Stonehouse Wheelers: A sad goodbye to President, Eric Lewis and Vice President, Bill Adams

SADLY this note has to acknowledge the loss of two of the most respected members in very quick succession.

The President, Eric Lewis, after only a short illness and the Vice President, Bill Adams, suddenly and very unexpectedly.

Both will be very much missed by all for Eric was an early pioneer in the club from around 1952 joining an expanding group when cycling in the early post war years was very much an in thing.

Eric kept up his membership and was still cycling into his eighties but reluctantly having to concede to age in spite of rather wishful thinking to resort to a three wheeler for stability.

His presence and greetings at the tea stops were always an inspiration to younger members.

Bill Adams whilst in his eighties also and certainly still cycling right up to his death, tragically passing on just minutes away from home and that was his last ride, had relations with the Wheelers through his wife Margaret herself a long standing member with the club and was a stalwart in supporting cycling activities on behalf of the club, leading rides and other duties.

Bill was a keen gardener and often members benefited from excess produce.

Both will be hard to replace such legends.

On the lighter side the weather is now definitely on the mend and the recent rides have lead to an airfield visit (only to the cafe at Kemble), a lovely touch of Italy in Gloucester docks, marvellous cakes in Wotton Town Hall (for Charity) and finally venturing near Leyhill but not to be incarcerated, rather tea in Tortworth.

Well attended rides such as these give all a welcome break from the weekly routine and the ride back from Wotton through villages are just memorable.

One village always seems to stick out called Huntingford a really classic sounding village name in many minds.

The Hidden valley was explored, again a beautiful part of local countryside, around Kingscourt.

From the aforementioned a feeling that places of interest to visit need more than just beauty to attract and make a ride enjoyable but also the choice of cafe/refreshment venue is also important so the next few rides spin this around a bit by not relying on any one but the riders by having a picnic.

Two are arranged over the next few weeks along with a strawberry tea at the leaders home and a cream tea at a gardens visit to provide some interest.

Visits to a favourite cake stop (with tea) is the Purton ladies who do a wonderful job of serving refreshments at the Church and never a disappointment.

Well seeing as the sun is shining and the roads are generally keeping dry perhaps the time is also right to get a bit of polish on the bike frame and it should at least stay that way for a short while and if still in the mood after that a drop of oil may also be appropriate.

Well these tasks are always required but that bit of sunshine makes a lot of difference.

Further details about the Stonehouse Wheelers can be obtained from our website at stonehousewheelers.org.uk on Twitter:@SWheelers and teastop.co.uk or from the Secretary on 01453 298759.