Dear Members
What a start to the Spring season with a full house for the St David’s Dinner perhaps the price had something to do with it but I would like to believe it was the quality of the guest speaker who captured your imagination and what a speech – one of the best we have heard for many a year. It is equally refreshing to see so many members putting their names down for the informal suppers which on occasions have been over subscribed, which is both good and bad news. I’m sorry if you missed out, but in April we are providing an even wider and bigger choice so there is something in the new programme for everyone. But first the Parish Notices.
Parish Notices
I’m sure most of you are aware that there are a number of activities that go on in the Club and groups which meet regularly every month and I thought I would just spare a minute or two reminding you what they are and giving you the opportunity to follow up your interest if you should so wish. In brief they are:-
The Club Woodwind Orchestra. Meets every Monday morning from 1000 to 1200 no charge, just bring your instrument and play with the dozen or so others who make music together.
The Bridge Group. Recently re-formed and meets every Monday evening from 1915 until about 2200ish. We have about twenty regulars at all different levels and there is room for more. If you are interested please have a chat with Mary Barnard on 02392 824153.
The Pilate Session. Arranged every Tuesday morning from 1200 onwards and caters for men and women of all ages. Professionally run by Julie Bateman who makes a small charge to cover her costs. Bring yourself and a mat and gently ease away those aches and pains. Need further information – talk to Val Hogg on 02392 730009.
The Ladies Group. Wonderfully organised by Gladys Howard and meet, usually on the third Wednesday of every month, for coffee and to listen to a guest speaker and occasionally have a lunch together. All very inexpensive and a delightfully easy way to meet others who enjoy the informality of the occasion. Gladys would be pleased to give you more information so please give her a ring on 02392 820184.
The Music Appreciation Society (MAPSOC). An highly popular Society in the Club which meets in the evening on the Second Wednesday of each month (not August) to be entertained and to entertain by others with a deep interest in classical music covering a wide ranging repertoire. Space is limited, but if you are interested in joining the group, have a word with Dickie Bird on 02392 828790.
The Wine Appreciation Group. Another very popular well established group which meets every quarter, usually on Monday evenings, to try out new wines and occasionally revisit old favourites. If this is something that appeals, give John McDermott a ring on 02392 824540.
It doesn’t stop there. We are thinking about starting two new groups in the very near future provided there is sufficient call for them – would you be interested in:-
Art Class – for beginners or those who would like ‘to brush up on their strokes’. Meet weekly one evening under the guidance of a professional art teacher who will provide all the necessary materials. If this is something that takes your fancy why not give Sue Goodhand (the Club’s Receptionist) a call on 02392 825924.
Computers for the Geriatrics – Ever wanted to send a message by e-mail but can’t, investigate something on the internet but don’t have a surf board or even download a photo of your grandchild but haven’t a clue how to do it then why not join ‘Computers for Geriatrics’. We will only operate on the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid) so if you are interested let me know or call me on my direct number 02392 828266 and will take it from there.
Website update – I am planning a major makeover for the Club website to make it a little more user friendly and update current information so that it reflects real time activity and improves your ability to book and record information on line. I hope to achieve this by 1 April after which you will not require a password to access any of the sites. (If this is all double dutch to you see 2b above!).
Sailing – We had a jolly good meeting of sailing enthusiasts on 20 February when the Cruising Programme for 2008 was discussed in detail. Copies of this programme have been circulated to those who have already declared an interest and will be posted on the website for all to see. In the meantime, details of each Cruise will be published in the monthly programme guide (see below) and you will be able to reserve your place by completing the monthly booking form in the usual way.
Passing the Port. Forgive me, but a number of members have asked about the procedure for Passing the Port at our formal dinners so for their benefit and others who may have forgotten, may I briefly remind you.
At the end of the dinner, after the table has been completely cleared, port will be passed for the toasts of the evening. The port always travels to the left in a clockwise direction and must never be passed backwards on its journey round the table. If one of the decanters is placed in front of you, you are the ‘stopper station’. This means that you remove the stopper from the decanter at the given signal by a member of staff and, when the port is passed, you pass it to the person on your left without pouring your own glass until a decanter returns to you. It is quite acceptable to lift the decanter slightly off the table, but try not to exceed glass height; remember to pour carefully. If you have a lady on your left, pour your own glass first, before offering to pour hers to ensure that the port never travels backwards. Please remember ladies should not touch the decanter. The stoppers will be replaced after the first round and should not be unstoppered unless exceptionally the Chairman signals accordingly. Water may be drunk as an alternative to port. You must never drink your port before the Loyal Toast is proposed. As the Club is not privileged to be a Royal Naval ship or establishment, the loyal toast is always drunk standing.
All the casual suppers are very reasonably priced at £7.50 per person but please book early to save disappointment. |