Another day of sunshine. Beddington 1-o-clockers to Merton Abbey Mills, 20 December

Those of us planning a night clubbing (well, Christmas lights at Wakefield Place is as close as it gets at our age) were keen on a short, smart run this afternoon, which was a bit sad because the weather was perfect for Cycling, the low winter sun providing the only meterological hazard, the Wandle wildlife providing a zoological one.

The usual suspects, Ken, Anna, Roger and Sharon, joined Maggie and me for a quick trip through the Beddington Park Industrial Estate, Mitcham Common and Figge's Marsh to Colliers Wood and the M.E.D cafe.  This route was especially chosen not only to dispel any myth that London is not superior to Paris in architecture and ambience, but also to give certain parties the opportunity to complain about the price of the (delicious) pumpkin and ginger cake, and the paper cups.

Home along the Wandle where we encountered swarms of midges that came acrosss in waves and spattered against our rainproofs and got inside our goggles and, for those unwise enough to afford them access, inside our mouths.  A low chlerestorol, low sugar snack, I am told.  Lower than the pumpkin cake.

At the Phipps Bridge folly

Thanks to everyone for their company and for kindly co-operating in our quest to get home and go out for the evening.

In case you wondered, the lights at Wakefield Place were superb.