The Show Went On, What A Swell Party It Was!

How I Saw It by Trevor Bond

Norman “The Bishop” (an epithet applied to our beloved colleague by past president Ben Clarke) would have loved our Partners Christmas Party just two days after his loss to us, and just a day before the weather broke to allow us to proceed. Now we could go for it.  Let the party start!

Norman once told me “I love good food, fellowship and not least a good party.”  Great, coming from a devoted family man, a respected Rotarian and, not least, a man who organised such “good parties” at venues like the Chichester Barn and many others. (But more of Norman’s achievements in our next newsletter).

So to Monday December 19 and we all met up at last at the Beauvoir Arms, now our spiritual home.  A week later than arranged – snow, ice and the Troll From Trondheim had seen to that. In their infinite wisdom, president Mike and president-elect Roger made the brave, decisive, and vital decision to call it off and ring around all members to inform them of the postponement until, hopefully, the following Monday.

President Mike said: “I made this decision along with Roger on the basis that we would not wish anyone to have problems getting there, be involved in a car accident or fall on the ice in the car park. I am sure the Beauvoir Arms will understand.”

Homage By The President.

Our party went ahead.  A few of us could not be there. Of course, Norman and Iris but they were never likely to join us since Iris’s health has been a long concern to Norman. How ironic that The Bishop should go first. We are so sorry Iris.

President Mike paid due homage to Norman and condolences to Iris, and to Bert French who sadly lost his son Jeremy with cancer just two weeks before the lunch. How we missed Norman and Bert, but the show had to go on – and it did.

I had challenged secretary Brian to jazz it up a bit with crackers, silly hats and balloons,  OK – no balloons but crackers and silly hats were provided by president Michael.  Well done Brian and Michael – and of course, brilliantly organised table plans.  Any complaints?

Service At Its Best

The Beauvoir Arms did us proud. A generous all- choices menu – my Veal Limone was delightful as was the Christmas pud.  Service strictly on the ball and extra drinks at the table if you needed one.  OK – so another single whisky please – I am not driving!  And to Malcolm - “have this one on me!” Such is partying fellowship.

Roger did another dutiful and fun 100 Draw.  The winners were: £100 - Michael Ginn; £80 - Peter Strong; £50 - David Watkins; £50 - Keith Wood; £30 - Ed Harrison; £30 - Clinton O’Rourke; £20 - Roy Farrer. I am not among them, so Jan will have to turn the heating down again. All power to your elbow and thank you Roger.

The bucket went round  for our St Luke’s Hospice charity collection and we raised £275 including Gift Aid.  Great effort and thanks to everyone.

Finally, we remain a great Rotary Club; we lose some stalwart members yet we carry on against all the odds and we continue to meet all challenges. And above all we proved again that we can still stage a great party!