A lovely weekend, both weatherwise and in the event itself.

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Most boats arrived on the Friday, some having already been in the Yacht station for a few days. 18 boats in total for the weekend. The weather was fine, sunny, and light winds – after early morning drizzle – but a chilly evening. Most members wandered along the quayside in the sun, chatting to others as they passed, or sat outside their boats enjoying the ambience and a few drinks. We welcomed new members, Alan and Chrissy (Indigo Jack) when they arrived later in the afternoon. Some went out up town for the evening, others ate on board or got fish and chips from the local “Cod House”, before we closed up for the night and all was quiet by 9pm.

 

Saturday was again a sunny start, but a bit windier, and members sat outside their boats swapping stories over coffee or popped up town for shopping.

A short committee meeting was convened at 1pm on my boat, Lady Grace, to discuss storage of the club gazebos and equipment, and to look at adding a couple of new venues to next year’s calendar. Just a short meeting and committee agreed to look at a permanent storage unit either in Brundall or Beccles – Steve also to ask his fellow Moorer’s at Hardley Dyke if there was space in their facility? Committee also agreed to add additional event cruises to the 2022 calendar – in late March and early October – with new venues Fisherman’s Arms (Burgh Castle), and Duke’s Head (Somerleyton) to be investigated?

Following the meeting, we went up to the Fox & Hounds at 2pm, to check on table layout etc and I set up the trophy table, plus put out a few extra prizes which had been donated. Committee members all enjoyed a drink there as well, sitting outside in the foyer in the lovely afternoon sunshine then back to the boats then to get ready. 

All were ready to go before 7pm, when the taxis turned up, although quite a few decided to walk direct to the new venue as it was a clear evening. Poor Pam (The J.B.) had twisted her ankle, a short while before leaving, and had to cancel – although kindly Chris refused to take his ticket money back! We all gathered around in the function room of the venue, choosing our tables and queuing at the bar for the first drinks of the night. And what a night, over 50 members and guests in attendance and all enjoying ourselves.

Bim opened proceedings with a welcome speech at 7.30 and declared the finger buffet open just before 8pm, followed at 8.30 with the live music entertainment provided by Maria.

Chris (Lioness) volunteered to take charge of the raffle and promptly set up the ticket-draw drum on his table. Jen (Lady Grace) and Barbara (Ocean Way) went about busily selling raffle tickets, raising £209 at the finish. We started the Presentations during Maria’s break, before 10pm. The “Paul Hodgson” Funday shield to Steve/Angela/Mike/Denise of team “Hardley There”. Dave (Ocean Way) was awarded the Challenge trophy for his help with the recovery of Mike and Denise’s poor dog in Beccle’s basin, and with, earlier in the season, freeing a rope caught around the prop of a hire boat at Loddon. The Quiz night trophy (Commodore’s Cup) had been awarded to team Swordfish, leaving just the “Broken Oar” to be awarded and this year it went (quite unjustly, in my opinion?) to yours truly for attempting to demolish Reedham railway bridge using Lady Grace’s TV aerial extension pole – as well as admitting to a few other aberrations during the season. It’s an age thing!  As usual, hearty congratulations to all our 2021 trophy winners. The presentations were quickly followed by the raffle, tickets picked out of the drum by an enthusiastic Chris.  First out were for the few donated prizes, the bottle of prosecco “club ticket prize” went to Jim (Helene); followed by Roger (Tantalus IV) winning a bottle of wine; Dave (Ocean Way) a large box of chocs; and Sandra (Pizzazz) a car 12 volt fan. Lastly, Tim had kindly donated a couple of nights free mooring, won by “Indigo Jack”. Next came the Pot of Gold, where £105 was shared, the remainder of £104 going into club funds, mainly to boost the new gazebo fund!  Dave (Sea Moon) won the fiver; Roger won again – £20 this time; new member, Alan (Indigo Jack), picked up the £30 second prize; and Ivan (Court Jester) hit the jackpot, first prize of £50. All members seemed very happy with the raffle draw format.

We then had a special presentation to our new Club President, ex-commodore Bob, in the form of a small brass plate engraved “Bob’s Spot”, for his old mooring at Oulton Broad – now occupied by his son’s luxury Broom 41. Bob gave a moving speech in gratitude for the gift but said no way would that go on the pontoon at OB – better in a frame on his lounge wall at home! Interval over, back to Maria’s music and lots of dancing until the finish just past 11.30. Shuttle taxis then back to the quayside, end of a good night!

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Sunday opened with more clouds and stronger winds, but the sun managed an appearance later and it was another pleasant day, as we all said our goodbyes and returned to home moorings. Everyone was saying what a brilliant night they had. Another club success, check out the photos on the website.

Provisionally, the venue next year will again be the Fox & Hounds social club, hopefully with the same informal Buffet Dance format which worked so well! Please note the booked date of 22nd.October 2022.          

 

Ken, October 2021