The Dinner was well attended, with 96 present. Informality was the rule, and Chairman David Elvin gave a brief address. He thanked Dave Hook for organising the table plans, and Lin Cooper (the "redoubtable") for all her organisational work. David presented Lin with a bouquet on behalf of the Club. He commented on the poisoned chalice, which many had tasted after giving the "State of the Nation" address to the Club in the past.
Following the EGM in September 2001, the 40-odd members present had agreed that the Club should be renamed the WD Club, and that it should hold two annual events, the Dinner in April and a buffet lunch in Crawley on the fourth Wednesday each September. This was thus the First Annual Dinner of the WD Club.
A number of apologies had been received, including the Hon Treasurer, who had not left a forwarding address, but was understood to be at a flower festival in Holland. Others included Fred Spriggs, Albert Fisher (Lotus-eating in Cyprus), Joe Farley (in Devon), Dorothy Mercer, Peter Finlayson, Brian Mills, Derek Brobyn, Bert Deverell and Stuart Gray, among others. David Ogilvie was in Australia on holiday, and would be returning to China after he had got back.
Chris Openshaw was away at a wedding in Devon, but was understood to have found a bolt-hole in Coryton after his impending retirement. He regretted that it had not been possible to fill an Acominas table this year. David queried the definition of "Ultimate Chairman of the WD XXI Club" as Chris had signed himself in a message to members.
David mentioned that in the March issue of "Amec News", the death had been recorded of John Simmonds, in his early 50s.
David was pleased to see Mrs Topley at the dinner, and invited her to draw the first ticket in the draw. This turned out to belong to Frank Hart, as did three more subsequent tickets. Having declined the second, Frank had little option but to decline the third and the fouth. He asked that the proceeds of the raffle be donated to St Catheriune's Hospice. "Monsignor" John Moor also had a winning ticket.
The party finally broke up some time after 11.00 p.m., and the dinner was more than satisfying.
Page created by Terry Harper
Last moodified 28 May 2002