Another decent event weekend,  good weather on the day and a great party atmosphere at the Fox & Hounds, albeit a little noisier than usual (the new band, that is!)

7 boats were there on the Friday, newly arrived or already had been at the Yacht station for a few days or more, and 6 more had joined them by Saturday lunchtime. A good turnout, considering it being end of season and coming by car to the event was an easy option. In fact, 9 members and guests came by car, parking locally, with some booking into the “Spoons” hotel.

Weather was fine on the Friday morning, sunny after early rain, but strong southerly gale-force winds were forecast for later, hence boats were moored up and settled in by early afternoon. A few of sat around with drinks, chatting as usual, and then in the early evening, some went around to the chippie for fish ‘n chips. After ordering our meal, Jen and I popped into the Fox & Hounds for a quick drink and to check on the arrangements for Saturday night. Met up with Zane, the Secretary of the social club, who informed us that he will be the “maître de”; barman; and chief bottle-washer, for our party night.

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Saturday morning, we awoke to a lovely warm and sunny day, clear blue sky early but a few clouds later.

The remainder of our boats came in during late morning, then disaster! Treasurer John was taken ill, and Sandra called an ambulance. The paramedic team duly arrived and carried out various tests before carting him off to the N&N. (he was back later, but still not feeling well enough to attend the buffet dance).

Jen and I went back up to the venue at lunchtime, meeting Bim there, to sort out the tables for the buffet and prizes, and to sample the beers of course! It was a quiet afternoon after all the drama, many members just sitting outside enjoying a few drinks before preparing for the evening’s dance. Most members walked up to the venue just after 6.30, before the first minibus shuttle went a little later. The function room was fairly full by 7pm, and the bar was busy for the first rounds of drink. The buffet was laid out nicely and looked very tempting. 38 members and guests were in attendance, so plenty of room available at the tables.

 

The band “Truescape” took some time to set up and it wasn’t until a quarter to eight before we could clear the dance floor and open proceedings.

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