Five turnouts gathered at Felicity’s home for a 13 mile drive along the quiet country lanes around High Offley, Shebdon and Adbaston. Those taking part were Bryony and Mike Cowie with Red, Ted Orgill and Tony Gregory with Sally, Edith Hockenhull and Mal Simcox with Tally and Felicity Stubbs and Avril Pluck with Amber. Sue and Ian Cole with Sam the Man took a shorter route of six miles which enabled Sam to complete his 200 rally drive miles award.

The weather was overcast, but just right for the ponies who trotted on willingly. As this was the same route we had driven previously we knew what to expect, but nevertheless, the sight of the canal aqueduct, the millpond, the sandstone rock cutting and the lake were still a joy to see.

We arrived at the Star Inn at 1207 hours to no avail – opening hours don’t extend to mid week. We did linger awhile to rest the ponies though.

Once back at Birch Tree Farm we enjoyed a chat, ate our sandwiches and enjoyed our host’s coffee and cake. Many thanks to Felicity and Philip for yet another happy event.