James Duffy and his brother Dan stay at Orchard Barn over their second night en route cycling between Lands End and Rye in Sussex………….they arrived wet, tired and disheveled having crossed Dartmoor in appalling weather……….after a hot bath and several large glasses of wine they were sufficiently revived to walk up to the pub for supper.

They set off reluctantly the following day…………..and both boys needed a mental ‘Pick me up’ to get them going…………so I told them the dit about the Famous Cyclist from Dunsford who trained locally for Charity!!! I even showed them a picture………………………………!!!

Max Richards in the doorway of his magnificent barn adjoining his house at Mill Barn and overlooking the Famous Dunsford Stepping Stones awash with winter flood waters

My neighbours Max and Jacqui Richards and their 2 adorable children hosted a fine Christmas drinks party just before the cold weather and about 30 of us enjoyed a good seasonal ‘gossip’ standing in their barn christened as a party venue for the first time around their decorated tree, roaring chimenea throwing off loads of smoke and moral boosting heat occasionally, mince pies galore and more importantly terrific mulled wine and the best mulled cider I’d ever had, whilst children various ran about in the safe confines of their lovely garden.

It was a delightful way to spend 2 hours on a winters afternoon………thank you both.