Although it wasn’t a special date on the Ricardian calendar for us, it was decided it would be a good idea to replace our old January Picnic in the Park with another informal social event. Because we all enjoyed our Ricardian Birthday Lunch last October at the Sutton Forest Inn, a small group of members headed back there, meeting up with a welcome Canberra contingent as well as members and friends from the Southern Highlands.

After meeting the train at Bowral for the Sydney members, David Chandler took us on the scenic route to Sutton Forest via Berrima, stopping at a lookout over Bowral, old Berrima Gaol and the lovely church where his and Ann’s daughter will be married in mid February.

We loved our special table in the sunny bistro and as usual it was conversation, frequently about Richard and his life and times of course. Other catch-up stories and laughter were interspersed with appreciative murmurs of the delightful menu choices, and pauses for agonising decisions whether to give in to the temptations of home-made desserts. Some yielded and voted the penance they would have to pay was well worthwhile.

Naturally we didn’t forget the reason why the gathering was taking place was because of our interest and loyalty to the Richard III Society. The toast to King Richard was strong affirmation.

Tags: Canberra, NSW Branch, Sydney