Lostwithiel is an exceptional place for several reasons. Founded not long after the Norman Conquest it was built by the lords of nearby Restormel Castle and became the capital of Cornwall in the 13th century. Today it still contains several historic buildings and the pack-horse bridge over the River Fowey at its tidal limit. It is one of the five Stannary Towns in Cornwall and was the scene of an important battle between the Roundheads and Cavaliers in 1644 (the Cavaliers won). An unusual fact of Lostwithiel is the coincidence of the St Michael and St Mary currents, or ley lines, at the church which itself contains some intriguing features. These currents course from near Land's End all the way to the Norfolk coast. St Michael runs along the road over the bridge and past the Globe Inn while St Mary goes right through the King's Arms and runs across the railway station.

Members of Cornwall Branch converged on the Royal Oak in Duke Street on Friday 8 December 2023 by train and road, hoping that the ASLEF overtime ban and A30 road closure would not stop us. They didn't.

Once there, we enjoyed an excellent three-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings.

At our request, the landlord put on an extra beer of a festive winter nature - Tintagel Harbour Special, which is an Old Ale at 4.8% ABV. Lovely!

Three cheers for the hard-working staff!

After the meal, we retired to the bar for another pint and a chat.

Thank you Roger for organising a jolly day out. We look forward to next year!

Cheers, Steve Barber