A Report by Chris Crawshaw

Reproduced from Amon Hen 172.

Yes I know, winter is approaching and it's cold wet and dreary. So you will all appreciate hearing about warmer times, long summer days, good food and good company. Yes you will!

Many meetings occurred at The King's Head pub in Didmarton, where we enjoyed the first of a selection of good food. The weekends organiser, Stephan Richards, had certainly picked a good venue for the Friday Innmoot.

Following breakfast on Saturday morning and an early walk with Barnes, Claire and Stephan's dog, we went to a street market, which was combined with a boules tournament. Who was it who suggested that next year we should enter a "Boulrog" team? After buying something for a picnic lunch, we headed off to Westonbirt Arboretum. The arboretum was just as beautiful as last year but this time we were also treated to some story telling. Our storyteller was happy for us to eat our lunch while he told us why "Butterflies are Silent" and some other Native North American stories. He was one of many regaling stories throughout the day. We continued our walk round the arboretum, finishing up at the shop and café for refreshments. It was a lovely day and I for one would be happy to visit Westonbirt again. Stephan says that it is particularly beautiful in autumn. Maybe next year. In the evening another fine dinner was consumed at The Ship.

Sunday was warm and sunny. After everyone had breakfasted we drove to Malmesbury to look at the church and the village itself. Lunch was served in the garden chez Claire and Stephan, another good meal. All too soon many partings occurred as we went our separate ways. Many thanks to Stephan for organising things and to Claire for her wonderful hospitality.

Chris Crawshaw, November 2001

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