Although the forecast for the day was dismal it seems Ivan had arranged for just a few spots of rain and once the Fenland cats had been herded under the Ship Inn sign for the photograph at Billinghay the team of 15 (no subs) was led off by Captain Ivan.

The terrain was mainly minor roads and grass tracks and was most suitable for the soggy weather. After passing the Moggy Motel we halted at the crossroads where Ivan pointed out houses and areas where his ancestors and he himself was born. The halfway house was the Coach and Horses, on the edge of the village, where a warm welcome awaited from the locals along with tasty pints of Springhead Fallen Angel (4.5%). The Fallen Angel did in fact soon fall and was soon replaced by another Springhead beer, Left Lion (4%). On offer also was Doom Bar.

Reluctantly coats were retrieved and the short walk back the Ship ensured there was plenty of time to sample Everards Cathedral (5%) and XB before sitting down for a very tasty lunch in the dining room. A vote of thanks was given to Ivan for organising the walk and lunches at such short notice.