Alford 27-03-02024

Meeting up at Louth’s Leisure Centre were Martin Wood, Steve Croton, John Rickett, Tim Newbery and Paul Linder. Martin needed to be back in Louth about 1 pm and with Paul nursing a damaged tyre, a decision was made for a run out to Alford. That would at least allow for a fine return with the strong and gusty wind helping us back to Louth. Back too before the rain and showers were scheduled to set in.

 

Paul would lead the group through Little Cawthorpe and Muckton and for a change, up to Meagram Top, today’s highest point at 58 m. Partly cloudy skies allowed some welcome sunshine and we’d get to meet a few other cyclists and horse riders also enjoying a day out. Amazing to see how quickly the fields of oil seed rape were turning a distinctive shade of yellow.

 

Greenfield Lane and Tothby Lane would lead us into Alford where a decision was needed as to which establishment to take refreshment. Paul kindly volunteered to pop into the vegetarian and vegan bistro ‘Soul Foods’ to check with ‘chef’ Wendy to see if there was enough room for the five of us. This is one of Paul’s favourite restaurants and I’m not surprised as we were made very welcome by Wendy and Poppy and enjoyed some fine fayre including Kentish Rarebit and an assortment of sandwiches. We’d also get to meet town character John.

 

Although Alford is currently going through some quieter times, the town has a long history and was granted a market charter in 1283, which helped its prosperity throughout the Middle Ages.

 

Charter of Edward I to William de Welle

“Know you that we have granted and by this our charter confirmed unto our beloved William de Welle, that he and his heirs shall forever have a market upon Tuesday in each week at his Manor of Alford in Lindsey in the County of Lincoln, and a fair there in each year lasting for three days”.

 

Paul and Steve departed for home whilst John, Martin and Tim would essentially return via the same route, except for a short leg along the Great Eau to Claythorpe. The wind did indeed facilitate a faster than usual return and we duly arrived back into Louth about 1 pm. Perfect timing. Many thanks to all for their company.