Sorry to interrupt the fascinating exploration of AUK's historical allocation of membership numbers but I thought I might turn the thread momentarily towards bikes again - feel free to continue your trip down membership memory lane after this post though.
A Minie Adventure to the Alma
Unfitness and a headwind conspired to mean yet another late arrival for me. I had hoped to intercept the Famous Witham Peloton and marvel at their majestic manouevres but they were long gone by the time I reached my planned interception point. What a sight it must have been with the return of OD alongside Huggy, the Hustler and Doc Brown - almost the classic line up.
The pub itself was heaving with various groups of diners getting in ahead of any further restrictions but they had managed to secure a table and a sample of Black Sheep.
OD was already itching to take the official selfie but wiser heads had prevailed. He was still trying to work his 'phone when Nick Not Nik Nor Nik's Nick Nor Even Nick's Nik arrived looking very pleased with himself. He had covered the 45k from home in record time. His excitement soon turned to trepidation when OD gently reminded him he now faced a 45k ride into a headwind to get home again. We were all secretly impressed with his dedication to the cause.
The Alma is a hospitable pub that looked after EER very well during the dark days of Tier 2, Unlocking A and B and whatever else we have had recently but it offers a limited selection of ales. The only other offering within MEMWNS orthodoxy was Shipyard's Icebreaker. Apparently, however, Gin & Tonic and Jagermeister were also acceptable options. Worse than that, a fellow member of the Quaffers' Choice Committee was one of the heretics. I won't name the Hustler as the guilty party to save him from embarrassment. Once again we were barely quorate with Doc Brown filling in as he continues his apprenticeship. His training seems to have hit a bit of a roadblock (not helped by a few inquorate assemblies). We are all becoming concerned that he just might not be capable of shaking off his professional past. I don't know how much longer we can persevere with someone who still has the expert insight to describe Icebreaker as "edible". It was also given the coveted award.
It has been some time since our TV We Liked in the '70s and '80s with Terrible Impersonations specialist interest group last met so we knew a lively evening was in prospect. Before that treat we had a detailed report presented by Slipper of the Yard on his recent patrols with the Ongar Neighbourhood Watch and Famous People Who Live Nearby Stalkers Society. He now knows what it must have felt like for the citizens of a certain north Essex town felt when they found out Tomsk lived among them. Not only that but he has also managed (unwittingly) to sell his warts and all expose of life in the village to a national newspaper for the princely sum of £0.
I should draw a discreet veil over much of what was discussed by the specialist interest group. TV stars of the '70s have that effect it has to be said. We did find out about one of Huggy's more niche sporting interests which provided great amusement and a chance for OD to audition as Finbarr Saunders.
NNNNNNNENN having departed earlier to tackle his headwind home, I was able to watch the FWP as they formed into their celebrated Closing Time Retreat Formation and sped off into the night. My own struggles were all ahead of me as I ground home. Winter brings its own challenges but the roads are quieter, the skies clearer and the air fresher. Despite 2 degrees on the Garmin and a bit of windchill on top of that, it was a pleasant ride home - which was just as well given how slowly I was going.