Well Dressings, Tea, Cakes and Ice Cream

A break in the wet and cold weather allowed us to have a very pleasant day in Derbyshire. The trusty 272 took us to Hathersage where we changed mounts and rode off to Tideswell and thence on to Litton.

One of the well dressings at Tideswell was surprising because it featured Lincoln Cathedral ... maybe because this year saw the proper recognition of the efforts of Bomber Command during WW2. Lincoln being the home city of one of the most famous squadrons ... 617, the "Dam Busters".

Remember that the Well Dressing is made mainly of flower petals pressed into a clay base which is supported by a wooden panel.

We did our part to support the efforts of several members of the Womens Institute by eating their cake and having tea. The sun shone on a very green and pleasant land which meant for some sort of celebration ... locally made and excellent ice cream. This latter was consumed in traditional stile ... a lazy wander through the village under verdant trees and whilst appreciating the historic, rustic cottages and flower filled, bursting gardens. Had there been a Brass Band I'm certain that we would have been mindfully singing, "And did those feet in ancient times ..."

Returning to the cottage, we were given a boisterous welcome by the boys who, rightly, expected a handful of treats ... which they got. More tea and conversation and the early evening drew to a close. We haven't got used to it being still light at 9.30 pm ...

Two buses later and we were home for a late but delicious traditional English dinner - shortcrust pastry, beef and kidney pie with proper new potatoes. Note to Ozers: "chats" are not proper new potatotes. Sometimes plain and simple really hits the spot!