On a hot August afternoon, a group of Book Belles set off on the X 20 for Oxford and ‘Le tour de Jericho’ led by Viv began.

The Worcester Street Carpark was built on the site of the canal basin, historically used as a turning point for barges containing goods such as coal before being filled in during 1951.There is local interest in the canal basin being reopened.

 After crossing the carpark, we quickly found ourselves on a leafy tow path providing welcome shade, with residential barges moored up. The tow path was once busy with horses towing canal boats hence the name. On Tuesday it was busy with Book Belles/ cyclists and runners.

A group photo of the Belles was taken on the Isis Lock Bridge before we continued, noting the impressive tower of St Barnabas across the canal in Jericho.

Once we had crossed the footbridge, it was much quieter and very satisfying to see the streets which pop up in the novel ‘The Book Binder of Jericho’.

We walked past rows of Victorian terraced houses, which were saved from demolition in the 1960’s.

It was great to see the Old Bookbinders Ale House, which if there hadn’t been a quiz night on a Tuesday, we would have sampled their wares.

Just past the Old Bookbinders The impressive St Barnabas church provided welcome respite from the heat.

We were all struck by the size of the church as well as the murals/ decorations and the large iron cross suspended above the nave. Everyone appreciated the opportunity to wander around and just sit and admire.

Next was a gentle walk through the streets of Jericho to Walton Street which is the heart of the area. After walking past the picture house and various independent shops we arrived at St Sepulchre cemetery which was tucked along a quiet lane.

Passing the gate house into this grade 2 cemetery it was easy to appreciate the place where Peggy and the newly disabled Belgian officer would meet.

We made use of the circular wooden seating in the centre to enjoy some peace and quiet – St Sepulchre cemetery was opened in 1850 to provide extra capacity following cholera epidemics -the last burial there was 1945  and it is now a haven for plants , animals and insects ( As well as Book Belles).

We then headed back on to the bohemian Walton Street and walked along to our next destination – an appropriate place for the Book Belles- A pub called ‘Jude the Obscure ‘.

There we sat outside at our reserved table and over dinner and refreshments discussed numerous topics as well as the most recent book club book by William Boyd ‘Gabriels Moon.’

After a brisk walk back we caught the X 20 back to Thame  - I know a number of us had never realised that there was a canal walk to Jericho ( and Port meadow) and it was great walking around the streets between the canal and Walton street with its independent shops, eateries and bars. It’s left me and others  wanting to go back there another time.

Massive Thanks to Viv for all her hard work in planning this trip and providing all the background information.