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Christmas Dinner 2013
Sunday 8th December 2013
Report by Peter Dutton, East Anglia Social Sec
The East Anglia Christmas Dinner was held on the 8th of December 2013, at the Cock and Bell pub in Long Melford, the venue dates back to the 16th century and has plenty of character with traditional, timber framed pub with two dining areas, one is reputedly an old cock fighting pit although it’s been done up a few times since then.
The dinner was attended by 45 members who all seemed to enjoy the meal and the talk by Jenny and Cliff Batley, but more of that later. Afterwards the diners were asked if they would like to come back again this year and we got an overwhelming “yes”. Even the barman voted yes but he didn’t count, though it’s nice to know the staff would welcome us back.
Back to Jenny and Cliff, one of the reasons to give a short chat and some photos was to see if we had enough interest to put on some evening meetings with guest talkers and of course Jenny and Cliff have lots to offer in that score. Because of the positive response from everyone at the meal, we are putting on two evenings at the Cock and Bell. See the 2014 calendar for the dates.
A raffle was also held and the winners were: Mike Davies, Mark Weavers, Gerry Douglas-Sherwood, Paul Round, Ken Mullett, Jim Moos, John Woolmore and David White.
The raffle prizes were donated by the Cock and bell, Long Melford, The Adventure Bike Shop, Acton, Sudbury. Online Lubricants, Barking. SBW Motorrad, Hertford and Gerry Douglas-Sherwood.
There was also the presentation of the Section Awards. The Hardman Trophy went to Peter Wilson (who was not present, but it has been delivered to him since), the Spanner was awarded to Pat and Roy Laithwaite and Alan presented Gerry Douglas-Sherwood with the East Anglia Trophy.
And last of all thanks to Jenny and Cliff for the talk and help, Mark Dutton, who set up the audio equipment, Anne Townley who did the raffle Dik and Amanda who did the admin and the labels that had the names and each person’s choice of meal on them. Inspired! It stopped all sorts of confusion. Well I enjoyed myself and look forward to the next one.
Peter Dutton, East Anglia social Secretary.