27th April 2014 Stratford Saunter 36

A trip out to Stratford today through the leafy lanes of Warwickshire. Not a bad day, overcast and a bit windy, but reasonably mild for a change. Going out through Warwick and Barford, Charlecote, Tiddington into Stratford and back through Loxley and Wellesbourne.

Wisteria

Through the village of Tiddington, on the outskirts of Stratford, spotted this town house with a display of Wisteria all over the front.  The largest one of these is in California and covers about an acre and weighs 250 tons! Not bad for a plant that is a member of the pea family.

Birthday Boy

A lot going on in Stratford over this weekend. The 23rd April was the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare's birthday (and the anniversary of his death).  This is the front of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with Will's name up in lights, wishing him happy birthday.

Fireman's Memorial

Near to the river Avon, in the centre of Stratford, is a memorial and tribute to four firefighters who lost their lives in a serious fire that occurred near to Stratford.  On the 2nd November 2007, a large warehouse caught fire in Atherstone on Stour. Four firemen were killed tackling the blaze, Ashley Stephens, Darren Yates-Badley, Ian Reid and John Averis.   This memorial is a tribute to their bravery.

Stratford Marathon

Part of the Shakespeare celebrations is the organising of a Marathon and half marathon around the villages near Stratford, ending in the recreation ground.  The half marathon runners were pouring in whilst I was there.  Not a bad course, I have run the half several times in the early 90s, and found in a good course with the exception of one fairly serious hill leaving Welford. Not a bad day for it today.

A decent ride today, a bit of a slog at times going into the wind. Just a fraction short of 36 miles.