A new member's notes on his first few months with the Group...

I joined EFOG in September 2009 after accidentally coming across the website on an internet search for evening classes.

Knew this would be for me - walking, cycling and camping are several of my interests and, as I discovered upon attending subsequent meetings, I wasn't wrong!

September 10th
Quiz night set by Trevor, four teams playing "Battleships" with a twist: if you got the question right you chose another team to hit and described the co-ordinates to possibly sink a ship. Totally good fun, I even answered a question or two correctly. 'Rubber Ducks' came second, but we survived with some of our ships still afloat.

September 19/20
Cycling weekend at Bill and Inger's in Pymoor, Cambs. Truly a superb weekend blessed with two days of unbroken sunshine, very warm welcome from our hosts. Hit the road round the fens taking in a wild life centre on the way. Lunch stop by the river was very relaxing and the conversation lively. Cycling wasn't hard being Cambridge, which is very flat, but allowed us to pick out landmarks along the way. As usual, everyone was on top form with many amusing stories from Duncan and local history from Inger and Bill. In the evening a quiz had been arranged in the cricket club next door to the house and we all had a fine time wrangling with the series of questions followed by some delicious food prepared by Inger.

I'd opted for camping in their back garden which was cosy in my so called two man tent just enough room as it turned out. It was definately "scramble chaps" in the morning as we all indulged in a hearty breakfast courtesy of our ever patient hosts.

Saddled up for Sunday's ride when we headed into the city of Ely with it's impressive cathedral which we had a good look round. Last outpost of Hereward the Wake, he and his followers held out against William the Conquerer for several years before being overwhelmed in 1071. Pedalled on to the finest tea rooms in the county next to the River Great Ouse, a charming spot with the hum of water craft and pleasant riverside walks. After an extremely tasty repast it was on to view a magnificent antiques centre but we had no time to browse, time to burn off some calories on our return ride to Pymooor.
Once returned to the house, it was time to raid the kitchen for Inger's homemade jam famed throughout the folk of EFOG. After making our farewells it was time to return to London. Many thanks to our wonderful hosts Bill and Inger.

September 27
Sunday swimming arranged by our chairman Cliff. We duly arrived at Loughton Pool at 9am and took the plunge, I think we were in double figures but can't be sure. Loughton Pool is quite new and is a fine facility together with a gym upstairs. Seniors like me go free which is an added incentive to make swimming a regular habit. After an hour of swimming and conversation it was time to make a re-fuelling stop at the cafe opposite the pool. It was a fine sunny day so we all elected to sit outside for our breakfast where the conversation continued and we all got to know each other a little better. A very enjoyable morning event very well hosted by Cliff.

January 2 2010
Night out to see 'Mother Goose' at the Greenwich Theatre; good turnout from the EFOG's, even my sixteen year old daughter Holly came along and was given a warm welcome from everyone.
We all enjoyed a very amusing evening and the cast certainly went "over the top" as only panto performers are allowed to do! I'd suggested a noodle bar for supper after the show which went down well with the gang, just over £5 per head. Thanks to Maz for arranging this fun night out.

January 17 2010
The day dawned bright and sunny for the EFOG walk from the George pub in Wanstead to Valentines Park in Ilford, a round trip of over 6 miles going "off-road" using a new stretch of the Roding Valley Way for some of the route. Paul, our guide, made the walk interesting by pointing out natural features along the way. We made a stop for refreshments at the pavillion in Valentines Park and later at the "posh" cafe where we celebrated two birthdays - Paul's and Jill's - with a delicious cake made by Sue U. On the return walk we passed through Wanstead Park and its lakes, where we took another short break before returning to the George public house for a well earned drink and - for some - a very reasonably priced lunch. Many thanks to Jill for suggesting the walk and to Paul for making it a very interesting walk with his background knowledge of the area.

Dave Townsend    24th January 2010