The Maypool evening was, as usual, very enjoyable, with North Devon and Torbay Sections also in attendance. The wardens had laid on an excellent firework display followed by hot refreshments served outside on the lawns overlooking the river Dart. The spooky pumpkins really couldn’t hold a candle to the lights of Dartmouth.

Next morning was distinctly wet. The hostellers descended on Colin Brierly’s house in Paignton for a welcome cup of morning coffee. Meanwhile the duo from Buckfastleigh (John and Luke) made their way to Newton Abbot via Denbury and East Ogwell, arriving at the Keyberry Road pick-up point a matter of seconds before the Maypool hostellers.

Lunch at Mamhead Obelisk was suggested, but inclement weather was forecast and the tea and cakes at the Primrose Café, Lustleigh, seemed a far better idea. On the outskirts of Bovey Tracey we glimpsed the Exeter B Section heading towards Chudleigh Knighton, then took the railway line and lanes to Lustleigh. We hope that a crossing of some sort will be provided to gain access to the railway line once the bypass is completed.

On arrival we espied what appeared to be an orange pixie on the church steps, but closer examination revealed that it was a caped-up Mark Moxham who had made his own way along the main road having fallen by the wayside earlier. The strawberry gateau was delicious, but eventually we dragged ourselves away from the delights of the sweet trolley and headed home in the driving rain.