January saw our anniversary walk - yes 11 years since our first walk when Heather and Rodney floated the idea of "Sunday Socials" and back then on 6th Jan 2002 H&R had led 22 Fen folk on our first walk from the Mermaid at Surfleet.

A similar route was taken last Sunday when 18 set off from the Ship Inn at Surfleet Seas End (11 years ago the Ship was a black timber building that refused to open as our halfway house) and set off along the banks of the River Glen heading towards Surfleet. Spalding golf course was soon reached but fortunately the golfers did not prove too much of a distraction to the trekkers! Snowdrops were spotted in a woodland area not far from the bridge at Surfleet.

The Mermaid was offering Adnams Broadside (their regular beer), Abbot Reserve, and a first for Fenland folk, Austendyke Long Lane (4%), this being the latest brewery in the Fenland area and located at Spalding and which received favourable comments. The Wyld Wood (7.3%) still cider was not sampled apparently.

Heather then gave out some breaking news in that the Crown Inn, next door, had Jennings Cockle Warmer (4.2%) on handpump. This prompted a gradual, if hasty, migration, all in the interests of scientific surveys of course. The Crown Inn is a little gem and has recently undergone some tasteful refurbishment and landlady Zara informed us that the real ale choice changes weekly. The grand piano which used to have pride of place on the mezzanine floor is now located in the restaurant (not sure if there is a resident pianist). There is however a resident ghost, Lana, a girl who was tragically killed by a stagecoach and whose parents and siblings had died of smallpox. Zara assured us that Lana is a most friendly ghost.

Reluctantly coats were donned and the coal fire left and the walkers headed for the Riverside Hotel, but not before several folk had popped into Saint Laurence church with its leaning tower (6' 4.25" out of perpendicular), 15C font and impressive stained glass windows. The Riverside also attracted a few folk, again in the cause of data collection, where the ubiquitous Bombardier, Abbot, and Ruddles prevailed.

The final leg saw the exhausted crew back at the Ship where more local ale was on offer - 8 Sail Windmill Bitter and Merry Miller - both downed with some relish to accompany the tasty lunches. A further Lincs brew, Pride of Fulstow, having just gone off. Chairman Nigel proposed a toast to Heather and Rodney and wished Rodney the very best; Fenland folk heartily concurred.