West London Garden Suburbs
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March 2008

On 3 March 18 cyclists (including our youngest member sitting in a trailer pulled alternately by Mummy and Daddy) joined Elly, the ride leader, for a tour of the garden suburbs in West London: Bedford Park in Turham Green and Brentham in North Ealing. Both claim to be the first garden suburbs in the country, and this ride provided the participants the opportunity to find out why. Gentle spring sunshine cheered the group during the 40 minute ride to Bedford Park through the back streets of Ealing Common, Acton and Chiswick Park.

Elly changed from ride rider to tourist guide and led the group on a leisurely meander of the area, pointing out the architectural highlights of the houses, designed in the Queen Anne style, and the characteristic features of the garden fences, both of which give the Park its distinctive look. A quick break for coffee was followed by a short cyle ride back into the real world (aka the Uxbridge Road) and lunch in Acton Park. The group were very grateful for the hot food and hospitality found in the café.

An overcast sky and a cold wind greeted us as we started on the return journey to Ealing via North Acton; some were even grateful for a few hills to help them warm up! Once in Brentham Elly again took on the role of tourist ride and pedalled round the estate, describing the philosophy of the Cooperative Movement, the varied architectural styles and unusual street layout found in Brentham. A short ride back to the Town Hall brought a pleasant early spring ride to an end.

Thanks to Elly for leading.