B Group Jan 14th

The lunch venue for B Group was the Town Wharf at Old Isleworth and a group of 14 of us headed off into the foggy conditions bound for the river at Molesey, with three others who were making their own way home tailing us. The main group comprised Christine, Judy, Liz, Roger, Robin, Eddy, Les, John Scott, Adam, Norman, Godfrey, Nev and Mick. Godfrey had a puncture somewhere along Molesey Road and he said to go on, so we did and we didn't see him again. At Hampton Court we said farewell to Nev and Mick. There were now 11 of us as we cycled along the towpath from Hampton Court to Kingston, then 10 as we lost one more at the Bridge. Staying on the Middlesex side of the river, we went by road to Twickenham, then along by the river, past Marble Hill House, to Richmond Bridge. In the misty conditions, the reflections on the mirror-like surface of the water made a wonderful picture. From here it was a short stretch mostly along paths to The Town Wharf. A table was waiting for us and a warm coal fire (albeit gas) which acted like a magnet when we entered! The food is extremely reasonably priced here. After a somewhat leisurely lunch, we headed back to Richmond Bridge, up Richmond Hill and into Richmond Park. Views on the way up were non-existent due to the fog still hanging around. Taking the cycle path we had a pleasant ride down to Roehampton Gate where 5 of us took tea. The humble tea bag dominated our conversation as we pondered on how long you could keep make one tea bag last - a topic which has been in the papers recently!! As we set off on our homeward journeys, a patch of blue sky was making itself visible - alas, too late! Thanks, Norman, for acting as back-marker. Gill Finlay