This traditional meet is normally a relaxed affair where attendees can gently ease themselves into the Christmas spirit. Despite the meet’s title, it is far from ‘dry’, though it rarely gets quite as lively as it did in years gone by. Saturday’s agenda normally consists of a bracing walk over the fells, possibly finishing at one of Buttermere’s pubs, before reconvening at Birkness for homemade mince pies, rum butter and mulled wine. The evening’s communal meal normally has an Asian theme, though there is always an alternative for those who prefer something a little more bland, and will be followed by a few party games and a Christmas raffle with exceptional prizes (some of which seem to reappear every year!). Sunday normally involves a shorter walk to burn off a few calories.