South Bucks Midweek Cycling Newsletter - October 2022

Cafe & Pub News

Richard Dunn reminded me that CuriosiTEA which was at the Old School Community Hub, Ivinghoe until the trustees refused renewal of their lease despite a petition signed by 2,700 people, has relocated to Pitstone Memorial Hall by the playing fields. I can't vouch for the gluten free cake that Richard likes, but it is good to know that the cafe lives on.

Hector recently led a ride with 11's at The Spotted Dog in Flamstead. There used to be nice little cafe there before it closed and changed hands. Hector reported that there were only two pieces of cake left to share between three! There could have been ugly scenes with a larger group! It would be useful stop, but maybe worth a phone call beforehand. Hector had better luck at the Red Lion, Marsworth where the landlord is a keen cyclist and was very welcoming.

We weren't so lucky at the Bull & Butcher in Ludgershall. It was serving food earlier in the summer but now Wednesday lunchtimes are "Drinks only". We were "Saved by the bell" though; The Bell in Chearsley!

The Cart Shed cafe in Preston Crowmarsh has closed recently. Apparently the same team are behind The Ox Shed cafe in Wallingford OX10 9QF so I will give that a try sometime.

Did you know that there is a Facebook page dedicated to Cycle Coffee and Cake Stops? Click on the link below to see the Cycling Cafe Map. We probably know most of the ones in our area but it can be useful in unfamiliar territory. If you spot any missing ones you can submit them via their Facebook page.

Cycling Cafe Map

Cilla Gosnell 6 July 1935 - 12th September 2022

The funeral of Cilla Gosnell took place at the Chilterns Crematorium on Tuesday 11th October. Dozens of her South Bucks cycling friends were present to say farewell to Cilla who was a founder of the South Bucks Midweek group and tireless organiser of many events and holidays. Cilla leaves John, her husband of 63 years, children Alison, Peter and David and her grandchildren. Our condolences go to John and all her family at this sad time. John David gave this eulogy to Cilla which was much appreciated by friends and family.

"Like Cilla, I'm a lifelong cyclist. I like to think that I’m speaking on behalf of the tens, hundreds, possibly thousands of cyclists who have benefitted from Cilla's efforts for them over the past 40 years.

Cilla was already declared Britain's national champion cycle tourist in the 1970s. She went on to be a great innovator of events for cyclists, She played a major role in the Golden Beeches weekends, to which people came from over the country, and overseas, to enjoy our Chiltern lanes. She invariably designed the routes of many rides, sought out and often booked venues for elevenses and lunches and was always back at the HQ serving behind the counter, having baked and prepared much of the food.

She was the instigator of winter indoor picnics. She booked the village hall venues, arranged helpers, and transported food, notably her super soup. She was the prime organiser of our annual holidays. She spent weeks beforehand working out rides in such remote counties as Lincolnshire, digging out refreshment venues and often booking our stops in the most rural areas.

But her most lasting innovation are the Midweek rides, these days enjoyed weekly by 80 or so riders from all over our area. She started them in the 1970s, planning the routes and keeping attendances. She led many of them in the early days, and thereby hangs a tale.

Cilla was not Speedy Gonzales on a bike, (she wasn't the right build) neither did she have a loud voice. At the start, if you missed her "We're setting off" you had to ride like blazes after her, because she'd gone off at a heck of a rate, pounding her big top gear.

My wife Wendy called Cilla "a one off". She was. We're so grateful for what she accomplished in her quiet, modest, way. Rest In Peace wonder woman Cilla, you've earned it."