As I write this monthly report for the Thames Valley region, I have just returned from a slippery walk in the snow and ice, to collect the Sunday newspaper; every step could have resulted in an embarrassing and potentially painful landing on one's bottom. Snow was everywhere and it seemed everything had grinded to a complete halt. Landing at Heathrow and not being able to make it to the relative safety of the terminal buildings, without a long wait, seemed to sum it all up. I can only hope that as we progress into 2011, that the weather will warm up. However, at the time of writing, it was predicted that the cold weather will persist into February, so as you read this report, we could be in the same situation; I do hope not.
Warmer weather is important as we have some nice trips planned to Somerset and Buxton, afforded by Phil and Julie Cripps and Howard and Carol Rose, respectively. They should be great short breaks. I hope you will be able to join us.
A few months ago I was wistfully considering the benefits of a Morgan tour to Salzburg. Well, Brighton Centre are organising a trip there with Angela and Dennis Pike, this year. David Collins recently showed me some photographs of a past trip by Brighton Centre to Germany and Austria, with walks in the mountains next to some beautiful lakes. (I must say I was a little surprised to see Dave doing so much walking.) I think the trip will be superb; please see Brighton Centre for details. I suspect by now they will be all booked up, but you never know.
This month's walk returns to another beautiful stretch of the River Thames, appropriately for us. We cancelled this walk last November, with a change in the weather for the worse and the fact that the main route for us passed by an important Remembrance Day service. This is quite a special walk so well worth us making our return.
We have unfortunately missed a few people on some of our recent walks. A couple of months ago, we held a walk in Ramsbury, that included a visit to a remarkably well preserved mosaic at the remains of a Roman Villa, situated in the grounds of Little Cote house. The start of the walk was in a remote location and it was a cold day, so we did set off quite promptly, after the start time. We didn't expect anyone else to join us but unfortunately others did come shortly after we had left. I would like to apologise for this, it was a shame to miss you. In future we will wait a little longer, as we normally do, but if you do think you are coming please let me know and we will wait for you; many thanks. As is often ironically the case, mobile phone signals on the day are not good, as sadly happened with my network.