28th December 2005

Hello Wayfarers and friends

With 25 or more KPRC members and friends out on a glorious sunny, dry Christmas Eve morning led by Simon and Jen, the change in weather to yesterday's ice and freezing conditions, and resulting low turnout, could not have been more marked. It could also have been assisted by some over-indulgence by one or two of us wimps!

Consequently, from Garson's, 'A' group was down to a Famous Five of Graham, Irene, Pam, Pete M and Vic (after Pete B and Keith Rook went home). Doom-laden forecasts had persuaded the leader to take the easy option. Quite unnecessary as it turned out – it being a perfect day for cycling, if temperatures just above zero C can be enjoyed to the full. So it was up the Mound, over the golf course and down to Hinchley Wood. Next were Giggs Hill Green, Thames Ditton and the cycle-path to Hampton Court Bridge. Long queues formed for the ice rink as we headed along the NCN 4 towpath. From Kingston Bridge and the side of Bushy Park, there was a last right turn into Bushy Park Road and a walk over the railway lines where once a level crossing existed. After passing through the small park opposite, Graham remarked that houses in the area had entertained many servicemen from the nearby wartime US base. Lunch was taken at The Lion, which sports a short and relatively expensive menu. According to our expert, the canned music featured Bukka White, Blind Lemon Jefferson and early Muddy Waters, but Irene found the comfy leather sofa far more to her taste. For some reason, tales of Patagonia were the main topic of conversation. Pete M decided home was best so only four read the sign “Teddington Bridge closed for 3 weeks between 12/12/05 and 23/01/06”! Once over without difficulty, it was onward through Ham, the Tudor estate and the back streets to a tea stop, leaving our leader with no distance at all to get home.

Hi Brian Just to let you all know, six in 'B' group plus leader Ken left Garson's Farm for The Barley Mow in Horsley. Only, after coming away, Ken said he was feeling too cold and thought he had better go home. Hope it isn't a virus. Then Les continued to lead Norman, Liz, Judy, Cliff and myself through Cobham, and onto East Clandon, where we had lunch at The Queens Head. The last stretch of road was quite icy in parts; so we came back via Effingham, Great Bookham to Leatherhead. We all decided to miss a tea-stop and continued home. I clocked 37 miles. A nice, sunny day, and I stayed quite warm with my seven layers on. See you next week, Lynda. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE. Meanwhile, Helga, myself, Cliff and Maureen will be enjoying 4 days in Fort Purbeck, Portsmouth. I hope!

Dear Brian My leadership of the B ride today was unfortunately short lived. Only half a mile after leaving elevenses, I was overcome by the cold and had to call for the Preece sag wagon. I had planned to lunch at West Horsley, but I understand from Norman (who kindly phoned this evening) that the group went to East Clandon. It looks as though it is going to remain cold for some days, perhaps with some more snow. Ken

I suspect that in the prevailing conditions, Tom and 'C' group may have gone straight home from Richmond Park, a sensible move if it was the case.

You'll know by now that 2006 subs will be collected at Cobham next Wednesday 04Jan06 A £5 note secures SWLDA membership (£1), Wayfarers membership (£2) and deposit (£2) on our 01Mar06 annual lunch at Foley Arms Claygate (first 50 members only). New lists will be issued to paid-up members only 01Feb06 at Cobham - you should let me know when you collect your new card if you wish for any of your information to be withheld.

Olleh Brian