'A' Group cultural tour taking in Bedfont and Eton - Neil W.

 The Pheasantry Bushy Park was our start point, with Dave Ward, Brian, Patrick, Dave B and Janice backmarking (thx). Conditions were cool, with a headwind, and after lunch chilly, but otherwise good. Riding towards Heathrow there is so much grey urban sprawl, so our brief stops in Bedfont stood out and were eye-openers to remarkable local histories and culture. First was Fairholme Estate, just before St Mary's Church Bedfont. Fairholme almshouses were built at the bequest of Elizabeth Jane Jones. From 1932, 72 fine dwellings were built in Art & Craft style. This picture of a central feature suggests its worth a visit next year when colours are full. 

A few days earlier I sent a note to the church to say we would be calling by to view the topiary of the two peacocks and the medieval interior.  

A warden had openned up the church and welcomed us in, we saw the murals dated to 1220-1240, the early norman arch, and heard that yes the church continued its ties with the travelling community, but as to which chest tomb was for 'John Stanley, King of the Gypsies' that eluded all of us.  

We rode a new path through to Wraysbury, the group took unilateral action so that the muddy section along the Colne was not an option, mysteriously we lost Dave W for a while, and  joined up again thanks to mobile phones. We took in the aroma of the Colne, and ruled out any association with Eau de Cologne. The name Colne is reckonned to be pre-Celtic, but its meaning has been lost over the millenia. 

We skirted Slough thru parkland - and no punctures for us this time!

At Eton College we viewed the King of Siam's garden, what is the garden's statue I asked? Someone guessed something from Shakespeare . .  Perseus with the head of Medusa .
Poor Medusa, an innocent victim of her times by todays standards. In Manhatten this year a fine 2 metre statue was installed near the Criminal Court close to where "me too" offenses were prosecuted. The statue was done in 2008, the Italian artist had asked the question 'What would it look like if Medusa had overcome Perseus'? By 2020 it had become iconic.  Follow the pigeon.. 

Lunch at the Watermans was a welcome break from the cold, and was fine.
Starting for the return leg seemed the coldest part of the ride. We were properly warmed up by the top of Tite Hill, from Staines Bridge we saw the Colne joining the Thames, at Walton spotted the 3rd Swan sign which we had been looking out for, and those who cafe'd at dIsH nr Hampton Court bridge could enjoy some of the best cake of all our venues. Thanks to Ged for a particularly interesting route, and to Simon for extra backup.