It’s not all work and no play for ALRUG members! As well as campaigning hard for our railway line, we also find time for social events such as summer outings and Christmas socials.
Our latest such event was the 2012 Summer Outing, as described by our Secretary, Mike Reddaway.
“Members of the Avocet Line Rail Users Group today [17 June 2012] enjoyed a most pleasant outing to the Fox & Hounds Hotel at Eggesford for a carvery lunch. The train from Exmouth to Exeter St Davids was delayed coming off the branch by an apparently late running train from Waterloo. This caused the estemed Chairman to cancel his planned visit to the cash machine. The group changed trains at Exeter Central for the connecting service to Barnstaple.
The connecting train started at Central, so there were plenty of seats making it a comfortable journey. The run to Eggesford was on time with pleasant weather over the verdant Devon countryside. Entertainment was provided by a young man heading for a fathers’ day visit who had a shave and then proceeded to change clothes and apply deodorant. Well, that’s North Devon for you!
At Eggesford station the group formed an orderly crocodile lead by the Chairman with the Secretary as rear gunner. The few minutes walk to the Hotel was achieved without mishap.
After a drink in the bar, we were ushered in to our reserved table in the dining room It wasn’t crowded. Due to cancellations, thirteen sat down to lunch but a member of staff sat with us for a few seconds to break the superstition. Some of us had starters, several had desserts and all had the carvery. It was very good, though I reckon the carrots could have done with a couple more minutes! A relatively easy arithmetic calculation had the Secretary holding a bundle of cash to pay the bill at the end.
Sadly, after retiring to the bar for coffee or more beer, it started to rain so any intended walks through the forest were forgotten, though several of the group did go for a bit a of stroll before heading to the station. Here we found the shelter to be somewhat lacking in roofing for a large group in light rain.
The train back to Exeter was well loaded, mostly with young people and their luggage. Our group had to scatter to find seats. Arrival at St Davids was on time with but a short wait for connecting trains home.
A very pleasant trip!”
Some pictures of the day can be seen here.
Coming to a social event is a good way to meeting other group members and have a chat with some of those on the Committee. Our next event will be the Christmas Social – hope to see you there!
