and that’s just what they did. A team of 17 members turned out for a 2 hour march from the Derwent Lodge Hotel and were treated to a two course meal (+ seconds!) for their efforts. If only you’d been there. Perhaps that’l tempt you to come to the next close season walk asthey it was very enjoyable, with good company and a chance for a good gossip as well.

Talking of gossip, have you heard that Andy and Emma are engaged? Many congratulations to them both. Although Andy was a few months behind brother Nick in asking the question, he’ll be walking down the aisle some months ahead of Nick. Andy and Emma are planning to make Emma’s dream come true by having their reception at the club later in the year.

Have you noticed anything suspicious when you’ve been at the club recently? Unfortunately someone’s been helping themselves to oil from our tank. Hopefully, the new lock will deter future activity, but if you have anything to report let us know so that we know when to check on the CCTV system.

At the 55th AGM, held on Sunday 3rd December,� Steve Hunt gave up his vices (or so we’re led to believe) and was elected Commodore for the forthcoming year. After successfully organising the NSSA Regatta this year, Dave Nicholson was elected as vice commodore (he should find organising Bass Week a breeze in comparison!)

At the meeting a discussion took place regarding subscriptions for the forthcoming season. A motion to keep them at current levels was defeated and it was agreed that subscriptions should be increased in line with inflation and set as follows

With Hugh Godfrey (aided and abetted by Rhonwen Bryce) stepping down after three years, Roy Blackburn was elected into the post of Hon Sailing Secretary. Also stepping down were Alan Nicholson and Robin Dawson. Toddy (alias Dave Todhunter) and Bridget (alias Jose Hodgkins) were elected to fill the roles of boats & buoys chair, and PRO respectively.

Alan Smith was elected into son Tim’s role as Mirror fleet captain.

After much discussion, and a little confusion, the rule regarding junior membership was amended in accordance with the following:

Delete clauses 3A viia and viib and substitute
“3A vii – Junior family members�being persons prior to their 18th birthday or 23rd birthday if still undergoing full time education. There shall be no lower age limit for junior family members. For persons under 16, junior family membership allows and requires one non sailing parent or guardian to supervise the junior family member at all times during their attendance at the club.
Junior family members shall be automatically transferred to ordinary or associate membership on the 31st December following their 18th birthday or 23rd birthday if still undergoing full time education.”

Discussion followed regarding fleet composition, and the way ahead, but at present there are no proposals for change. The new sailing secretary will consider the situation next season and report back to members.

As the meeting closed, Trustee Herb Telford gave a vote of thanks to the retiring Commodore Mik Chappell.

Thanks to Alan Nicholson for these pics of the foreshore (what’s left of it). The lake level still has a short way to go until it gets to the flood level of Jan 05, but more rain is on its way.

The personal handicaps are causing the usual upsets! Mike Fairlamb led the first race by miles and miles but came 2nd last once the handicaps were calculated. The weather was much improved on the gales suffered in the district yesterday, and the lasers all used full rigs, but there was still the odd capsize – Alan Nicholson, Paul Burnell, and Mike Fairlamb to name but a few.

Check out this memory from Bass Week – or the larger file for those on broadband

Problem is, not sure whether we’re relating to Mark or his caravan!

Hi there all you in autumnal Europe. Can’t resist telling you all how yesterday went.

Andrew got me an invitation to Balmain SC. It’s the oldest sailing club in the harbour (1856) and was holding its annual regatta weekend . There were classes for historic skiffs, historic working and wooden boats and a class A & B for yachts. There was also a class for ” any boat that can carry a load equivalent to a sack of potatoes, powered by oars” !!

To cut to the chase I WAS ON THE PODIUM !! I sailed as starboard genoa trimmer in class B and after 2hrs 10 mins came home 3rd out of a class of 26. Wind was around F4 and we sailed in polo shirts all afternoon, finishing after 2hrs 20 mins sailing around the buoys (pronounced booeys!) & I have pictures of the bridge to prove it.

We leave tomorrow and return to life in sunny Cumbria without Jessica. I predict tears and claw marks in the tarmac !!

Pete Nuttall

For anyone that watched an item on this week’s Antiques Roadshow about a diary and skeleton keys kept by a prisoner of war, it may be of interest that they belonged to our very own former commodore and trustee, the late Harry Kirk.