A cold-day snow hunt from Crofters led to the Holne café being closed for redecorating, so we made do with chilli crackers and caramel shortbread. The climb to Venford Reservoir was rewarded with lying snow, 45 minutes of snowballs and a snowman, before a chilly but happy ride home.

With five an awkward number, Michael largely stood back while the others ran a four-player contest: Dillan first, then Mark, Jude and George. They closed with a doubles match, Ilsington prevailing over Buckfastleigh.

With nobody else available, Dillan and Michael made a quiet evening of it: a brisk half-hour at Ashmoor, then a late café stop at Exeter Services — simple, sociable and relaxed.

A steady spin to Dartington and Totnes paused at the Morrisons café—five doughnuts to share and a Mega Doughnut each. Running a little late, we headed back via Brutus Bridge and Staverton.

Ashmoor’s closure sent us to Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton for a lively session, Michael still playing left‑handed as his elbow improved. Dillan was in strong form, beating Gavin twice, before a quick stop at Morrisons for snacks.

On a rare warm February day we headed to Bovey Tracey, pausing at the Craft Centre café where £3,500 ‘carpets’ stole the show. After forgetting to buy water at the Co-op, a new route via Lounston and a brutal climb left us parched, rescued only by a Spar stop in Ashburton.

At Ashmoor, with Michael resting his elbow, Will, Mark, Jude and Dillan played a lively round robin; Dillan took the win, with Mark and Jude in fine form. Talk turned to an amused school debate about a teacher’s claim of “no differences” and car safety made for men.

Only Dillan and Michael were free, so they headed to Ashmoor for an hour on court; a small turnout that made for a straightforward, satisfying session.

Once again, very windy weather put people off, so the planned morning ride to Harbertonford was cancelled.

The day hinged on a first visit to the new Nkuku café at Harbertonford: an appealing rustic stop but shockingly pricey—£3 for a burnt pain au raisin and a ‘large’ coffee in the same small cup. A passing shower and an ‘Alpaca Poo £1’ sign added colour before a sunny riverside picnic.

A relaxed, talkative evening—Brexit and all—saw the badminton take a back seat, but the real story was Michael playing with his right arm for the first time since last September’s tennis elbow. He even won two games, though chatter trumped competition; his form will return in time.

A sombre evening as talk centred on the 72 staff redundancies at South Dartmoor Community College. Spirits lifted with a sharp Round Robin tournament, Dillan edging the win ahead of Will, with Michael third and Mark fourth.