Members: Mr and Mrs J., Lorna Marsland, Dave Dillon, Roger Dyke, Colin and Norah Maddison, Ken Beetham, Ian and Zelinda Bennett, Iain and Pam McCallum, Paul and Julie Harding (14).

Guests: Chris Marsland, Alison Gilbody, Roisin Maddison, Jess Harding, Eimear Kilcoyne (5).

The day dawned bright and early (especially for one poor soul), but the Johnsons had been warned so didn't 'do a Bennett' and leave their guests at the door.

At the alloted hour the gang, headed by Lorna and son No. 1 (Chris), followed monsieur le guide Rich off on a fine walk of the countryside surrounding the idyllic country residence of Mr and Mrs J.

The first loop of the planned figure of eight walk worked well to meet various groups en route notably Jess Harding on one of her first club meets with Ma and Pa. A stop for tea and cakes at Mr and Mrs J's (See recipies earlier) gave time for more club youngsters to gather i.e. Roisin who came along to give Jess a few tips on surviving these meets. She headed off with Ma and Pa and Roger on the second loop whilst Jess and the girls (Julie H, Julie J and Alison) headed off to more tea in Hayfield. Mr J took the third gang off on a bike ride.

... Paul errived fully wired up to his audible heart rate monitor. Clad in helmet, padded gloves and monitor and in the knowledge that his vital organs were all well protected he suddenly turned into a human projectile regularly diving off his bike: he and the monitor both screaming wildly.

Johnsons bike always attracts 'heavy' ridicule but the DIY additions to Daves bike stole the show. Only a mind like his could fathom the logic of the plastic guttering and front and rear rain water pipes! No body dared ask and as it didn't rain none of us were any the wiser.

Zel just did it and amidst a string of jokes kept us advised of the situation .... "we've done 2.9 miles"...."I'm not very fit you know"...."lets go back the shortest way and get stuck in the tea and cakes"

Ian and Eimear were very efficient - they have been training you know, although I do not think we have yet seen the real benifits of their nocturnal water rat training rides.

Back at home Ian, Pam and Ken joined us for more tea and cakes on the terrace.

Walkers, bikers and climbers welcome. Park on the main road near the Lantern Pike pub in little Hayfield and meet at our house (4 Clouch Lane) at 9:30 am.

We will depart on the first loop of a figure of eight walk at 10 am, returning to our house about 1 o'clock. Those who wish to continue walking can do another loop whilst the Johnsons will meet in the set valley trail car park at 2 pm for a mountain bike ride. everybody is welcome back at our house about 4:30-5:00pm for tea and cakes. (Mucky bikers should bring a change of clothes!)