Defying anticipated biblical rain conditions, the walk along the Thames, led by Keith Silvester, was remarkably warm and at times very sunny.

There were six of us attending, starting at the funky Wilde Brunch cafe next to Walton Bridge. Much of the walk was along the Thames, taking in the weird and wonderful D'Oyly Carte island and a stretch of the Wey canal, past some stunning houses.

There was some variety by crossing the grassy Chertsey Meads area to reach ye olde Chertsey Bridge where we stopped briefly for lunch.

The walk back was along the Shepperton side of the Thames, again with some fancy houses and delightful houseboats.

We stopped in the sunshine for ice cream at Shepperton Lock before proceeding through the village.

The afternoon was rounded off with a celebration 50th birthday cake for Richard Beavin made by our domestic goddess Robert Liston to a traditional National Trust recipe.