Thursday, January 05, 2006

4th January 2006

Hello Wayfarers and friends and best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2006.

Albert reckons Ron and Harold deserve medals for turning out the last 2005 Wednesday. Hope there are no resulting health problems, particularly with the bare knees! For my part, I felt a cold coming on but the weather was enough to put me off. Us Monday lot are meeting at Tesco at Brooklands (up the escalator) around 10.30. Otherwise hope to see everyone on Wednesday at Cobham. A Happy New Year to you and yours from Albert Happy New Year to all of you from Les and Barbara Johnson

At Cobham yesterday I collected 50 subs - good job I was going home anyway, as I could never have finished my "work" in time to join any of our three groups. We welcome Mike Morley as a recent new member and welcome back Gerry Hulbert (anyone know Gerry's email address or phone number?). Some people present (always the same ones) didn't pay up - I do hate chasing subs - it's not what I joined for! 31 names marked "subs due" to be removed from list if subs still unpaid by 25Jan06.

Pete B reports: Some 19 left Cobham on 'A' ride (including some we welcomed from our split 'B' group). Heading out in dull, overcast, conditions along Plough Lane through Hatchford, Martyr's Green and Ockham before a quick diversion down Back Lane in East Clandon. The climb up Staple Lane to Coombe Bottom quickly sorted out those who had over indulged on the Christmas pud. Near the top we passed the Surrey Hills Brewery, one of the new small brewers in the area. Then a fast decent to Shere before another climb to Burrows Cross and along Hoe Lane to Holmbury. Now down to 18 (Grant having returned home) we were welcomed at the Kings Head. Lunch for most was a tasty baguette or appetizing soup, accompanied (for some) by the excellent product of the aforementioned brewery. (and I missed out - shame - Brian) Replenished, we were preparing to leave when Graham realized he had acquired the first puncture of the year. Feeling he may be some time he waved us all on and Irene stayed to give him a hand. Jake, Vic and a few others decided to head back the short way via White Down, whilst the remaining 10 set off up Pasture Wood Road, climbing higher and higher into the clouds. By the time we were on the top of Leith Hill visibility was a spooky 50 yards. However it cleared on the decent to Dorking and, on passing Denbies, only Rob felt the need of further refreshment. We continued through the Mickleham Gap with a quick cut through Norbury Park and into Leatherhead. John Scott headed for the train and others went their separate ways and were home in time for tea.

Lynda, who was intended to lead 'B' group, combined with 'C' group in the absence of John G (unwell - gws!) and led thirteen of us out from Cobham up Plough Lane (I haven't recovered from Christmas yet!). We were Harold, Beryl, Dennis, Liz, Cliff, Mike and Mary, new Mike M, Dave and Ron to name most of us. We crossed the main road at The Black Swan and over the A3 to Ripley where nine of us had lunch at The Jovial Sailor the others having dropped off for the Day Centre and the Bakery. The intention was to return to either Cobham or Claygate for tea, so in the event I made a beeline for home via Send Marsh and West Byfleet. It was very overcast but mild and quite a number of cars had lights on at 2pm. Thanks for the coffee Liz. See you next week Albert.

Olleh Brian

No comments: