Walk Report

The unexpected early morning drizzle was still in the air at 9.00 as a record-breaking THIRTY-NINE walkers assembled in Hambleden car park. Duncan wore a Santa hat to reinforce his status as leader. With such a large group he took an unusual step for us and appointed Chris, another Santa hat wearer, to be backmarker.

I'm pleased to say the drizzle cleared quickly and we enjoyed a brisk walk in the winter sunshine, looping round to Marlow Common and returning to Hambleden from Skirmett. We collected Nic on the way, near Hurley Lock – she'd walked from Marlow station to meet us. Did that make FORTY? Or had we started with only 38? Probably only Duncan knows.

Keeping up with tradition plenty of people changed into smarter (well, less muddy) clothes in the car park. At the Village Hall we were met with cups of what I think was hot mulled Ribena; non-alcoholic and fruity anyway. Then it was FOUR different kinds of soup, plenty of bread, a variety of cheeses, and was it FIVE different puddings? Oh, and coffee or tea. And mince pies. And all the while various quizzes to keep us entertained but not so much as to interrupt the chat and the catching up with some old friends. Some people won prizes.

It was a great day.

Words by Tony T, photos by Bill Dunn.

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