Slight, or should I say considerable confusion on the day of our Christmas invasion of Don and Grace’s hospitality at Dawlish, for no-one seemed certain whether we were expected at lunchtime and if so, with or without our own grub. Most of us had taken food with us, which as it happened was the right thing to have done, and others soon found sustenance in Dawlish to go with the very welcome “cuppa” in the warmth of Hawtreys.

A gentle wander to the Warren after lunch, where unfortunately the amusement arcade was open, but we did eventually drag them all out, and after saying cheerio to Phil Benstead at Starcross, we carried on up to Mamhead Lodge and turned through lanes towards Dawlish Water, heading back to Don and Grace’s for tea.

Enough food to have had a noticeable impact on the Ethiopian famine was soon disappearing down gullets at a remarkable rate, leaving barely enough room for Jelly Babies and Custard – and mince pies. After thanking Don and Grace we headed home in much better weather than last year, but with slight puncture problems.

(Colin Brierly)

[We have been unable to find attendance records for this period, so the attendance list for this event is incomplete]