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The Victoria Shadow Association |
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Shadow Rally to
Shillingford Bridge Hotel
on Saturday, 24th May 2008 |
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A trio of Shadows
viewed from Shillingford Bridge |
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The
weather forecast, for the day of the rally and for the remainder of
the Bank Holiday weekend, was not at all promising. There was to be a
stiff breeze with heavy showers and longer periods of rain likely.
Various
domestic issues had made it unlikely that Jenny and I would be able to
attend but, at the last moment, we found it was possible and I
telephoned Dave Probert, "Would it be alright for us come after all?"
No
sooner had we parked our motor-car than we were spotted by John and
Gill Walker, who warmly welcomed us and invited us aboard 'Heavenly
Daze'. Their Shadow 26 was absolutely immaculate and we very much
enjoyed their hospitality.
The
weather, as you can see, was not all bad. Overcast and threatening for
a while maybe, but the sun soon reappeared. |
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Gill and John Walker
with Jenny aboard 'Heavenly Daze' |
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The wind
was brisk enough to make the Burgee flutter and also to make us feel
chilly from time to time.
The
rally site was just upstream of the fine bridge at Shillingford and
alongside the lawns of the Shillingford Bridge Hotel, where we were
later to enjoy their dinner and dance.
On
arrival, we found only two Shadows; 'Jolly Olly' with blue cockpit
canopy was moored ahead of 'Heavenly Daze' with her green cockpit
canopy. We were told that 'White Rose of York' had already been
spotted further down river and would likely appear soon.
The
Hotel had reserved space for us, as a visiting rally, and we hoped
Dave would arrive in time to have all three boats moored in line
astern. |
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'Heavenly Daze' flies
the Association's Burgee |
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The Shillingford
Bridge Hotel |
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'Jolly
Olly' was looking pretty immaculate, too. She was sporting a fine vase
of fresh flowers in the window; a nice touch.
But
where were Peter and Carol Hunt? It was rumoured that Kate still had
her nails and hair to do. Perhaps they were down below.
A call
from 'Heavenly Daze' alerts us to the arrival of 'White Rose of York'
with Dave, Angela plus Ted and Kitty Moss. |
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'Jolly Olly' was moored
at the front |
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'White
Rose of York', with the red cockpit canopy, is soon secured alongside
behind 'Heavenly Daze'. She is wearing both the Association Burgee and
a very new looking red ensign.
Now that
the rally organiser is here some re-organisation of the Hotel's
seating arrangement is called for... |
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Dave, Angela and Ted
pose infront of 'White Rose of York' |
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Bemused onlookers stare
as the picnic table is whisked away |
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and put to good use by
the boats! |
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"Now,
let's see. You have your Victoria Shadow Association Cap and a Burgee
for 'Jolly Olly'. Oh, would you like a raffle ticket as well?" |
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| Dave the salesman |
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Peter with his new cap |
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Dave, Peter, John,
Jenny, Ted, Gill, Angela and Kitty |
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Paul and
Patsy Townsend of 'Rebwelly' arrived by road to join the festivities
but unfortunately I failed to get any satisfactory pictures of them.
Also joining the crew of 'Jolly Olly' during the afternoon were Jackie
and Tony, who would be at the dinner dance with us.
David Probert has supplied
the remaining set of photographs taken during the evening. |
Dave
This page
last updated on the 27 May 2008 |
