An EFOG week ( or so) in February
We EFOGers pack a lot into a week or so …. even in the winter wetness and threats of cold …. bless the science of woolly hats and layers.
EFOG members visiting Temple PlaceOur walk to and across the “wild woods and heath” of Woolwich on the 15th February proved to be one of those days which brightened as it aged, starting grey and 'glowery' but evolving into a lovely afternoon which ended just in time for Ken to see the rugby. The day before, those going to see the magnificent 'Cotton To Gold' Exhibition in Temple Place also managed to get in a rain-free walk along the Embankment.
A week later – despite the forecast – it was a dry enough morning for Marian and her “team” to re-plant a lot of primroses – hopefully well away from the disturbance when the dear old hall - which is our weekly meeting place - is demolished and rebuilt. The work gang were bolstered by Fozi's gift of cakes to keep us going.
Rescuing the Primroses from grounds of the soon-to-be-rebuilt ROVSCO hallAnd that night? Wow! As I drove through the sleet to Copped Hall near Epping I wondered just how many others would be mad enough to go on Peter's evening walk. Not to worry – the gods were with us – or at least the elements. By the time we started the sleet had travelled on and we had a great (if rather squelchy in parts) forest walk, under a clear sky with bright stars and a beautiful sickle moon. A lucky few even managed to spot some deer.
That fish and chip supper, next to the huge log fire in the hall helped, of course – and the company of friends as well as friendly strangers.
The night walk, prior to a fish-and-chip supper at Copped HallIn the last week or so we've also celebrated St. Valentine's Day. It wasn't just an excuse to eat – honest – but eats there were – and sweets. We had the chance to win heart shaped kibbles if we were were winners in the Valentine Quiz and buy Sue's delicious giant cup cakes or heart shaped flower arrangements - in aid of charity.
A week later, we welcomed the start of the Chinese Year Of The Ram. People brought a wide variety of appropriate flavoured' nibbles to sample under large Chinese lanterns and other decorations – everything from garlic flavoured peanuts (how do they do that when they're still in their shells) to lychee and lime jelly or mandarin choc stix. Other snacks involved quite a bit of guess work – were those little orange sweets really prunes? Meanwhile we listened to Chinese music and found out, with Jacky's guidance, how much (or little) we matched the personalities of the years in which we were born.
The hall has been a bit chilly of late but we we needed our layers more when 'outdoors' – even though we have been truly lucky with the weather. Well done and thanks to all who organised these events and helped – as well as those who went. Wasn't it fun?
Pam. 25th February 2015