Monday 27 November 2017

Events 2018

section events 2018

Saturday 25 November 2017

Christmas dinner 2017

the long table gets settled

Ray's ready but Dermot can't sit yet

wood panelling  like on a yacht!

draw prizes and a Christmas tree

Sandy has no worries, Dermot not so sure.

this end are camera shy

had to hide the 'tach I won as there
were better round the table!

first course over

now where did I put my speech

Dermot remembers a dream




































Once again the year flies by and we are at the annual dinner, over 30 people attended the Town arms for this years event, judging by the conversation level, it seems it was enjoyed by all. I enjoyed my meal and hope everyone else did, it was quickly served and there was plenty of it. Dermot gave a run down of the years events and praised the committee for the planning and organising of runs and club evenings though he expressed disappointment at the numbers attending the latter. We are learning more of our Chairman of late as he has admitted recently to having once been moved to tears and today to having dreams!. Dermot then gave the answers to the quiz left on the table on our arrival and the winners were my wife Marilyn and I ( with heavy emphasis on the former! ). Mike announced the winners of the 3 cups available they were: pre war, John Boyd, post war, John Tribble and Foreign, Maurice Lay. Richard saw to the draw prizes of which there were many and the event came to a conclusion around 1500. Now an event like this does not go off so well without some hard work by many people, Chris produces the events calendar which is always available at our place settings, Richard has handled the main link with the Town arms and produced the menu etc, Mike has organised the trophies and had them engraved, and Dermot the speech and quiz; now here I must say that they are not alone as I happen to know that their better halves had more than a little input!, lastly of course the committee who are at the moment working very well together to make this section the success it is, well done all. I hope you all have a good Christmas and hope to see you at our next event which will be January 7th for the new years lunch at the Welcome Fryer South Molton.

Saturday 18 November 2017

Club night 161117

13 members turned up to an excellent presentation by Dermot on the vision, construction and sailing of his yacht. We were able to see through photographs just how the boat was built in Malta and the problems encountered, then the tricky business of moving the completed yacht downhill to the harbour, followed by sea trials and finally the trips around the Med and over to the USA. All this was accomplished in 8 years, unfortunately, my invitation to join him on one of his cruises seems to have been lost in the post at the time!. However, we did learn that Dermot can be broken to tears but only apparently by Maltese customs officials!, Thanks Dermot for the evening.
We have been very fortunate to have had a very interesting and varied programme this year on club nights but unfortunately they have not been well attended, the committee have produced another interesting year next year and we would love to see the numbers climb to reflect the hard work put in.
Sadly, next month will be our last club night of the year, it will consist of a natter evening with mince pies and is on the 21st December, I would personally love it if you come along as I definately ate to many mince pies last year!.

Wednesday 8 November 2017

Guy Fawkes run 051117

lunch time at Nomansland


lunch time banter

nice setting








I was unable to join the start of this run due to a long term engagement but I have Dermot's route notes and debrief. It seems around 13 riders  turned up at Okehampton station for this Guy Fawkes run organised and led by Dermot. With Ian and John agreeing to bring up the rear, the run set off to Exbourne on B3217 then Monkokehampton, Iddessleigh, Dowland and Dolton before crossing the A3124 to Riddlescombe, Ashrereigny, through Winkleigh, Morchard road and Morchard Bishop to Black Dog, ( Dermot has put Black Cat to see if I'm awake! ), then Thelbridge Cross to arrive at the lunch stop at Nomansland. Some rain was encountered during the morning run and judging by Keith's bike I would say quite a bit of mud too. I was able to join the riders at the Mount Pleasant pub where the talk was of the unfortunate mating attempt by a Velo on a honda which resulted on the two riders having to dismount unintentionally!. John appears to have had is bike fall over when his side stand slipped into a trough. However, it seems all were able to remount and ride away though Cyril rode for home as a precaution. 
The Mount Pleasant looked after us well, I say us as by now I had joined the run, and a good meal was enjoyed by all. Whilst enjoying the meal, the rains came heavily and after some discussion it was decided to stop the run here.
Thanks to Dermot for the run and to Ian and John agreeing to do back marshal duties, now we have a few months to attend to fettling our steads ready for next year, don't forget the Christmas lunch, this year at the Town Arms on November the 25th 12 noon, see Richard or Chris for places, your section would like to see you all there so ring and book now.