Report for Easy Riders - 31st August

Prize fruit cake, unexploded ordnance and an ancient fish trap

Our scheduled meet up at King's Centre in Chessington had to move as it was closed for the day; instead we went to Molesey Boat Club, a favourite stop by the river. Along the way, we met Brian, who returned with us to coffee.

Discussion over coffee resulted in consensus to stay near the river and 12 headed via Bushy Park, Teddington and Twickers to the London Apprentice at Isleworth for lunch. We were pleased to find tables together on the lovely terrace by the Thames and enjoyed our meal. We learned that Don had an unexpected talent, having won first prize for his fruit cake, plus 2nd for a geranium, at the local fair the previous weekend; we're still waiting for you to share your recipe, Don!

As we were departing, friendly Niall of the Ealing Friday Riders stopped by to tell us that we'd been sitting over an unexploded WWII bomb in the river below the pub terrace; and also to point us towards the remnant of an Anglo Saxon era fish trap which was poking above the end of the beach at low tide!

Some of our group peeled off back towards Kingston, the rest of us cycled across Syon Park and via Brentford to Kew Bridge, along the river to Mortlake and then to Richmond Park. Peter and I stopped for tea at Pen Ponds, while everyone else headed for home.

~ Helen

Don's Fruit Cake - the recipe:

A very pleasant ride to Isleworth today, thanks to Helen. the highlight of the day was, of course, the viewing of the Anglo-Saxon fish trap in the Thames.

During lunch I was pestered mercilessly for my prize winning Fruit Cake recipe, How people found out about it, I have absolutely no idea. So here it is.

Best wishes

Don

 

Fruit Cake Recipe

12oz mixed fruit

4oz margarine

6oz soft dark brown sugar

6oz self raising flour

2 eggs

Pinch of mixed spice 

Nuts or cherries to decorate

Put fruit into a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. 

Drain and put into a clean bowl.

While hot, add cut up margarine and remaining ingredients, mix well. 

Put mixture into a lined and greased 2lb cake tin.

Bake at 300° F, 150° C, gas mark 2, for 60 to 75 minutes, test with a skewer after 50 minutes.