This week we seemed to have nothing but rain.

Everyone wanted to work in their gardens to get them up to scratch for the summer, but no chance. Then we had a reasonable Saturday, and everyone crossed their fingers for a fine Sunday - until we heard the weather forecast.

Sunday would have rain!

Well, we have had walks before where we have got soaked! When I looked out early Sunday morning the pavements were wet and it was very cloudy, so wet weather gear was the order of the day. However, when Frankie came to pick me up the clouds were lifting and it was quite warm.

We had quite a gathering in Friston with some members who had not walked before. Our total consisted of twenty-three hounds with their owners - including two lovely pups that had a special short walk (and thoroughly enjoyed it).

Anyone who has been on this walk before knows that normally we go right up across the horses’ exercise run and down into the woods at the back. Unfortunately, this time the path was blocked off as the council were installing large water pipes, so we had to make a detour, meaning that we missed the dew pond where the dogs could have a drink.

Anyway, we managed to find ourselves back at the car park where everyone was very grateful for a drink. We then had a picnic in very pleasant conditions. We really couldn’t believe what a sunny and warm day this turned out to be. Let's hope a few more are like this weather-wise.

Our next ‘meet’, the Midsummer Walk and Picnics at Gill’s Lap, Ashdown Forest, will be on Saturday, 16 June. We are meeting at 4.45 p.m. Contributions for the communal picnic will be greatly appreciated

(Ed. I was very sorry to miss this walk and picnic, but I was fullfilling my obligations over at the Brighton Festival - introducing contemporary Fine Art to the confused and bewildered - like a sort of cultural mormon).