In spite of the absence of all but two of the original members, the 2013 trip to Canazei, in the Dolomites, proved to be a great success.

Thanks to the OF's IT skills in finding a good deal, the Chalet Violetta proved a fine discovery. No need for alarm clocks to get Joe up to make the coffee, thanks to the squalling of certain children, whose crying every morning would have woken the dead.

This,in fact, enhanced the holiday, as Brian and Geoff were thus encouraged to be out early on the slopes. Joking apart, the chalet was excellent value for money and the Crystal staff fed and watered us well.