Some people will do anything to get a mention. How about the young boy’s ball that is kicked on to the lake and drifting away on the off shore breeze. Good Samaritan tries to retrieve it but can’t reach, so finds a canoe, paddles out to catch ball, and then struggles to return to shore – perhaps too much energy expanded for one day? Well done Toggle

Yes Bridget was playing away and flying the Bass burgee at Annandale this weekend (but, of course, it was with Ginge). Ok so the weather frightened off many competitors, and those that did compete didn’t try more than once. But Ginge knew Bridget was in the mood and he went out for all he could get, but it was worth it as they managed to stay upright all the time, and came away with the winners trophy.

Meanwhile, Telf and Andy went to Chase for their GP open, but sticking with a healthy diet wasn’t what was needed for the force 5 – They were leading the first race until the wind picked up and overpowered their ‘slight’ bodies! Bagging two 3rds and a 4th gave them a respectable 5th overall out of 30 boats. Two firsts by Andrew Hately gave him the series. In for a penny? – Telf and Andy will be testing their skills at Satunton Harold for the Midlands this weekend.

Sunday
What was in that potion that I was drinking last night? Was I hallucinating? Was there really so many people, friends not just colleagues or acquaintances, down at the club in the middle of Winter drinking, chatting, reminiscing, looking forward to the new season. Some were even dancing – perhaps they had been drinking Claire and Stephen’s potions as well.

‘I’m coming out, I want the world to know’ were the words in Diana Ross’ song that inspired when I started writing these diaries. So with work behind me now, it was wonderful to be able to celebrate with so many. My way of thanking them for all the support and help that they are going to give me during my time as Commodore. But what did I say in that speech? Did the treasurer have to suggest that there was one person for each year of my life – that would make me 63� (unless I was seeing double)

Did I really see one of those cleavage’s that I have dreamt about for so many years dangling over the trifle!? Arrhhh. Maybe it was just a dream…..

Adrian

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An interesting shot of the merging of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite!

Also, thanks to Ian Campbell for these additional shots of the high water level on Saturday.

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Thanks to Alan Nicholson for the following photos taken yesterday showing a marooned clubhouse. Certainly the highest water levels recorded by any member (even us very long-standing ones!).

If you have (had?) a boat at the club, it could be worth getting down to check it out.

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At the 53rd Annual General meeting, as Bridget stepped down after two years as Commodore, Mike Chappell was elected to replace her (is that really possible?). The full list of members voted on to Council for 2005 is�detailed separately

The subscriptions were raised as proposed, and it was noted that other clubs’ fees are typically 30-50% higher than ours.

The 40 % increase in NNDR is of concern and will be challenged at the appropriate time. Although we presently are granted 50% discretionary relief on NNDR, the possibility of obtaining 80% mandatory relief by becoming a Community Amateur Sports Club was aired at the meeting. It is clear that there are a lot of issues to address before firm recommendations can be submitted to the membership for approval.

Although the club is keen to use email as the cheapest form of communicating with members, it is not a requirement, and those members that prefer snail mail will continue to receive it.

The club continues to seek an 18′ committee boat to replace the stolen Bates, so if you are aware of anything suitable get in touch with Alan Nicholson or Mike Chappell.

Keith Thomas gave a vote of thanks to Bridget for all her hard work and successes over the last two years.

Last Tuesday brought this season’s helping hand for newcomers to an end. More than 30 people have taken the opportunity to benefit from other’s experience and guidance, and were all successful in navigating a dinghy around a triangular course after only a few weeks. The formal training course held on Saturday mornings saw six members achieve their level 1 certificate.

Thanks to Alan Nicholson for the following pics

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No need for ferrying when the water’s this high