26 Members of the Taunton Group came together in April at a full facility campsite in Alderholt near Fordingbridge. 11 members staying for the full week Tues to Tues and the others coming for a long bank holiday weekend.
 
Tuesday A lovely evening meal at the Boutique Railway Hotel Pullman Carriage attended by 9 members.
 
Wednesday Chase the Ace game in Ian & Lisa’s awning. 

Thursday 9 members went on an extra ride to Burley and to see the Giant Sequoias in the New Forest - 32 miles
Thursday Evening welcome meal where 26 members and 2 guests attended the meal at the campsite Thai restaurant where Bingo tickets were on sale and quiz sheets handed out as well as the itinerary for the weekend. 

Friday Heavy rain forecast from late morning so an early 9.00am start agreed. An alternative shorter 17 mile ride option with coffee stop was suggested. Some did the full 31 mile ride without any refreshment stop. As it turned out, we all got back before the heavens opened around midday. 

Saturday Two members made line claims on the Easter Bingo but whose number came out first! 
It was DRY!! A ride up onto Cranborne Chase with glorious views and coffee at the community shop in Broad Chalke. Then back across the hills with a steep climb rewarded with a lovely downhill ride to Cranborne Garden centre for lunch - 31 miles.
 
Judging of the Easter Windows competition took place after the ride with everyone choosing their own favourites.

Saturday Evening The village reading rooms were hired for the evening where 26 members enjoyed playing a game of Beetle Drive followed by live music and dancing courtesy of our very own musician members, James, Nick and Kate
.
Sunday Morning Full house claimed on the Bingo and all quiz sheets returned. 
Pre ride judging of Easter Bonnet/Helmet competition with an amazing array of designs many of which had clearly taken much time and effort to prepare. The winners were chosen by the site receptionist Elizabeth (I’m glad I didn’t have to choose)
Sunday Another dry day for our ride to Salisbury stopping off for morning coffee at the Woodgreen community café. Then after negotiating the cycle paths into the city stopping in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral for a packed lunch or enjoying one of the local cafes. Returning back to Alderholt via the Wiltshire Cycleway. 37 miles.
Monday The sun was shining for our ride to Ringwood where we stopped for coffee and then a lovely ride along the Castleman Trailway across Holt Heath passing Horton Tower and lunch at the Crane Valley Golf Club where we had lovely views and were able to critique the golfers on the 18th tee. A ride back through Cranborne and lovely country lanes to the campsite.
Monday Evening Farewell Evening Meal with awards and presentations to all prize winners at the Churchill Arms in Alderholt.

Malcolm & Grace Gammon