Old Possums's Cats 4 Skimbleshanks Traditional Cache
The Odyssians: This cache has been stolen. We can not replace it at present. Thanks for all the visitors.
Old Possums's Cats 4 Skimbleshanks
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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Part of a small series around what was formerly Blackhorse, Vinney
and Dibden Farms in Downend/Mangotsfield, Bristol.
The cache is a small clip lock box with log, pencil and small
swaps.
On the Bristol to Bath Railway path. Access from Charnhill
Crescent, Mangotsfield (footpath and steps) or Lower Station Road,
Staple Hill (cycle path entrance). Wheelchair users will need a
buddy to retrieve the cache.
Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat is a poem by
T S Eliot in the collection Old Possum's
Book of Practical Cats.
The poem begins...
There's a whisper down the line at
11.39
When the Night Mail's ready to depart,
Saying 'Skimble where is Skimble has he gone to hunt the
thimble?
We must find him or the train can't start.'
Some interesting old photos of the railway line which ran close by
can be found here
The cache lies within the area once part of the Rodway Hill estate.
The Cave family, who ran the farms which used to be in this area
were the largest landowners. Memorials to members of the family are
in St James the Great church in Mangotsfield, and in Christ Church,
Downend.
Many changes came to the village with the opening of the
collieries. Transport links with both Bath and Bristol led to an
influx of working families into the area.
When the coal working stopped, the pennant stone quarries closed,
the station closed (in the 1960's) the area became a dormitory area
for Bristol. The chocolate manufacturer, once found in Carson's
Road see here also closed in the 1960's.
The farms, which were sold in 1920's to the tenant farmers, were
later broken up and sold, to become the various housing estates
seen today.
Whilst in the area you might enjoy the other caches in the area
which are set either close to the cycleway or around the village of
Mangotsfield.
You are looking for a small container with log, pencil and small
swaps.
Well done to TANG0andCACHE for FTF 
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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