18th January 2006

Hello Wayfarers and friends

After a most miserable start yesterday, by the time we reached Shepperton Greeno Centre improvement was evident and what finally emerged was reported to be the warmest January day (54ºF) in years.. More than 50 of us were present at elevenses (that's some club) including Ron in his 100th year and we welcomed back Frank C and Ron P from their long trip to Oz and NZ and were pleased to see Bernard back among our ranks.

Bernard had responded: Thanks a lot for your message, it's wonderful to have Wayfarers good wishes. The funeral was last Thursday, 300 people in church, 160 here at our house for the wake. It brought home to me just what a loved person she was. I've attached her photo taken on Xmas Day only 48 hours before she died. Best regards Bernard

Vic led 'A' group of twelve at pace via Chertsey and Lyne into Berkshire for a splendid lunch at Woodside, returning through Windsor Great Park and Egham back to Chertsey, where Brian, having punctured, was unable to continue reporting. A taxi to Addlestone bike shop for a new tyre and tube soon got him going again.

Terry reports: I led Gill, Judy, Bernard (is there much washing-up?), Cliff (hope your check-up is OK and you can EAT again), Franks C (welcome back) and H, Johns M and directionally challenged S, Les and Norman, from Shepperton through Chertsey to Lyne. (Les had thoughtfully had the B group puncture before 11's so we weren't delayed during the ride). We went to Ottershaw via the lanes then used the cycle-track alongside the A320 to McLarens roundabout where we turned left into Martyrs Lane. Left again onto the A245 to Sheerwater where we turned off the road for a few hundred yards along the canal towpath, through West Byfleet to the pub with almost no beer aka The Anchor at Pyrford Lock. We had a pleasant break in the conservatory, then through Wisley village and over the A3 via the footbridge, across Wisley airfield then via Cobham to Seymour's at Stoke d'Abernon for refreshments. John M had left us by now to face the challenge of Bookham Common, after the break Gill left to explore Fairmile Lane, the rest of us set off for Leatherhead, where we split up for the final legs home. A pleasant days' ride and company, any rain had fallen by 11am and I guess most people got home in the daylight. Terry

Weather mild and overcast, 'C' group left Shepperton via Laleham, Staines, Egham Hythe, Thorpe Lea, Thorpe and all points west for Thorpe Green and The Rose and Crown just like my last lead on December 30th. Anyhow it's a good pub so why not? We had a good turnout with Lynda, Beryl, John, Dave, Bill, Roger, Harold, Ron, Dennis and the chap with the recumbent (Ed Campbell?). (I really must get everyone's names!). The sun came out and it got pretty spring-like but it was only temporary and soon got overcast again. We came back to Shepperton the quick way, via Chertsey where I managed to lead everyone the wrong way up Guildford Street not remembering it is now one way. We were lucky to avoid the odd raspberry from approaching traffic. Nine of us enjoyed tea back at Shepperton and as I made my lone way home I saw one of the other groups en route for Shepperton. Cheers Albert

From Claygate next week, I shall be leading our annual urban 'A' group ride downstream to Hammersmith, so a mud loving bike would be a good idea. See you then.

Olleh Brian