Twenty-two members gathered for Christmas lunch at The White Horse pub in Ditchling, all in a celebratory mood. It always strikes me as slightly odd to see Club friends not wearing outdoor gear and ready to brave whatever elements the weather can throw at us. Instead, casual-smart was the preferred garb. Of course, the main difference to meeting at a Club walk was the lack of our beloved hounds.

With some delicious food on offer one can only imagine the chaos were it to be otherwise!

We met in the main bar where seasonal greeting cards and gossip were exchanged as drinks were ordered and enjoyed. Then upon Landlord John’s request, we made our way to the restaurant and found places around the tables set out in a u-shape. Not quite the Arthurian circular arrangement, but fairly egalitarian none the less.

It was good opportunity to chat with neighbours, especially as there was some waiting required between courses. Some members remarked negatively about this, but for me it was a lovely way to while away this winter afternoon. I know that besides our group there was another smaller group in another room in the restaurant, as well as the usual busy Sunday crowd of diners in the main pub. So, because of the pup’s small kitchen, the extended wait was totally predictable. I also understand that new ovens were creating some problems for the chief. That said, I thought the food was very good. Though not qualified to be Lowdown’s food critic (now, there’s an idea), I can report that my slow-roasted duck breast, served with root vegetables, was very tasty. And I understand others greatly enjoyed their lunches - though dear Jill did question the absence of cheese in her Pithivier.

Personally, I never eat anything that I can’t pronounce.

Chairman Brian delivered his seasonal speech - I think that we may share this with his address to his tennis club - trialling new jokes - and announced that the 2015 Walks Trophy was won this year by Russell and Zoe Owen’s hounds - though Russell himself was not present to receive the award - apparently, he was busy planning a trip to Patagonia, or somewhere.

Committee member, Chris, as ever, helped the pub’s waitresses by serving, first deserts and later, coffee. Hon Sec Frankie assisted him in this - neither receiving any tips for this - other than the comment, ’Hurry up,’ by some wag.

It was quite late in the afternoon when proceedings came to a close. It was beginning to get dark outside - so Huguette and John skipped coffee to hit the road for home, understandably wanting to avoid driving too much on the wrong side of our roads, in the pitch-dark.

Frankie heard from several members that it was one of the most enjoyable Christmas ‘get- togethers’ we have yet held. Hear! Hear!