1900

Monday January 1

Was a cold, damp foggy day. As I remarked, there seemed a year’s difference between yesterday and today.

Thursday January 4

I caught a cold yesterday afternoon, and today made it much worse, for it was a cold, dull day for the journey, and as I started off, I had an attack of indigestion which upset me.

20 miles

Friday January 5

My cold was very bad and about 11 o’clock, I had a very sharp attack of indigestion, which lasted for an hour and made me feel very bad. There was an extraordinary short lot of orders this week, so I did not go back to business after dinner.

Saturday January 6

My cold, which yesterday was very bad indeed, is nearly gone. Nevertheless, I did not feel up to the mark and was glad to get the day over.

Thursday January 11

Did the journey as usual on the bicycle and got on very well.

20 miles

Monday January 15

Mr Salt brought over the news of Mrs Sale’s sudden death at 10.20 this morning. Bertha and I went over by the 2 o’clock train and she stayed with Mr Sale.

Tuesday January 16

I went down by the 6 o’clock train to Earley and arranged the funeral.

Wednesday January 17

Was at Earley again this evening.

Thursday January 18

We buried Mrs Sale at Earley Church at 3.3.0 this afternoon. Tom, I, Samuel Walden and Geo Sale went from here. Annie, Minnie and James came. Bertha came home, Annie staying at Earley,

Sunday January 21

Bertha and I went to Earley by the 3.56. We had a very wet journey back.

Thursday January 25

As usual I did the journey on the bicycle and had a very good day.

1900

Thursday February 1

A very cold day, and looked exceedingly like snow. I got on very well. Bertha went to Earley and sorted up the affairs there. James going to Mr Ferrebee’s. Annie Donaldson, who has been staying there, also went home. Mr Sale came to our place. I had a very good day round.

20 miles

Saturday February 3

There was a heavy fall of snow during the night, heavier than we have had for many years. Fortunately, there was no wind and so it had not drifted, as it was, I should say, it was 8 in deep on the average. Both Mr Terry and I went with the cart. As the horse could not go beyond a walk, I walked all the way to Eversley Cross. There had been only two vehicles along the road. I had to walk in the wheel track. It was very pretty out, and having company, I did not dislike the journey. By both working, we got home about the usual time.

Thursday February 8

Did the round as usual.

20 miles

Tuesday February 13

Bostock and Wombwell came today. A snow storm came on in the afternoon with very rough weather, so that scarcely anyone visited the show. Henry bought a piano at a sale at Bracknell.

Thursday February 15

Was one of the roughest days I have ever known. I attempted to do the journey on the bicycle. I rode it as far as the hand post over snow and blocks of ice, but from there to Mrs Goswell’s, the road was impassable for it, and so I pushed it and put it up in her shed to call for it as I came back. It was now blowing a violent gale with heavy rain and sleet and hail, and in many places the road was covered with ice, which made it difficult for me to get a foothold. However, in spite of the cold and wet and snow and ice, I got round on foot and home again by 8 o’clock.

It was such a terribly rough day that I left instruction for the cart not to start til after dinner, and if the weather was not better then, to wait until Friday. However, Terry, who was afraid of Davis going and being bad, came round with the cart, and himself was knocked up.

On Monday, I had a very near serious accident. I was packing up the jam in the little warehouse and fell from the step with five 2lb glass jars in my arms. Because of these, I was unable to stop myself and I fell upon my thigh on to a case of lemons, and smashed the case and so some of the legs. It somewhat bruised me, and considering my gammy leg consider I got on well with my walk round Eversley today.

Friday February 16

The heavy rain of yesterday and last night has nearly cleared the snow away.

Saturday February 17

Mr Terry was unwell and in bed all day. I did the journey and had a rough wet day.

Thursday February 22

We have had a very wet walk. With the exception of a heavy shower at Finchampstead, I had a very good day out. The roads are exceedingly heavy going.

20 miles

Tuesday February 27

Bertha and I went by the 3.48 to Eversley [Earley?] to see how James is getting on at Mr Ferrebee’s. We found him wonderfully well and very happy and comfortable. After tea, we had a pleasant walk to the station and home by the 6.46 from Earley.

1900

Thursday March 1

It was such a cold windy morning that I almost made up my mind to walk round the journey, especially as I thought the roads would be very muddy and bad. I am glad I did not do so, for with the cycling cape on, I was quite warm all the way round, and the roads after Finchampstead were in excellent condition.

Just before I started, there was an unofficial telegram to say Ladysmith was relieved, and when I got to Warner Lodge, I heard Phillip’s hooter go, which was an intonation of an official confirmation of the news. This put me in further good spirits, and I had a very happy day out. How I did the people respecting the news of the relief of Ladysmith was laughable. When I arrived home, the town all alive and organising a demonstration, and at 8 o’clock there was a torch light procession, which was a great success. Quite a happy day.

20 miles

Thursday March 8

Had a splendid day of the journey. The roads are in grand condition now, white and hard.

20 miles

Friday March 9

Had a nice little ride round Hurst after tea, very pretty.

Sunday March 11

Was a very nice morning, so I went the Odiham and Dogmersfield run before dinner. I went Pilcot way first. It was a very enjoyable ride. After tea, I went round Hurst, and that also was very nice, then to Chapel.

36 miles

Monday March 12

Was a lovely bright warm day. Mr Terry went on my bicycle for a morning ride. He had a puncture coming home by the Pheasant. The back wheel covering is worn out, so I have now put on the old cover from the front wheel, which works very well. Went round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

Wednesday March 14

Last night I took Edward’s bicycle to pieces, and finished putting it together this morning. After tea, we went round Eversley and Yateley, and home through Sandhurst, a very nice little ride

12 miles

Thursday March 15

Another good day for the journey. There was a cold wind, but I did not feel it very much. I had a good time, and did the people over the war, by informing them that the government had concluded terms of peace with the Boers. Of course, I referred to the 1881 terms.

20 miles

Friday March 16

Davis knocked up again. Busy day and comfortable. Went round Hurst after tea and very much enjoyed the ride.

8 miles

Sunday March 18

Began with a lovely bright sunny morning, though cold. I did not go for a run, thinking I would go after tea, but as the morning advanced, the weather altered, until, at 4 o’clock, it commenced to snow, and by 6 the ground was covered with quite a heavy fall and the wind was very strong, altogether an exceedingly wintery afternoon and evening. Redgie and Mr Colyer came down on the tandem and arrived just before the storm came on. They could not go back by road so went by the 8 train and left their machine here. Redgie had a nice acetylene lamp, one of Miller’s, for which he gave 8/11, so I gave him 10/- to get me one. Went to Chapel morning and evening and heard a good missionary from Ceylon.

Tuesday March 20

Went to the missionary meeting in the evening and heard Mr Waldock from Ceylon. He spoke very well.

Wednesday March 21

Came over terribly cold and windy after dinner. Edward and I went to Twyford and back after tea and, in spite of the cold wind, enjoyed the ride.

12 miles

Thursday March 22

Had a dull cold windy day for the journey, and though I got on all right, I did not enjoy the day out.

20 miles

Sunday March 25

Redgie and Colyer came down by the 10 o’clock and had a pleasant day with us and, after tea, went back on the tandem, which they brought down last week and had to leave here because of the snow storm. I went after 6 to see James and came home round Hurst. Tried the acetylene lamp, but found the light too strong.

14 miles

Tuesday March 27

My new Clyde came this afternoon. I soon put it together and got it ready for a run, and after tea went to Twyford on it. Found it go very nice and very swift.

12 miles

Wednesday March 28

The ground was covered with snow this morning, which quickly melted when the sun rose and made the roads and place in a duce of a mess, so that riding was out of the question. I did a little work at Mr Dean’s this afternoon.

Thursday March 29

Had a very good day for the journey and got home a little earlier than usual. The roads were very muddy in places.

12 miles

Friday March 30

Got on very well with the orders and after tea on the new bicycle to Odiham and Dogmersfield. The roads were heavy and bumpy, and the weather dull. The machine went very well and fast.

30 miles

Saturday March 31

Mr Stone died early this morning. Had tea at Tom’s in Broad Street for the last time.

1900

Sunday April 1

A very nice morning and calm, so I went for a ride on the new bicycle to Marlow and Henley. I started at 10.20, but by that time there was a slight East all morning, which was against me all the way round, with the exception of one mile out of Marlow. I did not attempt any pace, but just worked up to ordinary travelling and found that put me along at 14 miles the hour. I was very pleased again with the go of the machine. From the first milestone out of Twyford on the Bath road to the one at Burchett’s Green (3 miles) took just 13 minutes at very ordinary working, and this against the wind, which I consider a very good pace. As I say, I did not attempt to put it along anywhere, for I had on two vests and pants of course, and I did not want to perspire too much because I intend going out again this evening. I arrived at Marlow in 57 minutes, and at Henley in 1 hour and a half, getting home via Hurst and the Reading road in 2 hours and a half.

34 miles

After dinner, as it often does when there is an East wind, it came over thick and dark, and also cold, so I did not go out again, for it is just the kind of evening I do not like for cycling. Went to Chapel in the evening.

24 miles

Tuesday April 3

I felt bad with a cold yesterday, and today I was worse and could not get back to business after dinner.

Sunday April 8

I was in bed all day Wednesday and Thursday, so I could not go to Mr Stone’s funeral, which was Wednesday afternoon. Friday, I had a very busy day with orders. It has been a beastly cold week, and is so today. I went to service morning and evening. I was not well enough and the weather was much too bad to think about cycling.

Monday April 9

After tea, I went round Hurst.

Tuesday April 10

Had a nice little run to Twyford and back after tea.

12 miles

Wednesday April 11

I did the journey today and had a very wet ride home.

20 miles

Friday April 13 – Good Friday

Was a very rough windy day. Did a little in the garden. After tea, Edward and I went to Eversley along the Flats to Bagshot and home. We very much enjoyed this little ride. The wind was with us to Bagshot and then dropped. On the whole, a very bad day.

26 miles

Sunday April 15

Was a horribly rough windy day, and rained in the afternoon. Went to Chapel in the morning. Mr Kirkby and Lucas came to tea and supper. We took a walk round Matthew’s Green in the evening. Horace and Cecil Barkshire walked down from London and got here before breakfast. After dinner, they went to Reading.

Monday April 16 – Bank Holiday

Was a wretchedly rough day. I did nothing all day beyond a little booking. Frances and I went to Backwater and back after 6 o’clock. This has been a scandalously bad Easter, and thankful I am it is over. Edward came back this evening. Trained it from Arundel to Guildford, and thence by road.

16 miles

Tuesday April 17

It commenced raining about 10 this morning and kept on more or less until tea time. I was glad to see it, for it may, perhaps, break up this wretched weather we have had since the beginning of the year.

Wednesday April 18

Was a splendid day right through. The wind has got round to SW and a warm breeze has taken the place of the strong, rough NE of late. This is the first really enjoyable day of the year. After tea, Frances, Edward and a young man from Long’s and I went to Woking and had a nice ride over there. Mr Rush, the young man above referred to, was going to see his sister and he thought she was at Old Woking, so Frances and Edward stayed at Woking Station while Mr Rush and I went on, but his friend, the Wesleylian Minister where his sister was staying, lived close at hand. We had a cup of tea and refreshments, and Frances and Edward, if we had known it, might also have come, as it was only a few yards from where we had left them. As we left Woking, we had to light up and so had a somewhat dark ride home. Frances was tired and so trained it for Bracknell and Mr Rush did the same for Reading. My new machine went splendidly and I was well pleased with the freewheel.

40 miles

Thursday April 19

Was quite a hot day and had I not had a headache, I should have much enjoyed my journey to Eversley. At Finchampstead, the bell was tolling for a young Mr Mileham. This was the third time in succession I have been on the journey and heard the bell toll for a young Mileham. First the one drowned at South Africa, second the one-legged young man and now the son of the blind Mileham.

20 miles

Monday April 20

Had a short amount of orders to put up, so got done early. At 10 past 6, I went for a run to Mortimer, and got there in ¾ hour via Swallowfield. From Mortimer, I went the Bramley and Sherfield round and got home at 9.23. The roads from Mortimer to Eversley were anything but good on the whole, many places bad.

40 miles

Sunday April 22

Had a beautiful little ride before Chapel round about Hurst. The weather was summer like and I heard the cuckoo, nightingale and saw the swallows. I heard the nightingale last Friday for the first time this year. After tea, I left at 4.50 for Guildford and went via Ash and the Hog’s Back. Saw young Mr Ducrocq at Guildford, he having had a breakage of the rear gear wheel and had to train it home from there. The bridge is broken down and a temporary footbridge erected at the side. I came home via Send and Woking and missed my way between Chobham and Bagshot, getting out on to the Guildford Mill road a mile the other side of the Gordonboys House. I came home from Bagshot via Yateley and had a very pretty ride down from the Jolly Farmer to Blackwater. It was dark and the two miles of lamps looked very pretty after the solitary runs of the wilderness. Got home at 9.30 and enjoyed the ride much.

70 miles

Monday April 23

Round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

Tuesday April 24

Went to Reading this morning to get some [illegible word] for Bearwood, and left it there coming back. The morning was bright but spoiled with a strong cold east air. Met Edward in the evening.

Wednesday April 25

Edward and I went for a short ride after tea to Well. Coll., Blackwater and along the Flats home via Eversley. It was far too cold to enjoy the ride. Paid Cooke, Carpenter and Builders £12.10.0 and James Walt £5.10.0. Called upon Mr Dean and he paid me £3.13.4 for a month’s rent and the £2.0.0 agreed upon for the [illegible word] and £20.14.2 for rent of the Post Office from January 16 to March 26.

Thursday April 26

Davis has been laid up all the week, and so I had to do the journey with the horse and cart. It was a fine sunny day but horribly cold with a N Easterly. I got home about the same time as usual.

Sunday April 29

Went round Hurst before Chapel, and that was all, for as the day advanced, the weather got worse, until, at 4, it rained a little and blew horrid.

10 miles

1900

Tuesday May 1

Cut the creeper this afternoon, and after tea, on the bicycle to Wellington Hotel to get Mrs Rigg’s order. She is going into Ambarrow Hill house Saturday. After the order I went on to Ambarrow Hill and Eversley and measured the difference it will make extra to the journey. It is 1.7 miles from Nash’s corner to Rigg’s and 2.2 miles round Yateley to White’s. I called in at [illegible word] to show them the new bicycle and then came home.

20 miles

Wednesday May 2

Henry went to Kirkby’s and so could not go for a run this evening. Edward and I went to Twyford, Henley, Marlow, Maidenhead thicket and home via Waltham. It was beautiful going as far as Henley, but from there it came over dull and windy.

36 miles

Thursday May 3

Had a rough day for the journey – wind, wet and sunshine. I went as last week with the cart.

Sunday May 6

Yesterday was a beautiful day, but this is a miserably dull and wet one.

Monday May 7

After 7, Hilda and I went to Eversley, along the Flats to Blackwater and home via Yateley. A beautiful evening.

18 miles

Tuesday May 8

A bright morning but a dull evening. After 7, I went to Burchett’s Green, then back through Twyford and Reading. I enjoyed the ride and things looked pretty although the weather was dull.

25 miles

Wednesday May 9

A wet day. Bertha, Frances, Hilda and Edward and Mr Sale went for a ride to Eversley. I did a little in the garden.

Friday May 11

Went over to see Mrs Peart at Ambarrow House before dinner, and after tea round Hurst. I much enjoyed the evening run.

18 miles

Sunday May 13

Was a beastly cold dull day, with a strong NE wind blowing. I went to Chapel in the morning. After tea, I ventured out but did not expect to have anything of a run. However, soon after starting, the clouds broke away a little and the sun came out, and the further I went the better the weather was. Still the wind was the same. I went to within two miles of Basingstoke and had the wind with me and, of course, rattled along anyhow. At the Inn, I turned back for Greywell and, much to my surprise, I was able to go nearly as well against as with the wind. From Greywell, I passed on through Odiham, Dogmersfield, Pilcot, Crookham, Fleet, Hawley, Blackwater, York Town, Camberley, Bagshot, Bracknell and home the London road. As I say, the further I went, the better the weather got, and I could not have wished it prettier all the way home. I never was so surprised as I was with this evening’s ride. It was the best I have had this season. I did not get in the least tired and found it hard work nowhere, neither did I hurry, except from Bracknell. At 8 o’clock, which was 2¼ hours from the start, I had been just 30 miles. The lamp hindered me at least ¼ of an hour at the Jolly Farmer, and it was 48 miles round, and I got home at ¼ to 10, which was just 4 hours, so that I reached considerably over 12 miles the hour.

I called in at Easthampstead for a glass of ale, which I did not require and should have done better without, and that was the only stop, except for the lamp, all the way round. The moon shone very pretty coming home. I have never, even on a calm day, done a run easier, so that I am very pleased with the go of the new Clyde. I raced a young man home from Bracknell and beat him anyhow.

48 miles

Monday May 14

I had a day in the large warehouse and put it in order.

Tuesday May 15

Had a day at putting the loft straight, and a dusty job I have had.

Wednesday May 16

Edward and I went over the same ground as I did on Sunday, except that we came home from Hawley via Yateley instead of Bagshot. It was not a nice ride at all. The weather was wretchedly cold, dull and windy.

42 miles

Friday May 18

Went to Ambarrow House after tea. Dull and cold. A little after 11 o’clock tonight, the hooter blew off for ¼ of an hour announcing the relief of Mafeking. We were all in bed. I got up and went up in time to see what was going on. There was a bit of a kick up, but they are going to wait until Monday evening for the procession.

Sunday May 19

I went for a ride before Chapel to Bracknell, Winkfield, Warfield and Binfield, a pretty little turn round. In the evening, Henry and I went to Maidenhead, Wycombe and Marlow. There was quite a strong wind, which blew us over to Wycombe and then dropped, so that we had an easy run home also. At Maidenhead, by the river, we came across Redgie and Mr Colyer. It was a beautiful evening out, and we had a very pleasant and very easy ride round. Going to bed, I missed my watch, and as I knew I had it between Marlow and Burchett’s Green, and that just this side of B. Green, I ran over a heap of flints, I made sure it must have been shaken off then, so I determined to be up early and go back for it.

60 miles

Monday May 20

Was up a few minutes before 3, made a cup of cocoa on the stove, and then off at 3.20 to look for the watch. It was very pretty and lovely out, and I had a splendid little ride. It was just the right way for to see the sun rise, which, all along the Bath road, I saw it gloriously.

Passing along by Kiln Green and looking at that gentleman’s house on the right, I thought of the time many years ago when Walter Micklem and I walked over from here to Burchett’s Green, leaving Wokingham at 12 o’clock midnight and getting to the house about 3 o’clock and seeing the place all shut up and no one about, with the birds singing all around, and we wondered how the people could lie abed and miss such a glorious sight, forgetting that 364 out of the 365 days in the year, we did the same thing and missed the same beauties. Well, going by today about the same time of the morning I thought of this, and somehow history repeats itself.

When I came to the heap of flints, I could see nothing of the watch, although I looked for it for over ¼ of an hour. At this, I was much disappointed. Being so near Burchett’s Green, I thought I may as well go as far as that, and did so, and in turning for home, there lay the watch. This wonderfully pleased me and made the ride home much happier. It was a beautiful morning out and the birds were wild with delight, and I was most delighted with my early turn out. I got back at ½ past 5 and went to bed.

I had a very happy day getting ready for the evening, for we are to have a demonstration in a celebration of the relief of Mafeking. The day and evening turned out bad for the job, being very windy and dull. The wind was so strong there could be no lighting of the outside illuminations. A great many people assembled in the Market Place after 8, and enjoyed themselves. The bonfire in the Market Place was the best part of the performance. It was mostly comprised of the rubbish I had cleared out of the warehouse and loft last week. Several people came up from Reading.

20 miles

Friday May 25

A run round Hurst after tea refreshed me. We had a lot of orders to put up and got through them well.

8 miles

Sunday May 27

Was up soon after 4 o’clock and warmed up the coffee (which was made last night) and fried rashers and eggs on the little ‘etna’, sat down and had a good breakfast and was ready to start for Arundel by 5.7. I left very comfortably, and it was a nice morning, a bit misty, but as that portended a warm day, I did not mind the absence of sunshine so much. Soon after the sun rose, the wind got up a bit, and I had a strongish breeze against me all the way down, so that except in the downhills, I had no free pedalling. However, I got along amazingly well. With the exception of the few yards up the Hog’s Back, I did not push the machine anywhere or get out of the saddle until Fittleworth, and that was to have a glass of ale, not that I wanted it then, but as I should not get any at Arundel, I thought a glass now ought to be acceptable to the stomach.

The sun came out very nice after Shackleford, and the roads were good all the way. I was exactly 4½ hours doing the journey, landing at Herington’s at 9.37. After breakfast and a wash, I went for a walk to the Park, but did not enjoy it so much as I should, for my toe hurt me and I had to doctor it up two or three times. I had a lay down by the lake and it was beautifully warm, with a balmy SW wind. By the time of 1 o’clock came, I was quite ready for my dinner, which I had and enjoyed, and had a merry conversation with them all the time, which I think they appreciated. During the afternoon, I had a rest at 5, over which I did not hurry, and then at 10 to 6, I left for home via Pulborough, Billingshurst, Rudgwick, Alfold and Guildford. Although the wind dropped a bit, there was a decided breeze in my front in the home journey, and grandly I bowled along. With the exception of pushing up the little ride at Pulborough, I did not stop between Bury and Guildford but to light my cigarette. I intended having a cup of coffee at Guildford, but the house by the bridge is done away, or rather the business is altered. I had a glass of ale at the Cricketers and then straight away for home via Normandy and Ash, and Blackwater. I got home at 10.18 quite fresh and cool, and not in the least overtired, having had a very pleasant and most easy run of 110 miles. It is 53 there and I should think it was 57 miles the way I came home. I had not on a cyclometer, having broke mine last Sunday. It was a pleasant morning, although the sun was obscured by the clouds of mist blowing over. From Milford, it was sunny, and the South Downs looked very charming. The day was beautifully warm. The evening was somewhat dull but still very pretty. The roads were good all the way round. I liked the Rudgwick very much better than the Loxwood.

The bicycle went up all the hills vastly easier than my old 6½ in crank Clyde and gave me no trouble all the way round. I had no stiffness across the shoulder or tiredness there at all. I was in A1 mood down there, and fresh and cheerful when I got home. I was very glad I had the courage to tackle the journey again. It takes a lot to make up one’s mind to turn out at 4 on a Sunday morning after a hard day’s work before. The May trees in the Park were not out, only one or two just coming into blossom. I passed a few in the morning, which [illegible word] of a beautiful summer.

110 miles

Wednesday May 30

After tea, Edward and I left at 5.20 for Newbury. We had a very nice run to Reading and on to the Halfway House on the Newbury road. Here, Edward had a puncture and the sun ceased shining, and it came on cold and somewhat dull. I mended the puncture and then Edward had the toothache and called upon a chemist at Newbury, but he did it no good. Fortunately, it had ceased before he went in. Had it been sunny, we should have had a very pretty run home, but as it did not shine, it was somewhat spoiled. I did not trim my lamp before starting, and the consequence was I had to ride lightless from Swallowfield home. I enjoyed the ride round and did it without scarcely any work.

50 miles

Thursday May 31

Had a cold dull day for the journey, which I did on the bicycle. Monday, we engaged a young man of the name of Chester to take Davis’ place, and he drove round, having been with Mr Terry Tuesday.

20 miles

1900

Friday June 1

More like March 1, a beastly cold NE day. Rain and wind all day long. It was such a miserable day that Henry forgot it was the first of June and did not go to Bearwood until after tea. So, besides a heavy load of goods for the journey, we had Bearwood orders to put up. However, we got through it all right and everything ready for the morning.

Saturday June 2

Got Bearwood off early and the cart back by ½ past 9 and the Eversley journey off soon after. Today looks very unpromising and quite decided us not to make any arrangements for a two days run, else had it been propitious today we thought of going to Cheltenham, but, as I say, the weather would not do. There was a strong NE wind and the roads still muddy.

Sunday June 3

It was a dull, cloudy and cold morning up til 10 o’clock, when the sun came out, and the rest of the day was bright and cheerful. Edward went to Leatherhead, leaving at 6 o’clock. We all went to Chapel in the morning, and after tea I had a nice run. I went up to see if Henry would come, but he was not up to it and would rather reserve himself for a run tomorrow. I went to Hook, Newnham, Basing, Mapledurwell, Greywell, Odiham, Dogmersfield, Fleet and home via Eversley, and had a most delightful and easy ride all the way.

Everything looked beautiful, for the sun shone bright and warm and made a new world of it. Everywhere the May is out in profusion. I’ve seen it out thick before, but never as it is this year, every bit of growth is covered with blossom. As far as one could see, the banks of the canal were lined with its beautiful white flower and the air loaded with its perfume. The Chestnut, too, and the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and grand was the sight at every turn of the road. I heard the owl and the nightjar as I was coming home by the firs. I arrived home fresh and greatly pleased with my evening ride.

Called in to see what Henry was going to do tomorrow. I found him somewhat indisposed. However, I left him with the understanding that if he felt well enough, he would be down to my place to breakfast at 7 o’clock and left the deciding of the course til then.

38 miles

Monday June 4

A fine morning and was down by 7 o’clock and soon after, Henry arrived. While at breakfast, we decided upon the Blewbury, White Horse and Lambourn run. We left at 8.20 and had an easy and pretty ride to Reading. The wind, which was blowing with considerable force, was NE, which did not hinder us to Reading, would be just in our backs from Streatley. Instead of going direct to Pangbourne, we went to Theale and thence along the level to Pangbourne, a piece of course new to Henry and which he much liked.

The road was perfection to Streatley, and from thence to Kingston Lisle better than we have ever known them. We bowled along right merrily with the wind in the rear to Blewbury, where we indulged in a liquer up and read the news of the day, Henry having bought a paper in Reading. Another windy ride brought us to Wantage and Kingston Lisle. Fortunately, I left off my flannels and so did not feel the heat, but Henry having his on, had to take off his coat, and slung it over his shoulders, which might have been comfortable, but not elegant.

For two miles beyond Kingston Lisle, towards Ashbury, the road, or rather, track, was unrideable in many places, but this we did not mind, for the scenery was very pretty all round the foot of the White Horse Hill. There were several van loads of excursionists about to go up. A little beyond the White Horse Hill, there was quite an extensive fire burning the grass, and looked like spreading a long way in the high wind. Out of Ashbury is a long uphill, up, which we pushed. From the top of it is a gentle declivity right away to Lambourn, and very good road, but the wind was against us and we could not make any great pace against it.

We got to Lambourn at 2, and just outside the town we had a very good dinner of bread and cheese and butter, washing it down with good shandy gaff. We did not hurry between Lambourn and Newbury, because we did not wish to get there before tea time. Near Boxford, we lay down by the stream and rested and listened to the babbling water. We got to Newbury a little after 4 and called at the Guildhall, had a wash up and a most comfortable and enjoyable tea, and then a sit down in the bay window and watched the river.

We left Newbury at 6, by which time the wind had considerably dropped, so that we had a splendid run without hindrance to Aldermaston and then away home, which we reached at 8.20, having had almost a perfect day’s outing. I think both Henry and I enjoyed every minute of the ride. On the right, about midway between Ashbury and Lambourn, are a lot of large stones scattered about in the fields and on the grassland, supposed to be the work of glaciers. When I got home, I was as fresh and cool as though I had not been out, and we both enjoyed the day throughout. It was bright and sunny all the time. The wind, which was strong, helped us very much, having it on our backs nearly to Lambourn. From Newbury, it died down, and altogether we only had a mile or so against it. The country was at its best.

92 miles

Wednesday June 6

Took Mr Hall for a run to Basingstoke via the Monument and home by Hook, a run which he very much enjoyed.

36 miles

Thursday June 7

Had a showery day for the journey and I did not get home until late. Garnet Hall gave Hilda two young squirrels.

20 miles

Sunday June 10

Horace Barkshire came down yesterday on a bicycle and had to sleep on the sofa. He came via Maidenhead and Reading, not knowing the Staines way. Went to Chapel in the morning and in the evening. I showed Horace the way back. Leaving at 20 to 6, I took him to Bracknell, where a mile further on, he had a puncture which hindered us 10 minutes. We then had a very nice ride through Winkfield and Windsor Park and so to Egham, Staines and Hounslow, where I left him and came home via the Bath road. I had a lovely ride home and met hundreds and hundreds of cyclists riding back to London. It was a pretty evening and I had a very nice ride home, which I reached at 10 o’clock, quite fresh and as though I had been but for a few miles.

50 miles

Tuesday June 12

Henry and I intended going to Cheltenham today. He came down to my place for breakfast, but the weather came over so threatening and it thundered and looked very stormy all round, so we did not make a start. I went to bed again. The day turned out oppressively hot and I did not feel at all up to any work and was glad we did not go. In the evening, we had a terrific thunder storm and a home near the church was struck.

Wednesday June 13

The day was dull but the evening turned out very nice. Edward and I went to Henley via Warren Row and Rose Hill, and home via Sonning, Woodley and Sandford. It was a lovely ride, and the roads were better than I have ever seen them. The roses at Sonning were a sight.

28 miles

Thursday June 14

Had a shower, and at last, a wet day for the journey. It was Gold Cup day at Ascot, but there was a very poor company there according to the papers.

20 miles

Sunday June 17

There was a smash up at Slough yesterday. The West of England Express ran into the Windsor train, which was waiting at the platform. Five were killed and many injured. Henry and I went over this evening to see it, but it was all cleared away except one carriage in which a gentleman was killed.

We then went on to Colnbrook and from there to Stanwell and Staines and home the London Road. It was a lovely evening out and a nice ride.

42 miles

Monday June 18

The weather looking settled and today being fine, Henry and I got all ready for a two day’s outing starting tomorrow for Cheltenham.

Tuesday June 19

It was nigh upon 11 o’clock before I was in bed last night, and not having any sleeping mixture, I did not get off at all well, and when I did, it was a broken sleep up to 4 o’clock, when Bertha turned out and lit the fire and got breakfast ready. I turned out at ¼ to 5, and a few minutes after I was down, Henry arrived and we had breakfast, over which we had no occasion to hurry, for we got everything ready last night.

It was a very nice morning, and we were in excellent spirits with the anticipation of a good day before us. We left at 10 to 6 and had a pleasant run to Reading via Whiteknights. Here the sun came out and continued out all the rest of the way to Cheltenham, so that after Streatley, Henry had to take his coat off and tie it on his machine and ride in short sleeves. We took the same course as Tom and I did last year, and, as then, we had a beautiful ride down. Certainly the wind was against us today, and strongish too, so that I had no free wheeling. Fortunately, I had induced Henry to go on Tom’s machine, and glad he was too that he was so persuaded, for with the 7″ crank, and 77 gears, he did not find any great inconvenience or hindrance from the strong W wind.

At a pleasantly situated wayside public house just this side of Steventon, we had a liquer up, and I also had a wash at the pump outside. Henry had a look over Faringdon Church, but the one at Lechlade we could not get into.

While looking at the church at Fairford, a respectable old gentleman, a verger or something like that, asked us if we would like to see inside, so going in with him he explained, and in a pleasant and lucid manner too, the whole of the windows. Such a sight in stained glass I have never before seen. Not only the central and main subject of each window, but the filling in was most superb. There were a large number of windows and all of the same shape and size, for the windows were not made for the church, but the church built to take the windows.

At Cirencester, we put up at the Nelson, the place where Tom and I had our dinner and where Henry and I had it. We were most comfortable there, and much enjoyed our meal of bread and cheese with ham sandwiches, and some excellent shandy gaff. After a stroll round the town and a look over the handsome church, we proceeded on our last stage for Cheltenham, arriving there at 4.15. We went straight to 355[388?] High Street, the Imperial Temperance Hotel, and secured the same bedroom as Tom and I had. After a wash and putting on a supplementary shirt, we had tea, and being much refreshed by it we took a walk about the town, going first to the Pittville Gardens, for which we paid 2d each for entrance, and it was 2d well laid out, for it is a beautiful place and we much enjoyed the stroll round. Coming out of the gardens, we made for the Parade, but the weather now came over cloudy and somewhat cool, and a shower of rain compelled us to take shelter for a few minutes.

Cheltenham is a grand place, and I should like to have taken Henry over more of it, but having been up so early this morning and my shoe hurting me, I did not feel disposed to go out after supper, which we had at 9 o’clock. Henry, too, felt the early rising. Another time I shall not start off so early. The early morning is very nice, but if one has to be out all day, it makes one weary and unfit to do anything in the evening. We both felt like this, not in the least tired in the limbs for cycling, but weary from the effects of a long day out.

We had a good supper – ham, beef and [illegible word], which we ate with a relish, and then then off to bed. The roads every bit of the way down were in first-class condition and much pleased Henry, but as the day advanced, the wind got stronger, and being W, was dead against us, so that Henry did not know how good the roads were. Had there been no wind, we should have gone along without work. As it was, Henry did not seem to feel the wind much, for being on Tom’s machine, he could work against so much easier than on the [illegible word] Grand of his own. We made it to Cheltenham…

80 miles

Wednesday June 20

I had a most comfortable and restful night, slept well and soundly. Henry, too, had a good night’s rest. I woke at 6 and looked out, and the morning was fine. I turned out at a ¼ to 8, fresh, happy and well. Ordered breakfast, which was ready by the time Henry was down. This meal I very much enjoyed, and while we were having it, we discussed the way we should take for home. Yesterday I bought a map of 50 miles round Cheltenham, and by it, I could see a way by going to Gloucester and Stroud to Cirencester etc, but Henry was afraid to venture out so far, for this would add at least 20 miles to the journey home, and he had almost decided to go back the same way as we came down, but when I pointed out this would be all new ground to him, and if too long, we could train the latter part, he decided upon the Gloucester route.

So, about 12 past 9, having been well put up at 388 High Street, we left for Gloucester. It looked exceedingly like coming on for a wet day as we left Cheltenham, and although the sun shone on the Cheltenham hills and made them look very pretty, yet over Gloucester way, I never saw it look more like wet weather, and much of it too. The clouds were rolling up from the west and there was a strong wind blowing from that quarter, and 6 miles out of Cheltenham a scud of fine rain passed over us, and no sooner had we entered Gloucester than it began to rain quite fast just as we got to the railway bridge, and under it, we took shelter. It now looked most unpromising, and Henry began to talk about training it home.

Within the space of 10 minutes, the rain ceased, and the sun came out bright and warm, and stopped out all day until it finally set at 8.19. So, in spite of our gloomy forebodings between Cheltenham and Gloucester, we had one of the best, if not the best, day’s weather we have ever had out. While Henry was in the Cathedral, I cleaned up the bicycles in the bright sunlight outside. From a postman, I found out the best way to Stroud, not the shortest, but by far the best, and level.

With what different spirits, we left Gloucester from what we entered it about ½ an hour ago. Everything now looked most promising for a grand day’s run, and never was a promise better fulfilled. The sun was out strong and looked like keeping out. A splendid summer sky, with those beautiful clouds we got a strong W wind, and the wind was strong and getting stronger, but though against us at first, we did not mind that, for every turn of the road would carry us more out of its track until we should have it completely at our backs. This, I say, we knew and therefore did not mind it steadying our pace down to 12 miles an hour. We left Gloucester by South Street and took the Bristol road for 5 miles and then to the left, which was the Bath road, and Stroud.

It is very pretty from Cheltenham to Gloucester, but nothing like it is from Gloucester to Stroud. Both Henry and I say we have never seen such charmingly beautiful scenery as this, and more especially as we drew nearer Stroud. From Stone House, which is 3 or 4 miles from Stroud, it was enchanting, and the beauty of it was, we were both in A1 condition and fettle, and the weather, like the roads, was perfect.

We had a pint of shandy gaff and some biscuits in a pleasant little inn coming out of Stroud. At Chalford, we left the valley, pushed up the hill for ½ a mile and then had a gentle decline all the way to Cirencester with the wind at our backs. This was the best downhill ride I have ever had, the road dropping gently from the high land right down to Cirencester. We got to Cirencester at ¼ past 1, or ¾ hour earlier than I thought, so well did the bicycles run.

Again we went to the Nelson and had a fare similar of yesterday’s dinner, and again we much enjoyed this quiet little inn. The landlord and landlady were very communicative, and told us how they brewed their own ale, or as they called it, beer. He gave us his card of prices, and I think I shall have a barrel up. It is the best beer I have tasted.

From here to Faringdon, we were blown along, and could have gone at any pace, but we only went about 15 miles the hour. From Faringdon, we went to Abingdon. This was perfection of road. It is 13½ miles. There is a gentle rise out of Faringdon of ½ mile. And then it slopes gradually down to Abingdon. Twelve miles took just ¾ hour. The road was smooth and perfect, and there was a very strong wind behind us. We had nothing to do. My usual place for tea is pulled down, so we went to Palmer’s and were very well suited there. After tea we looked round the town and church, and a little after 5 o’clock started for home, enjoying it every bit of the way and coming here at a few minutes to 9. We could not help thinking how fortunate we were as respects the weather, for here at Wokingham they have had a wet day and the folks at home were pitying us all day. We both arrived home quite fresh and cool, and as far as I was concerned, not the least tired anywhere.

Today’s run has been the most perfect we have ever had. There was nothing to militate against it after we passed Gloucester, and then before that, only the look of the clouds. We got up well, kept well and came home well. Tom’s bicycle was a great help to Henry again today, for it enabled him to get along at a good pace without rapid action, and yesterday to get down to Cheltenham against the wind without much exertion. The distance home was 102 miles.

Thursday June 21

I had a soaking wet day for the journey. It rained all day long. However, I did not get wet under the cape. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, feeling so fresh and well, and all the better for the Cheltenham journey. Mr Easton and Mrs came Monday, sleeping at Geo Sale’s and meeting at our place. Today they went with the Pitmans to Marlow.

20 miles

Saturday June 23

A small order came for Ambarrow House, which I took over on the bicycle this afternoon and had a pretty little ride.

10 miles

Sunday June 24

Sunday School anniversary. Turned out a very miserable day, cold and wet.

Tuesday June 26

Terrace Point and the adjoining houses sold at auction today were knocked down to Mr H E Hall for £1500

Wednesday June 27

Edward and I went after tea to Burnham Beeches via Maidenhead. We were much pleased with them and had ½ an hour there. There were a lot of of excursions there. We came home via Slough, where I called in to see a lathe Willie Walden had written about. From Slough, we came through Eton and Windsor without stopping. It was a very nice ride round and I enjoyed it.

42 miles

Thursday June 28

Being a fine day, I went the journey on the new bicycle, and had a very good time until nearing home. I had an attack of indigestion, which upset me for a time. After doing the booking, and supper, I took a journey to the White House and had a nice evening run.

28 miles

Friday June 29

I was going for an evening ride but the weather came over too dull and windy. I went round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

1900

Sunday July 1

Went to Chapel morning and evening. Too dull and threatening for a ride. However, I went round Hurst after the evening service. Mr Underwood was coming, but the wet stopped him.

8 miles

Wednesday July 4

It has been too wet and showery for riding this week. Today is a better day, and Henry and I had a very pretty and enjoyable ride to Maidenhead, Wycombe and Marlow.

40 miles

Thursday July 5

A dull rainy morning, but cleared off about 9 and remained fine for the rest of the day, so I had a pleasant day for the journey.

20 miles

Friday July 6

At 8, I left for Henley to see the fireworks. I had a very nice ride over. There was a strong wind from the NW, which just suited the fireworks. I left at 10 o’clock and got home in 45 minutes. I very much enjoyed the little turn out.

22 miles

Sunday July 8

To Chapel this morning and heard a good sermon from Mr Cave. Edward’s friend, Mr Underwood came yesterday and went home this evening. He came via Chertsey and Sunningdale, but tonight I showed him a better way home. We left, Edward, Mr U and I at 6.15 and went to Staines via Windsor Park, and thence to Sunbury, Hampton Court and Kingston where we parted, he for Wimbledon, and we for home. The weather was very overcast and at Windsor Park, it began to rain a little. It was not enough to take shelter, and it soon passed off. Mr Underwood was very pleased with the run, and I very much enjoyed the ride out and home. It was just 11 o’clock when we arrived home, and I was as fresh as though I had not been out. Although the weather was dull, it was a very nice evening and I enjoyed the run more than I expected. I was never more near running into two men, one at Winkfield, and the other at the Plough. They were muddly with drink. Mr Underwood was very pleased both with his visit and also the ride home.

54 miles

Monday July 9

Maud went by the excursion and had a good day. I intended going to Folkestone and Hastings for tomorrow and Wednesday, but I found it would not be enough time so deferred it for next week and to start on Monday and have the three days, and I am glad I did so, for the excursion did not come in until 12 o’clock, and that made a disturbed night. I took Mr Gorely a run round Hurst.

8 miles

Tuesday July 10

I left at ½ past 7 this evening for a run to Marlow, and a beautiful run I had too. It was very easy going and took me something under the hour to reach Marlow bridge. I sat there for ¼ hour and watched the moonlight on Quarry Wood, and then I had one of the most lovely moonlight rides imaginable. Every turn of the road revealed some new beauty. I got home at 10. Several people remarked that it was the most perfect moonlight night they ever saw, so no wonder I enjoyed the ride.

28 miles

Wednesday July 11

Henry and Tom went to Selborne. They left a little before 9 and had a good day. About ½ past 4, I started off to meet them, which I did just this side of Selborne, the same place where I met them last year. There was a very strong wind against me all the way down, which somewhat spoilt the run, not that it went hard, for the new machine went well against the wind, for I reached Odiham under the hour and should have entered Selborne under the two hours. Coming back before we reached Alton, the wind had dropped and come to a calm. After Wanborough, we took the first to the right and through Long Sutton to Odiham, a very much prettier and better way. We arrived home at 9 o’clock. Edward and Frances went on the water at Sonning.

52 miles

Thursday July 12

Had a very hot day for the journey, and got on very well.

Friday July 13

Wound up the day with a run round Hurst.

Sunday July 15

I was occupied all the morning and afternoon taking my bicycle to pieces and cleaning it. Went to Chapel in the evening and then a run round Hurst to see that the bicycle was all right.

Monday July 16

Was up and had breakfast and off at 6.35, intending to have a three days outing, and to go to Folkestone and along the coast to Hastings, and home from there on Wednesday. It was a beautiful morning, and I started off well, but I could not say the machine travelled along so easily as usual. There was a slight SW wind and that was against me, and the roads were indifferent. I made for Dorking via Bagshot and Cobham. It was hazy with thick morning clouds, which portended a hot day as soon as they should clear away and the sun came out, and so it turned out to be. By the time I got to Burford Bridge, it was blazing hot, and I had there my first drink and also first stoppage.

I did not go right into Dorking, but turned left for Reigate. At Reigate, I turned down the Brighton road to Crawley, and expected an easy ride there, but was sadly disappointed with this piece of road, for the wind all along this open piece was quite troublesome and the sun was excessively hot. At Crawley, I turned left for Three Bridges, and from there through East Grinstead and Groombridge to Tunbridge Wells was nothing but gigantic hills, which reduced the pace from 13 miles the hour to about 8. I had dinner (bread and cheese and ale) at a very comfortable old fashioned inn and in the cool room there I had a rest for an hour. I got to Tunbridge Wells at 3 o’clock, and as I had made such slow progress from Crawley and it was so blazing hot, I determined to abandon the three days trip and to make it one, and so return home. As I was going up the street behind an omnibus, Mr Metcalf (of Metcalf and Garnet) from within accosted me. I now made for Tonbridge and called at the station at 3.25, and as there was a train leaving at 3.37 for Redhill, I ran up in town and had an ice and back into the train, which was a through one, and into Redhill in ½ hour (fare 2/4½). Had a very good tea at Redhill, and then a pleasant evening run home.

I was glad I returned home at Tunbridge Wells, for it was far too hot for cycling, or anything else. All Tuesday’s papers from The Times downwards had long articles upon the extreme heat of today, and state that it was the hottest day we have had for 50 years. The thermometer registered from 96 to 98 in the shade. Had I gone on at Tunbridge Wells instead of turning for home, I should have had the prospect of two more hot days riding. Under such exceptional heat as this, riding ceases to be a pleasure and so I gave it up, and glad I was too I did so.

Soon after leaving Guildford, I felt very sick, so I stopped and put my fingers down my throat and brought it on, which relieved me. I very much preferred the old way by Guildford home from Dorking to the Leatherhead and Cobham way. I got home about ½ past 9, and enjoyed the ride home from Tunbridge Wells more than I did the journey out. It was not so much the hills between Crawley and Tunbridge Wells I minded, but the great heat, which made riding up them dangerous. I could not look over the places like East Grinstead and Groombridge because of the heat. There were many very pretty little spots I should like to have looked into, but directly I got off the machine, the heat of the sun was unbearable.

126 miles

Wednesday July 18

Willie Walden and I had a go out this evening. He went on Frances’ machine. We left at 5.30 and went to Odiham and had two hours on the canal and then home via Dogmersfield. It was a very pleasant turn out, and very much Willie enjoyed it. He has never been in a boat before, but he soon learned to use the oars, and as he liked the rowing, I was quite willing to be rowed.

25 miles

Thursday July 19

Had another blazing hot day, nearly as hot as Monday, but I got round the journey alright.

20 miles

Sunday July 22

I had a very pretty and pleasant run round Greywell and Dogmersfield this evening and liked it much.

34 miles

Monday July 23

I left here at 7.30 and had a most enjoyable and very pretty ride to Marlow and back.

28 miles

Tuesday July 24

I cleaned and set out both the shop windows. After tea, I went to Knowl Hill and back. This run I also enjoyed very much.

16 miles

Wednesday July 25

It was too hot to start early for a ride, so I waited til 7 o’clock and then had another very pleasant ride to Marlow and back. I took it quiet and this was the coolest ride I have had during the hot weather.

28 miles

Thursday July 26

Another exceedingly hot day. This has been the hottest two weeks we have ever had. 94 in the shade. Mr Terry went to camp at Shorncliffe by the 8.55 am. I got on very well with the journey.

24 miles

Friday July 27

We had a heavy thunderstorm, and a house in the new road of Batty’s farm had the chimney struck.

Saturday July 28

I went the round with the cart yesterday.

Sunday July 29

Went to Chapel in the morning. Had a storm during dinner time. Did not go out.

Monday July 30

After 8 round Hurst.

8 miles

Tuesday July 31

Frances went to Arundel. George Herington, who came up yesterday with Mr Sale, took her down. I went the journey and did not like it.

1900

Wednesday August 1

Children’s treat. Very wet.

Thursday August 2

Fine for the journey.

20 miles

Friday August 3

Very busy all day with the orders. Finished every one before I went home.

Saturday August 4

Took Hilda round the journey with me and had a pleasant day.

Sunday August 5

Heard a very poor chatter from the congregational gospel speaker of Bracknell. Rained in the after part of the day.

Monday August 6 – Bank Holiday

The very worst day I have ever known for summer. Cold, dull, very wet and terrifically windy. There never was such a bad bank holiday. I did some work at home and enjoyed myself tolerably well. Horace Barkshire came down on the tricycle and arrived this afternoon in a deplorable condition, and brought the news of the arrival of another baby.

Wednesday August 8

Was a dull morning but turned out fine later on. Henry and I went to Hartley Row, Elvetham, on to the Flats, and along them to Yateley. A nice little run of 24 miles.

Thursday August 9

Had a very good day for the journey so far as orders were concerned, but a very wet one. It rained almost directly I started and it came down heavy all day long, but through it all, I kept wonderfully dry.

24 miles

Saturday August 11

I had an hour at the shop before breakfast to finish off the orders, and a good job I did, for Terry, who was to have come back from camp last night, is in the hospital there with a chill, so I had to do the journey again. Hilda went with me, and we had a very pleasant day out.

Sunday August 12

Was a beautiful day throughout, and being full moon tonight, I thought I would have a moonlight ride, so at 5.10, I started off for Guildford via the two Colleges, Ash and Normandy, and without undue hurry, excepting the last mile, I reached Guildford in 1 hour 25 minutes. From Guildford I went on to Ripley, Cobham, Esher, Kingston, Hampton Court, Sunbury, Staines, Windsor Park and home by Bracknell. It was lovely going all the way, and as I drew near to Kingston, the moon rose and the sun set and very pretty the river looked. From Kingston, the moon was at my back, so that forward was well lit up. It was very grand all through the Park (Windsor). There I heard an owl in one of the old trees. I arrived home at a ¼ to 11 as fresh as when I started, having had one of the best evening rides of the season.

65 miles

Wednesday August 15

Was a beautiful evening for a run, but just as I was starting off for Newbury, I had an attack of indigestion and could not go, which annoyed me very much. Mr Terry came back from camp.

Thursday August 16

Was a nice day, but I did not feel very bright.

20 miles

Sunday August 19

I made up my mind for a run to Arundel this evening and on to Brighton and home tomorrow. Asked Henry if he would like to come and after a little persuading, he thought he would. Went to Chapel in the morning and heard Mr Scorey preach a very good sermon indeed. Henry came down to tea at 3 o’clock and at ¼ to 4, we made a start for Arundel. I came over very green after tea, and although it was a very nice afternoon, I could not pull myself together. Soon after starting, it came over cloudy, and we had very little sunshine for the rest of the way. About Chiddingfold, I seemed to wake up a little and more enjoyed the ride. I had a glass of ale and that seemed to do me good, and I also had one at Petworth. The sun set at ¼ past 7, and we had to light up at Bury Hill. I should have liked to have been a little earlier so as to have it light into Arundel. We got in at ¼ to 9, and was just in time for supper, after which we had a stroll round the town. There was a decided wind against us all the way down.

50 miles

Monday August 20

I slept but did not have a good night’s rest, and at 6 o’clock I felt very green and was afraid I should not be able to continue my journey. However, by the time I got up and had breakfast, I felt alright again. Fortunately, I brought some rashers and so had a good breakfast. Then we had a look round the house, and in nice bright sunny weather, we made a start at ½ past 9 for Worthing along the lower road via Angmering, which was a very pretty level run over a very good road.

It was a lovely morning, and as the road was close up to the sea, we had a very pretty view of the Channel. We put up the bicycles at Brighton and then went for a bathe in the briny ocean. The water and weather was beautifully warm, and I never had a more enjoyable swim round than today. It was ½ past 12 when we got out, so we went and had dinner and then back to the sea for the afternoon. An early tea allowed us to leave Brighton before 4 o’clock.

It was a nasty bumpy ride to Shoreham with a strong wind against us, but having got there, we had a splendid ride through Bramber and Steyning right away to Horsham, which we entered exactly at 6 o’clock, and there had another tea and eggs, for which I was just ready. From Horsham to Bramley was much easier than I anticipated, but from there the ride was quite spoilt by the heavy rain, which had fallen less than an hour ago and which fortunately did not reach us.

At Guildford, we had each a brandy and soda, and it was then a question whether we should train home or not. We decided to try it to Ash, and then, if necessary, ride from there. It was dark and the steam rose from the recently wetted country like a thick fog and made travelling quite dangerous, so when we got to Ash, we took tickets for home. The bicycles were put in an empty luggage van and we congratulated ourselves that they would have a rare journey, but alas, Tom’s got the crank of his machine bent and mine had a dent knocked in the main tube and the front fork also dented. This naturally caused me much annoyance.

With regards to the run down on Sunday, it was not one of the best, let alone my not feeling quite well, the weather was somewhat dull and very threatening, and there was an absence of sunshine, but Monday was a glorious day up to 6 o’clock, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day up to Guildford.

72 miles

Wednesday August 22

Was a shockingly wet day after dinner, so of course there was no going out.

Thursday August 23

Was very wet just as I was starting, so I waited for a time til the thunderstorm had gone over, and then I had a somewhat stormy day for the journey.

20 miles

Sunday August 26

Was a very dull, cold, NE day. I was very middling.

Monday August 27

Was another cold, dull, NE day, and I not being at all well, did not get up, but had a day in bed.

Wednesday August 29

Was dull and cold and I, not feeling very well, stayed at home.

Thursday August 30

I did the journey and felt better today.

24 miles

1900

Sunday September 2

The weather was only good enough for a run round Hurst after tea. Mr Jelley brought Eva and Harold down by the 8 pm and is going to leave them with us during his stay in Africa. He is appointed Assistant Surgeon to the Ashanti Expedition and sails from Liverpool on Wednesday next. He stayed until the 11.46 down. His father gave him his outfit, and he came over here a great swell.

8 miles

Monday September 3

Round Hurst.

Wednesday September 5

I made up my mind for a run to Brighton, and a glorious day I had. Bertha got up at ½ past 4 and got breakfast, which I had in comfort. It was a grand morning and promised for a good day. I started at 5.35 and went via Well Coll, Blackwater and Frimley to the Hog’s Back and so in to Guildford. It was grand run down the Back, the road being clear all the way, and I did not use the brake until just coming into High Street. From Guildford I went via Chinthurst Lane to Wonersh and Cranleigh. I had a glass of ale at Horsham and then away to West Grinstead. There, instead of turning left for Steyning, I kept straight on to Washington, Ashurst and Findon to Worthing. It is undulating road to Ashurst and then uphill for ½ mile, and then a 7 mile drop down to Worthing. I stopped not at Worthing but made my way to Shoreham with a strong wind at my back, which made very pleasant and fast riding. At Shoreham, I turned up under the line and took the upper road to Brighton. This I should not do again, for the road is very indifferent and hilly in parts, landing me in Brighton a long way from the station.

It was 12 o’clock when I got to Brighton. I put my bicycle up at the station, 4d, and made at once for the sea. I was fortunate enough to get a bathing machine at once, and had a lovely swim round. Had a very good dinner at Clegg’s and then a short time on the beach. I took the 1.50 to Shoreham and then had a lovely and happy ride to Horsham, which I reached exactly at 4 o’clock via Steyning and West Grinstead. There was quite a strong breeze on, but it was more for than against me. At Horsham, I bought some shrimps and had a very nice tea at my usual place. I did not leave Horsham until 5, by which time the wind had dropped to a calm, and then I had a grand and one of the best rides home I have ever had.

I had a brandy and coke at Guildford and came home via the Hog’s Back, arriving home at 9.10. It was a grand day out from start to finish – bright, sunny and yet never too hot, neither was the morning or evening cold. The roads were first class. What wind there was in the morning was N, and that of course was in my favour. Just before reaching Worthing, it changed to W and that helped me to Brighton. Coming home, it mostly forwarded me to Horsham, where it dropped to a dead calm. I had grand views of the Downs both going and coming back. But of all the nice pieces, that from Horsham to Guildford was the one. It was a bright sunny evening and the sun did not set until I reached Shalford, so I had a magnificent view of the Surrey Hills and especially of Hascombe. I was in first class fettle all the way home and enjoyed the run from Guildford amazingly. It was moonlight, clear and bright all along the Hog’s Back and right away home.

I came to the Crowthorne hills with a relish and landed at Wokingham at 9.10 without an ache or a pain, and feeling as fresh and strong as when I left in the morning. I had serious intention of going for another little ride after supper, but thought I had better let well alone, this being the longest day’s ride I have ever had. I did not unduly hurry anywhere, and the consequence was I was able to thoroughly enjoy my journey home. I was very thankful to feel so well and fresh from Horsham home, for it was a perfect evening, and lovely moonlight night, and if I had been done up at all, it would have been annoying to have missed enjoying such a lovely time. This was the most successful run to Brighton and back I have had.

135 miles

Thursday September 6

I had a good night and rose quite fresh and feeling better than I have had of a morning for a very long time. I had a nice day for the journey and enjoyed it very much. I did not feel any effects of yesterday’s run, hopefully feeling all the better for it.

24 miles

Friday September 7

Henry, John and Tom went to Marlow and Henley this evening. Tom had my bicycle. After dinner I went round Hurst. I felt more workable today than for a long time past.

8 miles

Saturday September 8

Terry, wanting to go the prize giving at the Butts from 11 to 1, I did the journey and took John with me. It was a very nice bright day, and we enjoyed the round.

Sunday September 9

To Chapel this morning. At 20 past 5, I left for Basingstoke via Swallowfield, and had a good and easy ride there, and a most lovely one home by moonlight. It was full moon and clear, and there was no wind, and the bicycle went easy every way. When I got to the top of Star Hill, I kept on along the Flats and home through Yateley. I very much enjoyed the ride.

40 miles

Monday September 10

A beautiful morning, so I made up my mind for a run to Oxford. I left here a few minutes after 9 and got into Oxford exactly at 12. It was nice and bright and warm, but there was quite a wind from the W, which was against me to Oxford. Entering Wallingford, I came across Mr Scorey and had a word with him. I had a good dinner at my usual place at Oxford. Then a walk round and bought a purse for 1/6. I left Oxford at 1 o’clock and had company nearly to Tetsworth, and through that I got off my road for Aylesbury. However, I took another turning and came to Thame and so to Aylesbury. Here I had an early tea, which I much enjoyed. Had a pretty run to Princes Risborough and to Wycombe. Came home via Loudwater and Cookham. I had a very good run to Oxford, but much better after leaving there, when I had the wind at my back. The best part was from Aylesbury. There I had a good tea, and primed up with that, I bowled along right merrily through the pretty country to Risborough and Wycombe. As I neared Maidenhead, black clouds gathered up and I feared I was in for a wet ride home. However, it did not turn to rain and I had quite a nice ride home via Holyport and Binfield. I got home at ½ past 7 as fresh as when I left in the morning. I felt nothing at all of the journey except being better for it. I had a good supper of ham and stout and then a walk up town. Bertha and the rest went to Eversley to see Mrs Burbidge this afternoon, and they enjoyed the outing.

100 miles

Tuesday September 11

Round Hurst after tea. Did not feel in the least tired following the journey yesterday.

Wednesday September 12

I went the Newbury and Aldermaston run. Left here at 3 and at Newbury at 4.45, and had a very nice ride over. Tea at the usual place, and then a great ride home. I saw Mr Kemp at Newbury. He and his wife and daughter had come up the river from Theale. This was a very nice and easy ride round.

50 miles

Thursday September 13

A pleasant day for the journey and enjoyed it.

24 miles

Friday September 14

Round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

Sunday September 16

Frances and Hilda went yesterday to Mr Underwood’s at Brockham to stay until Monday. Today looking promising, I made up my mind to go over also. I left here at ½ past 9 and had a very pleasant and enjoyable ride over. It was a bit misty to Ash, but from there the sun came out and I had beautiful day. I took off my coat after Ash and then it was plenty warm enough. I arrived at Brockham, which is 31 or 32 miles from here, just at the nick of time, a few minutes before dinner. Had a partridge for dinner, which suited me well. During the afternoon, Mr Underwood and I took a walk round the place and he showed me a good deal of his property and was very communicative respecting it, and how and what he had purchased it for. While we were at tea, it began to rain and I feared I should have a wet ride home. However, after waiting ½ an hour, it cleared off. The sun came out and I had a beautiful evening. Brockham lies higher than Guildford, and it was principally a down grade back, which made it very pleasant going. I very much enjoyed my day out, enjoyed the ride and my time over there. Edward H was there, having come up from Arundel on his bike this morning.

60 miles

Monday September 17

Bertha and I went by the Monday excursion to Hastings. We had a lovely day for it, and got down in good time and comfortably. I had a bathe. After dinner, we went to 100 Mt Pleasant. There was only Margaret at home. George went on a bicycling tour this morning with some friends for a week. Susan was in London, but coming down by the 4 o’clock train. Bertha called upon Mrs Herington, a few doors off, and had an hour there, then we went down to the sea and then to the station to meet Miss Woods. Back again to 100 and had tea, down to the Parade, and so made out our time. The train left punctually at ½ past 7. We had a compartment all to ourselves and a nice ride home, arriving at Wokingham at 10.55. Our carriage, being nearly the last, and stopped at the gate, we waited for the train to pull up, but it went on and took us to Reading where we had a bother to get back, eventually coming home by the luggage at 2 o’clock. This spoilt the whole job, and gave me a bad cold so that…

Wednesday September 19

…I was in bed all day.

Thursday September 20

I did the journey but felt far from being well.

20 miles

Friday September 21

Henry was in bed all day with a bad face. We had quite enough to do, but getting on very well, we did not mind.

Sunday September 23

I went to Chapel twice. It was Harvest Thanksgiving day.

Monday September 24

Bertha fell down stairs and hurt her back.

Tuesday September 25

Round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

Wednesday September 26

John, Tom and I went on bicycles to New Mill tea.

12 miles

Thursday September 27

Had a very wet day for the journey, but I got on very well.

20 miles

Friday September 28

Turned out a nice day after the wet, and the roads are now in good condition. Went round Hurst.

8 miles

Sunday September 30

Had it been a nice day, I was going for a long ride, but the morning looked bad and the day turned out cold and wet.

1900

Monday October 1

Went round Hurst after tea.

8 miles

Wednesday October 3

I had a nice ride his evening. I had an early tea, and then at ½ past 4, I started off for Hindhead. It was very nice afternoon, calm and bright, but a bit chilly. By the time I reached Blackwater, I had got the circulation up and felt nice and warm. It was very pretty and peaceful looking all the way to the Hog’s Back, Puttenham, Shackleford and Milford. A little before reaching the latter place, I had to light up, not because it required a light to see by, for the moon, which was a little more than half, was already well up in the sky and lit up the road better than full moon. So I had moonlight both up and down to Hindhead. It took me exactly the same time to get to the ‘Huts’ as it did last year. I got up very well indeed and had a splendid free wheel down. Very pretty it was coming into Godalming and Guildford. From Guildford home, it was exceedingly cold, so that my feet got quite numbed. It was a lovely night and I very much enjoyed my ride.

68 miles

Thursday October 4

I went the journey on Frances’ machine and had a very wet day. Did not much enjoy it.

20 miles

Sunday October 7

A very nice bright day, but windy. Went to Chapel for the morning service. At ¼ past 5, I started off for a moonlight ride. Was undecided where to go. Started off for Marlow and Henley, but at Knowl Hill, I altered my course and made for Maidenhead, Cookham and Wycombe. The wind helped me to Maidenhead and then dropped to a calm. Here it was light up time.

It was very, very pretty while the light lasted to Maidenhead and then with a full moon, I had a most enchanting ride all the rest of the way. Was never out a prettier night, and the lovely sights I saw would fill pages too innumerable. I may just mention the piece from Maidenhead to Cookham, the Wycombe valley, the entrance into Wycombe, Quarry Woods, the roads and Bath road as being especially prominent in my mind, but as I say, to mention all these pretty sights of this evening ride would take me beyond my time.

The road from Maidenhead to Wooburn was damp and, in places, muddy, but that mattered not. The bicycle went quite as easy and fast as I could pick my way in safety. I came home via Twyford and Hurst. Just as I was crossing the railway bridge on to the Reading road, the old tyre I was riding while mine is at Dunlops for repair, broke. It took me less than 10 minutes to patch it up, and I got home at 9.20, having had one of the happiest and most pleasurable rides of the season.

40 miles

Edward came yesterday, and, of course, stayed with us. He is going to take his mother and sister, who are staying at George Sale’s, back tomorrow.

Monday October 8

Miss Warwick died yesterday and Henry, being his servant, has been somewhat engaged with seeing to her affairs today. At 6, I started off for another moonlight ride, this time going to Marlow and back. It was very pretty, but not so good as last night. Bertha, Frances, Hilda, Eva and Harold went to an entertainment in the Town Hall. Tonight’s ride was very pretty and again I much enjoyed my ride and felt all the better for it.

28 miles

Tuesday October 9

George Woods and Margaret came yesterday and are staying at Mrs Player’s. He, Henry, Tom and John went the Hog’s Back walk and had a splendid summer day.

Wednesday October 10

The day did not look at all promising for a ride, but about 3, the wind dropped and the sun came out, and we had a splendid time from then. I had an early tea and at ½ past 4, I started off for Marlow and Henley, but going along I altered my course and went to Henley first, and found the roads A1. It was a lovely evening and I enjoyed that run to Henley as much as I have ever done. From Henley I went on to Marlow, and that, too, was perfection. I lighted up at the top of the hill leading to Marlow, and walked down it as far as the Public House. Instead of turning home at Marlow, I went on to Little Marlow and Bourne End. Just as I was leaving Marlow, the moon rose right in front of me, and from there home, I had another glorious moonlight ride. From Bourne End, where I had to wait sometime at the station gates, I came through Cookham and Maidenhead, thence by the Bath road and home. How I enjoyed this ride I cannot express, and the many pretty moonlight sights I saw. I arrived home a little after 8, and as Bertha and all the rest were gone to the entertainment in the Hall, I sat down and had my supper by myself and read Our Mutual Friend. This too was very pleasant and so I wound up a good October evening.

38 miles

Thursday October 11

I had, I think, one of the very best days I have ever seen – a perfect autumn day, and I could not help enjoying my journey round Eversley. George Woods, Margaret, Henry, John and Tom came to supper and we had an enjoyable evening.

20 miles

Friday October 12

I was going round Hurst, but at Bill Hill, my lamp failed and I turned back.

4 miles

Sunday October 14

Was a piercingly cold and windy day. I went to Chapel in the morning but did not venture out again. I put mine and Frances’ bicycle in order.

Monday October 15

George Woods and Margaret went back by the 9.55 SWR. After tea, I went for a ride. I should have gone in the afternoon but there was a very strong NW wind on all day, and cold too. By the time I Ieft at 5.15, it had gone down considerably, and as I went somewhat with it to Maidenhead, it suited me. I had a walk down Maidenhead street and back, and home by the same route as I came, via the Bat road. It was exceedingly pretty to Kiln Green, for the day held out to there, and after I lit my lamp, it was pleasant going, for the road was dry and white.

26 miles

Tuesday October 16

At ¼ to 3, John and I left for Windsor via Bracknell and the Park. It was a beautiful afternoon and we had a splendid ride over. At Windsor we had tea, then a walk through the town and Eton, and a splendid ride to Slough and Maidenhead. So as to see the town, we walked through and by the time we reached the top of the hill, It was time to light up. We then had a most enjoyable ride right the way home via Knowl Hill and Ruscombe. I have never been out with John when he has ridden so well. It was just 7 when we arrived home, which, deducting tea time and the walking through the towns, brought it up to 10 or 11 miles the hour travelling. We both very much enjoyed the ride and the time out.

34 miles

Wednesday October 17

At 10 to 3, I left for Guildford. There was quite a wind on which was more against than for over to Ash, but as soon as I reached the Hog’s Back, it was just behind me, and I had a very nice easy ride to Guildford. It was very pleasant to Ash, for it was a pretty afternoon with very fine cloud effects. At Ash, there had been a little rain, but it did not reach to the Back, and from there I saw a small rainbow over Hascombe way. I had tea at Guildford and left at 5.10 and coming back the same way, I had a delicious ride along the Back, and saw it in all the glory of the setting sun. Oh, how beautiful it was and made me feel quite happy and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride out and home, and did not feel the least tired. Young Mr Scorey came up from Rudgwick on his bicycle and put up at Smith’s at Keep Hatch. He came down to see us and stayed to supper.

44 miles

Thursday October 18

It was a bright sunny morning and much I enjoyed it, but the after part of the day came over dull and very cold. I called at Ambarrow House in the morning.

20 miles

Friday October 19

I got on well with the orders, so I took a ride in the afternoon beginning at 3.20 and went to Littlewick and round to Burchett’s Green and home. There was too much wind to make it easy going, but coming back it was very nice and very pretty too in the fading light of the autumn day.

22 miles

Sunday October 21

In spite of a strong N wind, I had a lovely morning out. I left here at 10 and went to Eversley, and left Mr Sparvell a jar of salt and had a glass of sloe gin there, then on to the Monument, and Mattingley, Hook, Greywell, Odiham, Dogmersfield, Pilcot, Elvetham and home. The wind seemed to help me nearly all the way excepting home from Eversley. It was beautiful, bright and sunny and altogether a lovely morning. At Elvetham, a little scud of rain passed over and I had to take shelter for a minute or two. The roads were in splendid order. I don’t know when I have enjoyed a morning ride more than this, everything was so pretty. The acorns kept popping off as I rode over them like fog signals going off. Got home exactly to time, had a nice dinner, a good rest and an early tea, and then at 5, I left for Marlow, and a very, very pretty run I had there and a nice ride home by lamp light. The evening was not dark, and the lamp light up well, and I came home from Marlow in 1 hour 10 minutes, which is good for night riding. I was highly delighted with my day’s run and was so thankful to think I had the courage to turn out, for standing about it was a very cold wind, but riding I felt nothing of it, in fact it was quite warm enough, and a most pleasant time I had.

60 miles

Monday October 22

Called in to see if John was going for a ride, but he had arranged to go on bicycle with Sam Walden. He wanted me to go with him, but as they were starting at 11 o’clock and proposed getting home at 6, and only going to do 40 miles, I did not think it worth spending a day over. So I came up and did a good morning’s work instead. I went home at ½ past 12 and had an early dinner, changed my clothes and was off at 1.20 for Dorking. It was a comparatively dull morning and a cold N wind blowing, but about dinner time, the wind dropped a little and the clouds dispersed and the sun came out gloriously, and I started off in high spirits and good weather, and instead of the weather getting worse, it kept on improving all the afternoon. The roads were perfection. I had a N wind at my back to Ash and got there in just a few minutes over the hour. It was easy enough along the Hog’s Back, although the wind did not assist me there. I got to Guildford in 1.37 and from there to Dorking, I had a never to be forgotten ride. The sun shone from my right back and light up the autumn foliage of the valleys and the rising light of the woods on the sunny hills. I was in splendid fettle and bowled along at a right merry pace, arriving at Dorking exactly at 4 o’clock. Had tea at the usual place and was off again for home at ½ past 4. Having got up Westcott Hill, I had a fine downhill ride to Guildford. I timed it just right, the very best part of the afternoon was between Guildford and Dorking, and then I had daylight back to Guildford. It was glorious going to Dorking, and lovely coming back. I returned from Guildford over the same course as I came. I rattled along the Hog’s Back, but from there had to take it steady, for it was a very dark evening.

I got home as the clock struck 8, and no more tired than as if I had just been round Hurst. I never came back fresher from any ride than I did from this. I was thankful all the way for having seized the opportunity of getting out this afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride every bit of the way, nowhere did it go in the least against the grain, and I had this afternoon, if not the best, one of the best rides of the season. I could not have picked a better time than this afternoon for the Guildford and Dorking part of the journey. I astonished myself and marvelled at the ease with which I accomplished this run. I was not tired or sleepy after supper. If I want to think of a pleasant half day run, I can turn back to this.

70 miles

Tuesday October 23

Went round Hurst after tea. Set out the window. We have just had the front painted.

8 miles

Wednesday October 24

There was a fine drizzle on this morning, and was dull and damp looking up to 12 o’clock. It then came over brighter and Henry and I arranged a start for Marlow at 3, and by that time it was very nice and fine, but came over dull again by the time we reached Burchett’s Green, and entering Marlow, it commenced to fine rain again. We had tea at Marlow. Henry rode my bicycle to Marlow, but his own home. We came back via Henley, and soon after leaving Marlow, it rained quite fast, and more or less all the way home. It was very dark, and the roads were black. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the ride. The roads were very scruffy and damp going, and of course coming back in the wet, they were worse. Of course I enjoyed the ride. Henry did too, and did not grumble once about the weather.

33 miles

Thursday October 25

Had a showery day for the journey and got very few orders.

20 miles

Friday October 26

Mr Cole gave an entertainment at the Drill Hall to which I went. He was no better than the previous times I have heard him.

Sunday October 28

It was a very good morning, so I seized the opportunity of a run and went to Mattingley, Hook, Odiham, Dogmersfield, Pilcot, Elvetham and home to dinner. The country looked very pretty, especially when the sun shone on the leaves. Up Heckfield Hill was lovely, and so was the avenue directly after turning for Mattingley. In fact, there were many pretty pieces. I intended going to Burchett’s Green after dinner, but rain came on soon after I got home, and developed into a soaking wet day.

32 miles

1900

Thursday November 1

It rained heavily about 2 o’clock, and I should have been at home in the dry had I not been detained nearly an hour at Mr Sugden’s. Mrs was out and so we talked over affairs and he gave me £1.0.0 off the account. This stop just put me into a very heavy rain coming home.

20 miles

Friday November 2

I went to the Fair in the evening. It is held in a meadow near the old church. There were no other shows of a description beyond the moving picture ones. Henry, John and I went into Ball’s, but it was indifferent. They say Taylor’s was by far the best.

Saturday November 3

Yesterday was fine and so also today, which is a very unusual thing for the Fair.

Sunday November 4

Was cold and wet.

Wednesday November 7

Re packed Mr Jelley’s bottles.

Thursday November 8

A lovely morning for the journey, but the afternoon came over cold and dull. The country is looking very pretty.

20 miles

Sunday November 11

It was a lovely ride I had this morning. I started off at 10 in most glorious weather. The sun shone brightly and there was but little wind until coming home, when it helped me along. I went to Hartley Row, Hook, Wanborough, Odiham, Dogmersfield, Pilcot, Elvetham to the Flats and along them to the turning for Yateley, thence through Sir W Farmer’s ground and home. The foliage was glorious in colours of every shade, from the light green of some of the oaks, to the pale golden yellow of the willow kind. I do not remember seeing the country so rich in colour as it was this morning. The roads were good, except in places where it was damp and muddy. I hurried not, and so enjoyed every bit of the way. The afternoon came over dull, cold and windy, so I stopped indoors. John brought his friend, Mr Frazer, in to see us at tea time. He met him in Australia and stayed to say he used to lodge at Mr Player’s some time ago. To Chapel in the evening and heard a good sermon from Mr Cave.

30 miles

Wednesday November 14

Monday I commenced getting some shelves ready for the front cellar, and finished them today. Besides this, I have had other work to do, so altogether the job did not take more than a day.

Thursday November 15

I had a terrifically wet morning for the journey and did not get home until ½ past 8 with a heavy lot of orders and cash.

20 miles

Sunday November 18

Cold and drizzly so could not go for a run, but went to Chapel instead.

Wednesday November 21

Just before dinner, I went over to Ambarrow House and had a nice ride there and back. After dinner, I went nearly to Burchett’s Green and back. The roads are in excellent condition for the time of year. Edward Herington came as we were having tea, and unexpected. He bicycled from Arundel to Ash, and then trained it here. I was at work in the shop til 9 o’clock.

28 miles

Thursday November 22

Had a beautiful day for the journey, and enjoyed it.

20 miles

Wednesday November 28

Tom and I went by the 8.14 to London. It was a very wet day. We walked from Waterloo to The Strand, where Tom called in at Stanley Gibbons to buy some stamps but was too early. We then took a bus to Ludgate Hill, where at Hope Bros, I bought a blue serge suit for 35/-. We then made our way to The Angel. We had a sausage and off to the Agricultural Hall. We looked over all the stands and the galleries. There was nothing much special to see. We left a little before 3 and took a bus to Victoria, and train to the Palace. It was nigh upon 5 when we got there, so at once, had tea and then a look round. The whole of the exhibits are in the transept and we looked over them all. It was very much finer show than the Stanley. Singers had a splendid exhibit. We had just time enough to do the show without hurry, and catch the 8.20 home. We both enjoyed the day very well indeed. Clyde did not exhibit.

Thursday November 29

Had a dirty and somewhat wet day for the journey, and I did not get home until 8.30. However, I got home fresh enough.

20 miles

1900

Thursday December 6

Had a lot of wet, especially in the evening, and I did not get home again until ½ past 8.

20 miles

Monday December 10

Bertha and I went down to see James by the 5 train. We found him very well and comfortable. We then walked into Reading, and paid Jackson £4.10.11 and bought a Pilot coat for £1.0.0. Took two pictures from Perrin’s around to Wroughton to be framed and came home by the 8 o’clock train.

Thursday December 13

Although not quite fine, the weather was beautifully mild, and I quite enjoyed my journey. The birds were singing like Spring.

20 miles

Friday December 14

Had my New Year’s cards from Gotelees.

Sunday December 16

Was a beautiful day like summer. The sun shone, the birds sang, the air was balmy and so I had a little ride this morning to Eversley, Yateley and home by the Wellington College, and enjoyed it.

12 miles

Wednesday December 19

I got all the Xmas boxes ready today. They consisted of a Bristol Cake to each and nothing else except to one or two.

Thursday December 20

Although it was very dirty and wet, I quite enjoyed the journey round Eversley and I got on very well, taking quite as many orders as I could well get into one journey.

20 miles

Saturday December 22

I had a rattling good busy day, was well, and so got on well and enjoyed the work, and didn’t finish until between 10 and 11. Was up a little earlier today and got the cart off betimes, and nothing left behind. Fortunately, it was a fine day. Edward came to spend Xmas with us.

Tuesday December 25 – Xmas Day

Wet and warm. I spent nearly the whole of my time writing letters to include with my own New Years cards. Had a game of whist in the evening.

Wednesday December 26

Was a bright warm summer day, but very dirty and muddy. Again I spent the day at letter writing, and about finished them off.

Thursday December 27

Had a very windy and wet day for the journey. Nevertheless, I almost enjoyed it and got more orders than I expected.

20 miles

Friday December 28

Frances and Edward went to Arundel.

Sunday December 30

A very wet day. I did not go out this morning because I wanted to finish off a few letters and get my cards all ready for posting tomorrow. I finished the job, and to my satisfaction. Went to Chapel in the evening, but there were but few out, and no wonder seeing how it rained.

Monday December 31

Did the booking and posted off the New Years cards. We all – all up at the shop – Tom and Lousie, and Bertha, Hilda and I, went to the Watch Night service at the Lecture Room to hear the old counting out and welcome the new in. I have never been to one of those midnight meetings before, but this being an unique occasion occurring only once in a hundred years, I thought I should like to celebrate the event by joining the others in watching the passing of a century.

It was a very windy day, a gale blowing from the NE all day, but it died down at sunset, and the evening was calm and quite mild, and moonlight. Willie Walden and I walked as far as the new Church after our service and heard the bells of several churches ringing. As the down SER came in at 12.15, a quantity of fog signals were exploded and again it started off.

As I cast my mind back over the past year, I cannot help thinking it has been a very good one to me. We have all had good health, and Bertha seems a great deal better at the end of the year than at the beginning. Had it not been for a few attacks of indigestion, I should have had a record year so far as health goes. With the exception of Mrs Sale’s death at the beginning of the year, we have had nothing serious to trouble us. Business, I suppose, has been about the same as usual. It always seems that the expenses must be far greater than the meagre profits, but somehow or other, there is money at the bank and cash in the box, so even in business there has been less worry this year than for many past. There have been several, I may say many, very happy days in this the last year of the century. There were those happy days of rejoicing over the relief of the several beleaguered towns in South Africa, such as Ladysmith, Kimberley, Mafeking etc. I think that this year, too, I have enjoyed bicycling more than ever. With my new Clyde with long cranks and high gears and free wheel, I have never once been tired or distressed. Every journey has been easy, and I have had a lot of very nice ones. I have never been further in a day than during this year, nor have ever done so much in one week, and I have every cause for great thankfulness, for I feel more ready and fit for the coming year than I did for this. It has been a very bad year indeed so far as the weather is concerned, that is for enjoyment, nearly the whole of the year, and I cannot help thinking how fortunate I have been to get so much enjoyment out of it, and to be able to get out so when the good days came. I can honestly, truly and sincerely say, as I look back over the last year of the century, that the hand of the Lord has been upon me for good, and blessed be His holy name. Amen.