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Following the walk, a larger group gathered for the main event, for a description of which we are now pleased to hand the narrative over to David Littlewood.
“ AWW and WAGS. 25th Anniversary Lunch,
9th December 2021. Restaurant Recanto dos Mouros, Silves
In spite of renewed concern about Covid infections and sundry other issues, around 30 members of the two groups met to enjoy an excellent lunch and to reminisce. All had been or were members of the AWW, and there were three of the founding walkers present – Rod, Myriam and Tony– the latter of whom has now entered his tenth decade.
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| Pre-pagamento, of course |
The surroundings were pleasant and warm, the food of a high standard, and the service quiet but efficient.
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Tony and Thyll |
Following an initial mingle and welcome drink, folk were seated either in fours or sixes, and the chat continued – remarkably, we were all able to hear ourselves think!
After the first two courses, JohnH proposed a double vote of thanks: to Rod for organising the lunch event, and to Geoff for all his efforts as AWW co-ordinator over these past months. Geoff and Sue were sadly unable to attend due to flight complications.
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| The Three Originals |
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| The Algarve Way Veterans |
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| Rod reminisces |
Following this, Rod talked about some of those present, including nonagenarians Tony and Mike, and other aspects of what is now becoming quite a lengthy story.
We proceeded to the dessert, and to the cutting of a delightful cake celebrating the AWW., organised by Susan Frew, and designed by son Antony Frew.
Bubbly accompanied the distribution of said confection, and a toast was proposed to the AWW and the WAGS.
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| Toast to the Future |
Ken contributed a pithy and witty summing-up of proceedings,
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| Ken sums up |
and David added a tribute to the pioneering members of the AWW, as the sole surviving member of the ´generation´ which followed on.
It was so good to meet up again with old walking companions, and sad that so many were unable to be there, in particular Hedley, Antje and Chris, Lindsey and Andrew, Janet and Ingrid, as well as relative newcomers like Sergio.
Some might consider it astonishing that in an area with such a shifting population, a group such as this could survive for so long, but I suppose it just goes to show that good ideas have a habit of hanging around. There is still a core of seasoned walkers, almost all of whom also lead, to carry the group forward. And plenty of paths as yet unexplored. Here´s to the next five years! DL"
And the fun continued even after the lunch was over:-
And a surprise bonus - a Photo Competition for the more observant WAGS:.........
The boots are Maria's; the green dangling wotsits might be Rod's and the shadow is John's :-D
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