Tell it not in Tavira, whisper it not in the Barlovento, but the AWW/WAGs combination assembled, not on a Wednesday, but (Shock ! Horror!) on a THURSDAY, to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
The proceedings commenced with a walk of modest proportions led by Rod starting from the plaque commemorating Maurice Clyde just outside Silves on the São Marcos road.
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| Terry Ames and Paul Vismé study the plaque |
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| 10 Starters, plus 2 who didn´t |
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| What´s the rush? |
Track and Statistics
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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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"
PS
Sorry to spoil a good meal with a few words, but please
bear with me for as brief a time as I can make it.
When Maurice Clyde founded the AWW 25 years ago, I doubt he
thought it would still be thriving a quarter of a century later. It is much to
his credit & his fellow founding fathers (& mothers) that he hit upon
such a successful formula.
There has of course been change; no organisation could
survive without it. Some of it has been welcomed with open arms, some, perhaps,
not so willingly. I recall once being called a “Johnny-come-Lately”…..but it is
us Johnnies who have kept the spirit of the AWW alive. Without us, David would
be walking on his own!
Many of the original AWW have moved on to become
WAGS….Western Algarve Geriatric Society….sounds like same sort of thing, though
less walking and more eating & drinking…..and talking. The AWW still walks
weekly: even during covid, in small bubbles. We produce weekly blogs…..not
perhaps so erudite as Paul on a good day, but historical reminders and memory
joggers. Ideal reading on a wet Sunday afternoon!
To commemorate the 25 years, we had hoped to complete the
Via Algarviana, created by the AWW as the Algarve Way. Covid put a stop to
that, but 13 of us (plus 1 dog) did make a start, and we aim to finish it next
year. We may not do trips abroad or moonlit walks, but we continue to honour
the spirit of the founders.
I doubt many present will be here to celebrate the Golden
Anniversary, but perhaps we can dream of meeting up for the 30th in 2027,
hopefully!
Without more ado, I give you the toast:
The AWW."
Best wishes, Geoff
Yes, a great shame that due to Easyjet flight cancellations, neither Sue nor I could attend, but it would seem a good time was had by all.My thanks to Ken for stepping into the breech with a few well-chosen words. Perhaps when we celebrate 30 years...
ReplyDeleteWas so disappointed to miss the jolly. Lovely photos and looks as if you were having a great time. As Geoff said: Hopefully in 5 years' time?
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