The 2018 “ROYAL” SPRING BBQ   19th.May 2018   Bramerton Common.

A brilliant turnout of 20 Boats attending over the weekend + 1 car, + 1 scooter!  In lovely sunshine, 40 or so members were at the afternoon “street” party and at the evening’s entertainment. Both old and new gazebos were necessary to house us all, set-up in a square pattern which made one large “marquee” – perfect for the occasion of celebrating Harry & Meghan’s royal wedding day.

Boats were “dressed” in colourful bunting and the gazebo front was decorated with pictures of the happy couple on union flag bunting, and inside with more bunting and red/white/blue balloons. Tables were laid and Bim loaned us a full-size union flag to drape over the “cake” table. Some tables had candelabra and cake stands on them, plus lots of sandwiches and nibbles etc. All rather very “English” -  village fete style!

The weather was warm & sunny - but chilly early in the day under grey skies and with light northerly breezes. A cold night as well, as soon as the sun went down, and the gas heater was needed on full blast, even in the packed “marquee”.

All 20 boats were moored up, by early Saturday morning, along the Common riverside – with some needing to raft off. Dave and Dawn were the last to arrive, but had prime position for TV satellite reception and for unloading the gazebos. The gazebos were erected early, under Dawn’s exacting supervision, and soon tables and chairs were laid out inside ready for the afternoon festivities. Dave and I busied ourselves putting up bunting and blowing up the balloons, just as Steve turned up on his beautifully reconditioned Lambretta ( his boat was out of the water for some TLC ). Very kindly, he had brought the morning newspapers for some of us, a service which we could do with at many of our remote venues. (I must remember to add “paperboy” to the vice-commodore’s remit in the club rules?)

The ladies looked lovely in their dresses and hats, and many crowded onto “Grebe” to watch the TV wedding at 11.30am, whilst the rest of us continued to drink and chat outside in the sunshine.

The “street party” began in the packed “marquee” at 2.15pm, everyone sitting at their tables or outside in the sunshine. Plenty of sandwiches and cakes on offer, and a round of prosecco for the loyal toast to the newly-weds. Jen and Sandra C, with much flag waving, then led us into the community singing, followed by the cutting of the “Wedding” cake and passing out slices to all. The afternoon party finished by 4.30pm and the big clean-up began, to get ready for the evening’s music entertainment. Many of us had had too much to eat ( and drink! ) and gave their planned BBQ’s a miss, but some did manage to cook before the evening began to cool down.

Bim and Bob set up their stage area in a corner of the enlarged gazebo, and started playing before 8.30pm, continuing right through until past 11.30pm. Plenty of dancing and merriment to some good music, and more singing along to a few fun ditties, made it another great club night. Another big “thank-you” to Bob and Bim.

Sunday started with overcast sky and a chill, but soon warmed up as the morning progressed. The Reedham boats had left early for the tide, and the remainder of us begun to dismantle the gazebos just after 9.30am. Dave and Dawn attended diligently to ensure that there was no mix-up between the old and the new gazebos. These were soon taken down, and packed away, and the site totally cleared before mid-morning. Roger was next off, and he kindly volunteered to dispose of the rubbish bags. The rest of us sat about in the late-morning sunshine, before also thinking about leaving.

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

The afternoon tea party was such a success that many members want to repeat the idea next season, something that Committee will be discussing at their August meeting. Indeed, it was a fantastic weekend.

I can’t make the Oulton Broad meet in mid-June, but I do hope to attend the Summer BBQ at Berney Arms Mill on 14th.July.

See you all there.

Ken  

May 2018