1895

Tuesday January 1

I opened the year by sending out 50 New Year’s cards which I had printed, containing fine verses which I had composed for the occasion while waiting up last night to hear the old year tolled out and the new rung in, and after 9 o’clock wrote a hymn on the 46^th psalm, and then was in bed half an hour before the bells began. The year opened with weather very seasonable.

Thursday January 5

While I was on the journey today, Henry had a note to ask him to go to Bearswood for orders.

Monday January 14

I cleaned and set out the grocery window, and then at 6 o’clock, I went to Reading to see the pantomime of Bo Peep, which was but a middling kind of a performance. There was no thread to it, nor any kind of plot. What they did, the actors did very well, but there was nothing brilliant about it.

Wednesday January 16

Bertha went by the 10.40 GWR cheap train to London to see Mr Jelley, who, a week ago, wrote to sever the connecting of himself with this house. She found him in great trouble, but left him reconciled.

Sunday January 20

Went to Chapel for the morning service and heard Mr Cooper, but not quite up to what I have heard him before. Not feeling very well, I stayed at home the rest of the day, with the exception of a short walk by Oxford Road and back by the new church.

Monday January 21

Commenced setting out the provision window, but could not finish it because I had to go to Bearswood for orders, it being Henry’s bank day. When I came back, I found him knocked up with the neuralgia. I went by the 6 o’clock train to Reading to get some things for the order, and also I bought a suit of clothes for 18/11 and an overcoat for £1/11/6 at Jackson’s, and home by the 8 o’clock train. Tom George came to supper.

Tuesday January 22

Mr Terry drove up to Bearswood first thing, and while he was gone, a heavy snow storm came on, so that when he got back, I thought it better to defer the Eversley journey until tomorrow, for I thought the snow would not lay long because the wind is in the SW and it already thaws. Henry still indoors.

Wednesday January 23

There was a frost last night, but fortunately as soon as the sun rose it came on to rain and thaw, so that Mr Terry was able to get off a little after 9 o’clock for yesterday’s journey. The wind has been very cold. Henry still indoors.

Thursday January 24

Had a rough day for the journey, and a long one. However, I got over it all right. Lord R Churchill died yesterday.

Friday January 25

3 hogs. A very cold and piercing day. Tangley boy came back.

Saturday January 26

A bright, clear, calm cold day. Business tolerably good for nowadays.

Sunday January 27

I was going for a ride with Mr Rednall on the tandem, but the morning was so very foggy and cold that he did not like to turn out, so I went to Chapel instead and heard Mr Cave, rather indifferently. Went for a nice little walk to Bearswood after dinner, and Philip Sale coming to tea, I did not go out in the evening, but stayed at home and read my verses to him.

Monday January 28

Snowed in the early part of the morning, enough to cover the ground. The rest of the day was bright, clear and very cold. Went to Tangley and Henry to Bearswood. Mr Terry went to Reading for some goods in the afternoon. Bought a lamp for £1.0.0 at Howard’s for a present to Ellen Tucker, who is leaving Tangley to be married.

Thursday January 31

The last day of the month and a furious one it has been. It began bright and cold, but at noon it blew up a blizzard and a very rough time I had for the journey. However, I battled against it very well and got home in better condition than I expected. The paper this morning contained the sad news of the loss of the Atlantic liner ‘Elbe’, 370 lives lost, only 20 saved.

1895

Sunday February 3

I was not at all well today. Went to Chapel in the morning but did not go out again. Was too much out of sorts to do anything either in reading or composing. The weather still very severe and wintry and the roads very slippery.

Monday February 4

Was better this morning. Bertha and Frances went to see Mrs Burbidge at Eversley for her to fit on Frances’ dress that she is making. They went via the College and had a very nice day for the walk, bright, sunny and very cold. Bertha came home by the 5 o’clock train and Frances went on to Reading. Mr Sale came over to dinner and went by the 5 o’clock train home.

Wednesday February 6

Mr Rednall and I went on the tandem to Kingsmere in the afternoon, thence to the White Horse and had a glass of ale and a sit down and then back home to tea. The roads were too lumpy for travelling, and was much harder work than I expected. Went to Mr Phillips’ lecture on the thrushes and owls round about Wokingham. It was a very interesting lecture and was well appreciated by a very good company.

8 miles

Thursday February 7

Last night was the coldest night I have known, 32 below freezing. Today, too, was fiercely cold, a ½ gall lot of vinegar freezing on top of the cart in the sun.

Although it was so very cold, I enjoyed the journey round much more than I have for along time. Col Gray of Farley Hill died yesterday.

Friday February 8

Bertha and Frances again went to Eversley via the College to see Mrs Burbidge. They had a splendid bright, sunny, but very cold day for the walk.

Sunday February 10

Went to Chapel morning and evening. Rather expected Mr Jelley down but he did not turn up.

Tuesday February 12

Mr Sale came over this afternoon and in consequence of what he told us, we sent a telegram to Mr Jelley, and he came down by the 12 midnight train.

Thursday February 14

An exceedingly cold day with a cutting NE wind. However, I got over the journey better than I expected. Mr Bird was frozen to death last Saturday.

Sunday February 17

The weather for the past three weeks has been colder than for the last 50 years, the thermometer going below zero, and the last week we have had fierce NE wind blowing. A little snow falling just when the first frost set in has completely spoiled the ice. Today it is not so cold and there is no wind, so I took advantage of it for a ride on the Whippet. I left here at ½ past 10 and had a very nice ride to the canal at Winchfield Union. I just had a little walk on the ice but the snow has completely spoilt it, and the surface of the canal is rougher than the road. Came home via Hartley Row. For the first journey this year, I got on very well indeed. Of course, I felt a little tired about the legs coming home, but not so much so as I have some previous years. The roads were uncommonly good. This is the first time I have been on the bicycle since it broke down at Gomshall last year, and it now goes as well as ever.

24 miles

Tuesday February 19

Frances went to Reading this morning to get ready for the concert. I went down by the 7 o’clock train. Henry and Millie went in the afternoon so as to have a look round Reading before the meeting. Bertha had got Frances a very comfortable room at Mrs Tees and they were very kind to her. The concert went off well, and Frances, who was the first on the list, sang well.

Wednesday February 20

Mr Rednall, on his tricycle, and I, on the Whippet, went for an afternoon ride to Barkham, Swallowfield, where we called in at the George and Dragon for a glass of ale, for I had had salt meat for dinner. From there we went on to Spencer’s Wood and thence to School Green, Shinfield and home by Barkham. It was not good going, the roads having thawed a little and become sticky. I went and took Frances with me to the Town Hall to hear Mr Spurling on Technical Education. It was a very good meeting.

16 miles

Tuesday February 26

Bertha went up the 2 o’clock GWR to London to see if she could reason Mr Jelley into a rational spirit. She stayed the night at Minnie’s.

Wednesday February 27

Bertha came home at 8 o’clock this evening, but she left Mr Jelley just as wild as ever and he now sees past all hope of turning out well.

Thursday February 28

Mrs Brant died early this morning, quite suddenly, not having been really ill at all. Yesterday I went for a little ride round Hurst and Sindlesham.

10 miles

1895

Wednesday March 6

At length a thaw has set in, and I hope permanently, for we have had a terrible cold and long winter with frost more prolonged and intense than for 50 years. Henry has gone with Mr Kemp for a walk round Arborfield, Farley Hill and Bramshill. Terry is bad abed and I have had a very busy morning, and this evening feel anything but well.

Thursday March 7

I went the journey today and very much out of sorts all round. The roads are in a very heavy condition consequent upon the thaw, and this tried me a good deal. I did not get home until past 8. Mrs Rainbow died this morning.

Friday March 8

Had a job to keep at the work today. In fact, I had to rest the afternoon.

Saturday March 9

Feeling very bad. I intended going to business and just setting off the goods for the journey and then to go to bed, but when I got to the shop, Henry was knocked up and so I had to keep on all day.

Sunday March 10

Was in bed all day and felt the better for it.

Monday March 11

I got up and went to the shop because there were some orders for Tangley and Bearswood to see off. I did not go back to business after dinner but went to bed again and did not get up until the afternoon of

Wednesday March 13

when the weather being bright, I took a walk round the Holt but was not well enough for much exercise.

Thursday March 14

Mr Terry did the journey and I went back to business again.

Saturday March 16

I am glad to get through this week and hope I shall be better now the weather has set in so nice and bright and warm.

Sunday March 17

A beautiful bright, calm day. I went on the Whippet for a very nice morning ride to Burchett’s Green and back. I took it quietly, and did not get off the machine except to turn it round for home. It took me 2 hours and 20 minutes. Although far from well, it did not tire me much, and I came up Bill Hill on the way home quite easily as I generally go further on in the season. Last week, the roads were as bad as they could be, muddy and exceedingly soft and spongy, but today they were white hard and dry and very nice going. In the evening I went to Chapel and heard Geo Sale, who is taking the service while Mr Cave is laid up. After service I looked over and corrected the proof of The Jolly Farmer which I had from Mr Gotelee Friday evening.

20 miles

Monday March 18

Although not yet up to the mark in health, I still enjoyed the day, for it has been beautifully calm and warm and we have been fairly busy.

Wednesday March 20

Besides doing up the orders this morning, I set out the window with brooms and brushes. At 3 o’clock, Rednall and I went for a run intending to go to Greywell to tea, but the afternoon was not so good as the morning in weather. Far from being dull, it came on to rain at Eversley and when we reached the house on the Flats we turned back for home via Brickhouse Hill and Nine Mile Ride. It rained fast coming home, yet still I enjoyed it tolerably well. I changed all my clothes directly I got home and felt none the worse for the wetting.

14 miles

Thursday March 21

Had a splendid day for the journey, which was a treat after the six months of bad weather.

Sunday March 24

Was very windy and made bicycling quite out of the question, so after clearing out the dead plants from the green house, I went to Chapel and heard Mr Cooper preach very well. Frances is laid up with a bad throat. In the evening I did another copy of the sketch for The Jolly Farmer.

Sunday March 31

Went to Chapel for the morning and stayed at home for the evening. Frances has had the doctor and been in bed all the week, but is better today. Yesterday I saw an account in the paper of Mr Jelley’s case with Hunt, where he was let in for £100 damages.

1895

Tuesday April 2

I attended the meeting of the members and seat holders at the lecture room at ¼ past 8, when the financial state of the church was under discussion, and as there was a deficiency again of nearly £20.0.0 upon the year’s income, and the question was how to meet it. I suggested as this was a yearly occurrence, in future, to guarantee the minister no fixed salary, but give him as much as could be collected in after paying the necessary expense and putting by the £5.0.0 for depreciation of premises, and then to make a final appeal to the church to wipe off this deficiency of £20.0.0, which, if there was a guarantee that this state of affairs would not occur again, I thought the people would willingly give the required amount. This I proposed, and it was carried unanimously. The meeting was a very long one and did not break up until past 10 o’clock. The Town Hall clock was illuminated for the first time yesterday, the necessary alteration being done at Mr Phillips’ (the Mayor) expense.

Wednesday April 3

Was wet so I stayed in and finished the case I have made for the cheese counter.

Friday April 12 – Good Friday

A very nice bright day. The morning was spent in training up the creeper. Jamie Sale came to our place last night at past 11 o’clock, having been to the sale at Rowly. He went home after dinner. In the evening, I took a short ride round on the bicycle to Finchampstead, Well Coll and home by Col. Peel’s. This I enjoyed and composed some verses as I went along. We were quiet at home but I think we all had a tolerably happy day.

10 miles.

Saturday April 13

Was a nice fine day too, and that decided Henry to go, or at all events to get ready to go, with Mr Rednall and me tomorrow to Midhurst. So, during the morning I got the bicycles and the tricycle in condition. Mr Terry started by time on the journey and was home by 5 o’clock, and went home to Croydon by the 7 o’clock train.

Sunday April 14

The wind was very strong all night, and not much different when I awoke and got up at 7 o’clock, but though the wind blew strong from the East, the sun shone bright and warm. Henry and Rednall came to breakfast, which we had very comfortably, and at ½ past 8 we mounted our respective machines and made our way through the town and down Star Lane for Broadmoor. Here we dismounted to push over the rough part of the hill and then had a very nice run down to Sandhurst. It took just an hour to get to Frimley Church, which was quicker than I expected considering the bad roads and high wind against us. As we were passing over the canal bridge, Mr Martin, his brother and Mr Headley passed us on their way to Dawkins.

We got up on to the Hog’s Back very nicely and comfortable, but I was afraid that when we got there we should not be able to get along against the hurricane, which was blowing from the East and consequently moved to dead against us so far as our journey lay along the Back. However, though it was very fierce indeed, we managed to get along at a great yet even pace, and the two miles and a half was got over without any stoppage, and to me the most enjoyable part of the ride as yet, for before this I felt a little stale, and not at all lively or talkative, but when having had all the cobwebs and dust of the week blown out of me along this high elevation and shelterless road, and when I turned down to Puttenham, I felt my old self again, and the string of my tongue unloosed, especially after wetting it with some shandy gaff at the Jolly Farmer and padding the stomach with egg sandwiches.

I now felt a new man and as a [illegible word] refreshed, and gloriously beautiful it was bowling along in the shelter of Compton and away to Godalming.

When we made the turning into the Godalming road, all our difficulty and battle with the wind was done, and from being our enemy, it now became our helpful friend. Grand was the road, and grand it was bowling along with the wind, a hurricane, at our back, and grand to feel so grand and nice. I appreciated my happiness and comfort now, the return of my cheerful spirit and power of appreciation, all the more for my lack of vital energy at the beginning of the morning. The wind was so fierce and strong and blew with such force that as we went along towards Hindhead and parallel with the Haslemere road, we saw the dust and grit blown along it in such clouds giving the common of heather just an exact appearance of being on fire, with damp heath, the dust going in volumes like thick smoke.

It helped us, so it would have been easy work to have ridden all the way up Hindhead, but Henry, not having had any cycling before this year, he did not feel equal to doing it, so we walked a good portion of it.

Amongst the several others that met or passed us here was a tandem bicycle with a lady rider behind in the new cycling costume, and very nice she looked in it, and much more becoming than in the ordinary dress.

More especially at the beginning of the hill, the wind was so strong that it enveloped us every now and again in a cloud of dust, and I felt almost like an Elijah going up to heaven in a chariot of fire. At the top we stopped and waited for Rednall, who was some distance in the rear, and while waiting, secured a very comfortable spot for dinner under the shelter of the bank on the Haslemere road and in the fir plantation, where we could sit in the sun, hear the wind roar in the top of the tall trees, and we ourselves in calm and warmth. Rednall was not long before he made his appearance and filled the can at the Royal Huts, and then we sat down to a dinner, which we all enjoyed very much indeed – boiled bacon, tongue, bread and ale in abundance, so much that some of each, including ale, was left. Resting, talking, smoking occupied the time after, and then, cheerfully and happily, not pushed for time, having abandoned the Petersfield route as an unnecessary going out of our course, we rolled down the hill by the ponds to Shottermill and gently on towards Midhurst. Having reached the top of the hill, Henry was going to walk down to Fernhurst, but I persuaded him to ride and apply the brake, which was quite sufficient for any hill. This he did and we had a very pleasant ride all the way down of over two miles, slowly and in each other’s company, so that we could point out the features and not alone to see them, but expatiate upon their grandeur, and know that they were not passed by unappreciated. We did not intend calling at Eagle’s Nest so turned to the right at the foot of the hill, and up the new main road, a very pretty piece, and then we walked up the hill. As we were going up, Mr Rednall said he heard the cuckoo, but as I heard the call just after, I told him he must be mistaken in the animal. Just before reaching the top of the hill, it occurred to Henry that it would be as well to lodge at Mr Puttock at the Eagle’s Nest, and to walk into Midhurst after tea. This proposition suited us all, especially Rednall, so Henry went down to the old gentleman and arranged with him to sleep us etc. While we were having a wash up and changing our clothes, tea was being got ready, and when we came down was waiting for us. Of course we enjoyed the tea, and did not hurry over it. We now went for a very pretty walk through the fields and woods to Midhurst. The evening, like the day, was beautifully fine and though there was a strong wind blowing we did not care for that, for we got a good shelter from the woods. The South Downs looked very grand and majestic and we had a lovely and extended view of them. Before we left the woods, we every now and then, through the openings, caught some enchantingly pretty glimpses of them. Then, as we drew near to Midhurst, that looked very soft and quiet in the valley below. At Midhurst, we had a glass of ale at the House where we lodged last year. Coming back we kept to the road, and a very long way it appeared, and we were quite ready for a sit down. I must say that having this nice walk in the evening was far superior to working the bicycle up to a late hour. I enjoyed it very much indeed. We had the remains of our dinner for supper and washed it down with ale and cider, and then, it being 10 o’clock, we went to bed, and after a few interchanges of words and ideas, fell asleep, and for my part, did not wake again until morning.

38 miles

Monday April 15

We were all awake at 7 o’clock but did not turn out, for there was a very keen smell about the air, and by the way the trees were blowing, it looked like an east wind. However, just before 8, we turned out and Henry went down the ‘town’ to purchase some eggs. Fortunately I had brought some rashers and we were soon sitting down to a jolly good breakfast. And while we were at it, the sun came out grand and cleared away the mist which had hung about the morning. It was very pleasant having breakfast in that little room right out in the woods, with the bright sun lighting up the grand house and hills on which we looked as we sat eating our breakfast.

It was a little past 9 o’clock when we left, Henry having paid the hotel bill of 5/6 for the three of us. Mr Rednall, who is not going home before Wednesday, went to Midhurst and away to Chichester etc, while Henry and I went down the hill to the Mill and turned to the right for Blackdown and Lurgashall. The sun was beautifully bright and warm, and though there was a considerable wind blowing, we, being in the valley, did not feel it, and we were also sheltered by Blackdown. Had it been against us, we were perfectly indifferent about it, for we had abundance of time, and meant to take it easy and enjoy the day.

If ever I had a nice morning ride, it was this, and thoroughly we enjoyed this new piece of road. It was very pretty and hardly a hundred yards alike. The pretty little coppices, woods and meadows close at hand, and the distance bound by the long sweep of the sunny Downs. We were in A1 fettle, and could take in all the pretty views with a relish, and a very happy time we had of it.

We had a bread and cheese lunch at Chiddingfold, and just after leaving there, we lay under the shelter of a bank and had an afternoon rest in the sunshine. It was so hot we had to move into the shade. At Guildford we had tea at that miserable place near the cattle market. That I did not much enjoy, but I did the journey from there, home via Normandy etc. The Guildford and Petworth road was in a marvellously good condition. In the whole length we had of it, there was only one loose stone, and that Henry ran over. I am exceedingly glad we all three went, and although I did not start off with a great relish for it, I never had a much nicer little turn out than this Easter.

38 miles

Monday April 29

Henry and I had a nice little turn round after tea to Barkham, Swallowfield, Heckfield, Mattingley, Hartley Row and home. We went by Swallowfield to see the Green, and we saw it in all its new freshness, and the primroses too in abundance. We heard a great many nightingales and one especially good, plenty of cuckoos, and a blackcap. At a cosy little inn in Hartley Row we had a glass of ale and biscuits, and altogether a very nice little turn running of 24 miles.

1895

Sunday May 5

Rednall and I went out for the day. It was a very nice bright morning, but very windy, but soon after we started, which was a little past 9 o’clock, it came over cloudy and more windy, and as it blew directly against us, we made but slow and sorry progress. The wind was NE and we went to Sandford Mill, Sonning and Caversham, and thence across the hills and over Stoke down to Wallingford and Benson. Here we turned off for Henley, and abandoned Watlington where we intended going to, because there would have been five more miles of ploughing against a head wind. At Stoke Downs we got – no, it was at Crowmarsh where we filled the can, and from there until we had got nearly or more than a mile on the Nettlebed Hill, we could not find the least shelter from the wind so as to have our lunch, no not so much as one could get from a tea-chest. However, when we did get to the foot of the hill we selected a very nice spot, and we had no sooner set down than out came the sun, and I had to move and get into the shelter or shade. We had a longish stop, and when we did start again, the wind had considerably gone down so we did not get much advantage from it on our homeward way. The run down from Nettlebed to Henley was very fine indeed, and was much prettier than I thought it was. Still, I don’t think it was any prettier than the run to Wargrave. We got home at 6 o’clock and I had some tea, and after that was not at all up to the mark. I think I had too much something. The run on the whole was not a good one. We heard many nightingales and cuckoos.

40 miles

Wednesday May 8

The weather has been very fine all the week, but spoilt with a strong cold NE wind. I was not well enough for a run, and a good job too, for Mr Cave came to tea and stopped for the evening. Fred Kent came by the 8 o’clock train to stay for a few days.

Thursday May 9

The first really good day of the year for outdoor enjoyment. I was up a little earlier and went round Barkham and Bearswood and saw one or two rhododendrons just coming out. A very pretty little ride.

5 miles

Friday May 10

To Binfield before breakfast. Head bad all day. Five hogs

Saturday May 11

Round Hurst before breakfast. Lovely day. Saw the apple blossom to perfection. Good sight.

Sunday May 12

Having made arrangements with Henry for a run to Selborne and to start at 7 o’clock, I woke about 4 or a little sooner and did not get any more sound sleep, which rather annoyed me. However I did not feel any the worse when I got up. We had a very good breakfast and started off in very good spirits in very good weather. There was a little wind, and being South, it was against us. We did not object to it much, for we were in no hurry, having got off before ½ past 7. We took the old course of Eversley, Hartley Row etc. Although the sun was not exactly bright, it was very hot and Henry had to take off his flannel [illegible word] at Eversley bridge. I had left mine off this morning. The country looked very beautiful and fresh and green. A grand run down Star Hill brought us soon to Mrs Porter, where we called in to tell them that Aunt and Sarah would be over this morning. Mr Porter died suddenly yesterday, and they were in great grief. We did not stay long, but getting out into the sunlight again, we bowled merrily along to Odiham and away to lovely South Warnborough. We had a drink at the Plough, and then quietly up the Golden Pot hill, and about as quietly down the other side, the road being very bad and loose from Odiham to Alton.

We got to Selborne at 11 o’clock. Put up our machines at the Queen’s Arms and ordered tea for 4 o’clock. We went by the church, but being 10 minutes late, we did not go in. Henry sat in the porch while I went to the Lithe and lay down under the shade of a tree and had a smoke and a half hour’s enjoyment. As it was getting towards 12 o’clock, we decided to do the Long Lithe first, and have our lunch there, and the zigzag afterwards in the afternoon. So we took a walk to the Priory Farm and around to our old spot for meals, and there sat down and had a nice repast, with the stream running just at our feet, and a pretty view of the beech wood rising on the other side. We had had two glasses of ale, one at the Plough and the other at Selborne, so we did not require any for dinner, but drunk of the brook out of an old rusty mustard tin Henry picked up. It answered our purpose very well, and the rust but made it a little tonic. Nightingales, blackcaps, cuckoos, doves, thrushes, blackbirds, chiffchaffs etc sang to us and kept the place alive with noise. Not having any ale for dinner, I did not require any sleep, although I had a lay down for a little while. I took off my shoes and stockings and bathed my feet and legs, which was very refreshing.

After the rest, we made our way straight for the zigzag and got up very much easier than I expected. Henry wanted to see Newton Valence, and we made for that place, but did not find it, for when we got to the end of the green road along the Hanger, we turned to the left instead of the right, and so just missed it, although it was close at hand. While Henry went a little way down the hill, I rested under some trees in a very pretty spot. If we did not find Newton Valence, we found the pond on the hanger which White mentions as never being dry. We could see it was the only pond above there, because the birds flocked to it and seemed to know it. To while away the time until tea time, we lay down under the shelter of the beech trees on the Hanger overlooking the Rectory. While laying there, the weather came over very like thunderstorms and just as we got to the Selborne Arms down came a shower, which lasted only a few minutes. We had a bad tea, badly served, and very dear – 2/- each. About 5, we left for home and had a very pleasant ride, getting home just before light up time. With the exception of the tea, the day was a great success and we thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. The weather was opposite, hot and close, so much so that Heelas and Ducrocq, who started at 10 o’clock of the same place, gave up at Odiham. It was not too hot for me at any time.

52 miles

Tuesday May 14

Fred Kent has not been well since he came on Wednesday, and this morning he went home fearing if he stayed longer, he might not be able to get there.

Thursday May 16

Annie Donaldson left for home.

Saturday May 18

Yesterday, W. G. Grace made 288 in Gloucester v Somerset. This makes his 100 innings over a hundred in first class matches.

Sunday May 19

Went to Chapel both morning and evening.

Tuesday May 21

Had a very nice run round by College Hill and Waltham in the evening.

Wednesday May 22

Henry and I, on the bicycles, went to Greywell this afternoon and had tea at the Fox and Goose, where it was exceedingly well served up, with very moderate charge. Mr and Mrs Rednall had just arrived as we drew up at the Inn. Though we expected, we did not know they would be there. While tea was preparing, we took a walk by the Church to the pond and back by road. After tea, Mr and Mrs Rednall left for home while Henry and I had a nice walk through the woods and found some bird’s nests and saw some very pretty sights. We came home via Odiham and Dogmersfield, and had a very pleasant journey.

32 miles

Saturday May 25

Frances went by the 2 o’clock train to Waterloo on her way to Lee, where she is gone to stay for a time with her friend Miss Parker.

Sunday May 26

My insides have been very much out of sorts for the last few days, and I have felt not at all well, so I rested today. Went to Chapel in the morning, but not in the evening although there was a baptismal service on then. I took a saunter round on the bicycle to Barkham, Sindlesham, Earley, and called in to see the folks, and home by Woodley to Loddon bridge, thence by a very bad lane to Sandford Mill and home. I enjoyed it very much.

14 miles

Wednesday May 29

The weather having been, and still is, very fine, we have decided to go to camp this Whitsuntide, so I hurried on with the orders and got them all up early and ready for the journey tomorrow. Then, in the afternoon, I had a look at the cricket match Swallowfield v Wokingham and saw Dr Hessman get 111 runs not out. After tea, I came up and got the stove and all the other things ready for the camp, and Henry has got all the other goods ready save the eatables.

Thursday May 30

Started early and got home early. About 10 o’clock this evening, a thunderstorm came on and I was afraid it would break up the long spell of fine weather, but as we wanted rain so badly, I did not so much mind it.

Friday May 31

Got well on with the orders. Henry had a card from Mr Kemp, who is at Lyme Regis, in answer to a telegram he had sent him asking him to go to camp with us. He was pleased with the compliment and would like to go and would be here tonight.

1895

Saturday June 1

The morning came over dull, and about 7 o’clock, a little rain fell and looked like a wet morning. However, it cleared off and I got off the journey by 9 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, I commenced getting the camp goods together ready for the cart. Philip Sale finds the horse and man, and Mr Miner lends us the cart. At ½ past 12, just as I was going to begin putting the things in the cart, a smart shower came on and dampened Henry’s spirits more than it did the pavement. It was soon over and I had the lot packed up ready to start at ½ past 1. I then went home to dinner and put on my cycling clothes so as to be ready to leave here at 5 o’clock and get over in time to unpack and get the tent up. Mr Sale and Kemp were to start at 4 o’clock on their tricycles, but just before that hour another shower came on, and we feared it would stop them, but like the one in the morning it soon gave over, and they left only a few minutes late. I had my tea at the shop and started off punctually at 5, but the wind was so strong against me that I could make no pace, and did not catch the others up until Hartley Row. I got to the Lord Derby at Hook about ¼ hour after the cart. I called in and had a glass and gave Mr Radbourne one and then we proceeded to the Castle. We drew into the field and up to the old unloading place, and had just commenced unpacking when a man came up and showed us the way to get the cart right up to the Castle. This saved an immense amount of work and Mr Kemp and Philip coming up.

We soon had all unloaded, the tent up, and things packed away, the fire lit, and the kettle boiling, tea made and had and thoroughly enjoyed in the hour. The wind had now gone down, the clouds vanished and a lovely evening set in. After getting Mr Radbourne off and the tent nice and straight, Philip and I took a walk round and up to the Post Office. About ½ past 10, Henry and Rednall came over, and had a splendid ride here, for all appearance of rain had passed off, the moon lit up a cloudless sky, and there was a great calm, so no wonder they came in high spirits. The tent was all tidy and the candles burning, and the camp fire clear and bright. Though we did not sit up so very late, we did not hurry in getting to bed, but sat and had a pleasant chat after supper. The nocturnal animals were all alive tonight and especially the reed sparrow and corncrake.

I forgot to say that on

Tuesday May 28

I came over by bicycle after tea to see Mr Chandler and got his permission for the Castle grounds. It was a splendid evening run, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

32 miles

Sunday June 2

Up at about 7 o’clock, and Phillips and I went down to the stream for a wash. It was a nice warm morning, but a little too much wind stirring for breakfast out of doors, so we had it at the entrance to the tent, a very nice breakfast. Henry and Phillips went to Church, and Kemp and Rednall for a walk, while I made the dressers and got the tent and goods into order. It did not take me long this time, and I got it very nice and straight. We engaged a boy to mind the tent for the evening and we all took a walk to Greywell through the woods and along the canal, round the lanes and back through the wood to near the old camp ground and so home again. It was a lovely Sunday evening walk and the weather was perfect. Kemp, who had not been this way before, was very much struck with its beauty, and all of us did revel in the pretty scenery and lovely air.

Monday June 3

Up early, had a wash all over and being such a superb morning, had breakfast in the open air. Our only difficulty was to find a shady spot for it. Mr Kemp, who did not wish to go out, offered to mind the tent so Henry, Philip, Mr Rednall and I went on our machines for a ride to Basingstoke and Preston Candover and home by some lanes, and eventually by Herriards and Upton Grey. The weather was hot, bright and sunny, and a lovely ride we had to the Yew Avenue where we rested a little. The return journey was more cloudy. Although we were very late back to dinner, we had a most happy and enjoyable ride and long shall I remember it.

I had a few copies of my Jolly Farmer come from Gotelees on Saturday, so in the evening, having drawn the store into the tent and made the place very cosy and comfortable, we all sat there and I read it to them, which passed a very pleasant and enjoyable evening.

Tuesday June 4

A marvellously nice morning again, and fortunately we had asked the young man for this morning.

We were all up betimes and had a good breakfast, then leaving the tent in charge of the lad, we made our way by the canal to Odiham, and there got a nice boat and went up to Dogmersfield on the canal, and had the best time we have ever had on the water. The day was simply perfect for it.

Henry took the first part of the rowing and then I went on to the end of Dogmersfield, and Philip and Kemp took it in turns to tow us back, and as I say, we had a perfect time of it on the water. Shall not attempt to describe it as I might spoil it. Mr Rednall came with us to Odiham and then walked back and took his machine and went home. We sat out round the camp fire in the open in the evening.

Wednesday June 5

Philip, Henry and I took a short walk before dinner and when we came back, we found the man and cart had arrived. The afternoon was spent in laying about and getting the things together. Had tea, and soon packed up, and got all off safely. I called round at Mr Chandler to take him a copy of The Jolly Farmer and a photo of the camp. Henry and I came home via Dogmersfield.

The camp was perhaps the most successful we have had, everything went well, and there was no hitch of any kind. The only drawback, if drawback there was, was the threatening aspect of the weather on Friday and Saturday. From the time we got to the camp on Saturday night until we left, we could not have wished for better weather. Then the foliage and the birds were at their best, and the days at their longest.

Kemp also was with us this time, which made it more like old days. Tom had a little pain in his back and he was afraid to venture out, although I think it would have done him good. The fire going so well made a deal less work. We had no blacks flying about from it but a nice clear fire at a short notice. Altogether the camp outing of 1895 was A1.

Saturday June 9

Went to Chapel for the morning service and for a quiet ride in the evening to Barkham, Arborfield, Swallowfield, Heckfield, Eversley and home, a very enjoyable little spin on a hot summer evening. The road now very much broken up for want of rain, which is a thing we haven’t had for months.

Wednesday June 12

Bertha and Hilda went to Windsor on the [illegible word]. The Baptist Berks Association is being held there and a party from here was organised to drive over in a brake and pair, and so we thought it a good opportunity for a nice drive, but unfortunately it was a nasty cold windy day. They left at 8 o’clock and did not return until 11 o’clock at night, and Hilda caught a cold with tooth and ear ache and is quite knocked up.

Thursday June 13

Mr and Mrs Eaton came this morning for a few days stay with us. They are looking uncommonly well. Hilda is quite laid up with a bad ear ache.

Sunday June 16

Went to Chapel for the morning. Mr and Mrs Eaton went to P. Sale’s to tea. I intended going for a ride, but it was too windy and so I stayed at home.

Monday June 17

Went for a nice little ride round Eversley in the evening.

14 miles

Wednesday June 19

During the early morning, we had a nice shower of rain, which was very much wanted. I had an early tea and then off for a run to Eversley, Heckfield, round the further side of the Wellington park to Sherfield and home by Rotherwick and Hartley Row. The evening was too dull and not warm enough to thoroughly enjoy the ride.

26 miles

Sunday June 23

Rednall and I had a glorious day out. He came to breakfast and we left about 8 o’clock and made our way to Finchampstead, where I called on Mr Goswell to see if Terry had left a sovereign there yesterday. He had not, so I went round the street to Eversley and called at Mrs Townsend’s and there he had left it. It was very pretty by the road to Yateley and thence to Farnborough and Ash. The roads were much better to Farnborough than I expected, but from there to Ash they quite surprised me. I haven’t seen them better for years. From Ash along the Hog’s Back to Puttenham was of course very grand. We had a liquer up, and then on, not to Compton, but straight away for Shackleford and Peper Harow. This was a lovely piece, mostly downhill, and such grand roads. We went to Elstead and then to the left for Thursley, where Mr Rednall filled the can. We then turned back towards the Jumps and selected a pretty wild spot for dinner, which we much enjoyed, and had a long rest after. We then went up Hindhead and down by the Godalming road and near to Guildford and then to Compton to tea, and home by the Hog’s Back and Ash. It was a delightful day out, and we much enjoyed it. The roads after Yateley were in superb condition, and those beyond the Back were in such extraordinary good order that it quite surprised us. There was scarcely a stone to be seen all the way round, and no loose or broken parts, although we have had such a very long dry time. The weather was hot and delightful, for there was a nice breeze blowing. The scenery and views were beyond description. Mr Rednall, as usual, got very hot, and caused much attention and amusement from the public. I shall not readily forget the pretty piece from Puttenham down to the stream at Peper Harow, and the charming little waterfall. Altogether, it was a very nice ride all round.

70 miles

Wednesday June 26

After an early tea, Henry and I went for a bicycle ride to Heckfield, Sherfield, where we called in at the Bull and had a glass of ale and a pleasant talk to an older inhabitant about the Butler family. Back to Rotherwick and Hartley Row and so home. The machine did not go at all easy, in fact it seemed to go hard all the way, and again I did not much enjoy this ride round.

30 miles

Sunday June 30

Went to Chapel in the morning and stayed at home for the evening. It was Hospital Parade Sunday.

1895

Sunday July 7

Henry and I had arranged for a short day out on the bicycles, but just as I was starting, the front tyre went wrong, so we got out the tandem, and in an evil moment we decided to go on it. It did not go easy anywhere, and as the day was exceedingly hot, we found it very long work over to Shackleford, but we enjoyed it very well. We sat down in the wood opposite Peper Harow park and had a very enjoyable dinner, and a good rest after. We then made our way to Compton for tea, but I was too much done to enjoy it, and the ride home was very, very much against the grain.

I was so annoyed to think I was such a fool as to come out on the tandem today just when I wanted to take it easy, because I was going to Hastings tomorrow. Instead of getting home about 8 o’clock, it was near upon 10, and I was as tired as a dog. I vowed never to go out on it again. Had I not been going out tomorrow, I should not so much minded the extra work of the tandem, but today, under the circumstances, it annoyed me much. It was a beautiful day, and ought to have been enjoyed.

50 miles

Monday July 8

Bertha, Frances and I went by the excursion to Hastings. We had a splendid ride down in a 1^st Class carriage. We left here at ½ past 6 and got to Hastings at ½ past 9. It was a piping hot day and not a breath of wind, so I could not go on the yacht. Had a bathe and a good swim round, and the rest of the time we spent by sitting on the beach. I had dinner at a bad place, but we had tea at a very good one, on the Parade where Robertson Street ends. We had the same carriage back, and a very delightful ride home in just three hours. The day was too still and hot for the seaside. We came here fresher than when we went out, and I don’t think we ever had a better rail journey.

Sunday July 14

I had a nice little run in the evening to Knowl Hill and back, and saw Mrs Hall out for a walk, who is looking uncommonly well.

18 miles

Tuesday July 23

After tea, Henry and I went on the bicycles to Windsor Park and back, and had a very nice evening run indeed. The roads were in A1 order, and the country very pretty. As Henry had not been round this way for a very long time, he quite enjoyed the freshness of the run.

24 miles

Tuesday July 30

Terry, having forgotten to take Kent Dyke’s goods to the Bannisters today, I, after tea, took them over on the bicycle. Having done that business, I went on through Eversley and Bramshill Common to the Monument and thence to Sherfield by the lanes to Bramley Station and back by Stratfield Saye, Swallowfield and Barkham. It was a delightful ride and much I enjoyed it. The roads were good with the exception of home from Swallowfield, and there was no wind at all, so the consequence was I dashed along at a very good pace, and had a pleasant evening in the country.

30 miles

Wednesday July 31

In the cricket match on the Wokingham ground, the 49^th regiment gave the home team a severe doing. I saw the Wokingham innings, and a very poor display of batting it was, with the exception of Mr Wells, who batted with confidence and was not out, he having gone in second wicket down.

I could not stay any longer because I had arranged to start at ½ past 4 with Henry for a bicycle ride, but it was 5 o’clock before we left and made our way to Marlow via Waltham and Shottesbrook. The roads were very bad this way, but the country scenery made up for this defect. Especially was it very charming all by Shottesbrook and all along the Marlow road after Burchett’s Green. For a short time we stayed on Marlow bridge, then walked up the street and bought some shortbread, which was very nice. After mounting the hill leading towards Henley, we had a beautiful summer evening ride to Henley. We saw the deer sporting and playing about very prettily in the park on the right just before the town, and a very pleasing little sight it was. We liquered up at the Two Brewers as usual, and came home the old, old way. It is needless to say, between Henley and Wargrave was exceedingly pretty, and so it was round Hurst corner by the cricket ground.

32 miles

1895

Monday August 5 – Bank Holiday

The weather has been too unsettled for the last week or two to make any arrangements for a turn out, and I am very glad we did not, for neither Saturday or Sunday would have done, both being more or less wet and windy, and today was very much worse. The morning certainly was bright, but with a threatening aspect which, after dinner, settled down to wet. I went up town to see Henry first thing to see if he was going out, but he decided not. Terry and a friend of his went to Sindlesham on the tandem, fishing, and had a smash up coming home by the Rifleman. I went carpentering all day and made frames for the summerhouse.

Wednesday August 7

Henry and I had a very pleasant little run after tea round Eversley, along the Flats, Hawley and Fleet to home. The evening was very pretty, the roads excellent, no wind and the country looking so pretty. It was not a long run, but we enjoyed it more than as if it had been.

24 miles

Wednesday August 14

For a wonder was a very nice day, so at ½ past 4, Henry and I sallied out on our cycles for an evening ride, taking for our direction Bagshot via Easthampstead, and very pretty and charming it was all along. From Bagshot we passed on by Updown Hill to Windlesham, and thence to Sunningdale, and round the village and away to Virginia Water, through the park, and home by Winkfield and Binfield. It was a charming round, and very much enjoyed by both of us. Such a great variety of scenery in a short space. The roads were good, and so was the weather.

30 miles

Sunday August 18

I had promised to have a couple of days out with Mr Rednall, and as the weather seems to have settled down again, we proposed to have it today and tomorrow. When I proposed the thing to Henry yesterday, he felt inclined to come with us, so we arranged to meet at my place at ½ past 6 and have breakfast together. The servant got up early and got the breakfast, and both Henry and Mr Rednall were down punctually at ½ past 6, and it was only a little after 7 when we made a start.

It was a perfect morning, and we started off without a hitch, feeling well and leaving all well at home. If ever we had the prospect of a good outing, it was now, and we had it. There was only one drawback and that Mr Rednall being intolerably slow. I had persuaded him to have Mr Harvey’s tricycle which is exactly like his, because his is in such a bad condition about the tyres and wheels. For that I repented much, for when at Hook, because he was so slow, I examined the tricycle and found the treadle becoming very stiff indeed, and I could not put it right. I certainly made it better, but not as it should be.

We intended going to Ringwood, and to this end we made for Romsey via Longparish. At Laverstoke, Henry and I had a halt and a walk down to the stream, while Mr Rednall went on. We caught him up at Hurstbourne, and from there until dinner, he bowled along much better. We got our drink at Fullerton and then went on nearly to Leckford, and there, under the trees, had a nice and very happy dinner and rest after. By the time we got to Romsey, it was time for tea, which we had at the place where Henry and I once put up. From Romsey, we started on for Ringwood, but when three or four miles out, we came to a hand post which said the road to the right led to Salisbury 14 miles, I suggested and the others fell in with it, that it would be better to go straight there, as there would be more certainty about a bed there than at Romsey, and besides it would make the journey much shorter for the morrow. Six miles out of Salisbury, we left Mr Rednall for us to hurry on and seek out lodgings. After a considerable time and a little difficulty, we got into splendid quarters and then went back and found Mr Rednall. Of all the places I have ever put up, this was the best. We had a pretty little run and a very excellent supper of cold ham and beef, and then to bed. The name of the place was the Phoenix, Milford Street. The weather all day has been perfect, we would not have altered it one degree, and in consequence of Mr Rednall being so slow, I did not perspire a drop, and my shirt and clothes were as dry as when I left home in the morning. Neither was I in the least tired, no aches or uncomfortableness whatever, and I lay in bed comfortably and went to sleep. So did Henry, very well for him.

Monday August 19

We got up at 7 o’clock and took a walk round the Cathedral before breakfast, and had the nicest morning walk I remember. I can say, as I did yesterday, the weather was perfect, only more so. There was just a nice morning mist topping the spire of the Cathedral, and the sun shone through it, bright and not too hot. The Cathedral and Salisbury looked so lovely and beautiful, and I was in such A1 condition, not an ache, pain or headache or any other ailment, that I drank in the grand scenery with a wholesome appetite. To describe or say anything about that morning walk might spoil it, so I will pass on the breakfast, which, like supper, was excellent, all that one could wish, and then the bill – 7/9 for the three of us, supper, beds and breakfast and everything.

A little after 9 o’clock, we left for the homeward journey. I hardly liked leaving Salisbury, but as we had a long way to go, I thought it better to make an early start. We went by Old Sarum and then dropped down to the stream, and had oh such a glorious ride, beautiful and pretty to Amesbury. From Amesbury, we made for Upper Haven, but a few miles out, Mr Rednall, having got down to a perfect crawl, he asked us to go on, and this we thought the best thing to do, because then he could take his leisure to Hungerford, and train home from there, and we should be able to ride all the way and so save the expense of a rail journey. Reluctantly we left him, and then we had a splendid time. First we attempted the lower road but all around us it was quite impossible with our bicycles, and so it looked, and we turned back up out of the village and kept to the upper or main road, and glad I am we did, for that was very good, and very pretty, and gave us a more commanding view of the villages than we could have had from going through them, and this also followed the course of the river better.

A little after 12, we dropped into one of the villages and had our lunch at an old inn. Here it was delightfully cool and we had a grand meal off the remains of the tin of tongue we had yesterday. The ale was good, so good that we had the jug filled again. It was so very pleasant and refreshing here that we did not hurry, for when we came out we both felt in capital order, and not at all afternoonified.

From here, we had, as the blacksmith said we should, clinking good roads all the way to Hungerford. We went to Pewsey, and then in the Kennet Valley by Burbage. We got into Hungerford at 4 o’clock after one of the best afternoon runs I have ever had. Had a very good tea at the Home just over the canal on the right. We left at 5 and got through Newbury by 6, and came home by Crookham Common and Aldermaston, Mortimer and Eversley.

This was a grand two day outing, and one upon which I shall look back on with relish. There was only one drawback, and that was Mr Rednall’s intolerable slowness. Everything else was perfect. The start off was A1 and it continued so all the way until we arrived home. The weather was perfect right throughout. If there was a little wind, it was always with us, and the sun shone gloriously all the time. We went over a bit of new road and nearly every town brought some new beauty to view, and our appetite was alive to it all the way round. It has wonderfully raised Salisbury in my estimation. Taking matters so easily, I got home as fresh as when I went out, and did not have an ache or a pain all the way round.

60 miles

Friday August 23

Col Jones, coming into Ridge Cottage, Finchampstead, I made it my business to go over this morning on the bicycle to solicit their custom. When I got there at 10 o’clock, I was an hour too early, and so I went into the churchyard and waited and then went back and got an order.

8 miles

Sunday August 25

I went to Greywell this afternoon and had tea at the Fox and Goose. I went with the intention of taking a walk through the woods, but the weather came over dull and overcast, and began to rain, so I went down to the Castle and back, and home. The run home was very nice.

28 miles

1895

Sunday September 1

Henry and I went to Farnham this afternoon to see how the hops were this year. We left here at ½ past 3 and went by Elvetham and Crondall and had a very enjoyable ride over, and a good view of the hops. The vines are small, but the hops thick and good. We had a job to get a cup of tea, the place being so full and many turned away. Came home by the Castle and instead of turning down Beacon Hill to Fleet, kept straight on and came out by the Horns and into the Crondall road. Coming into Hartley Row, we came across Mr Hall on his new machine, a Singer. At his request, both Henry and I tried it. I also rode it up Star Hill and found it so easy and comfortable up there. We had a very nice turn out and enjoyed it much.

36 miles

Wednesday September 4

Philip Sale bought a safety bicycle and has only had it since Saturday and has mastered it well already. Sale and Henry and I went for a ride this afternoon. Leaving here at ½ past 3, we had a splendid ride over to Greywell and a good tea there. Mr Ducrocq and son also came, but not with us. We all had tea together. After tea, Henry, Philip and I had a walk into the woods, which looked lovely. We came home via Dogmersfield and had a delightful ride. The full moon was just rising as we left Odiham, and it was a most enchanting kind of evening and well enough we thoroughly enjoyed it. Philip got on A1.

30 miles

Sunday September 8

Had an early tea and then off to Greywell and took a walk through the woods and a little way along the canal, and home by Odiham and Dogmersfield. It was a delightful afternoon and evening and I enjoyed the run out very much. I was just an hour and ten minutes getting over to Greywell. The walk was most enchanting and so was the ride home.

Monday September 9

Went this evening for a ride round Winkfield and looked up some, to me, new roads. It was a glorious evening and very much I enjoyed my run. Soon after leaving Warfield, I took a road to the right and went by Winkfield Row, and then along a splendid level and straight to the Fleur de Lis and then to the Crispin, where I had a glass of ale. Came home via Bracknell very fast and very comfortable although very hot. Frances came home from Stamford and brought her mother a likeness of herself.

24 miles

Sunday September 15

I took Henry round the new run of Bracknell and Winkfield and round about, and he was very pleased with the new district, more especially as the roads were so good. The evening was a bit hazy but very warm and pretty.

25 miles

Wednesday September 18

Again out Winkfield way this evening. We left here, Henry and I, at ¼ to 5 and by the time the hour was up, had covered considerably over 12 miles. The weather this evening was very bright and warm, and most beautiful the country looked all along. We went by Bracknell to Winkfield and thence all along by the Windsor Park to Maidenhead and back by Littlewick and Ruscombe. It was a grand turn out, enjoyed by us very much indeed. After the sun went down, it was very pretty riding in the semi darkness.

30 miles

Sunday September 22

Went to Chapel in the morning and heard Mr Cave preach well. At a ¼ to 5, in most glorious weather, Henry and I started for Bagshot via Easthampstead. Thence we went to Sunningdale and Virginia Water, and from Blacknest Gate, we took the road by, not through, the pond and came out at the Crispin, Winkfield.

This was a charming ride, and I enjoyed it excessively. I was quite enraptured with the beautiful piece of new scenery, and hope to often go over the piece again. I think I went once some 20 or 25 years ago. From the Crispin home, we did a lot more new roads. Today’s run was a very beautiful one, and one we both enjoyed very, very much.

30 miles

Wednesday September 25

I went to Bracknell, Ascot, Sunninghill, and to Blacknest Gate and home round the Park to Winkfield, Bracknell etc.

Sunday September 29

Went for a morning ride by myself. It was a beautiful hot day, and I had a tolerably good ride. It would have been very much better had the tyre not exploded again.

I went to Bagshot via Easthampstead, and had a lovely ride there. On the bridge I met two cyclists who asked me the way to Windsor, and as I was going to the Blacknest Gate, I rode with them as far as Sunningdale Station, then they stopped for a drink, and I went on. Soon after getting on the road to Winkfield, the tyre began to leak badly, and I feared I should have to walk home. However, I had a piece of my rag with me, and with this I bound it up and then placed the wheel in a stream of cold water, which fortunately was close at hand, and that set the size in the rubber and made an effective repair until I got home. As I said, it was a very nice morning, but the fear of the tyre again bursting militated against a complete enjoyment.

Tuesday October 1

Arranged with Mr Rednall yesterday for a day’s run for today. He came down to my place for breakfast and we started off just at 8 o’clock. The morning was very pretty and bright, but not so warm as it has been up to now. We made for Bagshot via Easthampstead or rather, via Bracknell. Through Bagshot, we got to Guildford and a long time we were getting there, so arriving at Shalford instead of going round the south of Leith Hill and into Dorking, we had to take the shorter way by Gomshall etc. To find a quiet corner for dinner, we turned up by the Silent Pool road and found a nice little spot. Unfortunately, just about this time, it came over very dull and threatened for rain, but after dinner, it all cleared off and came out delightfully fine and pretty. It was lovely from Gomshall to Dorking, and a very pleasant view we had. We did not stay at Dorking, but came on by Burford Bridge to Leatherhead and Mickleham, and thence to Cobham, where at a very poor place, we had a wretched tea, and then passed on via Byfleet to Chobham and home by Bagshot. I can’t say it was a perfect run. I was so very very slow, and the day was none too warm for such quiet pace.

68 miles