A good turnout on improving weather.  12 Boats attended over the weekend + 4 cars, and 2 motorhomes! 30 members were at the BBQ and the evening’s entertainment. The new gazebo just about survived the afternoon winds and was cosily full in the evening.

The new flag flew proudly from the flagpole.

The weather was showery in a gusty south-westerly breeze, but sunny spells kept us happy, especially at BBQ time.  

Seven boats arrived throughout the day on the Friday, but Bob and Peter took their boats up to the basin and returned early on Saturday. Friday was a bit drizzly and not too warm, so members were invited on to “Lady Grace” for drinks and nibbles during the afternoon – plus plenty of laughs and chat. Steve and Angela did a splendid job in organising fish ‘n chip dinners for delivery at 6pm, when most of us disappeared to our own boats to enjoy the meal. The evening brightened up weatherwise and further drinks kept up the feeling of contentment.

Saturday dawned a better day, plenty of warm sunshine, and members sat outside their boats welcoming in the rest of the boats due. Some went off to the shops for provisions or to visit the local hostelries, others began the erection of the new gazebo – supervised by Dave. This was great fun as usual but worries were raised as the wind strengthened and velcro ties began to fail. We added one of the old gazebo backs to the rear of the new one – likening it to “double-glazing”, and this gave it more strength. A couple of large ropes and rhond anchoring also helped to hold down the gazebo, but luckily the wind abated as the afternoon went on and damage was minimalised. Phew!

The flagpole was soon erected and the new flag attached and hauled up into place – with us saluting and admiring it from down below. Great fun.

Dave and Dawn, helped enthusiastically by Simon, then sifted through the old gazebos’ material and poles, saving the best to make a second “spare” gazebo, the unwanted bits being offered to members for winter covering and the like. The remainder was disposed of. A good sort out, and much needed.

Rain arrived at 4pm, most of us taking shelter in the new gazebo and filling it with our tables and chairs. Luckily, that subsided before 5pm and we were all able to begin our BBQ’s on time and in the late afternoon sunshine. More rain came around 6pm but most had completed their cooking and were happily enjoying the food and drink in the cosy gazebo.

Everyone then got ready for the evening entertainment beginning before 8pm, provided this time by Commodore Bob, fresh from the first leg of his “UK tour” -  a riotous gig for a West Mids W.I. ladies group, and also by Bim on keyboards. They took alternate half-hour sets, Bob singing and playing guitar to backing tracks; and Bim singing some lovely old standards and making us laugh with some comical ditties. It was a great night, finishing with Ken (“Satori”) giving us his inebriated (slightly) version of “You need hands.” With the audience joining in. Hilarious!

By this time it had rained again and the gazebo cooled down – but the gas heater was brought into use, and worked fine after Dave had repaired it in the winter. It was all over by 11pm and we all helped to quickly clear up before returning to our boats. A terrific night!

Sunday started with blue sky and warm sunshine, the beginning of a mini heatwave. Lovely, especially as I was due to start a 10 day Northern Broads holiday on the Monday. We let the gazebo dry out a bit, before taking it down and clearing the site before 11am. Dave, Peter, and myself, left by midday to go down to the basin for the afternoon and night, and the rest went off in their own time.

Many thanks to all who attended and made it such a great weekend.

I can’t make the next event, but I hope you all enjoy the mid-year BBQ at Bramerton on 17thJune.

See you all at the Summer BBQ at Berney Arms Mill on 15th.July.

Ken  

May 2017