Great Shefford Bridge

[Harry Palmer]

Hi

The bridge was opened up to alternate one way traffic, controlled by traffic lights, last Friday. Further repairs are needed, not sure what yet, village rumour control is in overdive, can’t be bothered to keep up with latest version.

However, there’s a three ton weight limit, so still a bit ‘iffy’ for the 1150’s and fully kitted out GSA’s.

But at last there’s the sound of happy Bikers passing through the village, one of the sounds of summer. Enjoy

Harry

 

[pint7x]

This is one of my favourite biking roads - Hungerford to Wantage - but watch out for plod with hairdryers in Shefford in the 30 zone.

 

[pint7x]

I just read the other Great Shefford thread and I was looking forward to replying, only to find it had been closed. Oh well - this'll do.

For many years (up until 2001) I used to commute (by car) through Great Shefford (from Great Bedwyn to Aylesbury) and I used to see this arsehole at the bottom of hungerford hill with his video camera. I understand this was Mr Bailey, who was campaigning for an extension of the 30 speed limit, which he did eventually get.

Am I right in saying he didn't pay for his house, but just "occupied" it and inherited a right to live there after a number of years? Anyway, I used to wave at him as I came through, usually with one finger, sometimes with two, and I used to change down to 2nd gear so as to let the revs rise for Mr Bailey's appreciation.

BUT - I always kept to the 30 speed limit within the zone, increasing to 40 once over the bridge and about 200 yards down the road.

Anyway, whenever I pass through now, I always give Mr. Bailey a friendly toot to say hello. Having said that, he isn't the only village idiot. Another strong contender lives in Riverway by the name of Mr. Watkins.

 

[SALTY BALLS]

I just read the other Great Shefford thread and I was looking forward to replying, only to find it had been closed. Oh well - this'll do.

For many years (up until 2001) I used to commute (by car) through Great Shefford (from Great Bedwyn to Aylesbury) and I used to see this arsehole at the bottom of hungerford hill with his video camera. I understand this was Mr Bailey, who was campaigning for an extension of the 30 speed limit, which he did eventually get.

Am I right in saying he didn't pay for his house, but just "occupied" it and inherited a right to live there after a number of years? Anyway, I used to wave at him as I came through, usually with one finger, sometimes with two, and I used to change down to 2nd gear so as to let the revs rise for Mr Bailey's appreciation.

BUT - I always kept to the 30 speed limit within the zone, increasing to 40 once over the bridge and about 200 yards down the road.

Anyway, whenever I pass through now, I always give Mr. Bailey a friendly toot to say hello. Having said that, he isn't the only village idiot. Another strong contender lives in Riverway by the name of Mr. Watkins.

pint7x I am begining to like you a lot

 

[Harry Palmer]

Hi Pint 7x

Sorry about closing the previous thread, pressed the wrong button

The saga of the Bridge has been quite enlightening with aspects of village life.

Mr Bailey, I still think its best to ignore him, we all do, but feel free to toot etc.

Heard something similar about his house, but only a very, very faint distant rumour so can’t really comment further.

The camera saga, apparently/allegedly he won the camera in a competition, it was the top of the range, all singing and dancing, the dog nuts of all video cameras.
Anyway, as you state he used it to video the traffic until one day he popped back indoors to put the kettle on for a nice cup of tea and some rotten s#d pinched the camera in that short time, just leaving him the tripod. Opps, oh dear, couldn’t happen to a nicer chap. ( did I really just say that )

My earlier thread alluded to the importance/influence of the local traffic action group ( STAG ) , wrong, how very wrong, sorry guys , I’ll stand corrected.

Thanks for the heads up re Riverway, that’ll explain a lot.

However, you’re right to take a bit care and continue your manner/style through the village. Lets just say, no names, no pack drill, the occasional presence of ‘hair dryers’ is not a coincidence.

As you say it’s a great biking road , glad it’s back on line .