I'd never been to Haultwick before, yet alone visited the Rest & Welcome. Luckily I left Baldock in good time with plenty of rubber on my tyres. It was well spent as it marked my return route clearly.

I was surprised when I first saw the Rest & Welcome. I'd imagined an old timbered building with a thatched roof -- instead I found a building that could have been mistaken for a village shop - give or take the odd pub sign. -- HOWEVER!

Once inside, I found a proper village pub -- good welcome -- good beer. A pub I'd be pleased to call my local.

The lack of customers in the pub was immediately understandable as one ventured outside.
The weather was perfect! I suggest that some of you don't realise the work put in by Tracey to make sure we don't get rain on our tournaments. There she is slaving away while Martin sits pontificating (they can't touch you for it): I did take a few photos of people playing pétanque but the weather was so good that most of the time I just socialised! OK -- a few actions shots:

But there were raffle tickets to sell ..

..shots to be criticised...

.. drinks to be drunk..

.. even finals to be played! I had to leave before this happened but I'm confident one of these two teams won.

But my lasting impression is of --
-- a great afternoon!