ARS enjoys a great day and night

Often described as the 'social occasion of the year' – at least by those in attendance – the ARS Christmas dinner saw a packed Lord Combermere with those absent members of the Audlem Ramblers Society vowing to try to book their place the minute they are advertised in future.

As always, the main attraction was the secretary's speech and, yet again, Andy Davidson managed to find just the word to capture the very essence of the season. How he does it year in, year out, remains a mystery to all but him. The speech may be short but he never fails to entertain.

ARS had been on its December ramble earlier in the day, a nine mile circuit of the Roaches in Staffordshire just north of Leek (top photo).

A highlight of the walk was, it has been confided to AudlemOnline, the first ever public utterance of an expletive – and one not to repeated on such a family orientated website – by ARS's lady chairman after a disturbing entanglement with a dog hating walker.

After that momentary lapse from her normally impeccable behaviour, we are told she and the 20-strong group sought shelter and forgiveness in the famous Ludd's Church – see second photo – where they were seen by mystified observers at prayer in the canyon-like rock formation.

The chairman, Christine Johnson, was thanked for her more moderate language in her speech of welcome at the Lord C where Jo, Allan and the Combermere's staff provided a splendid three course (well four with the mince pies and coffee) meal that left all feeling extremely content.

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