A relaxed badminton evening shaped by teamwork: with Will and Harry short of transport, Michael collected them and Jude’s mum took them home, and once on court everyone played everyone, giving a lively variety of games.

A breezy spin to South Brent turned lively when a sudden squall struck as we stopped to admire the view above Bloody Pool, hustling us down to Gidley Bridge. We then paused to puzzle over the curious stonework that splits the Harbourne before gliding back through quiet autumn lanes.

With Jude and Will absent, Gavin stepped in to make up the numbers and showed he hadn’t lost his touch despite months away, giving the evening its spark.

With a longer ride in mind, we returned to the Hennock reservoirs, climbing via Furzeleigh Lane for sweeping views and autumn colour, then circling a half‑filled Tottiford on rooty tracks. A morale‑boosting stop at the Devon Guild café bookended a brisk return.

A lively Friday at Ashmoor as new member Mark from Ilsington joined the badminton session. With a strong turnout of keen players, everyone rotated partners and the games ran at full pace, giving the evening an energetic feel.

New member Ziggy took us to a record eight, so we booked the whole Sports Hall; everyone played a full game with everyone else, and the simple pleasure of it made the evening.

A seasonal ride to Fermoy’s Garden Centre found the café heaving with Christmas gardeners and time for a brief browse. The return via the lane past Newhouse Barton was far muddier than hoped, to Jude’s dismay as his brand-new Adidas trainers took the brunt.

A packed badminton night with all four courts busy throughout; Michael called a halt to new invitations as numbers are at capacity, then underlined the point by winning every game he completed.

Very windy overnight—too risky for cycling—so the decision was sealed when Jude arrived without a bike and George with only a badminton racket. We switched to badminton at Ashmoor and rounded off with Destiny 2 at Crofters.

Another busy evening at Ashmoor, with action-packed games and a full turnout. All four courts were in constant use, giving the session a sharp, competitive feel.

Chilly showers flipped our plan to cycle to Ilsington into a cosy social: hot drinks at Crofters, then Will, on driving practice, ferried us to an excellent-value lunch and back again, safely. We ended the day with more chat at Crofters.

With just four out on the Friday before Christmas, we still enjoyed excellent games at Ashmoor. Jude arrived with Will from Bovey Tracey on the day of Jude and Sue’s own ‘Winter Wonderland’, while Michael kept going despite feeling under the weather after starting antibiotics.