December Newsletter
Welcome to the December newsletter.
Over the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of representing the Club at Windermere Motorboat Racing Club’s Annual Dinner and also the Laying Up Supper at Lake District Boat Club. Although these have played havoc with watching Strictly Come Dancing on a Saturday night, they have been an excellent opportunity to meet with members from other clubs which promote sailing and organise racing activities on the lake.
I now have a much better understanding of the challenges which some of our neighbouring clubs are facing which includes finding volunteers willing to take on roles, turnouts for racing, promoting junior sailing and in the case of South Windermere moving to a brand new clubhouse. It was a timely reminder that we can’t be complacent and need to work hard to ensure we have a plan to guide development of our club over the coming years to help us meet the needs and expectations of members.
With this in mind I am able to report that the Planning Group has been set up and Paul Langley has kindly volunteered to chair the group. Back in 2012 the then Flag and Honorary Officers commissioned a 5 year strategic plan which has now reached the end of its lifespan. General Committee have recognised that a new plan is needed to provide the club with a strategic direction and avoid future actions being carried out in an unstructured way. It is hoped that Paul’s group will report back to General Committee in early March 2018 and then to the AGM later that month.
There was no shortage of volunteers for the Autumn Working Party with over 30 members turning up on a beautiful sunny morning to tidy up around the car park, boat park and clubhouse. Thanks to all those who helped but a special mention to Derek Long and Robert Slack who travelled all the way from Millom, arrived early and kindly tidied up the Commodore’s parking space!
Since the last newsletter we have held a successful evening of live music with local band With Nay and I and a talk by Churchmouse Cheeses which was well attended and provided the opportunity to sample a range of local cheeses. I understand several members have since visited their shop and cafe in Barbon.
The Christmas decorations have now been put up in readiness for the social events planned for the next few weeks. These include the Christmas Jumper Quiz (thank you Claire and Julian), Canapes Evening, Boxing Day Buffet and New Year’s Eve Black Tie Dinner. These are always enjoyable occasions and I hope you get chance to support them.
Finally can I offer congratulations to two members, Jonathan McVey and Leanne Hope who recently announced their engagement. Paula couldn’t be happier that she is gaining a daughter in law while I am looking forward to a lightweight crew joining the family!
On behalf of the Flag Officers and Honorary Officers I would like to wish all members a very peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year
Social Events
Why not see in the new year at the yacht club…
Start your evening off in the bar area from 7:00pm where canapes will be served; before heading up to the restaurant for a 5-course dinner at 8:00pm.The disco will begin from 11:00pm with DJ McVey, whether you have dined at the club or not you are welcome to see in the new year with us! All dinner guests will toast in 2018 with a glass of fizz from the bar which is included in the meal price of £35.00 per person. We now request that tickets are paid for before the 27th of December with cheques made payable to Zoe Broughton. Please sign up at the club if you would like to join us and let Zoe know of any special dietary requirements or wine/champagne orders before the evening.
On Thursday the 7th of December we are having a festive themed quiz, where our Quizmasters will be Julian and Clare. There will be a special prize for the most entertaining Christmas jumper. Our quiz nights are always great fun with some intense competition to see which fleet is the most intelligent. Please remember that in the event of any dispute the quizmaster’s decision is final as we don’t want to have to hire any security staff. The Friday night menu is available from 6.00pm if you have pre-booked with Zoe on 015394 43106 or [email protected]
On Sunday the 10th of December we have a winter carvery starting at 1.30pm. where you can relax with friends and enjoy some fine food and fine views. Please book with Zoe; the cost is £13.50 per person with children up to the age of 10 being half price.
On Friday the 22nd of December our Christmas Canapes and Drinks Evening takes place, please bring along some nibbles/canapes to share.
The Boxing Day buffet is served from 1pm at a cost of £15 per person. Please book with Zoe in the usual way.
Operations
On the 5/6 and 7th of December we are having some treatment for asbestos carried out in bosuns locker area. Please do not try to access any cordoned off areas, and, please follow any instructions given by either Zoe or any employee of the firm who are carrying out the work.