Annual BBQ 2003

Saturday the 19th July 2003 was the occasion of the branch Annual Barbecue and "Yes of course it rained". Apologies from the social secretary for the weather.

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However it was an excellent turnout with around 160 people many of members supporting the theme of "Colourful Attire" and taking up the gauntlet thrown down by Alan Hoskins, self nominated winner from last year. (Those who had cameras please share your photos with us). Three teams of ladies were asked to judge the shirts for ……..?

Well, any acceptable criteria - and there were many "runners up" nominated from the different teams, too many to name individually, however they were unanimous that the first place should go to Terry Spurling for the extra effort he must have put in. Terry was awarded the winner's "crown" which had to be worn for the rest of the evening. (I hope someone produces some photos of that for the archives).

It appears that many wise old salts knew the right way to keep away colds after queuing in the rain for their BBQ food; between us we consumed just over 100 tots of rum, many thanks to Ted Budgen for taking on the role of "Rum Bosun" for the evening. The raffle was a tremendous success. With the help of all the very generous people the raffle made a profit of £206.01 (don't ask?).

righam Young and his team worked hard onthe catering for the evening, they got well and truly soaked but remained cheerful throughout the evening, at least I think they were smiling!!

There were also many travellers attending this year - Whisky (Kevin) Walker and Anona down from Aberdeen, meeting up with one of our newer members, George (Norman) Hildrew and his good lady from Barnsley. We welcomed some more familiar visitors and friends; Malcolm Carr and his wife from Sunderland and to Tam and Heather from bonny Scotland. "Haste Ye Back"! It was good to see Lillian Collins back amongst us so soon after her second knee replacement.

We have a knack of choosing a rainy day for the BBQ in fact someone said we should hold it in the Sahara desert next year as they need some rain !!

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