Thoroughly miserable with heavy rain from morning until late into the night.I was first to arrive (1045) at the refurbished but almost empty Roehampton Gate cafe soon to be joined by the car-borne Powneys and Squirrels. In dribs and drabs they came, the Beers, Steve and Ann, Frank C, Dave V - too many to recall. By the time Ed arrived the joint was jumping! His merry band had tried offroading beside the Hogsmill only to discover fallen trees and gloopy mud.
I set a noon deadline and soon after a dozen unenthusiastic riders set off in search of puddles. After a blustery Pen Ponds to Ham Cross, we bade farewell to the homebound Paul before plunging down through Ham Gate. This year's route was a mix of new, St Luke's (to please any High Anglicans) and Hawkers (the original site thereof), and old (alma mater, Norbiton station, Woodies, Cuddington church but showing mercy not Royal Avenue).
Just eight (three C&M - Ed, Helene and myself) made to it to lunch where Ed got his priorities right - heat aplenty, then hot drinks, then food. In time we were joined by Maureen, Cliff and later Daniel. As in previous years, Ed's cakes and finger rolls were complemented by Maureen's savouries. As the light faded, we went off in our various ways in search of ever larger puddles.
Naturally the following day was wall to wall sunshine! Below are contributions from the new SWL secretary
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