What a difference a walk/month makes ! April's walk from the Red Lion at Bicker was everything that the March walk in the Deepings wasn't. It was breezy, almost hot and thankfully dry. Heather had obtained booklets of the route (a relief to the substitute leader on the day) which showed places of interest around Donington, our destination, and a brief history of the area.

Thankfully leaving the busy A52 the magnificent 7 took the track to Northorpe which wound around agricultural areas before rejoining the main road at Donington and the Church of St Mary and the Holy Rood. This dates from the 14th century and was built by the Knights Templar and whose windows commemorate Matthew Flinders' achievements.

By this time the magic hour of opening time had struck and the 7 (now 8) popped into the Black Bull for XB complete with Black Bull pump clip, XXXB, John Smiths (not sampled) and Grainstore 1050 which supposedly is brewed to the original recipe of Ruddles County of yesteryear. The first half pint pulled of the 1050 had the haziness of a long gone beer, but probably due to residing in the beer line overnight. However subsequent pints were of good quality and quite tasty, although no one was prepared to confirm the authenticity of the "County" claim.

A photo opportunity in Donington's market place showed two old sea dogs posing with Trim the cat, who accompanied Matthew Flinders on his explorations - that is to say we know Trim journeyed but we have no evidence that Tub set sail also!

Back at the Red Lion, Courage Directors and Adnams beers were taken in one of the cosy rooms and a toast was given, and glasses raised, to Heather and Rodney. An excellent carvery lunch was enjoyed washed down with the good condition ales.