14th December 2005

Hello Wayfarers and friends.

Another pleasant day for our Leatherhead elevenses, with several of our seniors making a welcome appearance.

From Leatherhead Terry led 'B' group of Gill, Cliff, John M, Les, Ken and Norman south along the cycle-track until we could turn right off it to press forward over Pressforward Bridge (as we did last week with leader Cliff en route to Betchworth). We could see the A group pulling away from us in the distance. We then crossed the dual carriageway and continued along the Old London Road through Mickleham, rejoining the cycle-track at Burford Bridge to Pixham Lane. Over the A25 and along the cycle-track to the entry to Betchworth Park Golf Course. Were those the tyre tracks of the A group we could see ? Emerging at Brockham we turned right, forked left past the church and continued to the south end of Betchworth. A few spots of rain along this stretch, but nothing to worry about, in fact the sun was still shining. Past Wonham Manor (plenty of deer grazing), up Trumpet Hill then the descent of Flanchford Road and on to Leigh. We then turned left onto Smalls Hill Road to lunch at The Fox Revived at Norwood Hill. (Apparently it was once called The Fox - did it close then re-open?). After a delicious lunch in the conservatory we set off about 1.30 returning via Parkgate, Shellwood Road, left at Gadbrook crossroads then right down nostalgic Roothill. Tilehurst Lane led us to Punchbowl Lane - then for Cliff, Norman and myself next stop was Denbies. Others chose to carry on home, Cliff and I sampled the cakes - Norman was saving himself for Christmas! It was distinctly cooler when we left, but I didn't have far to go then, arriving home before dark. Terry

Meanwhile, the aforementioned 'A' group, fifteen strong and led by Bob, took a similar route, but riverside from Brockham to Betchworth and going east before Leigh to skirt south of Reigate and follow the cycleway via Meadvale to a festive lunch in The Swan in Redhill town centre. Graham led a Kingston-bound group home via Walton Heath whilst the main bunch went to Fanny's Farm before dispersing. Just the sort of short ride we needed at this time of the year.

John C. led today from Leatherhead Day Centre. There were 10 of us altogether. Beryl, Bernard, Dennis, Phil, Bill, Gerry (back from his travels in Thailand), Ron, Harold and myself. We passed Tom on our way out. Where was Albert? - Cobham, maybe? We passed Mill Pond; lower road to the Anchor Inn, left then right, then left - (I'll have to read a map next time for the names) towards Polesden Lacey. We continued passed Phoenice Farm down the long, very steep hill to Westhumble station. The sandwich brigade stopped here; and the rest of us turned in to The Stepping Stones pub. We got there a few minutes before the kitchen opened; but this turned out to be a good thing, as we were served within 10 minutes, then lots of party-people came in and all tables were soon filled. We returned along the cycle path towards Leatherhead. I would like to report, that the cygnets Terry informed us about earlier on in the year, are looking very large, (as big as Mum), fit and healthy . Ah! We got to the Day Centre, where they were due to have a 'tea party' with school children singing carols. This went on in the dining-room, so we had a peaceful and very informative tea stop. Subject, being bikes stolen and how we can try to avoid it. (Funny thing was, when I got home I had a phone call from a Councillor, who asked if I wanted anything looked into. Well, I went on about bikes being cut free when padlocked, and gave various suggestions on how I thought this could be minimized. Will he do anything about it? - I'll let you know). Anyway, after tea we made out way home, and I was pleased to be going through Nonsuch Park in the day-light and arrived at Cannons at 3.45pm. Bye for now, Lynda PS: Don't forget {would we?} 'Bell Meal' people - tomorrow (Thursday, 7pm for 7.30pm).

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our pre-Christmas elevenses at Walton next Wednesday.

Olleh Brian