They say that time passes quicler as we get older and I can certainly say that my 50th year seems to have gone considerably fasterer than each of the previous 49. It hardly seems any time since I was writing about last year's Christmas ride and meal, but here we are half way through the festive season and looking forward to the New Year celebrations.
This years Christmas do was held on 4th December. Heavy snow during the preceding week had put the ride in some doubt, but a timely thaw enabled half a dozen hardy souls to complete a short trip around Ireland, Northill and Southill, partaking of an obligatory beer or two in the Stone Jug before heading home in drizzle to get ready for the evening's festivities.
Newly self appointed Social Secretary, Mick, had selected the Green Man at Eversholt as this year's venue. This is a fairly regular stopping off point for us during the summer and Mick has developed something of a love-hate relationship with the landlady- You've guessed it; he loves her and she, well at best tolerates him as long as we keep him on a short leash. She was delighted to accept the phone booking but apparently was a bit taken aback when Mick turned up to pay the deposit. I suppose in the current climate, beggars really can't be choosers, and she was happy to take his money.
Due to various holidays and other commitments, numbers were a bit down on previous years but by all accounts a very good time was had by all- food, service and beer all coming up to scratch, and there was a some good hearted banter with the other groups in the restaurant.
Highlight of the evening was the annual awarding of the Pink Barbie Cycle Helmet to the biggest arse of the year. Despite having done an excellent job of organising the revelries, Mick had done more than enough through the year to retain the trophy he won last year. I'm told Ladbrooks have stopped taking bets on him completing a hat-trick and winning the trophy outright in 2011!
For many of us, one of the highlights of Christmas in Ampthill has long been the annual carol service at the Old Sun. Like Ampthill Cyclists, there are differing views as to when this first started, but it was well over twenty years ago and it's still going strong. This is thanks to the conducting of Raff Troianno and a subset of Ampthill Town Band.
This year's event took place on 21st December and, despite the snow lying deep and crisp and even, the Old Sun was full to the gunnels. This was in no small way due to the cycle club turning out en masse with about half of our regualr members and their respective partners in attendance.
Several of the crew, including Joe, CP and Clive do have very good voices; unfortunately they couldn't make it this year. We thought we harmonised beautifully, but a subsequent posting on Facebook of our rendition of While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks ( to the tune of Ilkley Moor Bar T'at) proved this not to be the case.
The emphasis has really always been on quantity rather than quality and, despite Raff's attempts to whip us into shape over the years I don't think the Old Sun Choral Society will be coming to a venue near you any time soon.
Anyway it was a rousing, fun packed evening thanks to Paddy, Jenny, Jay, Raff and the band.
Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.
