I can get home from Compton Abbas in 5 minutes, and it is mostly down hill...That could be one reason for not carrying minimum reserves. Nearest alternate is 11 miles further on or back to CA. There are a couple of strips in the area too....
Not saying I'd plan to fly like that, but it could be good enough reason. Considering it is about 10 miles from home, wouldn't that fall into the "within 50 miles" catagory even if landing away?