1. Twelve London Cats
  2. Annual Southwark Cyclists Boat Race Ride

Twelve London Cats

Report from Ride Leader Jane: 9 Riders set out from London Bridge on this 13 mile ride to see at least 12 London Cats, portrayed in stone, wood, bronze and ‘gold’. Starting in SE1, we didn’t spot Hodge the resident mouser at Southwark Cathedral but made up for it with Dick Whittington and his cat at Guildhall and the original Hodge, Dr Johnson’s ‘Very fine cat’, in Gough Square. On to stops in Bloomsbury and Euston, where HS2 related disruption made finding Captain Flinders and ‘Trim’ very awkward, but we managed it! We marvelled at the splendid Egyptian- inspired felines guarding the entrance to Greater London House at Mornington Crescent (the former Carreras “Black Cat” tobacco factory) then back towards the river via Art Deco cats at Heal’s and The Savoy. We finished up at Myatt’s Fields with a tour of the Minet Estate – named after its 18th century landowner, the word Minet is French for ‘little cat’ and cats are a recurring motif throughout buildings here, including the Little Cat Cafe in the park. Having started out in cold and blustery weather we ended in bright sunshine only 5 minutes later than scheduled.  Many thanks to Jean and John for Back-marker duties.

Southwark Cyclists Boat Race Ride 2023

Photos from John and Jamie

Brief report from Ride Leader Jamie on WhatsApp:

“20 riders set sail from Waterloo Station for the annual SC Boat Race ride today. Coffee stop at Putney, the race start, lunch overlooking Chiswick Bridge, the race finish and tea in the blissful gardens of the Bishops Fulham Palace. We were blessed with sunny weather this year. Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race starts tomorrow at 4pm on BBC 1 [ed. Cambridge won again].”

Comment from Gill: “Thanks Jamie for a briliant ride and lovely day out”

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