Holton le Clay 14-02-2024
Wednesday Wander to Holton le Clay 14th February 2024.
Meeting up on a rather grey and cloudy but very mild morning were Tim Newbery, Steve Croton, Paul Linder and John Rickett. Chris Owen had sent his apologies as he had ‘Valentines Day’ duties to perform.
Today a flattish route to Holton le Clay had been prescribed and we hoped the forecast of an hour or so’s rain around midday wouldn’t materialise. Setting off at a brisk pace we were soon pedalling through Brackenborough, Covenham St. Mary and Covenham St. Bartholomew, passing a number of horse riders on the way who exchanged pleasantries.
We were to arrive at Holton le Clay a little ahead of schedule and were shown to our table and ordered a mix of beans and egg on toast and bacon buns. A very pleasant refreshment stop, our departure delayed a little as we hoped that the rain now clearly visible through the windows would soon cease.
There’s a rather fine village sign that depicts WWII aircraft flying over Holton le Clay, a once familiar sight with RAF Grimsby located just a mile or so away. John informed us that the original airfield opened on 12 June, 1933 as Waltham Grange Aerodrome, a small licensed civilian airfield. Tiger Moths and Magisters typically flew from here before the RAF took over the aerodrome in 1940 under the control of Bomber Command. Although officially named as RAF Grimsby, it was known to all those that served there as Waltham.
On our return, the rain which had become heavier near Tetney Lock, finally cleared once we’d circumnavigated our way back to Covenham. The return to Louth saw skies brighten, even a little warm sunshine, temperatures now 13 Degrees Celsius. 34 miles covered by the Louth contingent.