Despite the bitterly cold Easterly blowing in and the snow on the ground 9 hardy souls / foolhardy souls (?) met up at the Royal Oak, Mareham Le Fen for a cobweb clearing canter. After a quick photo shoot by the recently thatched Royal Oak the multilayered troup traipsed off, led by Ivan, across snow covered fields. Footbridges were crossed over dykes and snowdrift holes were not always avoided for the wary wanderer. The male contingent made a detour into the village with its narrow lanes and impressive St Helen's Church, which dates from the 13th and 14th century, and is the oldest building in the village.

On returning to the Royal Oak, with boots and multi layers removed, the walkers supped pints of XB and XXXB, both in excellent form. Tasty large lunches were taken in the low beamed, small, and intimate dining room, complete with its old fire range and grate.

Thanks and toasts were raised to Ivan and Nigel for the walk and Ena for making the lunch arrangements.