Walk around Cardington

WARMER weather is finally forecasted and what better way to enjoy it than with a countryside stroll?

Sandy Tourist Information Centre’s third guided walk of the summer will be on Sunday, August 19.

Barry Groom from the TIC said: “Cardington is an estate village belonging to the Whitbread family of Southill Park. We will see the picturesque houses, cottages and other historic buildings erected by the estate from the 18th century.

“We will also see the cottages erected by the Whitbread’s kinsman, the famous prison reformer, John Howard, whose delightful house can be found close to the parish church. We will have a guided tour of the interior of this beautiful church, much of which was rebuilt in in 1901 and we will see the magnificent monuments to the Whitbread family and the tattered ensign of the R101 airship.

“Construction of the R101 commenced at the airship sheds at Cardington in 1926. These sheds were known as the Royal Airship Works and we will see these massive buildings from a good vantage point in the village.

“The R101 left Cardington in October 1930 for India carrying passengers and crew together with a number of dignitaries. After losing height over northern France the airship crashed into a hillside at Beauvais. Of the 54 on board, 46 died at the scene while a further two succumbed to their injuries in hospital. This disaster effectively brought to an end any further British involvement in airship development in the 1930s.

“We will visit the cemetery at Cardington and see the impressive grave and memorial to the 48 people killed when the airship crashed on that fateful flight.”

It costs £5 per person. Walkers can meet at Cardington Village Hall opposite the Kings Arms pub at 2.30pm. To book your place call the TIC on 01767 682728 or email [email protected]

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