Fenland

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

January 2018 - Surfleet

Crown Inn, SurfleetShip Inn LoungeCrown Inn Lounge

Eighteen well wrapped up Fen folk set off from the Crown at Surfleet on what is affectionately known as Fenland's Anniversary Walk.

On January 6th 2002, twenty two met up at the Mermaid, Surfleet for our first walk and set off along the River Glen, led by Rodney and Heather. That morning was misty and frosty and, as Rodney pointed out in his report in Pub Mirror, parts of the river were frozen solid.

So 16 years later a similar route was taken along the river, passing snowdrops and related species. Then on by the side of Spalding golf course where a polite quiet halt was called for as golfers struck their balls off the second tee, to arrive at the Ship Inn (the walkers that is, not the balls) where London Pride, Doom Bar and coffee was taken. Heather later urged her charges to depart, along the minor road where some popped into the Riverside to check on the Bombardier and Hobgoblin Gold.

Passing surprisingly early small headed daffodils, the rest hurried on to the Crown Inn with its roaring fire and warm welcome from Zara. The Castle Rock Snow White and the Sharp's Sea Fury were found to be in excellent condition and were downed eagerly. Lunch, with its record breaking number of vegetables (14 /15?), was extremely tasty and Zara and her team were congratulated, and especially for the veggie dish, believed to be the best on any of the walk lunches.

Nigel thanked Heather for organising things and a hearty toast was drunk for Fenland and in remembrance of Rodney.