Saffron Waldon reflections….

Well, that was the week that was! Short week due to our weekend at Cambridge, so we hit the ground running with our hosts Monday morning. Straight to the no. 1 Rolls Royce dealer in UK PA Woods to pick up some new wheels, however ran into a problem with finance as we didn’t have a loose £250,000 in change. DG John from D9700, I thought you would have had that arranged! Not to worry, I settled for the Vespa step-through & Shane A managed 2 Bentley's as he said - bit cramped though!

Started Tuesday in an energetic mood with a jolly jog around Whittleford and surrounding villages before returning to punch out some exercises in the backyard, only to whip lovable 13 yo ‘Henry’ the Labrador into a barking frenzy which all the neighbours were suitably impressed about. Clearly, Henry isn’t used to seeing Richard doing anything too energetic!

The trip to the Duxford air museum was awesome. My favourite was the Blackbird SR71A, fastest and highest flying manned jet aeroplane – EVER! Developed by USAF as a recognizance craft and flown from 1963, reached heights of 85,000 ft and speeds of 2100 mph (3500kph). Very impressive to say the least!

That was followed by one of the highlights of the trip – punting on the Cam whilst sipping (or guzzling PIMS) under the able stewardship of Andrew the punter who struggled to get a word in each ways with Frank (Francis) barely drawing a breath! Nice work Andrew and many thanks. I did have a crack at the title (punting that is), only to be retired after repeat warnings from the Conservation Society for taking out trees and riverbank!

A fine feast at Wimpole Hall on Wed following the fascinating & eye opening tour of the Johnson Mathey Catalyst factory. This blogsite is PG rated, so can’t go into too many details & get people too whipped up. I decided to get an alternate perspective of Wimpole Hall from the rest of the team, from a largely horizontal position under the shade of a Lime tree in the front yard, to chew my cud and allow the rich agricultural produce recently consumed to digest – my favourite hall!

A great Rally on the Wed night and I unleashed a new Banjo Paterson number – The Man from Ironbark – to a healthy reception. These English are really starting to discover what real culture is all about, although it is a slow process!

Following our vocational visits on Thursday we rounded off the week with an outstanding day in Newmarket. Once again, we fell just short of slush funds to purchase one of Shiek Mohammed’s thoroughbreds, or even a service for that matter, so settled for a most salubrious afternoon at the track. Whilst Julia Gulia jumped from the barriers with an impressive win we all ultimately donated some funds to the Jockey Club. It was on this day that I met one of the best blokes I have met. The sprightly 84 yo and very recently retired Douglas (Doug) Sopey was a gentlemen and a likeable larrikin. Despite the 45 odd year difference I shared a few beers and laughs with Doug (as we all did), and felt as though we had been mates for life. You’re a good man Doug – and once again sorry about the misplaced bet, however I will try to track down those Kiama relatives - French if I recall?

Full of social lubricant and bad manners I was carried back home where Mary had prepared a feast to conquer all feasts! Once again, I assumed BBQ chef duties on one of these little coal fired BBQ’s that the POMS like to use (because they think gas is cheating!). All worked out well with a great night had by all.

Oh, I failed to mention my role playing as Mrs Mary Luckes accompanying Richard to the annual Hertfordshire Law Society Dinner at Hatfield House. Despite initial reservations about being in a room full of lawyers and concerns that Richard may get a little amorous after a few reds, the medieval banquet with accompanying medieval entertaining was second to none. I had the little pinky finger working overtime as I sipped the lovely Sangouvase wine providing quite informed commentary (having been partly educated by our resident expert – Gulia!).

Finally, many thanks to the many members of the Rotary Clubs of Saffron Waldon, South Cambridge, Cambridge, Royston, Letchworth, Newmarket, and Sawston for a most enjoyable week and your wonderful friendship and hospitality. Importantly, my Saffron Walden family Richard & Mary Luckes – you were brilliant, thankyou!

A quick hello to my two boys – Jacob and Riley – hey cowboys – love you so much (Dad).

Shane W aka YT.