Celebrating a Year to Remember

Despite it being Father’s Day, June 19, we were happy to celebrate Ed’s successful year at a garden party and barbecue laid on by Malcolm  and Sue Acors in  their garden in Stock.  It was also an opportunity for club members and Ed personally to welcome guests from the service clubs of the town who had contributed so much to our Soapbox Derby success.  Dikster and his son Joshua, Tony Sprackling with Angela and Victoria, Marcus Bennett and Seb Roberts from Round Table and Mr and Mrs  Ralph Hayden from Wickford  Rotary Club.

The event was given District recognition with the appearance of DG Alan Clark and his wife Celia (Alan was one of the Soapbox Derby principle judges) and incoming Assistant Governor, Peter McCafferty.  They were all mentioned for their efforts in Ed’s vote of thanks which included Malcolm, Sue and Tom Acors and son-in-law Ian for hosting the BBQ and working so hard to make the Soapbox Derby a success.

The sun blessed the day and, while guests feasted themselves on  the excellent food provided by chef Pietro of the eponymous restaurant in Stock, the grandchildren exhausted themselves on the trampoline, playing hide and seek and with a great dip in the hot tub.

The barbecue, par excellence, included home-made burgers, boneless marinated chicken, lamb koftas, swordfish steaks and marinated tuna steaks, plus salads, baked potatoes, hummus and garlic bread. Followed by desserts and drinks.  (Well, don’t we all cook that for a family barbecue in our back garden?).  Seriously, a feast!

A fitting end of term for Ed. He will always be remembered  for our first Soapbox Derby, and its spectacular success.  Hands on and totally supportive, even on the day when shortly after a serious operation, he stood fast and firm for many hours, answering questions, helping out until he was exhausted.  He holds the  reins, keeps  us on the ball and never forgets to remind us that, as a small Club, we can achieve whatever we set out to do – the Soapbox Derby proving his point.

Ed never gives up. Now he reverts back to being club secretary.

Ed – our thanks.