Another well supported club event with 15 boats and 2 cars.

We were again lucky with the weather this weekend, another scorcher! Also with the moorings, considering The Carrow Club also had a meet on the common.

Friday started off a bit cloudy and breezy but soon became warm when the cloud broke up in the afternoon. By late afternoon we had twelve club boats moored including three rafted and one stern on.

We all sat outside enjoying the late afternoon sun and chatting over a drink or two. The Reedham Crew enjoyed a panoramic view (and a few cans) on the flybridge of Colin’s boat. The evening continued to be warm and most continued to sit outside where we could just hear the bass and drum beat from the ‘Take That’ concert at Carrow Road Football Ground.

It was already hot by 8am on Saturday and it wasn’t long before chairs appeared on the green for al fresco breakfasts, with many sitting in the shade as the temperature rose.

It was full up on the moorings when Dave and Dawn phoned to say they were on their way. The usual boat shuffling went on, Roger moving from rafting onto bank when another boat left and Ray and Margaret rafted off Tantalus IV when they arrived. People on another private boat ‘Venus’ said they were about to leave but would wait for Dave and Dawn to arrive, which they kindly did and moved off (with a club year book on board) when Ocean Way arrived. Perfect spot right by the marquee area, how nice was that!

Once Dave and Dawn had got their breath back after traveling from home in the early hours of the morning we proceeded with erecting the marquee, followed by the new flag which was suitably saluted!

Last boat to arrive was Court Jester at 2.30pm which we got rafted off Ocean Way. Good to see Hilda and Ivan at a riverside meet.

The public mooring was full now with club boats and one other, whilst The Carrow Club took up all the Parish moorings. The couple on the other boat, ‘Mr C’, soon got chatting and were invited to join us for the evening, which they did and also showed interest in joining the club.

Ron and Joan arrived by car as did Lee and Barbara who just popped by to say hello.

A pleasant afternoon was spent enjoying the hot weather and events like watching a helicopter land behind the trees in the field opposite, where there seemed to be another event in progress, and the antics of three overloaded day boats from Waveney River Centre going towards Norwich. I counted at least 12 youngsters on one of the boats. We found out from the BA Ranger the following day that they had caused havoc all the way and were all arrested while trying to get through Bishops Bridge!

Most did their cooking in groups near their boats at BBQ’s time and much feasting followed.

We all gathered at the marquee with nearly everyone sitting outside on this rare warm evening. Bim and I started the music about 9pm and played through until about 11pm when a grand finale was provided by Ivan with his rendition on ‘Your Song’. We ended the evening with a toast to Bob and Norma who were in our thoughts.

Sunday saw the start of another scorcher and following the dismantling of the marquee, boats started getting underway leaving a few of us to enjoy a relaxing day. We were pleased to see Sylvia, who came by car for a chat with us and the Carrow Club crowd.

And so ended another enjoyable club event, looking forward to seeing as many who can make at Berney Mill on 16th July.

Cheers, John