JUNE - With drizzle in the air just under 50 members boarded a coach that had been booked to take them to Maldon to enjoy a two-hour cruise on one of the magnificent Thames barges moored there, followed by lunch on board. As the coach made its way on the hour-long journey the weather worsened until on arriving at the quayside the group were faced with heavy rain that looked set for the day. Resolutely the group made its way over the slippery deck and down into the hold of the barge, The Hydrogen, built in 1906 and once used to carry coal and tar. They were greeted with a choice of tea or coffee and the cruise began. The rain eased from time to time and members began to brave the weather and go up on deck to watch as the barge made its way past the bird sanctuary of Northey Island to the privately-owned Osea Island. Back at the quay, members enjoyed an excellent lunch with the choice of beef in red wine or chicken in creamy sauce, with fresh carrots, mashed potatoes and ratatouille, followed by chocolate roulade with summer fruits and cream. A choice of tea or coffee rounded off the meal after which the group disembarked to board the coach and make their way home. Its Sod's law ~ back on the quayside the sun came out and the temperature rose rapidly! Undaunted by the inclement weather, however, everybody agreed that the outing had been very enjoyable and most indicated that given the opportunity to do it again next year they would. (Report: Brian Leith, photos: Rosemary Morris)