- All aboard the Stagecoach -
Our passage to Harbury involved an initial skirmish in Leamington, finding our way onto the Daventry-bound No. 65 Stagecoach with a double decker on duty in anticipation of extra custom. The Tachbrook turnpike takes us down through Whitnash then there are open roads with occasional windmills, not forgetting a brief encounter with the Fosse Way Roman Road.
- All Saints Parish Church -
The battalion of CAMRA members getting ready to alight told us that we had reached our destination, but the festival wasn't quite open yet so we indulged in a Harbury walkabout. Landmarks include All Saints parish church where we perused the pews and stained glass, plus the Wight School which houses the village library and Biblio's Cafe.
- Festival Advertising -
The festival itself now beckoned, being held at the Village Hall with a suitably prominent banner outside. Nick Turpin seems to be rather well-known in these parts and is greeted enthusiastically upon our entrance. The array of ales here is very impressive for a smaller venue, and among those we initially sampled were the Church Farm Rum & Raisin (probably our favourite), Waen's Chilli Plum Porter and Mrs Simpson's Vanilla Porter although there was allegedly a sighting of some Flying Elephants!
- Much Morris Merriment -
The entertainment continues with the arrival of the Hereburgh Dancers, a local troupe of Morris men and women performing in the Cotswold tradition complete with sticks, bells and handkerchiefs. We are treated to an energetic performance of the Upton on Severn Stick Dance (Nick got rather too excited about the prospect of whacking people with twigs), and in between times there was more beer to be had. Russian Rouble and Warwick Old Ale featured, plus Mr Turpin allegedly grappled with a voluptuous blonde, although that might just be a vicious rumour...
- The Old New Inn -
We left the festival just after 3pm in order to see what Harbury's handful of local pubs had to offer. The Old New Inn delivered Great Expectations, the Gamecock was hosting a hog roast in the beer garden and the Shakespeare put its beams to good use for displaying the Bard's tavern-themed quotations.
- Jephson Gardens Glasshouse -
After that it was back onto our 65 Stagecoach for our connection to Leamington where we savoured the genteel surroundings of the Jephson Gardens. The park brings together Victorian elegance with more recent developments such as the Glasshouse, home to many tropical plants.
- Spare-time Slaying -
Jephson Gardens also feature some intriguing examples of carved sculptures, from acorns and hedgehogs to docile-looking dragons. Nick Turpin got himself right into the jaws of the situation before leading us on an "exciting walk" alongside the River Leam to Newbold Comyn Park, setting for a leisure centre, golf course and the Newbold Comyn Arms pub.
- Cricketers Conclusion -
The day is concluded with a closing half in the Cricketers, a homely sidestreet local opposite Victoria Park bowling greens. There are cricketing references throughout, including a WG Grace-inspired pub sign while the toilets are labelled 'Maidens' and 'Lords' - a certain Mr Beardsmore would surely approve of this place. A Chiltern carriage from Leamington Spa Station completes the job, and another excellent excursion to the wilds of Warwickshire is successfully filed away!
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