And so it ends…………

This years’ Fat Ladies seems to have come round ever so quickly, it only seems a few days ago that I was cruising around Dorset with Magic the wiz kid map reader, searching for those well hidden clues and now, in the blink of an eye, I’m heading towards Morrisions Car Park  dressed in a monkey suit, to rendezvous with a penguin, a tigger (with an Eeyore pillion) and other members of Somerset clearly relieved that dressing up for the day was optional.

The weather forecast wasn’t great (now there’s a surprise) but off we jolly well went trotted up to the main meeting point at Bristol’s Cross Hands. Pulling in, we were greeted by a good turnout from the other counties including a few more tiggers, another penguin and a (sexy and I know it) leopard. The brave onsie wearers got a picky all to themselves and after handshakes and hugs we wandered into the hotel for tea & coffee laid on by the club. A chance to catch up over a cuppa is always welcomed by any Scrumpy worth their salt, it’s usually when our best plans are hatched.

Eeyore (who had travelled up from Poole with Kev) was to be raffled off in aid of The Poppy Appeal, although once Kev had come clean and told us that he was a rubbish pillion who didn’t sit still and kept taking his feet off the pegs, none of us wanted to be stuck with taking him home again J The raffle raised £30 for the charity and the lucky winner was?

……..our Sue

As 23 bikes prepared for stands up, the rain prepared to pour down and that’s the way it stayed for the 50 odd mile trip to our destination in, Batsford, Gloucestershire…in fact that’s the way it stayed for the whole time we were there and yep, you’ve guessed it….that’s the way it stayed for the ride back too, but were we put off???….never!!! (well maybe just a little ha ha  ha). Special thoughts to poor ole Alan who almost made it, but his bike had other ideas. Water and electrics just don’t mix.

Once at the falconry centre, the rain eased off enough for them to fly some of the birds for us. Vultures, owls and falcons were put through their paces in a very interesting talk/demonstration of why the birds do what they do & how they do it. Did you know that the term “under the thumb” is a falconry phrase for when a bird is secured to the glove by tucking her tether under your grip and feeding her to keep her happy. The theory is she’ll stay contented and do just as you ask……yeah right! Let me tell you mister, we need flowers, chocolates and the old weekend away too !!!

At the end of the day, Shazza surprised us by giving each of us an individual handcrafted memento of our day, mine is pictured above. The inscription says it all.

It’s all about the company !!!

…what a lovely thing to do Shazza. Thank you and our thanks to Bristol and Glos for a great day.

Roll on April !!!!!!!!!

Linda x