Over the hills and far away
Just two old "toughs" on a drizzly day
Pedalling along and ignoring the rains
Through the beautiful, magical, Somerset lanes
Up steep banks and hills to visit each church
When all of a sudden – a sickening lurch!
And where was our Derek, my cycling friend?
Away out of sight, round the previous bend!
Bike off the road with a badly jammed chain.

And then it did seem the Mighty Lord spake…
"If you freewheel to Petherton you'll find tea and cake!"
And thus it was so, for we heeded that call
And leant poor old bike up against the church wall.
And would you believe – for the bit that was bended
Was suddenly healed and miraculously mended!
So off on our way to more churches and chapels
Along the canal past orchards of apples
And back to old Taunton, to make up this rhyme
And ask if you'd like to come with us next time.

Gibby Swain of Cheddon Fitzpaine 2005

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