A Group 20 May 09

From Greeno to the White Hart, Moneyrow Green

Spring fever and a favourable forecast drew a colourful display of Wayfarers to the Greeno Centre, Shepperton. On arrival, eyes widened to the size of teacups to learn that tea and coffee were to be the gift of an unknown benefactor in a white hat. This largesse (please record it in the Register of Members' Interests) was soon revealed as the gift of Marsupial Mike, shy and retiring as ever, hopping around crutchless (can that be right?) like a kangaroo. He even performed an impromptu can-can, though without the frillies, so far as we know! This immediately brought the house to its feet - to head for the exit. Our thanks to Mike for the caffeine and the cabaret!

Marsupial Mike doing the Kangaroo Hop

The A Group males (with one honorary female in the form of Pam) lined up in echelon to be led off by Pied Piper Ed, toward the river and the hills. This happy, chattering band of innocents included: Brian, Don, Ed, Frank, Jeff, John B, Julian, Mark, Pam, Paul, Pete M, Ray, Toni and Vic. Apologies to those where the photographic memory is a trifle blurred.

Mark the Map has shown the detail of the route below, via Chertsea, Staines, Egham (past Pam's front door), Priest Hill, the maze of WGP, then along roads broad and lanes narrow (virgin territory for me) to the welcoming White Hart at Moneyrow Green, near Holyport. Good fare and VFM for all, with no tongue-lashing from mine hostess for unreconstructed self-service sandwich-eaters.

At the White Hart

Time called by Ed, it was off again to linger awhile outside the Fat Duck, Bray, breathe in the wafting savours and hare off around the corner before our credit cards were remotely debited. Then Dorney, Eton Wick and Datchet with a dash around the reservoirs, to home in again on Shepperton for tea-time, joined soon by a laggardly quartet delayed by lights at Wraysbury. Chit-chat, then ciao and home.

Tea-time back at Shepperton

Many thanks Ed for a most enjoyable ride.

For the record: 74 miles and one bruised hip.

Jeff