Christmas Lights Adventure

When It Reigned, It Poured: Group 9’s Christmas Lights Adventure

Every Group 9 walk comes with its own subplot, and this year’s London Christmas Lights Walk was practically a full‐length feature film — complete with weather drama, heroic improvisation, and a surprisingly upbeat soundtrack. One leader sadly couldn’t attend, another

made their debut, and the Met Office issued a yellow warning that turned out to be, well, right.

Still, spirits were high as we set off from Tonbridge. The rain began politely as we arrived at Charing Cross and then, finding we weren’t deterred, decided to stay for the rest of the day. Thankfully, it was mild, so we embraced it — a gentle all‐day soaking that fostered true

camaraderie (and mild frizz). Our intended coffee stop at Somerset House was swiftly abandoned when we discovered every seat taken — by people who were either skating or steaming gently in waterproofs. Undaunted, we headed for The Strand and found a welcoming café where the coffee was hot, the cakes enormous, and the atmosphere cheerfully damp.

Covent Garden shimmered through the rain, all glittering baubles and persistent puddles. Some explored its arcades while others sought elegant refuge in the Royal Opera House for a glass of wine and a spot of people‐watching. 

The Christmas Lights Treasure Hunt continued in earnest — enthusiastic, if occasionally imaginative, photography ensued.

And then, we later discovered that KingCharles III had visited CoventGarden that very afternoon — while Group 9 were comfortably seated at Côte, deep in conversation and crème caramel. The coincidence caused great amusement when we found out: it seems we’d been royally near without knowing it. Someone pointed out that our timing was, as ever, impeccable — we might have missed the

King, but we certainly didn’t miss dessert. We now proudly claim to have lunched within royal range.

After lunch, we meandered through Soho, Carnaby Street, and Bond Street, the city glowing brighter as the puddles deepened. The rain, still determined to be the day’s main attraction, turned umbrellas into both fashion statements and bonding exercises (“yours or mine?” being the phrase of the day).

By the time we reached All Souls Church, we were soaked but serenely unbothered. The carol service was magnificent — the choir radiant, the organ thunderous, and O Come, All Ye Faithful loud enough to out‐sing the storm. Mince pies and hot punch afterwards sealed the deal: this was British endurance at its festive best.

Our return journey on the top deck of a London bus was pure magic — radiant angels gliding above Regent Street, reflections shimmering

through raindrops, and the gentle hiss of damp coats drying. Tired, happy, and slightly steamed, we concluded that few groups could match our mix of timing, tenacity, and tea‐based humour.

Not a single person lost, a few umbrellas retired honourably, and an unshakable belief that we’re now practically connected to the Royal Family by proximity (and  pudding). Group 9 braved it all — and reigned supreme.

Penny Davies