Page 12 - PBCMarch2018

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 15 No.1 March 2018 !12

The 147th Annual Garden Party…..

And so our December luncheon was once again upon us, and the Grand
Connaught Rooms were clearly struggling with the seating as members
arrived for the 11am AGM start. There were signs of desperation at the
wine queue prior to the AGM –not for fear of missing the AGM, but that
of having nothing to drink at lunch! An urgency also prevailed at the AGM
this year as we were required to elect a new Assistant Captain to assist
Captain Dr Payne of the 43rds getting to grips with the main event
arrangements for the usual 1 o’clock gathering. This was quickly resolved, but there is a
separate report of the AGM in this issue, as there were many more items to discuss.

There was the usual crescendo of noise in the anteroom, before our friends from the
Household Cavalry gave the 10 minute warning, but this was then topped by newly appointed
assistant Captain –Mr Dumkins as he instructed the
bar staff to cease serving at precisely 1250pm!
Once in place, our Captain made his voice and
intentions clear that we should be silent when he
spoke. There followed our regular song practice –
albeit different words to those prescribed on the
menu so life continued much the same as ever. For
once most guests were in place before our President
marched in alone, without the principle guest.
“What a to do,” Mr Pickwick would have proclaimed.

The original member this year was Charles Fitz-
William (Andrew Donald), who was welcomed to the
President’s table to take wine, as lunch commenced.
Whilst the food continues to be excellent at this
luncheon, with this year’s selection of marinated
melon; pan fried red-mullett; guinea fowl breast with
trimmings, and concluding with hazelnut & chocolate
Yule Log, mince pies & coffee, -the catering staff
seemed to lose their way, with many diners having
finished courses before others were served.

Past President,Joseph Smiggers P.V.P.M.C. then welcomed a list of memorable guests,
before asking Club members to raise their glasses –see page 15 for the full details.