Another completely new venue for both events, and both went off brilliantly!

The turnout for this season’s opening dinner dance was high again, 62 members and guests originally booked. Unfortunately, Dee had had a fall earlier in the week, hurting her back, and so her and Tim couldn’t attend after all. Audrey was still in hospital so she too missed it – although Colin made it along to both events. So, 59 sat down for the dinner dance – still the highest number of past few years!

20 boats were moored at the yacht station; all dressed colourfully in national flags for St.George’s Day. We even raised the George Cross on our flagpole adjacent to the moorings. Others came direct by car; and some members had booked rooms at the hotel itself, - but all enjoyed another fantastic evening. Weather was reasonable for the time of year, but quite cool in the strong Northerly wind, and a bit showery in between sunny spells.

A shuttle-service minibus had been laid on by the club, starting at 6.45pm, to ferry members from the Yacht station up to the venue higher up in the town, although some walked so as to work up an appetite? The service worked well, including the return trips after 12 midnight.

The Staithe Suite was set out beautifully by the staff, 6 large tables immaculately laid, and at the top of the room was a Baby Grand piano, bringing back memories of Bim playing one at last year’s do. This time, however, his organ worked ( thank Christ, said Jackie!!) and Bim didn’t need to tickle the real ivories that night.

Bob summoned us to our tables just after 7.30pm, saying a few words of welcome, and the meal was speedily served by the hard-working staff, who cleared the tables with the same speed before returning to their duties at the bar. The meal was delicious and plenty of it.

We had to shuffle the tables about to expose a larger dance floor, before the entertainment started after 9pm – a new mixture of music by “Shipwreck” – and the floor was soon packed. Lots got up to dance until first interval after 10pm, and the raffle draws.

Lucky ticket prize of a bottle of Cava was won by Arthur, a regular guest on John and Fay’s table.

The “Pot-of-Gold” raised £165 in total, giving £80 for club funds and leaving £85 in prizes.

Bob won the first prize of £45 – with the usual chorus of “fiddle” ringing out.

Ray won 2nd prize of £25, and Margaret landed 3rdprize of £15.

We again ran a table collection for Staff tips, all going to the busy staff, raising over £50 for them. Thanks again to all our generous members.

Then we had a surprise for John & Fay ( Precious Time) – the club was presenting them with a bouquet of flowers for their soon to be golden wedding anniversary but John was nowhere to be seen – he had taken advantage of the interval to walk the dog! The band started up again but, to kill time while waiting for John, went into a medley of old songs in honour of the Queen’s 90th.birthday. So we all had a good sing-song before John returned by 11pm and, belatedly, Fay and him were presented the flowers by Jen – better late than never? They were then invited to dance the anniversary waltz to continue the rest of the evening’s dancing, and others followed them on to the dance floor as it progressed. There wasn’t much room on the dance floor after that, with some great music & dancing continuing through to midnight, when the shuttle bus was waiting once more. John and Bim stayed playing a bit longer for the “last waltz” before we all said our farewells and headed back to the boats.

Another brilliant night, and we were so impressed that all wanted to return to this venue next year – and so the next day we booked it again, April 22nd 2017 for next season’s opening dinner dance. Another date for your diaries.

A total of 46 members made it to the AGM on the Sunday morning, returning to the Staithe Suite. The bacon rolls and coffee were there early, and were soon snapped up as members assembled before 11am. Many thanks again to the staff at the Waveney House for such good service.

Robin could not attend the meeting, but had dropped off the Green books with Bob, along with his remaining stock of lapel badges. Both were distributed to the members in attendance, along with Yearbooks for those who had not yet received them. Copies of the AGM agenda and previous minutes were also available before the AGM commenced a bit late at 11.10am. It was again a packed meeting and it was great to see so many taking an active part in the proceedings. Bob gave a good opening address, stressing what a busy season lies ahead and encouraging members to put forward any ideas they may have as to the running of the club. The AGM was all over by 12.30pm, but a lot of members stayed on for lunchtime drinks from the bar, before saying our goodbyes about 2.30pm.

Another successful OBMBC event weekend.                                                            Ken  (May 2016)