Page 5 - PBCOctober2016

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 13 No.2 October 2016 5

Your President comments on his year………………

My President’s Year just exceeds its half way mark and to-date I have greatly enjoyed
the time. My first arranged trip was to Coventry for the Rugby match Wasps-vs-
Northampton and due to an error by the ticket office our excellent tickets were free of
costs. An earlier meet at a local pub was very well received. For my part the disaster of
the puncture on the motorway and a very unsatisfactory limping to a tyre shop near
Oxford, derailed my earlier attendance at the hostelry. However, we had a great time and
it was good to see the Pickwickians and their guests.
The May Spring Luncheon was a great success with better attention from the New
Connaught as to food and service although with such large numbers of attendees complete
satisfaction is always impossible. I think most will agree our guest speaker Bob-The Cat-
Bevan was one of the funniest and amusing speakers we’ve had for many a year. The
raucous laughter and applause certainly suggested this.
My cricket trip to the Oval for Surrey–vs–Sussex was also a considerable success with
good food, weather, cricket and Pickwickian hospitality. Our own Prince of Wales dining
room and balcony made the event. We were honoured by the presence of cricketing greats
Mickey Stewart and Doug Insole, together with a visit to the Committee Room and
meeting Sir Trevor Macdonald. It was my regret that Sir John Major wasn’t also available
to meet us. (The endless alcohol was gratefully received.) We certainly could have
accommodated many more Pickwickians, but regardless a good time was had by all.
I have arranged a trip to the Leather Bottle Cobham Kent on Sunday 18th September.
This hostelry has enormous connections with Charles Dickens, he having stayed there and
it is almost a museum in his honour. Those interested will complete a cycle ride prior to
the meal. I have no doubt this will be an enjoyable event.
Due to my own trip to the Tour de France, I was sorry to miss
the Benson Ride and our Mr. Pickwick goes to France. The Golf Day
was a fine event in good weather and with a strong attendance.
There were some good golfers amongst our guests and my guests
and others can’t wait for next year. I suspect the Hampton Court
Ride will have a record attendance and do hope to meet many of you
there.
Finally, I have been lucky to book comedian Dominic Holland as
our guest speaker for our 147th Annual Garden Party. I assure you
he will be hilariously funny so you should try not to miss this.
Pickwickian greetings to you all
Brian Vandervilt – Samuel Pickwick