A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all! I hope that you are all recovered from last night’s festive celebrations. We finished at 0230 so I’m amazed that my neural synapses are not totally malfunctional. And all without ibuprofen! Water is the trick – but not as much as that has recently threatened Cumbria and York, to name but a few. But now that 2016 is here it is time to turn our thoughts to the year ahead. Looking beyond the floods, gales, power cuts and general winter misery, it is sometimes hard to believe that spring will return and that we might enjoy the gentle zephyrs of a summer evening’s sail over flat seas. But the nights are shortening and the days are getting longer, so read on!
You should have had your Mailing Packs by now either electronically or via the Royal Mail. For those of you who mislaid it, most content is available on the website. Here are two links:
The AGM and Ceilidh will be held as usual at Colwall Village Hall on January 16th. The doors open at 1400, the AGM starts at 1430, and ends with tea at 1630. There will be the optional Sailing Forum at 1700 for an hour(ish) as before. Supper then starts at 1830, with the Ceilidh at 2000, though we sometimes delay this slightly with too much gossip! Jane has sourced a new Ceilidh Band via Marion Piercy of which we have high hopes. As ever, music volume will be kept to levels that allow dance floor-side converse. Wine, soft drinks, and cans will again be on sale under Trevor Still’s command, and I’m organising the real ale. All friends are welcome to the Ceilidh whether sailors or not – it is a great social occasion.
The cruises are filling up well, so do contact the organisers if you wish to go – I’m not up to date as to whether if any places are left, but all interest is welcome as more boats could be chartered if warranted. Do contact soon if you are interested via the above Cruises 2016 link.
Finally, for those who like to attend the London Boat Show, I have been given four courtesy tickets for the club by John Goode, sometime owner of Southern Sailing School. He tells me that this may be the last batch as his Boat Show role is changing, but if any club member wants some free tickets do contact me! First come, first served. The dates are 8-17 January at Excel in London.
As your New Year’s Day log fire toasts your tootsies after your afternoon constitutional, rest back and munch your crumpets and sip your tea. Consider your New Year resolution, and ensure that it includes more sailing. Be reassured that your seasonal weight gain will give you a heavy advantage on the windward rail, though I do resolve to control mine and will use the ceilidh to jog around to burn some off!
We look forwards to seeing as many of you as possible on the 16th – till then, relax, and look forwards to the progress of the New Year.
Best Wishes
Jonty