursion to London to see Jamie about her coming there with James. She also called the Charing Cross Hotel to see Mr Beerbohm, but could not catch him.

Sunday August 16

Wanting to see Mr Jelley about Mrs Sale going to London, I went to Richmond on the Whippet and thence by train to Gospel Oak. I left here at 2 o’clock exactly and got to Richmond at 4.10, travelling just 12 miles per hour, which seemed quick. It was a nice afternoon and I enjoyed the ride. However, when I called at Mr Jelley’s lodgings, after having been to the surgery, I was informed he had left and would not be back before 9 o’clock Monday morning, so I knew he was gone down to Wokingham. I ran back to the station and was just in time to catch a train back to Richmond, which was fortunate, for had I missed that, I should have had to wait another hour. Going up, I had just enough time for a comfortable cup of tea at Richmond. I had no cause to stay there, and so I at once made for my machine, which I had put up at the Greyhound Hotel, the same place I once put up when I went on the old ordinary. The ride home was not so easy and fast as there. I got home at 9 o’clock and found Mr Jelley here. In going to Richmond I was a minute behind time at Staines, and at Hounslow I was two minutes before time.

52 miles

Monday August 17

I commenced moving the furniture at Osborne House and kept at it nearly all the week and was so tired on

Sunday August 23

that I backed out of going with Mr Rednall for a ride.

Wednesday August 26

Had another busy day at moving. About 4 o’clock I got the van packed with furniture for Mrs Sale to take to Reading, and with it I sent James, who is going to reside at Minnie’s for a time with Mrs Sale. Fortunately the weather was fine and James had a very pleasant and enjoyable ride with Davis to Reading, and was very well when he got there.

We moved into Gordon Villa on Monday.

Sunday August 30

Rednall and I went for a ride today. It was glorious weather but I could not enjoy it to the full because I was too tired from my recent exertion from moving. We went to Bracknell Bagshot and Warplesdon to Guildford, thence to Shalford and Albury, and down there by the stream we had a jolly dinner and a long rest for a couple of hours. We then essayed to go to Gomshall, but I had not proceeded but a little way when I felt so sleepy and tired that I sent Mr Rednall on by himself, while I did a lay down in a wheat field, which suited me better than exertion this afternoon. He was gone about an hour and then we made our way back to Guildford via Merrow.

We pushed up the hill, and it appeared to me that we were very soon at the top. I have been here once before, very long ago, in the early days of bicycling, before I knew the surrounding country, and then I thought it very grand and longed to go over the country I could see. Now I have been over it, and the sight of all this lovely land is greatly enhanced by my knowing the locality of the hills and places I now saw. I hope to have a few hours up here some day with a telescope and then I think I shall enjoy it still more. How many pleasant reflections and thoughts came over me as I thought of the many places I had been to, which I now saw, since that time when I was here many years ago.

We now had a grand run down to Merrow, and there at a Coffee House, we had a good tea and comfortable, and then a very nice ride home through Guildford and Normandy.

52 miles

1891

Sunday October 25

I have been so busy one way and another since I have been in my new home that I have not had time for my diary. There have been so many jobs to do that I have had no rest, but have been at them at every meal, and before breakfast. I have done scarcely any bicycling.

I had one run with Mr Rednall to Beaconsfield and Wycombe a few Sundays ago. It might have been a most enjoyable ride, for the roads were good and it was a glorious day, but being out of practice, and tired from my many jobs, this run quite knocked me over, so that after Maidenhead, I was too much done up to be able to feel as I should like to have. We went by Loudwater to within a mile of Wycombe, and then to the right went up the hill, at the top of which we rested outside a Public House and had our lunch and then on to Beaconsfield and a look round the church, then back by Wycombe and home by Marlow. I don’t know when I have had such a journey home from Marlow, I was regular done up. It took us nearly three hours to go the 13 miles. On Monday the 12^th, Bertha went up by the 9.8 cheap train to see Mrs Sale, who is at Wesleylian Place. Eva and I followed by the 12.4. We all suffered with the headache and so could not enjoy the time out. Mr Jelley is here today. He could not get off in time but might catch the train for here, so he went by the midnight train to Windsor and walked over here by 6 o’clock this morning. I sold Rodney and the trap etc to Mr [word missing] for some ladies at Hurst for £20.

Sunday December 20

Mr Rednall and I went for a ride today. The weather was cold and frosty and the roads in splendid condition. The sun shone brightly, and if it had not been for the fog and mist, we should have had a good view, but as it was, there was no distant scene, but though the day was so good and the road so hard and smooth, I did not enjoy the run at all any part of the journey. Not having been out on the bicycle for so long a time, it all went strange and tiring to me.

And then I did not like the company we picked up. Mr Rednall had promised to call for Mr Webster, and so we had to go to Binfield first, and then from there to Littlewick, and on the way to Marlow. At a little this side of Marlow, I turned off left for Henley, and left Mr R and W to go by themselves. From Henley I came home via Burchett’s Green and Ruscombe, very tired indeed. I had a great desire to go the Elvetham and Dogmersfield run, but could not because of having to call for Mr Webster, and this, and being a little out of sorts, spoilt my ride.

30 miles

Saturday December 26

I did the Eversley journey today. The weather was fine and bright and I had a very nice ride round, getting home before 2 o’clock. We got over Xmas very well this year, business being not at all brisk. We have had a very foggy time and some hard weather.

For the last three or four months, I have done very little cycling. This has been not so much on account of the wet weather as that I have been so occupied with getting my new home in order. I have done many and various jobs, such as french polishing, painting, carpentering, papering, carpet laying, gardening, picture frame making, etc.

Thursday December 31

I had a very rough and strong day for the journey. Mr Saddler came in to see us this evening. We did not go to bed until late. Heard the bells toll the old out and ring the new in.