Dedicated to a wonderful Mother Jean Noble 31/5/1929 - 20/8/2007 - may we never take our mothers for granted. - Goodbye Mum


UNITED KINGDOM PAGE 2 APRIL 2008.
For the moment, the following Sovereign Territories form the U.K.
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Some may say America (and this is probably true of the moment) BUT, historically, no other nation has had an effect on the world greater than the United Kingdom, It's language links billions of people. It's laws form a basis for many nations. It once ruled over 25% of the worlds people. Like it or hate it, the British Empire, the largest formal Empire the world has ever known, will never be equalled, unless the dynamics of the world change dramatically. It is responsible for a disproportionate amount of the worlds innovations in all areas of human endeavour. It's people now inhabit the far corners of the globe.


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UK: MARCH 2008 APRIL 2008 | On to SINGAPORE

Monies in Aussie Dollars

Tuesday 1st April 2008. Wigan, United Kingdom (cycles “boxed”)
Approx. k's Average Speed kph Cycling time Hr(s) Min Max speed kph Max temp we recorded °C

We will remain in the United Kingdom until the end of the month. Lee has experimented with a new hair style – I told her she looks like “Yoko Ono” :-)... Actually she looks as beautiful as ever....



We will then fly to Singapore. From here we will commence cycling throughout South East Asia. Our trip is modified for all the reasons stated previously.

Friday 18th April 2008 Cambridge/Kent/London to Wigan, United Kingdom (cycles “boxed” and “shipped” to Singapore)
Approx. k's Average Speed kph Cycling time Hr(s) Min Max speed kph Max temp we recorded °C

With our bikes now shipped to Singapore (We hope) To put it another way, we have paid and await ANY information re-their progress or otherwise. We have confirmed flights leaving on the 28th.. Arriving Singapore on the 29th April 2008.. More about this AFTER we arrive Singapore.

Lee has fulfilled a long time dream of visiting London.. She loved the history, sights and sounds..



We took almost 300 pictures for our future.. A couple we will print here.. Here's Lee at the gates of Buckingham Palace...



The next Picture is my “shipmates” Ronald (Rev) Victor Dorey. He is an old shipmate, that I have not seen for over 40 years... We joined and shared the same mess in 1964. Served on three ships together (Stone frigates).. Before I joined the Aircraft Carrier HMS Hermes and he, HMS Eagle and HMS Ark Royal..



44 of us joined the Royal Navy together and endured one of the most gruelling training programs designed by the Royal Navy at HMS GANGES. Yes, that's Mal aged 15....



About five of my shipmates are dead, three (I think) have not been “found”. There is a re-union each year, I have known about this for about 9 years, however, I have never had the money to attend. I think without “Divine intervention” I will not be able to attend a future re-union:-). Meeting Rev and his lovely wife Carol, has been a true highlight for me! We spent two memorable days together with a 15hr "foot tour" of London.

Lee with a Royal Guardsman...



More Later.....
There is a link to the entire London trip on our main page under “Family and Friends.

Thursday 24th April 2008 United Kingdom (cycles “boxed” and “shipped” to Singapore)
Approx. k's Average Speed kph Cycling time Hr(s) Min Max speed kph Max temp we recorded °C

With our bikes now on their way to Singapore (ETA 25th April 08) we are now eagerly awaiting our reunion with them. This terrible hassle and cost, shipping our bikes would not have been necessary had we chosen a “Green” Airline.
We may not get the opportunity to add to this diary again, whilst in the UK. I want to say a heartfelt thanks to ALL my family and Friends. With whome we toured some old “haunts”.... I cannot put all our photo's here but these couple should give a fair idea...



We had a lovely dinner with family and friends just before we left....



Their incredible support and assistance is impossible to repay. A huge thank you from Mal & Lee

A PLEA: TO ALL CYCLISTS AND SPORTS PEOPLE

AVOID EMIRATES AIRLINES As cyclists we hope you too will vote with your wallet. Do not use Emirates Airlines – and tell them why. See our (and countless others) experience(s) on the warning pages.

BEFORE securing a so called “Cheap Fare”, with ANY airline, check their sporting goods policy. If an Airline is bike friendly, tell them you chose them for this reason. EVEN if you are not taking your bike on that occasion.

SUPPORT TIGER AIRWAYS IN AUSTRALIA and SOUTH EAST ASIA.... And tell them whyeven if you are not taking your bike on that particular flight.

EXPOSE other airlines that do not support cyclists and “Green Activities” in general (E.G. Surfboards, Golf etc..). The more cyclists, sporting people and advocates of a “greener” lifestyle, make their voices known; the more we and our children will be able to exercise their “rite of passage” just like you can/did/want to.

BACK | On to Singapore 2008


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