From Brian Nixon: You will know that Bill Stead passed away last Thursday, in Charing Cross hospital. The funeral service takes place lunchtime 13.20 next Monday 21Aug06 Putney Vale Crematorium. It was 5th April that we last enjoyed Bill's company. A card of condolence was signed by all present at Shepperton and sent to sons John and Brian and family, via Bill's home.
From Bob Lees: Thanks for newsletter. Sorry to read of the passing of dear Bill. Please pass on my condolences to his family. I have wonderful memories of years past cycling in his company and his intimate knowledge of short cuts to the tea- room!
From Ed Fox: Please pass this on. Cabot Football Club here in Vermont USA extend their deepest condolences to the family of Bill Stead. His son John is a life member of our club, good friend, and a true midfielder.
From Pete Barnard: I was very sorry to hear about Bill Stead. He and my parents were great friends and I can remember him back to my days in the Family Section. If his funeral hasn't happened by the time I get back (last weekend of August) please let me know the details and I'd hope to attend. Otherwise I'd appreciate you signing any card for me. On a lighter note, I'm rather abashed that 'B' group appear to be exceeding our humble efforts, after they followed us all the way along the tow path (Curzon Bridge was where we turned off). Perhaps our wanderings in the afternoon may have put us a nose in front. I'll have to try harder next time!
I have not received newsletters for the past month or two, and wonder if I have somehow become eliminated from your list. I do enjoy reading them.
Keep well. Deanna (nothing personal, Deanna).
'A' Group report from Frank C: With a planned route for lunch at Ickenham, I had a group of 12 enquiring where's Ickenham, the group consisted of Angie, Vic, Pete M, Brian, Tony, Julian, Graham, Grant, David, Ed and Ray D.
Leaving Shepperton fairly sharp riding dead north we negotiated the M3 via the over head circular cycle route via Littleton, Feltham Hill, East Bedfont past the Feltham Young Offenders Institution (none of us qualified) along a very wigerly cycle path to cross the Staines Road. Along Hatton Road to Hatton Cross. Here we used the very new and excellent Eastern Perimeter cycle path to cross the A4 into Harlington, along Sipson Lane following the recommended cycle route over the Grand Union at Yiewsley along Royal Lane and Vine Lane, Hillingdon. Negotiating a cross bar gate we went off tarmac for 10 minutes to cross the A40 via the cycle bridge near Swakeleys Roundabout. From here it was just a short ride to The Tichenham Inn, a Wetherspoon in the village of Ickenham where we lunched outside, and there were still 12 of us, so who did well then?
We returned via Long Lane to pick up the cycle path along the A40 past RAF Northolt. It was along this path that we helped a cyclist who rode into a deep unseen depression and head butted a concrete post, he was dazed, but assured us he was OK. From here it was Yeading, Lady Margaret Road, Dormers Wells, Windmill Lane, Gillette Corner, Old Isleworth and along the Thames towpath, it was here that a few drops of rain fell and Angie was whingeing so much we stopped under the Twickenham road bridge, a good job she did whinge, because it fell down for a few minutes, but we were soon on our way again in sunshine to Richmond Town. Turning into the Park at Richmond gate, where Graham and Vic went their own way, the rest had tea at the Roehampton Gate café. Frank C.
Hi Brian - here's my report: It was an unusually large 'B' Group today. There were fifteen of us - Christine, Stephanie, Judy (it was good to have you back after a long absence due to injuries to BOTH ankles!), Norman, Terry, Les, John, John, Nev, Cliff, Ed N, Robin, David V and Philip (venturing out from C Group), led by me, Gill. Our destination was The Cricketers at Hayley Green.
We set off from the Greeno, making for Chertsey Bridge, thence to Egham via Ferry Lane (Laleham Golf Course) and Thorpe. A short stint on the A30 brought us to Middle Hill for the climb up to Englefield Green and into Windsor Great Park at Bishopsgate. The Park was looking as gorgeous as ever with its huge trees and beautiful green grass even in areas open to the full sun! We cut across to Duke's Lane and left the Park at Cheapside. Heading towards Ascot the new stand was admired as we skirted the racecourse on the Winkfield Road (A330). Leaving the A330 at North Ascot, we turned on to the B3034, which took us all the way to Hayley Green and a welcome sign directing us to The Cricketers.
Dark clouds loomed while we ate lunch outside in the garden but apart from a few spots of rain it remained fine as we did a loop up through Maiden's Green on a nice country road with several big farms on either side, to come out at Windsor Forest. After a short stretch on the busy B383, we turned off at the major roundabout on to the A332 and re-entered Windsor Great Park at Cranbourne Gate. Dark skies threatened again and this time it started to rain in earnest. We donned waterproofs and cycled on to Bishopsgate, accompanied by the sound of thunder or was it a low plane bound for Heathrow?
By the time we were back in Englefield Green skies had cleared and the sun was blazing down on us. Off with the waterproofs and it was a different day from here on! Speeding down a wet Tite Hill had brakes squealing. We went through Egham to the busy A308 and big puddles along the cycle path. At Staines Bridge we turned on to the towpath and followed the river back to Chertsey Bridge. Here Nev had a puncture unbeknown to the leader. While Cliff and Norman waited for him, the rest of us went on to the appointed tea stop at Shepperton Lock - a lovely spot in the sunshine, with hardly anyone there after the recent rain. From here the group split up and hastened on their various ways home as dark clouds were gathering again. Gill
With Dave leading, Roger, Mark, Harold, Fuzz, Dennis. John, Tom, Lynda, Liz, Helga, Beattie, Ron and yours truly in fine weather (it was not to last!) departed Shepperton en route for the Red Lion at Chobham. We took the old Shepperton road, over Chertsey bridge, then through the town along the cyclepath then a right turn at White Lodge and up Holloway Hill, passing St Peters Hospital, then a left fork to Stonehill Road going right at Gracious Pond Road which continues as Red Lion Road and a welcome pint. There was a slight hold-up just before we reached the pub when we stopped to ensure the safe passage of an eighteen inch viper who was making a rather leisurely crossing of the carriageway with little concern for its likely fate. After a pleasant lunch and after considering the virtues of the alternative return routes for tea at Shepperton Ron decided the least arduous would be up Staple Hill. This proved to be the case although I can remember it was a bit of a flog the last time I tried it. That Spitfire beer has a lot to recommend it! There was only one more tough hill near Fan Court and by this time we were caped up and the rain was really belting down with little let-up before we reached Shepperton for tea. At this point there were still nine of us remaining. On my way home I saw either A or B group returning to Shepperton for their tea. I hope we left them some!!!
regards -------- Albert
Dorking Halls is venue next week for 'A' and 'B' groups whilst 'C' group goes from Molesey Day Centre. Olleh Hub.
From Bob Lees: Thanks for newsletter. Sorry to read of the passing of dear Bill. Please pass on my condolences to his family. I have wonderful memories of years past cycling in his company and his intimate knowledge of short cuts to the tea- room!
From Ed Fox: Please pass this on. Cabot Football Club here in Vermont USA extend their deepest condolences to the family of Bill Stead. His son John is a life member of our club, good friend, and a true midfielder.
From Pete Barnard: I was very sorry to hear about Bill Stead. He and my parents were great friends and I can remember him back to my days in the Family Section. If his funeral hasn't happened by the time I get back (last weekend of August) please let me know the details and I'd hope to attend. Otherwise I'd appreciate you signing any card for me. On a lighter note, I'm rather abashed that 'B' group appear to be exceeding our humble efforts, after they followed us all the way along the tow path (Curzon Bridge was where we turned off). Perhaps our wanderings in the afternoon may have put us a nose in front. I'll have to try harder next time!
I have not received newsletters for the past month or two, and wonder if I have somehow become eliminated from your list. I do enjoy reading them.
Keep well. Deanna (nothing personal, Deanna).
'A' Group report from Frank C: With a planned route for lunch at Ickenham, I had a group of 12 enquiring where's Ickenham, the group consisted of Angie, Vic, Pete M, Brian, Tony, Julian, Graham, Grant, David, Ed and Ray D.
Leaving Shepperton fairly sharp riding dead north we negotiated the M3 via the over head circular cycle route via Littleton, Feltham Hill, East Bedfont past the Feltham Young Offenders Institution (none of us qualified) along a very wigerly cycle path to cross the Staines Road. Along Hatton Road to Hatton Cross. Here we used the very new and excellent Eastern Perimeter cycle path to cross the A4 into Harlington, along Sipson Lane following the recommended cycle route over the Grand Union at Yiewsley along Royal Lane and Vine Lane, Hillingdon. Negotiating a cross bar gate we went off tarmac for 10 minutes to cross the A40 via the cycle bridge near Swakeleys Roundabout. From here it was just a short ride to The Tichenham Inn, a Wetherspoon in the village of Ickenham where we lunched outside, and there were still 12 of us, so who did well then?
We returned via Long Lane to pick up the cycle path along the A40 past RAF Northolt. It was along this path that we helped a cyclist who rode into a deep unseen depression and head butted a concrete post, he was dazed, but assured us he was OK. From here it was Yeading, Lady Margaret Road, Dormers Wells, Windmill Lane, Gillette Corner, Old Isleworth and along the Thames towpath, it was here that a few drops of rain fell and Angie was whingeing so much we stopped under the Twickenham road bridge, a good job she did whinge, because it fell down for a few minutes, but we were soon on our way again in sunshine to Richmond Town. Turning into the Park at Richmond gate, where Graham and Vic went their own way, the rest had tea at the Roehampton Gate café. Frank C.
Hi Brian - here's my report: It was an unusually large 'B' Group today. There were fifteen of us - Christine, Stephanie, Judy (it was good to have you back after a long absence due to injuries to BOTH ankles!), Norman, Terry, Les, John, John, Nev, Cliff, Ed N, Robin, David V and Philip (venturing out from C Group), led by me, Gill. Our destination was The Cricketers at Hayley Green.
We set off from the Greeno, making for Chertsey Bridge, thence to Egham via Ferry Lane (Laleham Golf Course) and Thorpe. A short stint on the A30 brought us to Middle Hill for the climb up to Englefield Green and into Windsor Great Park at Bishopsgate. The Park was looking as gorgeous as ever with its huge trees and beautiful green grass even in areas open to the full sun! We cut across to Duke's Lane and left the Park at Cheapside. Heading towards Ascot the new stand was admired as we skirted the racecourse on the Winkfield Road (A330). Leaving the A330 at North Ascot, we turned on to the B3034, which took us all the way to Hayley Green and a welcome sign directing us to The Cricketers.
Dark clouds loomed while we ate lunch outside in the garden but apart from a few spots of rain it remained fine as we did a loop up through Maiden's Green on a nice country road with several big farms on either side, to come out at Windsor Forest. After a short stretch on the busy B383, we turned off at the major roundabout on to the A332 and re-entered Windsor Great Park at Cranbourne Gate. Dark skies threatened again and this time it started to rain in earnest. We donned waterproofs and cycled on to Bishopsgate, accompanied by the sound of thunder or was it a low plane bound for Heathrow?
By the time we were back in Englefield Green skies had cleared and the sun was blazing down on us. Off with the waterproofs and it was a different day from here on! Speeding down a wet Tite Hill had brakes squealing. We went through Egham to the busy A308 and big puddles along the cycle path. At Staines Bridge we turned on to the towpath and followed the river back to Chertsey Bridge. Here Nev had a puncture unbeknown to the leader. While Cliff and Norman waited for him, the rest of us went on to the appointed tea stop at Shepperton Lock - a lovely spot in the sunshine, with hardly anyone there after the recent rain. From here the group split up and hastened on their various ways home as dark clouds were gathering again. Gill
With Dave leading, Roger, Mark, Harold, Fuzz, Dennis. John, Tom, Lynda, Liz, Helga, Beattie, Ron and yours truly in fine weather (it was not to last!) departed Shepperton en route for the Red Lion at Chobham. We took the old Shepperton road, over Chertsey bridge, then through the town along the cyclepath then a right turn at White Lodge and up Holloway Hill, passing St Peters Hospital, then a left fork to Stonehill Road going right at Gracious Pond Road which continues as Red Lion Road and a welcome pint. There was a slight hold-up just before we reached the pub when we stopped to ensure the safe passage of an eighteen inch viper who was making a rather leisurely crossing of the carriageway with little concern for its likely fate. After a pleasant lunch and after considering the virtues of the alternative return routes for tea at Shepperton Ron decided the least arduous would be up Staple Hill. This proved to be the case although I can remember it was a bit of a flog the last time I tried it. That Spitfire beer has a lot to recommend it! There was only one more tough hill near Fan Court and by this time we were caped up and the rain was really belting down with little let-up before we reached Shepperton for tea. At this point there were still nine of us remaining. On my way home I saw either A or B group returning to Shepperton for their tea. I hope we left them some!!!
regards -------- Albert
Dorking Halls is venue next week for 'A' and 'B' groups whilst 'C' group goes from Molesey Day Centre. Olleh Hub.
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