Page 8 - PBCSeptember2014

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 11 No.2 September 2014 !8

The President’s Luncheon……………..

The President’s Luncheon was a much quieter affair than the December Garden Party,
but with the revised table layout, it did give everyone a bit more breathing space and
made the service a lot quicker. Samuel Pickwick arrived with chief guest Alan Tait,
heralded in by the trumpeters of the Blues & Royals, and all of the usual rituals
commenced. As always the Captain proceeded with renowned diplomacy to cajole those
present to silence on command, although regrettably not always with complete success.
!
Instead of the Original Member, Mr Watty duly arrived on his
Ordinary, and proceeded to ride the length of the room before
turning with style and stopping at the President’s table.
Pleasantries exchanged, he was then presented with the
Measured Time Trophy award for the longest distance travelled.
Except that it was only 30metres! The food that followed was
seemingly much better than on some occasions recently although
not every table got their just desserts, by missing out on the
! sweetmeats.
The King of the Goblins welcomed a variety of guests amongst them, yet to be
appointed new member, Mr Bottom of Aldgate (aka John MacMillan) , former 6-day
track rider of some repute, and current president of the Pedal Club. Other guests
included: Peter Ruffhead and Matt Holmes (current London CycloCross Champion)
guests of Smithie; Phil Taylor guest of The Chaplain, and Dave Clibborn guest of the
Red Nosed Mr Stiggins.
!

New members were duly sworn in by Sgt Buzfuz, and commanded to wear the
appropriate Club attire at all functions, to respond to their soubriquets henceforth
and behave in the correct Pickwickian manner.
!
The Punch Bowl ceremony was attended as always by
two visitors from the Royal Hospital Chelsea who
arrived at the President’s table with assistance from
Mr Dumkins and to a loud rendition of ‘Boys of the Old
Brigade’. I must be getting old, as they seemed to be
of a similar age to me!.

!