Firstly, our thanks to Denise and Ian for this very well organised event. All went as smooth as clockwork, excellent location and lunch. I'm sure members realise that the easier it is for us, the harder you have worked. Thank you.

We traveled to Finchingfield through much of 'old Essex' - Dunmow, Thaxted and numerous small villages. It was noticeable that a good number of the cottages were thatched and with figures integrated on the roof including cats, dogs and even camels!

The Fox is in a lovely setting and a very intimate and warm restaurant. Excellent food and promptly served. The company was pretty good as well.

We had some free time in Finchingfield to 'walk off' the lunch, many of us visiting the Church (built around the same time as our St Mary's Church), the windmill, old houses. The river Pant runs through Finchingfield (never heard of that!). It eventually becomes/joins the Blackwater. The array of ducks present when we arrived had disappeared after our meal (it was noted that a delicious duck paté was on the menu!).

Flooding is a problem and amongst measures taken is the re-introduction of beavers on the nearby Spains Hall estate.

Best wishes, Alan

PS: can you find the hidden Christmas song in the photos, and remember who recorded it. Answers to Webmaster webmail please.

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