Ever since we had our first Christmas Lunch ride when the section first began, we have enjoyed the hospitality of Leusdon Lodge guest house, near Spitchwick, delightfully set in the heart of our favourite moorland scenery. In November, the previous owners sold the establishment and we were unable to make arrangements with the new owners in time for this year's event. What we came up with was the Moorland Hotel near Haytor.

The meals weren't as cheap as Leusdon, but portions were larger and quality was apparently better according to the meat eaters. If our group had been larger we'd have been given the main function room, but the dining area we were eventually allocated was lighter and offered far better views over the extensive gardens. Charlie and Thaine were certainly impressed and hoped for a repeat performance next year.

Perhaps next year the two teenage cousins from Totnes will be able to exert better control over their table manners!