Nine members met at The Farmers under slightly threatening skies, so after donning over-trousers we set off on a scenic route via Lathom, Bickerstaffe (taking note of the windmill!) Aughton, Lydiate, Altcar and Little Crosby. We only had a couple of spots of rain and it was very nice at the Lifeboat Station at Blundellsands. The Iron Men were very impressive and we thought a couple looked even better wearing our section tabards! Great views over to the Wirral and the hills of North Wales.
This is a nice place to visit and have an ice cream. The sculptures by Antony Gormley are now a permanent feature (called ‘Another Place’) and there are 100 of them stretching along 3 kms of the coast.
We then rode just around the corner to Blundellsands Sailing club at Hightown. We were met here by our sailing correspondent, Steve. Steve was sailing a nice little number which looked very much like an LE Velocette. The sailing club has a very nice little clubhouse overlooking the estuary of the Mersey and the River Alt. The sea was well out but the wind was picking up now. After a burger and pint and a look around the bring-and-buy stalls, it was time for the band. This is Steve’s son’s band called ‘The Vice Presidents’, taking a break from their world tour (I think that’s what he said…?)
It was a pity there were only about a dozen people watching, but we really enjoyed it, especially the last number ‘Common People’ by Pulp. At this point someone mentioned a sea shanty so we beat a hasty retreat. I’m sure it was very good but the lure of Rose’s scones and lemon drizzle cake was too much for us. Unfortunately Steve had to pay the ultimate sacrifice and miss-out as he thought the wind was too strong to launch the Velo.
We left, taking another scenic route (a different one to the last). We seemed to be riding faster now as we thought of the scones and hey, there might be millionaire’s shortbead as well! Arriving at Ashcroft Towers, Rose emerged with armfuls of cake but confessed that Mary Berry had a hand in it. We were just tucking into the second plateful, and Terry had noticed some date and walnut cake when rain stopped play and we had to squeeze into the woodwork shop (where was Alan when we needed a demonstration?…..) Anyway after some more cake the sun came out again and it was time to disperse.
Dave A.