On 12th December, the u3a Amblers group enjoyed their last 2024 amble which took us through the tunnel to the centre of the race course. The tunnel is now much brighter and longer than I recall it being back in the 1980’s, when I last used it, while working at the course to help televise racing coverage for BBC TV Sport. Notable these days was the display of artwork by local school children entered in a competition last year, some were exceptionally good, all the more so for the age of the artists.
Another notable feature of the race course, which I’d not seen before, was the ‘sliding turf’ which is stowed within the course centre to provide foot and (service/emergency) vehicular access to the central area from the A332 Windsor Road, see photos. Since it’s on rails, could it be described as the “turf train”?
After 4.6 km, we were welcomed by the staff in Fego who arranged tables for us to sit together in our group of 9 for refreshments, the coffee was very nice.
I can definitely see this location and coffee venue being repeated in 2025, as there are several tarmac paths/roads across the course to vary the walked route, as logged in members can see on the route maps below.
I take this opportunity to wish all my Amblers a merry christmas and happy new year and look forward to seeing you all in 2025.
Dave Humphries
Photos provided by Eileen Harris and Dave Humphries.
Logged in members can see convenor contact details.