Autumn time again, I've picked my bramleys and we're thinking of Christmas! Where does it go?
Back in May, the annual Golf Match against Newport HSOB was another triumph for the Su's and a most enjoyable day by all accounts; Mick Moore was the last minute stand-in Guest Speaker at the Old Sulians Rugby Club Annual Dinner, with a good write-up in 'The Chronicle'; and President's Night at the Rugby Club was a well fought evening with a sporting theme. Darts, skittles and a very devious Len Dyer Picture Quiz, stretched the contestants talents, and the 'Agricola Trophy Course' made a welcome reappearance. (A recent BBC TV programme made much of the Emperor Agricola's military prowess, but failed to mention his golf!) There seemed to be prizes for all.
June 6th saw the Association Golf Day at Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle organised by Mike Wood. The Morning Medal was won by Nick Skardon; the afternoon Stableford by Tom Dowding; and the proud possessor of the 'Old Tosser's Tankard was Robin Evans. Recently retired Roy (evenin' all) Aust seemed to collect a lot of balls! (Incidentally, Mick Moore was asked by the girl in the shop what an 'Old Tosser' was! Mick was diplomatic! 'Nuff said!) Around 35 sat down for dinner and 40 plus took part during the day, another record.
Into July, and a monster thunderstorm put paid to the 50th Approach Golf Tournament at Victoria Park. A stalwart dozen cowered in the safety of the clubhouse as the nearest green disappeared under water! Ironically, that was probably the last rain we saw all summer! Around 50 came to the Treasure Hunt/Presidential Perambulation which was held on a balmy evening starting from the Abbey Churchyard. After that I lost track but we ended up at Bath Cricket Club and modesty does permit me to announce my team as the winner! However, the current Mrs Wood deserves most of the credit for quashing some of my more fanciful suggestions en route! Sue Trude, once again, managed to take us to parts unseen and unknown, even to those of us who have been here for more years than we care to admit. The excellent £100 raised went towards the new Children's Hospice being established for the Bristol area.
August, and the Approach Golf was rearranged for the 6th. This time the tropical heat added to the evening!. We were honoured with the presence of proper golfers Tony Bowrey and Mick Moore, who took 1st and 2nd, with Neil Blake 3rd. At the short ceremony later, held at The Marlborough Tavern, Steve Dixon (1956), sitting having a quiet drink with his wife, was relieved of a £1 when he confessed to being a potential Sulian. Faced with an enthusiastic press-gang he had little choice! Welcome Steve!. The following night was THE event of the year in Bath with the 'Three Tenors' in front of the Royal Crescent. Marcia and I were fortunate to receive 2 of the free tickets for this memorable occasion. Although not a Sulian evening, members will be pleased to know that they sang 2 of our songs! 'Oh Sulians'-o', and 'Out at the George-io', but with the wrong words! I would like to think that it wasn't just me who hummed the correct ones!
Finally, the River Boat Picnic with Admiral Terry Hardick and his nautical band, took us up to Bathampton and back on a beautiful summers evening, although the river was low and a bit ripe! The Kingfisher put in a spectacular appearance and its performance was seen by all but the few who were prematurely 'tired and emotional'! Terry and one of his young ladies gave an excellent commentary including details of the last duel fought in Bath, (That shows at least I was listening!)
Sad news received from Marion Sagar that Major Don Brown has died at the age of 90. He taught biology in the 40's and early 50's and was a keen rugby man, instrumental in restarting the Su's after the war. She tells me that John keeps cheerful although in a wheel chair, and has now taken a more 'Managerial' role in their domestic arrangements! C R J (Charlie) Taylor (c.'45), lately resident in Australia, passed away in March, K G Britton ('31) in April and Kevin O'Shaughnessy, ('46), quite suddenly in July. Our condolences to all of their families and friends
If you have any news or views for the next newsletter at the end of January, please send them in.
Events Diary 2003
This years Annual Dinner is on Friday 17th October at the Lansdown Grove Hotel, Lansdown Road, Bath, 7.30 for 8.00. Black Tie or dark lounge suit as usual.
I will NOT be sending tickets this year as so many newsletters go by e-mail. Tony Bowrey is, once again, off to his hacienda in Minorca to test the greens for the ex-pat Sulian community, so could you Please complete the enclosed chitty or e-chit (shades of Bert Marquiss here!) and send me your cheque for £27.50 (made payable to Old Sulians' Association).
I need to let the Hotel know numbers and we pay most of the bill 'up front', so it is a great help if I can bank the cheques for the Treasurer before he has to write a big one! My address and phone number are in the box under Hon. Correspondent, for cheques or queries. The guest speaker this year is Sulian Bill Hanna, well known to all. The Committee hope that the move will mean an improvement on the standard of last year's fare!
Ladies Night is Saturday 29th November (NOTE the change of date) at the Bath Golf Club. 7.30 for 8.00. Tickets for this year are £38 a pair, (£19 single) and this time, please phone Tony Bowrey (01225 463896) or catch him at the Dinner, to book your places. The entertainment features a return of 'Just-in-time II', the locally based youth Big Band, who need no reference from me to all the Ladies Night regulars.
The AGM will probably be February 20th or 27th. A definite date will be sent in the New Year.
Some advance warning for next years Ladies Night. 2004 will see the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. I will be off to visit The Beaches in June. Those with long and retentive memories may recall that we celebrated the 40th Anniversary with an evening of songs and spam reminiscent of the period. Dress was optional but a number of Military personnel and refugees from 'Allo 'Allo added to the ambiance. As Mike and I have a pile of songs unused since that time we thought we might resurrect them for one last fling. So, Ladies Night will, hopefully, be a D-Day plus 150 'ish Evening. More news next year but you can de-flea the Fox -fur stole, blanco your webbing and iron the wings on your dress suit in anticipation.