Upon setting out from East Sussex, the weather really didn’t look too bad. The forecast had promised some showers, but we thought we could be lucky for a dryish walk and barbecue.

The further west we travelled, the gloomier and more threatening became the clouds, and upon driving along the Shoreham bypass the rain started - really started!

Dear Jean was with us, even though she was still recovering from a knee replacement, though rightly, she did not intend to attempt the walk.

We all looked at each other and I’m sure all thought the same thing - poor Jill and Brian. Their annual barbecue is always greatly anticipated and though on the past occasions it has sometimes taken place during very inclement weather, it is not ideal to have damp, steaming, members and hounds lounging about indoors.

We were early to reach the Water Lane car park - the place living up to its name - and waited for other members to arrive. And very stoically they did. Braving the downpour, we began to organise the parking of the new arrivals in this somewhat restricted venue, so as not to inconvenience other users.

Slowly, as we got near to our start time and, almost magically, the downpour subsided to merely a light drizzle. A typical British summer day.

We set out up a steepish incline through the trees which takes us up onto the Downs. As ever, the hounds were eager to get off-lead and chase around. Soon we made the descent on the other side of the brow to meet Jill and Brian who had parked elsewhere. Here we had the opportunity to gather and chat with each other; and the hounds to mingle and play. Brollies were up and dog coats being very much in evidence.

The group then began our usual, though muddier and wetter, route through a large clearing before re-entering the wood.

This gave the hounds a chance to drink and wade at a rather full pond. Those without an aversion to getting soaked thoroughly enjoyed themselves - their owners accepting that they will later have some very wet and smelly canine passengers in their cars.

Climbing, once again, we reached the top of a hill which, in better conditions, gives wonderful views across this part of the Downs, but today we could see little. It is here that we traditionally take our group photograph.

This is a very ‘up and down’ walk - a sort of pedestrian roller coaster - as, once more , we descended, then crossed an open stretch of countryside, before climbing back to the car park.

We were very surprised that Jean had managed to ascend the hill from the car park to meet us. And it was only later, at Brian and Jill's, that some of were aware that she had taken a fall due to the very slippery ground.

(Some days later, and in some pain, she went to hospital after some encouragement from our Sue to learn she had sustained a couple of fractures to her pelvis. Poor thing.)

Anyhow, back at our vehicles, we formed a convoy to drive to our Chairman and Jill’s lovely home at High Salvington.

There, under a dry sky, Brian fired up several barbecues - such is his dexterity - and sausages, chicken goujons, and steaks were brought out and sacrificed. And delicious, they were too.

Members had also supplied wonderful various salads, flans, and rice dishes. There were also some very fine desserts to be enjoyed.

As ever, this was a wonderfully enjoyable event - the rain on the walk only added to its memorability.

Grateful thanks must go to our generous hosts, Jill and Brian, for a brilliant day out with our hounds.