26 or possibly 28 Members gathered at Greenwells, Hurworth for the annual BBQ. Throughout the day we had experienced squally conditions and it was decided to not cover the gazebo frames with their covering until the very last minute. Our procrastination was rewarded and then just before 6.30pm the sun came out, the wind dropped and the BBQers arrived.

Most went on a Treasure Hunt around Hurworth Village where a close inspection provided the answers to all of the clues.By 7.30pm the sizzling steaks had stopped sizzling and the cooking sausages had stopped cooking and the Treasure Hunters returned ravenous. It was at this point that it was realized that the butane cylinder had run out of gas, fortunately there was a reserve and soon it was all systems go again.

It was generally agreed that the meat provided by Sainsburys was the best yet and if further evidence was needed it was provided by a complete lack of any left overs. Victoria had done her usual miracles with the raspberries and gooseberries and Dorothy provided her absolutely delicious trifle. Over coffee and tea the answers to the quiz were revealed and despite some discussion about Cleveland no longer being a County and the picture of a dipper, there was a clear winner in Juliet who is now wallowing in a bath of Badedas !!

Gillian kept saying how much she had enjoyed the Treasure Hunt and several asked how it was possible to provide such tender steaks?? ( the secret is that everything was pre cooked in the Aga before the final sizzle) – just so nobody was poisoned. Charles made a welcome appearance from his sick bed and everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time.