A record number of Club members and friends turned out for the November Annual Dinner at the Gwydyr Hut, despite bad weather warnings and severe flooding over much of England and Wales. What a hardy lot we are; or is it simply that members enjoy this opportunity to socialise on mass once a year? Maybe it was the lure of a Spanish meal, provided once again by Martin? Whatever the reason, 34 people arrived and 32 stayed. Miraculously nobody won the sweepstake on who would be sick first – despite the copious quantities of sangria, wine and beer on offer. That is not to say that nobody was the worse for wear, but to disclose the offenders would be a serious breach of confidence. But they know who they were!
So, how was it then? When we arrived the party was in full swing and the beer keg was decidedly low in content. There was a happy glow all round so we thought that we had better catch up fast. A few beers, some sangria, a little wine and we were on track. Some time later Martin and his helpers (Harvey wants everyone to know that he sliced the onions) brought in the hors d'oeuvres, consisting of several plates of salted chillies. Most tried, some finished, but who was the star? Stand up Eddie, our esteemed Chairman. Clearly trying to set the stage for the hottest bum on record he munched through at least four, and maybe more, without even stopping for breath. Most others simply watched in awe, realising that they could never become Chairman after this display of leadership and manly vigour.
Later still came the call to table for la primero plato, well at least for those that found room to sit at it. Minestra, a vegetable stew, and salad tempted the palate for what was to come before we were all ushered back to the lounge for more drinks and the inevitable chillies. After a short break it was back to the table for musical chairs and la secondo plato of fish, potatoes and salad, and of course more drinks. La postre (dessert for the ignorant) was then served before the antics began in earnest.
James began with the broomstick game; an exercise that had clearly occupied a fair stretch of his misspent youth. With ease and suppleness he smoothly transferred the broom between his legs, over his back, between his legs (getting complicated now) and again over his back to get to where he started. The more arthritic members among us didn't get past the broom between the legs and even some of the younger members needed a lot of coaching before they too ended up in a tangled heap. Then the rough stuff began. Tug of war with, you guessed it, the broomstick. With teams of three on each side this was a very competitive exercise. Lots of cheating, lots of grimacing and determination all round, causing the 'referee' to call repeatedly for calm and good sportsmanship.
Then there were several rounds of two-man/woman antics, with Eddie (the heaviest member present!) providing the workhorse for others to slither over and under. Derek and Rob had an attempt at this function, but low body mass was a definite obstacle to stability when others are clambering over your shoulders, beneath your crutch and clawing their way up your back. Steve showed how it could be done then Rob and Sarah showed how it couldn't. Derek, of course, wanted it safely protected and insisted that Eddie wear Rob's leather belt before he had a go! Pass the orange was next so teams of alternating sexes squared up for this highly competitive race. Those with waning dexterity probably got the most from these close encounters with the opposite sex (at least that was my excuse), but this was an enjoyable interlude before the more mentally demanding games began.
A really excellent do. Thanks especially to Martin for the unenviable job of catering for so many and those that chipped in to reinstate the Hut before we left.
Derek 13th November 2000