Page 6 - PBCOctober2017

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 14 No.2 October 2017 @6

The President’s Spring Luncheon…..

The Connaught Rooms glowed in subdued blue lighting as
the Captain and Watty organised the seating at the round
tables. At the top of the staircase stood the immaculate
Draisine that Watty would be riding in Germany, but more
about that later. The trumpeters of the Household Cavalry
numbered four this time including a lady no less. The
gathering was slow to assemble in the bar area, but by the
allotted time of 1250hours, it appeared that not quite
everybody was at their tables ready for song practice
overseen by our new(ish) Captain, Dr Payne but he still put us through our paces. Then the
trumpeter’s fanfare had us welcoming our President (Alfred Jingle) and special guest Josh
Daniels.

The continuing Connaught good fare was then served,
with wild mushroom & hock terrine, followed by smoked
salmon parcels filled with crayfish and lemon cream.
The main course was chicken breast filled with sun-
dried tomatoes and assortment of sundries, with
apricot frangipani tart for dessert. All very enjoyable.

Between courses, the Original Member (aka Mr Watty) floated
through the room on the aforementioned Draisine. Having taken
wine with the President, he then explained that 2017 was the
200 anniversary of the said machine (see March issue) and that
th
he was shortly to participate in a challenging ride of 230km in 5
days, between Nancy and Karlsruhe in Germany. He was given a
rousing send off.

Bob Sawyer then took the microphone to welcome the various
guests (see page9), before Mr Dumkins and the Boys of the Old
Brigade marched to the President’s table with the Joseph Atto
punchbowl. A glass of wine with the President, announcement of
their name, rank and serial number followed before they departed
to the melodious accompaniment of all diners singing ‘Shoulder to
Shoulder’.