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Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 14 No.1 March 2017
The 146th
Annual Garden Party
Our December event was compromised this year
by the Southern Rail dispute, making travel from the
South a testing & risky affair. Fortunately the
weather was fair to us all and the Grand Connaught
Rooms was a hive of preparatory activity as members arrived for the 11am AGM start.
Important business this year, for with some sadness Dismal Jemmy (Bob Upton) had
decided to retire and we were required to elect a new Captain. There were four candidates,
who each gave an account of themselves, but by a clear sprint Vice Captain, Dr Payne (of
rd
the 43 )/(Tim Stevens) was elected to the role. He duly thanked us for placing this burden
upon him, and then rushed away to ensure all was ready in the Grand Hall for our 1 o’clock
gathering. Treasurer Jack Martin again re-assured us of the continuing financial status of
the Club. One additional action of the committee was to make Peter Magnus (Keith Robins)
an Honorary Member for his extraordinary activities on behalf of the Club.
Adjourning to the hubbub in the anteroom it wasn’t long before our friends from the
Household Cavalry once again summoned us to table. Our new Captain made his voice and
intentions clear that we should do instructed when he spoke. So we had our choral practice
– albeit different words to those prescribed on the menu. So life continued much the same
as ever. Most guests were in place for the arrival of our President and his principle guest.
The gathering then welcomed the original member (this year it was Brother Maudlin) to
the President’s table, as lunch commenced. The food continues to be excellent at this
luncheon, with this year’s selection of Smoked Salmon Roulade, Mozzarella with Parma Ham,
the now always twice cooked (?) Turkey, and concluding with Plum Pudding, Mince Pies &
coffee. The seating plan was slightly different to normal, to accommodate the late ticket
applicants, and so space was in short supply for both guests and catering staff, which
impacted on the service at times.