| Oh dear, how spoilt we've become. Although the chilly confines of Middle Farm were full of cyclists there was no overspill onto the outside seating area and more cars than bikes in the car park. John Beaumont was one who motored down to join us but excused himself by recounting a tumble he'd taken on a weekend ride which had left him with a painful shoulder. It's certainly much better to get these accidents out of the way in the winter. George & Derek were the first to arrive at the Yew Tree and were huddled in the inglenook beside the blazing logs. Unusually the table next to the fire was soon filled up. Although a number of people had peeled off to go home there was a good crowd in the pub - possibly because several had left their cars there. Monday sees us at the Star Inn at Normans Bay to celebrate Ron Street's birthday. So far Peter Graham has got about forty on his list but would like to hear from anyone he's missed.
The previus week another mild Spring morning enticed a huge number of our members out to Hilliers Garden Centre for elevenses. Looking around the cafe I noticed that some of the other patrons looked rather shell-shocked. They obviously don't visit our other habitats and aren't used to such exotic companions on their coffee breaks. Waylaid by a couple of non-cycling friends (the female half even out-talks our Section champion) on the way out. I was late arriving at Warbleton but found that we had been allocated tables which are laid out in the way we like them, long enough to accommodate several on either side. The only problem is that when one of the people with their backs against the wall want to leave the table it's rather like a game of general post. The number booked for, 15, was well exceeded and the landlord told us that we were 25 in total plus coffee drinkers who arrived from the churchyard.
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A couple of dates for your diaries.
March 21st for our Festive Lunch. I hope to have booking forms out soon. The SW London Wayfarers have suggested HK on July 11th for our annual get-together. I like that as John G will book the Green Man and I can pop into the Bluebell Railway and look at the trains. John & Joyce have generously donated the proceeds of their mince pie morning to the Cuckoo Trail. Andy Mitchell has providentially got a project in mind and the £122 that was collected will go towards buying fruit trees for the orchard he wants to install at Hellingly. Hopefully we can arrange a tree-planting ceremony when the time comes and perhaps others will be encouraged to do the same.
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January 27th I am pleased to be able to report that they have moved Eddy from ICU to a lower grade high dependency unit.They have him sitting up in his halo and are starting to get him to stand. John January 24th Spoke to Chris today. Eddie is still in ICU and stable. They have had him on his feet and are looking for a unit in Sussex to transfer him to but the unit must have the specialist skills to deal with the halo. I asked her for clarification on his lungs and she said she would ask. He communicates with her through his voicebox.She assured me there was no damage to his brain and sight and no plans for any surgery.Altogther I feel very positive news but still a long way to go.Once again she thanked everyone for the overwhelming good wishes and support. John
Saturday 21st January
Spoke to Chris last night (Friday) Eddie is continuing to progress. Still in ICU. Got him up yesterday for an hour in a chair. He can communicate with Chris and uses a voice box to overcome the tracheoctomy but is still weak. There is no news on the lung and he is still using a machine to help with his breathing. Chris has told him about all the cards and messages of support and they both express their thanks.All the time he is in ICU it is probably too early to visit.I will keep everyone informed when I hear more. John
Have just heard from Chris that Eddie was conscious today and recognised her. The hospital are still worried about his lungs and he ia on some sort of machine. Lets hope the progress continues. John
Monday 16th Spoke this afternoon to Eddie's sister who has been here for a week staying with Chris. She was able to update me fully on Eddie's current condition. He is still in the critical care unit and as I said has had the brace or halo fitted. They are hopeful that he spinal injuries will knit without an operation and as far as she is aware there is no damage to the skull or brain. His helmet definately saved him. The leg is not broken but his upper arm or shoulder is. They have checked his eyesight and at this moment there is no problem. The brace will be on for 3 months and apparently looks very heavy. His superficial injuries are healing well. They are slowly bringing him out of the coma and his legs are moving. His sister said he must be made of rubber but his supreme fitness has been a great asset. There is obviously still a long way to go but it looks as though he is going in the right direction. John
Saturday 14th
Chris rang me late this afternoon (Sat) and said that the brace to keep his neck and spine in line was fitted yesterday (Friday). This will be in place for at least three months. They have started to reduce the drugs keeping Eddie in a coma and he was able to open his eyes today but Chris said he was still "woozie" as if just coming round. The tracheotomy will stay in place but the doctors are hopeful that a tube into his lungs to help him breath will be removed in the coming days. She said that there was no suggestion of any surgery in the coming days and that his superficial wounds are healing well. Chris also thanked everyone for the cards and messages that she has received both to Eddie and herself. I will be in touch when I have any further news. John
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