23rd April 2013 Stratford Stroll

St George's Day today. Should be a national holiday. I celebrated by going out for a 34 mile ride in glorious sunshine, a light breeze, and a course with not many hills in it. Headed for Stratford with my friend Graham.

Statue Stratford

Street art. This is on the new Island at the junction of the A422 Banbury Road and Trinity Way, a new by pass around Stratford. No idea what it is supposed to represent. Graham and I tried to work it out but failed.  Took this picture on the way to the Railway carriage cafe on the Greenway at Stratford. Tea and a big chunk of Victoria Sponge went down very well.
Further info! Thanks to Phil Cooper. This is an Armillary Sphere. The interlocking rings illustrate the circles of the sun, moon and planets as well as signs of the planets. This was first constructed, well not this one, but the original, in the mid 16th century.
Not quite sure of the relevance here although there is a technology park nearby.

Butterfly Farm Stratford

Situated in the entrance to the Recreation Ground this seems to be a popular place with the tourists. Never been myself. I should think the residents in here are glad to look out of the window today and see a bit of sunshine.

Fencing, Charlecote Park

This fencing is around the deer park at Charlecote. It needs to be fairly high, and substantial, to stop them getting onto this quite busy road. I have no idea what this type of fencing is called but it is made from splitting logs, by hand, into the various sizes needed to make the posts and rails. A fairly traditional way of making fences in the midlands, but rarely seen nowadays. My mate Graham in the distance patiently waiting for me.

Best ride of the year so far. Just over 34 miles, perfect weather, not too hilly, very enjoyable. A slight downside is the old knees were playing up by the time we got back.