Vast Quantities of Cake...

We are delighted to announce a triumph for Antiquarian Food Surveillance Institute(AFSI), Unit 212! Disguising themselves as staff at the Strangers Club, Elm Hill, Norwich, they were able, both, to observe and take samples from the recent gathering of Ragged Ramblers' Excursions Committee as they relaxed with tea and cake.


From this first rate work we are able to inform you that the antiquarians imbibed what operative 61 describes as, "Vast quantities of cake!" For instance, it was observed that Major Hodgeforth (retired) consumed five slices; a number equalled by the gentleman we know to be Esotericus.


Now to specifics: analysis of the samples at Central Laboratories revealed this to be a 'light' fruit cake. It contained a range of dried fruit, including green  glacé cherries. This is the first time that we have identified such an ingredient and is very exciting!


However, the most surprising finding was the presence of small traces of absinthe and opium. Dr. Rictus Stein observes:
"These substances were only found within the green cherries. It is as if someone were injecting each individual fruit with the aforementioned substances. A puzzling development!"


Professor Ergo Etsum, Director of the AFSI has made the following announcement:
"Congratulations must be extended to the operatives of Unit 212 for their diligent work. As our understanding of the antiquarian's diet extends, pushing the boundaries of our knowledge ever further, it is very much as a result of the work of those heroes - for that is what they surely are! - who attend, day and night, to this important work."


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