Sunday 2nd August 2009

After last week's Van Winkle episode, an early start was a must. Jeff espied my fleeing mass just after Rusper and together we descended into Horsham via Old Holbrook. Three even earlier birds were sampling Salisburys cafe and we waited and waited. Eventually Andy and Ed appeared via Ashstead Park, The Gap and Old Holbrook around 1130 by which time David and Don had flown the nest. Andy brought news of Richard's indisposition and a change of itinerary; he was for The Blue Ship and Holmwood Church to which there were no dissenters.

A hour later l led off on a brief tour of East Sussex southwest through Barns Green then west past Frank Patterson's "cottage" where we tarried. On reaching the A29 our route went north to Sotheby's (now luxurious flats) and west on favourite lanes to the Haven where Bob rejoined. Apart from a detour past Rudgwick's brickworks, we went the familiar route home taking it in turns to lead. The church was reached before four and there we dwelt - words with the vicar were followed by more words and then more words. They'd packed up almost everything by the time we dragged ourselves away around 1745. All in all it had been a most relaxing day.

Author: Anonymous