1901 Cycle Camp Near Wantage

The first camp of the "Association of Cycle Campers" was held near Wantage from 2nd. to 5th. August 1901, and was in every way a success. One of the greatest benefits of such a camp is that those who have little or no experience of camping get useful hints from others who have some knowledge of the art of living under canvas. The Sat. was spent by those members who had arrived on a previous day ride to Dorchester and Abingdon. At the former place the fine old Abbey was, of course, visited. Here is a place where Cynogils, the king of the West Saxons, was Baptised by Birinus, who afterwards had his See here. At Abingdon, lunch was partaken of and then a row on the river. Camp was again reached about four, where stoves were soon alight to boil the water for tea.

After Service on Sunday morning, the Parish Church, which has some remarkably fine brasses, was inspected. The whole camp lunched together, and then a ride was undertaken to see Moat House at Letcombe Regis, the English seat of R. Crocker, Esq., who had very kindly granted permission for the campers to go round the grounds. The house stands on the very spot where that of Alfred the Great also stood, and the moat that now surrounds it is the one that helped the king keep his foes at bay. After the grounds had been seen, a visit was paid to the stables, where over forty of Mr. Crocker's racers are kept. After adjourning to the house, where refreshments were very kindly provided, the party continued their ride to the Blowing Stone and the White Horse, from which a most splendid panoramic view was obtained. Camp was reached again shortly after eight, and preparations for supper were soon commenced, for the breeze on the Downs had made everyone have an enormous appetite.

Monday morning was devoted by members to photographing in the church and rubbing some of the brasses. After this the convent of the Community of St. Mary was visited, which proved most interesting, being one of the institutions founded by Dean Butler. After lunch in company at King Alfred's Head, and a walk through the vicarage grounds, - through the kindness of the vicar, the party broke up, each setting out on his homeward journey. Each one present spoke of looking forward to next year's camps - one of which will be held in Ireland - and before these take place the membership of the Association, which has far exceeded early expectations, will be still further increased, so that more may know of and indulge in the delights of cyclo camping.

From copy kindly supplied by R. Ashman,