With most away for Christmas, a brisk ride on the Plym Valley cycleway showed how the new tarmac has eased the route but taken some character away, though the Bickleigh link was welcome. A pricey Meavy inn sent us back, where we met Freddie, detoured for pizza, then rounded off with games at Crofters.

A welcome change of scene saw us play badminton at Ashmoor Leisure Centre in Ashburton, an excellent hour on court without the need to travel to Paignton.

The dry forecast gave way to steady rain, slowing us until daylight ran out. After Olly, protecting his new road bike, chose to walk the Holne Woods track to River Dart Adventures, we abandoned it and returned via Hembury Woods, finishing wet and cold.

A lively evening built around the ever-popular music quiz, which kept everyone engaged so completely that the only challenge was deciding when to call time.

A relaxed social at Crofters, with the usual range of computer games providing easy entertainment and friendly rivalry.

A relaxed social at Crofters built around the usual range of computer games, giving everyone an easy, familiar evening together.

A sociable ride to Totnes via the cycle path, with Freddie’s mother and sister joining, ended at the Barrelhouse for teacakes and wholesome fare. We returned through Littlehempston and Staverton, the lanes edged with snowdrops.

A relaxed social in Plymouth: two games at the Tenpin centre and a Pizza Hut takeaway. The only hitch came when Olly realised at Ivybridge he’d left his coat behind, turning a prompt return to Buckfastleigh into a late one.

On a warm, sunny ride through quiet villages, the day took an unexpected poultry turn: Dennis paused to befriend free-range chickens, then Michael led us into a bustling village hall poultry show. Between clucks and prize eggs, we also stopped by the river Avon where the bright water was dazzling.

An uncomplicated social evening, with the club meeting for badminton at Ashmoor leisure centre in Ashburton.

A brisk run to Fermoy’s set the tone, with Reuben impressing on his first ride in months. Thick chips were popular, though his arrived undercooked and won a partial refund. We looped back via Broadhempston, pausing for refreshments and a turn on the play-park rocket.

When the planned Film Night fell through, we turned it into a PC network games evening instead. The spontaneous switch set the tone for a relaxed, sociable night.