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5th January - First Meeting of 2019 at Swansea Motorrad:
The first official meet at the new venue for the South Wales area, Swansea Motorrad (aka M&P`s) at Phoenix Way, Gorseinon, supplanting the now defunct Riders of Cardiff, who have retreated to the south west to their main base at Bridgewater. Swansea Motorrad are not yet fully functioning but we are told by Mark, the M of M&P, that they should be open with all departments ready by next month, problems with building work has caused several months delay. So this Saturday we were welcomed in the M&P café, where the meals and drinks are on offer at remarkably low prices, really good value for money and good quality too.
Most of us had arrived by 11.00am and congregated in the café, squeezing several tables together, creating a convivial atmosphere and having a good chin wag and catching up on various things. We totalled out at 17 people all arriving on motor cycles, bar one who is still recovering from broken ribs and damage to his back, I gave him an excuse me note. A good number for a first get together, I think. When the BMW facilities are opened, it will provide a separate coffee shop with more room for us and also we have been offered use of their Board Room which has video facilities. This looks like a very good deal negotiated by our Social Secretary, Denis Bradbeer. Thanks for that Denis. The M&P management seem very keen to have us with them so let’s try to support that by giving them our custom whenever possible.
When the warmer weather arrives we could possibly have a ride out or two from there, the Gower peninsula is only about two miles south and the Brecon Beacons start a couple of miles to the north, with west wales also easily accessible, a great riding base.
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13th January - Haggis, Neeps & Tatties at Devauden:
Once again “Masterchef” Cameron ably assisted by Michelle, Ian and Debbie agreed to put on Haggis Neeps & Tatties with options for Faggots or Vegetarian. Bookings came in rapidly with a total of 70 servings being prepared. While the chefs were beavering away the hall was laid out ready for the visitors and all seemed to be under control.
Before the meal was served a presentation was made to Claire Charlton as representative of LINC (www.lincfund.org) who are a charitable organisation providing emotional and financial support to Leukaemia sufferers and those receiving intensive Chemotherapy Treatment. This organisation played an important role in supporting Graham and Julie Wiltshire during their difficult time. The Section raised the sum of £522 from the raffle at the 2018 Hotel Weekend and the Christmas Party Raffle which was gratefully received by Claire. See below letter received from Claire.
As is customary the haggis must be piped in to “A Mans a Man for A” in true Scottish tradition. The haggis party was lead by Ian followed by Cameron with the haggis followed by Michelle carrying tots of whisky ready for the toasting. This was followed by Denis “addressing the haggis” with a mix of Geordie and Scottish accents with Paul acting as interpreter. The chefs returned to the kitchen to make final preparations only to realise that the faggots were still in the fridge!!!! While those who ordered haggis or the vegetarian were served a little patience was required for those wanting faggots. After the main course a dessert of apple pie and custard was served up. Leaving everyone very well fed.
Many thanks must go the Cameron and his team for producing such a meal for so many, equally thanks must also go to the other helpers (including Roger who did a very poor impersonation of Jan) who without their support it would not be possible for these events to take place. With a bit of luck it could be roast beef next year?
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16th January - First Meeting of 2019 at the Stables Tea Room::
Our first meeting of the year at our new venue, “The Stables” at Manor farm near West Harptree Somerset. It is part of a converted farm complex which houses the café, farm shop and antiques emporium. 22 members turned out in support of Anita and enjoyed the delights that the ladies had to offer. It was really great to see James back on his feet and able to drive himself around. His leg is coming along well but slowly, he was even hinting that he could be back on a bike, which he didn’t think was ever going to happen.
If to-day is anything to go by then the Stables will be a great place to meet up, talk bikes and grab something decent to eat with like minded friends. Thank you to all who supported us. See you again next month. Dave & Anita
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19th January - First Meeting of 2019 at Fowlers of Bristol::
14 members arrived for breakfast and coffees, the cafe was very busy but all managed to get seated. Members came from far and wide from both sides of the bridge some on bikes and others in their cars. Looking forward to next time.
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2nd February - Swansea Motorrad::
Our visits to Swansea Motoradd continue although they are currently restricted to the fab Cafe (the Harley Breakfast seems to be a favourite ) and looking around M & P showrooms. Alas the BMW Showroom is still having problems and hasn’t yet opened it will probably during March we think, patience is a virtue I hear you say !
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10th February - Devauden Monthly Meeting::
Again the meeting attracted a goodly number of members sixty plus filled the hall each having a good belly full of the home made soups and Artisan Bread on offer, Four different soups were on offer with either brown or white chunks of bread. These meetings are a great way to get our members together in a social setting so if you haven’t yet been able to make one of the meetings try and get there next time we would love to see you.
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20th February - Stables Tea Room::
As predicted this event is proving to be popular for a lunch time meeting, once again about twenty members turned up 99% booked in advance with Dave and Anita as requested. It was nice to see so many happy faces getting stuck into the chosen menu delights. Long may it continue
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17th March - Windmill Lunch Meet::
The meet saw thirty one of us at The Windmill Inn at Portishead over looking the Bristol channel. Very different from last year as it snowed which naturally discouraged two wheeled transport. We were a little packed in this year but it only added to the conviviality. Great nosh consumed by all whilst viewing the mighty Severn Estuary with various ships passing by under a mainly blue sky.
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27th March - Old Barn Tea Room::
Another great day out with the club 14 bikes gathered at Waitrose in Abergavenny for the ride over to the Old Barn Tea Rooms today. On arrival there were another two bikes waiting for us and a gaggle of members giving 22 in total swamping the Cafe. Lovely atmosphere and good food with a cheerie welcome from Lynda and staff.
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10th April - Visit to the Llanwechaeron Collection, Aberaeron::
Brian Roberts suggested and arranged this great idea for a visit. Just before 11am on Wednesday 3rd April a group of 9 members gathered in the entrance to the Centre. Brian signed our group in and at 11am smart we set off for the tour around two of the four collection areas.
1. Gas and large stationary engines:
Mark Etheridge (Curator Industry and Transport) gave us an introduction to the larger engines and the challenges of cleaning, conserving and eventually rebuilding the parts into a restored engine. Two steam engines were demonstrated using compressed air in place of steam. He then very kindly spent a lot of time patiently fielding all our questions about the gas engines and large stationary steam engines.
Some engines from the mines were truly massive (driving 42ft fans for mine ventilation) while others from breweries were quite small. (They had no free examples of the beer brewed!!!). As Wales is a mainly rural country they have many examples of farm engines for driving machinery like threshing machines. The Albion Steel works had donated equipment reflecting the growing industrialisation of Cardiff in the 18th and 19th centuries. Others had been gifted to the museum without a full history of their use over the years.
2. The Transport Collection
Mark’s colleague gave us an introduction to the transport collection which reflects vehicles and vehicle technology made and used in Wales. This was our chance to see the collection of bicycles, motorbikes, cars, buses and even an air sea rescue helicopter. The collection has two examples of Gilbern Sports Cars which was a Welsh car manufacturer from 1959 to 1973, based in Church Village, Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd a short distance from where we stood. There was an early example (2007) of a Stevens electric delivery van no longer in production.
As motorcyclists their examples of Bown Motorcycles (made in Caerphilly around 1952) were also interesting but although we asked nicely they were not up for allowing us to ride any. Also locally made was the Swallow Gadabout motorcycle 1947 by Helliwells Ltd of Treforest, so made on the same estate as the museum. For the ladies they had the New Imperial Ladies 2 ¼ hp single cylinder made in Birmingham in 1928, showing that women were just as involved with riding as men from the early days of development.
To round out the collection there were examples of Rolls Royce aircraft jet engine, RNLI boat, Helicopter, traction engine with trailer, Fire engine from Dow Corning etc, etc.
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12th April - Rose & Crown, Tintern:
The published venue for our pub grub on the 12th April was at the Carpenters Arms in Llanishen, who announced shortly before we were due to go were having work done and so couldn’t take us. However their loss was our gain because following a tip off from a chatty lady in one of the craft shops at Abbey Mills, Tintern, I went and booked the Rose and Crown that is just up the road from Tintern Abbey. Twelve of us arrived and twelve of us had a very good pub meal at a reasonable price. The pub though not massive was comfy and well run it didn’t take long for our orders to be served causing a few eye popping moments at the large size of the portions. To sum up the Carpenters Arms at Llanishen is now off our radar and the Rose and Crown is definitely on it.
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14th April - Devauden Monthly Meeting:
Two new faces turned up at the meet, Deneys Schreiner and Garry Mitchell who were made welcome and hope to see them at future Section Events.
Tony and Karen Marris gave us a presentation on their travels to Timbuktu and beyond.
In 2008 Tony and Karen Marris keen to further their interest in world music undertook an epic journey travelling by air, sea, road and camel to visit a remote music festival in the Sahara desert fifty miles over the sands north/west of Timbuktu.
They used a specialist company operating small group tours taking travellers from the capital Bamako throughout Mali to the Festival site in the Sahara.
The journey took them through small villages with mud dwellings by 4x4 on roads that weren’t there just tracks and across rivers by what looked like a very dodgy ferry. Their account enhanced by a slide show with music of this incredible journey kept us all fascinated by their description of not only their travels but some of the history of Mali from incredible wealth to almost poverty today. Tony explained that from the 13th to 16th century Mali was the wealthiest country on earth based on gold and salt. It’s ruler Mansa Musa (1280 to 1337) was described by the BBC in 2019 as the richest man who ever lived. 1893 Mali was colonised by the French until it’s independence in 1960. There followed considerable unrest until 1993 when the warring factions laid down their arms and Mali moved to a multi party democracy. In 2003 the Festival in the desert was launched as a celebration of peace giving the various tribes the chance to to gather and celebrate their culture. Alas Mali is once more under the grip of terrorist organisations destroying much of the Malian cultural buildings and artefacts. In the years after 2009 tourists were kidnapped and killed by Al Qaeda affiliated groups. The festival was relocated to Timbuktu for two years but ceased in 2012 after the terrorist insurgency took hold and control of Timbuktu. Music was banned, libraries plundered with many of the ancient manuscripts destroyed for ever. The UN have moved in, but the country has been in lockdown ever since, bombings and other atrocities continue. Tony and Karen remember their trip, not for the events that followed, but of a wonderful country full of history, culture, music and smiling people. It is hoped that one day they can smile once more
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2nd May - Visit to Croome national Trust, Worcestershire:
Although Croome is now owned by the National Trust during the Second World War and the Cold War years that followed, RAF Defford the secret airfield built in the grounds of Croome park, was one of the most secret places in the country. For it was at Defford that Airborne Radar was tested, developed and proven. Airborne Radar provided a decisive factor in Victory for the Allies. For more information on RAF Defford click (HERE).
Eleven Section Members turned up and met in the 1940's style restaurant. With plenty of choice on offer everyone settled down to eat their fill although one declined as it was Slimming World weighing in day?? With plenty of chat everyone appeared to enjoy the environment although It is understood the weather was not too kind for the ride home with some serious downpours, oh the joys of motorcycling - Colin Ross
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10th May - VCR Run:
We had a great time during the Western section / VCR run led by Henry Hyam, with me as tailender, we left Dick Lovetts and met the rest of the group at Abergavenny bus station. We had six bikes, including Mike and Liz’s 100,000 miles K100LT, my R50, a R90s, a R90/6, a R75/6 , a monolever airhead and last but never least Hayden on a MZ 250.
We had a good run over the Gospel pass, not as muddy as last time, an excellent lunch in Hay on Wye and tea at Tintern, beautiful weather and the British countryside was looking its best.
I am looking forward to next years. Charles Newall
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Mike and Liz Denton clock up 100,000 miles:
Our journey on our 1986 K100RT started when we bought the bike in 1994 (a garage find, only done a few thousand miles). We joined the Western Section almost immediately and have enjoyed all the events and rides over the years. We Have just clocked the magic number of 100,000 miles and enjoyed every mile. As the photo shows a small glass of champagne was well earned and enjoyed to mark the occasion. We Have over the years transformed it into the bike we wanted. Changed and updated many items:- Givi Luggage, Electric Screen, Brakes, Suspension, had parts polished and chromed. Most of the work done by myself. Travels, been up to the Shetlands, Orkneys, Ireland, well into France and Germany. Still have a list of places we wish to explore.
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27th to 30th June - Black & White Camping Weekend:
2019 see the 10th anniversary of this event, the first 2 years were organised by George and June Lukins after which Sue and I took it over and have run it ever since. The site itself is excellent and well prepared by the owners Su and Geoff and while the event has been running for a considerable period it has become a firm favourite with many Club Members.
Some 2 weeks prior to the event we had 26 confirmed bookings and ended up with a record of 41 and included 17 tents, 3 motorhomes and 1 caravan from Western, South West, Easy Anglia, Yorkshire, South East, Northern and Oxford Sections.
The forecast for the weekend was excellent which proved to be the case with wall to wall sunshine. The event kicked off on the Thursday with 19 taking advantage of the availability. As has become custom on the Thursday a "Fish & Chip" run is arranged with the majority taking advantage of the offer. However when arriving at the shop in Kington only to find it closed, fortunately after speaking to a local there was another shop nearby. This proved equally as good so everyone was very satisfied as the good quality portions could not be described as small.
Those already camped did their own thing while Sue and I put the jig saw together of finding space for the tents while maintaining a reasonable separation distance fortunately there was adequate space but only just.
There are a lot of attractions and biking routes in this area therefore everyone was left to do their own thing. Some heading for the coast but not unusual for Wales the coast was some 10o cooler and even encountered rain on their return journey but once over the hills this disappeared and returned to the warm sunny weather everyone else was enjoying.
The evening entertainment started with Sue's boules knock out tournament which was played with some enthusiasm as it always brings out the competitive side with Nick Anderson taking the spoils of a bottle of wine. This was followed by Denis and I doing the BBQ of burgers and bangers from the onsite farm shop which are always good quality. This was supplemented by and array of salads prepared by Sue and number of helpers, needless to say there was very little left at the end. Judith Jones had arranged a birthday cake for her husband Nev who's 70th birthday it was the following week although keeping it out of sight had proved to be a challenge when Nev was scouring the motorhome for some oddment.
After everyone had sung "Happy Birthday" and had their fill it was time for Bingo with prizes of locally produced cider and bottles of wine, Game 1: a line was won by Dilwyn John and to keep it in the family his wife Elaine won the full house. Game 2: a line was won by Mark Senior and the full house by Mike Groves, after that it was time to hat and enjoy the evening sun.
There is something eerie about Sunday morning when everyone slowly packs up, say their goodbyes and leave returning what was a hum of activity to empty pitches. Many thanks must go all those that helped with the event which based on the comments received was very enjoyable, some already saying they will come again next year or is it time for a change? - Sue and Colin Ross.
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4th July - Fresh Fills Café Meet, Llandrindrod Wells:
During the 2018 Section Hotel Weekend in Llandrindrod Wells an number of attendees made their way to the Fresh Fills Café in the town centre. Due to its good food and location it was considered a good venue for a lunch time meet. To enable the venue to arrange tables booking was requested but apart from Sue and myself only another 6 took up the option. However it was a pleasant day for a ride and the café did not disappoint and we enjoyed a convivial chat before making our respective ways home. Thanks to all that made the effort - Colin Ross
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17th July - Stables Café Meet:
Once again this venue proved to be popular and no wonder, a lovely setting and good food. 21 members arrived most on bikes, the chat was good as was the company. Thanks Dave and Anita for organising
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11th to 14th July - Brecon Beacons camping Weekend:
This went exceptionally well helped by good weather. Each year the numbers attending have gone up and this year was no exception. Well over 65 people attended and as they enjoyed themselves they raised £124 for charity.
Twelve GS’s came, together with fourteen Sidecar Register members and guests. Also we had 3 BMW Club Germany members who made it for the Thursday night before having to leave to get back for work.
It was great to see June and George Lukins (who started this event) make a welcome return attendance.
Thursday saw quite a number of people arrive ensuring a good attendance in The White Hart and The Star for the evening. With a Fish and Chip supper on the Friday night, followed by a fabulous BBQ on the Saturday evening the culinary side of things was working well.
On Saturday there were two ride outs, one led by Haydn for solos and a second for Side Cars. Those not disposed to ride did the traditional lazy 4.5 mile return walk along the canal to The Oak in the next village (Pencelli) for lunch. We were all put to shame by David and Myfi who put on the Lycra and cycled around the Pontsticill Reservoir and Talybont Reservoir.
In the evening we had a raffle to put money into the Section Charity account. Many thanks to all who donated prizes, in particular some of our Guests who were very generous giving a range of items from cakes to gas refill cannisters.
None of this would have been possible without the enthusiastic support and assistance of a large number of helpers. From erecting the Event Shelter to clearing the rubbish and recycling there was always someone offering assistance. In particular for the BBQ Ian, Cameron and Denis slaved over the hot grills and a small army of ladies (Judith, Jean, Myfi, Peta, Debbie, Michelle and others) produced and served a great array of salad dishes all of which were consumed as if locusts had passed through.
I should add our thanks to Lydia who runs the campsite for her assistance and cooperation in arranging things every year. Next year 2020 we have booked The Beacons event at the same campsite for Thursday 9th July to Sunday the 12th July. I hope to see you all there - Nev Jones
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20th July - Ride Out with Ade:
There was a great turn out, 11 bikes in total. We had a gentle ride in the sunshine to Gillingham stopping at my favourite watering hole, Mirus 55, where we were refreshed with chips, sausages, tea, coffee and cakes, (traditional bikers fare). We left there to ride to Fovant to view the regimental badges which were cut into the chalk hill at Fovant Down, these can be seen from a layby on the A30 (between Salisbury and Shaftesbury). The badges were dug out by the troops who were waiting for the next leg of their journey to the Western front, the first was created in 1916. Nine of the original twenty remain, and are scheduled ancient monuments and recognised by the Imperial War Museum as war memorials. Further badges have been added recently.
The next stage for the riders, was a ride up the recently resurfaced zig zag hill, to visit my other favourite watering hole at Compton Abbas airfield. We again enjoyed tea, coffee and cakes. We then went off to find the Cerne Abbas Giant, a chalk of debatable heritage but obvious assets.
One small confession, I suffered a brain burp, on the way to find the giant, I managed to get a little lost, however, the sun shone and we go there eventually, following a circuitous route. We said our goodbyes then it was a great ride home in the setting sun - Ade Pavey.
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18th September - Stables Tea Rooms:
Stables Tea room meet 18 Sept organised by Dave and Anita. 15 members turned up on a glorious sunny day. Great to see new member John at his first meeting, hope to see more of you in the future. We even attracted a potential new member. Greg was out collecting blackberries on a cycle and noticed all the BMWs parked outside and came to join us for a cuppa. As always, the food was spot on, a great venue.
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12th to 15th September - Sorebutts Rally:
The weather on Thursday for setting up was decidedly damp and drizzly for the start of the 5th Sorebutts Rally. Luckily from Friday morning onwards the sun came out and it turned into a fabulous weekend. 56 people attended in a mixture of tents, campervans, pods, bell tents and caravans. A few couples stayed in The Old Sawmills B and B accommodation to be part of the rally. As well as excellent accommodation, The Sawmills provides fantastic cuisine in a very friendly and informal setting and is conveniently placed just yards from the rally site.
Sue Ross organised a boules tournament on Friday afternoon which was won by her own hubby Colin. The evening saw the usual fish and chip run to The Black and White chippie, followed by bingo.
The ride-out on Saturday was led by Dave Fox-Spencer, leading 8 bikes on a glorious run around Exmoor.
Saturday evening was BBQ time, expertly cooked by chefs Denis Bradbeer and Colin Ross, nobody ever goes hungry at The Sorebutts.
A picture quiz ran throughout the weekend which was won by Jan and Ian Hibbert.
The raffle proved ever popular with many prizes on offer including a bottle of wine kindly donated by The Old Sawmills pub.
Thanks to all those who supported the rally and to all those willing volunteers who helped to keep it running smoothly, I can’t wait for next year.
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22nd to 24th November - Hotel Weekend
What a cracking weekend !
Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th November with the option of booking with the hotel for extra nights.
The hotel, which was refurbished 3 years ago to a very high standard, is clean and fresh, fronts a park alongside the River Taw. Its quiet location is away from the town but within easy walking distance. This was ideal for The Western Sections Annual weekend away. We had use of the sister hotel about 25 minute walk away if you were up for a swim, sauna or massage but after the dancing that went on Friday and Saturday night we never had enough energy !
All rooms are en-suite with good access to most areas. There are 3 Bars selling a good selection of wines, beers and spirits all at a sensible price.
There is ample car parking and secure undercover parking for bikes.
51 people chose to have an extra night on the Thursday. They were not to be disappointed. Excellent food, in fact excellent food all weekend and entertained on the night by a video horse racing evening laid on by the hotel.
Friday was the day for the rest of use to arrive. Another 25 due, bringing the weekends total to 76. Members not only from The Western Section but from Mercia, Midland, South East, Southern and Northern Sections. Unfortunately Bryn Mitchell, Western Section, was unable to join us. By 3.30pm everyone was present and we were treated to a complimentary cream tea and sandwiches all freshly made by the hotels kitchen staff. A few of us chose to have the" cold tea " in pint glasses just to get into the swing of things !
During the course of events we were gently accosted by the "good cop bad cop" team of Sandy and Jan "encouraging " us to buy raffle tickets . ( I'm not saying who was the good cop and who was the bad cop as I value certain parts of my anatomy !) Needless to say £££££ was raised in support of the Air Ambulance. The generosity of all of those present in donating prizes for the raffle cannot be thanked enough along with Dealership donations from Dick Lovetts , Thunder Road and M and P.
Following the cream tea people disbursed to get ready for the evening meal and entertainment. We all reconvened at 6 o'clock for Denis to welcome everyone and give us a breakdown of the weekend's events. The good cop, bad cop were on patrol to pick up those who'd perhaps slipped the net !
Our dinner was served at 7 o'clock. The service and food was superb. The waiting staff, who were overseen by the Head waiter and the Hotel Manager, were all smiling, took pride in their work and no attention to detail was missed. There was no shortage of food and everything was piping hot. The 3 courses were followed by coffee and the entertainment for the evening was provided by Jason Toft, who serenaded us with a selection of songs from all genres. A very talented man. The dancing was led from the start by Sue Smith from Midland section and Michele Wills from our very own Western Section. Within a few seconds the dance floor was full and it stayed that way until midnight by which time poor Jason's voice was about to fail ! Songs were being selected from all of us and passed to Jason. We were led in the Western Sections anthem "Delilah" by Haydn. The Smokie song "Living next Door to Alice" was one chosen by someone for a bit of devilment and Jean Cox surprised us all by singing along and knowing "most" of the words ! By midnight we had to reluctantly make for our rooms in readiness for the next fun packed day !
Saturday morning was a wet drab day and we were joined by Helen Beer who had ridden over in extremely wet conditions to meet up and have a chat and a cup of tea. After a full English breakfast or for those of us with a more healthier take on life, the Continental choice, (some of us having both !) a coach trip of the North Coast of Devon had been arranged by Denis. At 10 o'clock those that had booked, around 50, dually boarded the coach and set off on their travels taking in the scenery all be it through steamed up windows ! A pit stop in Illfracombe for light refreshment and a return back to the hotel for 4 o'clock.
8 hardy souls set off on the walk option, in the rain, along part of the Tarka trail following the River Taw up to Ashford. Here we stopped at St. John's Garden Centre just as the sun came out, for a cup of tea a cake and on taking the advice of a very learned man who told us "never pass a toilet " we all availed ourselves of the facilities. ( Mr, Warrilow also gave us some other advice but I don't think I can print it here !!). As the sun had come out we removed our wet weather walking gear while having our refreshment. On leaving the Garden Centre it decided to start to rain again so we all donned our wet weather kit again. It was most interesting watching people trying to balance on one leg while trying to get their other leg with boots on into their wet weather trousers. Not helped by standing in the doorway of electrically operated sliding doors !! (Very much like a Brian Rix farce). Anyway we all made it back to the hotel safely. Thanks to Dave and Anita Holland for arranging the walk and Mike for the entertainment.
In the evening we all assembled again at 6 o'clock for a complimentary glass of Prosecco and the raffle before dinner. This was your last chance to purchase a raffle ticket and there was no escaping the raffle police ! Some 50 or so prizes adorned the table and Denis, with the help of his glamorous assistants, Sue "Pussy Galore" Ross and Jenny "Xenia Onatopp" Rodriguez undertook the draw. After around 15 minutes some numbers called hadn't been claimed, so they were called again and Nev, who had arrived after the start of the raffle, ( not sure if he'd over slept from his afternoon nap or was just avoiding buying more raffle tickets ) went to claim his prizes ! Once the raffle was out of the way we were all again treated with a sumptuous meal served with the same gusto as the previous evening but this time we also had the Area General Manager, who helped out clearing tables and one of the Hotel chains Directors which was nice to see as they were there making sure we had the best service and experience that could be given.
The entertainment for the evening was the Hotels DJ, Mike, who again played music as selected by us. Yet again the dance floor was full all night. We had Harry and Janet Warwick, Richard and Christine Shaw jiving . Mandy, Jilly and Val giving us their interpretation of the Proclaimers, "I would walk 500 miles" , Dave Holland gave his impression of River Dance although some thought it was Billy Elliot while others thought it was Max Wall ! The bar staff were dancing along behind the bar and joined us at the end of the night on the dance floor. Part way through the evening Denis awarded the prize to the person (s) that had travelled the furthest to get to the venue . Runner up was Vince Hart 266 miles but the winners were Billy and Jill Clark 377 miles.(Northern Section). An award for most BMW Western Section events attended went to Keith Davis. The dancing resumed with men on the dance floor outnumbering the ladies by 15 to 1,( I could have that the wrong way around !!) and continued yet again until midnight.
Everyone was up for breakfast the next morning, some a little later than others ! Goodbyes said to those in sections further afield but with a promise to meet up at the next hotel weekend.
A quick straw poll amongst some of you, to see if you would be happy to return, was extremely positive. Some of the comments that were made ; Richard and Christine Shaw Western Section, Harry and Janet Warwick, John and Joy Stewart SE Section. Really enjoyed ourselves. Looking forward to the next one. Dave and Sue Smith Mercia Section; Don't want to leave, having such a good time ! Ian and Val Green Midland Section; Dilwyn and Elaine John Western Section; Fantastic weekend. Can't fault it. Paul and Anne Dyer, Lee and Mandy Bastin, Julie Wiltshire Western Section; Great time, great entertainment, can't wait for the next one.
Our Social Secretary ,Denis, worked extremely hard to make this a weekend that will be talked about for the next few years. He was constantly putting "the squeeze" on Steve , the hotel manager, who was extremely helpful in putting things together to make sure we all enjoyed ourselves. A big thank you to Denis, all of you that attended and to all the staff at the Hotel that were so helpful and cheery. Nothing was too much of a problem. Keep your eyes peeled for the add in the Journal for the next one and get your deposit in to secure your place asap.
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8th December - Christmas Party
Our monthly meeting at Devauden for Christmas meant another excuse for FOOD!
Around 60 of us turned up to exchange cards and enjoy a feast of sandwiches, rolls, quiches, sausage rolls, dips, crisps and some of that green stuff the ladies seem to like and the blokes tend to avoid !
All of which was followed by mince pies and a slice or two of Colin,s “boozy” Christmas Cake.
The obligatory raffle was run, with our "Good cop, Bad Cop" team of raffle ticket sellers, Sandy and Jan. Although both were "Good Cops" today and in the Festive Spirit. Again our members didn't let us down and a plethora of prizes, which everyone had donated, adorned the table.
Denis arrived in the guise of Santa (you would never have guessed !), to draw the raffle with assistance from his Little Helper, Brody, (Michele and my 5 year old granddaughter. Her mummy was poorly so we had charge of her over the weekend) and his two other not so Little Helpers, Debbie and Sue. Brody drew the first ticket and it was Granddads ! (That's my girl ). A further £170.00 was added to the funds raised so far for the Welsh Air Ambulance bringing the total this year to £619.00. Thanks to everyone for their excellent support in providing prizes and buying tickets.
Thanks to Ian and Deb for the tea and coffee, all you ladies that helped set up the food and everyone of you who provide food for such a feast.
All that remains to be said is a Very Merry Christmas a Happy New Year to everybody from the Committee and don't forget January's meeting starts the year off with a variety of soups and February is our Roast Beef dinner which you will need to book in for.( More food!!).
See you all next year
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