The Victoria Shadow Association

 

East Coast Social 2009

 

Sunday, 15th March found our members and guests back at Wivenhoe, once more. Once again the weather was fine and we were able to dine on the quay outside the Rose and Crown public house. There were twenty-one of us in all this time with some regulars unable to make it and sending their apologies. We were particularly please to see Michael and Anne Passmore, who had a long journey up from the Medway, as had Susan Macgregor, and delighted to meet John Raine, our newest member. Around this table from the left are seated Glenys Hunt, Wann Sadler, Louise Busby, Dick Meloy, John Cade and a friend of Louise.

Louise Busby joins our members and guests for lunch at the Rose and Crown

 

	The Rose and Crown public house is only a short distance from the Nottage Maritime Institute, as can be seen in the picture on the right. Fore-warned of our lunch requirements, the staff at the Rose and Crown coped rather better than in some previous years. Once the first meals had been served then the rest followed very quickly. The food was very good and the meal gave everyone a good chance to talk.
Glenys and Wann		Jenny and David

 

Arnold Robinson had driven from Burnham with three others; the two Davids and Peter. They also bought with them two unusual raffle prizes; a pretty massive 'Bruce' anchor and a large 'stirrup' pump! John, third from the right, is our newest member and owner of Frances 26, 'Louise'. Anne Grubb, besides being our Chairman, is also the East Coast Regional Organiser and responsible for this event!
	Jenny, David, Peter, John, Arnold and Anne

 

	Louise's talk on the Netherlands was a very professional affair coupled with a PowerPoint slide show. After discussing the extent of the inland waterways in the Netherlands and some of the general requirements for both ships and crews wanting to venture there, she went into some depth on the three main routes a newcomer might decide to take. The talk was very well received. Once she had finished and asked for any questions, there was an enthusiastic response from the floor that kept her busy for quite some time. After all that talking we felt in need of tea and cakes provided, as usual, by Anne. Having sampled most of them, I then learned that the sponge cake had been made by Wann and had to return to sample that, as well. It was excellent too! All good things come to an end and we must finish by thanking Louise for a truly excellent talk, by thanking Anne for organising the event so well and for all the members and their guests that made the effort to come. Thank you. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.