I seem to recall that the Afternoon Ride of November 1st started somewhat later than expected for reasons best known to Mark, who did not join us until we reached our destination – Stoke-in-Teignhead. We took a pleasant route through Abbotskerswell and Coffinswell and reached Higher Roccombe Farm just as the light was going. We were all extremely grateful for the lovely food and seemingly endless cups of tea supplied by Michael’s Aunt, Joyce Jones.

When everybody had eaten, Michael sat down at the piano with his Aunt and thus began the Torbay Section’s first rehearsal for Christmas carol singing. It was not of a particularly high quality but we all enjoyed it, and that is what matters after all. Eventually the festivity had to end, so we go back on our bikes, climbed up the hill and made our separate ways home.

(Frances Lofty)