This event is always one of the highlights of the year, and once again was very kindly hosted by Rosie in her garden. She always ensures that her garden is in order for the event and this year even painted her house and cleared out her garage in case of rain.

The walk was being led by John N, and many of the walkers gathered ahead of the 10am start time in order to help set up some of the chairs and tables. However while they were out walking (a rather more challenging walk than was anticipated – you’ll have to ask one of the participants!), the rest of Pamela’s team went hard to work putting up a marquee, setting up the barbeques, and draping bunting around the place.

Salads supplied by various members were set out, the BBQ fired up with sausages and burgers sizzling, plus delicious chicken supplied by Rehana. By 1pm most people had arrived and the feast began, with even seconds being available. Those of us who had seen the desserts hiding in the kitchen restricted ourselves to one helping of the main course, so we could pile in to the desserts a bit later – they were delicious. Just as we finished there were a few drops of rain – just enough to make it worth the hard work of putting up the marquee but not enough to dampen the occasion.

62 people attended, and it was great that these included a fair number of new members. Special thanks have to go to Rosie (who as well as supplying the venue did much of the washing up), Pamela & Noel, and Mark and Fran – they all worked so hard. They were greatly helped by Sue H, Doug & Angie, Veronica, Rehana, Janet & Martin and John and Wendy. But as well as these, so many people helped in terms of clearing tables, washing up, helping to put up or put away tables, chairs and marquee that although we can’t say it was light work, it did share the burden.