What excitement generated by this, our advent-agious pie and mash trip! So much so that I didn't unsheath my photo apparatus till after the pies had gone down. That's because I had to meet and greet several new faces. Seen here: Mister John Leach, an enthusiast from Feltham with fellow connosseurs Bill and Janice, who brought along a wealth of knowledge of Essex Pie and Mash, but wished to retain their non-competitive status.

Over in the other picture are some familiar old boat races, including that of our old china plate Richard Carr, not seen in action in the arena of pastry for quite some time.

Christmas came early for an excitable Graham Darlow, here salivating over an illustration of the upholstery for his new 4x4 Land Cruiser. It was due for collection that afternoon and I imagine he spent Christmas 'off road', reducing Berkshire's deer population. Venison pies anyone?

What about these fashionable young blades, smiling broadly after their warming winter nosh? It's Chris Clenshaw in the cheese cutter, and Matt Walker in the tea cosy. Is that item 'hot wash' or 'delicates' I ask? Well they are fashion students after all. As you may know Mr Walker is doing a Pie and Mash film project which I hope he'll be good enough to 'YouTube' when complete.

This is Monty Martin of the legendary Pie and Mash Club of Great Britain. For so long an august yet mysterious association, now we have made Monty's acquaintance it seems that a 'circle of crust' has been created. Monty had come all the way from North Lincoln where he is the editor of 'Scoff' magazine for local foodies. I hope he was as impressed with the quality of Clark's meaty fillings as the rest of us.

After lunch Monty joined us for a short walk to the Jerusalem Tavern on Britton Street, where we enjoyed further flavoursome sensations courtesy of St Peter's Brewery of Bungay.

Wall art of yesteryear.

A lovely winter's toast, made all the more cosy by the Tavern's coal fire. Chris Fagg slipped out of his nearby office to join us for a cheeky pint of Grapefruit Ale. If you like Real Ale, you won't quite believe how well this works.

Wall art of our time, on Rosebery Avenue.

The steps up to the the new platform at 'St Pancras International' are best taken sideways. It was a great afternoon to amble away from the glare of the Christmas lights.

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