The party consisted of the usual suspects with the notable exception of Thursday Group regular vegetarian Terry who joined us on a trip for the very first time. Doctor Watson was unable to make it because he had a hospital appointment but that was just as well - although his company (and anecdotes) would have been delightful as ever - because the cars were full to capacity. MB and JQ drove. We stopped for coffee somewhere near Ipswich and hit beautiful downtown Aldeburgh two hours after leaving a rather grey Cambridge. The sun shone on the just (as it always does). Fish and chips (the best in East Anglia) in the sunshine on the beach. Michael and Michael had a bad bit of fish but they only told the management a week later when it was obviously too late to make representations. We walked along the beach where only four seagulls (see photograph) prevented the vicar from walking into the sea. Later we headed for Thorpeness and afternoon tea. The talk centred on the merits of traditional "afters" such as rice pudding and jelly, both of which featured prominently at subsequent lunches.
John Quysner, 06/04/2009
