Storm Bebet (If you work in the Met Office, do you get a chance to name storms after people who have upset you?) was wreaking its havoc and tragedy across the United Kingdom and relatively speaking merely sprinkling those of us in the South East.
Nevertheless we softies had been watching from the kitchen windows and contemplating staying at home. Elizabeth on the BBC Weather had assured us that the storm would have passed by around ten-o-clock but she proved unreliable; noon passed, and then one, and the rain if anything got heavier.
Thing is, we had business to conduct; a discussion on winter start times, and so it came to pass that we left home in what had become a fine drizzle only to arrive in Beddington Park in the dry, much more comfortable than the group of unfortunate youngsters being made to lie with weapons full length and then crawl through the cold wet grass by some military man.
There was a lethargy about the group which met at the Pavilion and no-one argued with Colin when he suggested a short ride to Flitton's, albeit via a circuitous route; the clouds still looked ominous.
Indeed it was a short and easy ride; Mellows Park, Roundshaw Down, into the privileged maze that constitutes the Webb Estate, going up to the French war memorial and then as the sun came out, making straight for Flitton's in good time before four-o-clock, when the cafe closes.
There we had a meeting which culminated in - wait for it - a vote (who says there is no excitement at Beddington Park Beginners?) before making our way home on what had become a lovely, sunny, autumnal afternoon.
But our timing was perfect; the rain came down with a vengeance once we were indoors enjoying our cuppa.
Thanks to Colin for leading and to everyone else for the company.
....that's better! Photos by Maggie
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