Dino Dung

Many’s the time we have cycled across Trumpington Meadows oblivious to the dinosaur dung. Yes, really. Coprolite is the fossilised faeces of animals that lived millions of years ago and it was mined here in Cambridgeshire for use as fertiliser right up to the First World War. Admittedly, the Trumpington deposits are now thought to comprise mostly other organic material, but there’s plenty of real dinosaur poo elsewhere in the county.

But enough of pre-history, how about something more recent, like Madingley Hall, the picturesque 16th century pile where we pulled up for coffee on Thursday’s ride.

It’s a lovely place but, boy, is the service slow. We must have spent an hour there, though that did include a brief foray into the magnificent walled garden where Gareth took this splendid picture.

Back at Café 19 in Duxford, Ric, top chap, announced it was his birthday and bought us all a beer. We didn’t ask his age but there’s a clue in that 1970s hairstyle.

For the record our peloton comprised: Alan, Andrew, Brian, Gareth, Geoff, Howard, Iain, Jenni, Jeremy, MartinB, Paul, Ric. Rod, Roger and Simon; Victor joining us for lunch.

Thanks again to Ric; that was a big round!

Thanks, also, to Jeremy for planning and leading another splendid outing.

Brian

PS: If fossilised poo is your thing you’ll love this, but maybe not before dinner.