The A44, running from Oxford to Aberystwyth, possesses a most unusual attraction. So much so it took the attention of over twenty GOC members recently – from Wales, Transpennine and `just down the road`.

Stockton Bury gardens in North Herefordshire was created by two gay men over fifty years ago. In the course of their mellowing horticulture, detectorists uncovered a Roman coin hoard - leaving us to  discover a treasure trove of risque homoerotica.

With the rare chance of buying fresh coffee at 10.30 on a Sunday morning, we were soon led up the Stockton Ride to variety of soon-to-sprout field crops, glorious hill views, and stiles which came alive under one's feet. Being June 1st, a quick flash of rain was ordered.

Visited by some lovely docile cows during lunch we headed south for Kimbolton`s church Spire..Here many opted to visit these lush gardens with the County's largest Monkey Puzzle Tree and the grotto's quirky artefacts (spotted quicker by some than by others). Potting sheds, queries about Nasturtiums and peculiar statues were followed by the sweetest cakes imaginable. Our explorers found themselves last to leave the building - super-friendly catering ladies seemingly enjoying the first day of Pride month as much as we did.. Many thanks to John W for a well-planned and beautifully executed visit