Christmas is well and truly over, New Year has been welcomed and we are now almost half way through the first month of the year. In only 10 weeks time we will be donning our wetsuits / drysuits to start the 2012 season but before that we had the dinner and prizegiving for the 2011 season to celebrate.

Disappointingly, a lower number than usual turned out on what so far this year was the coldest night of the winter. Although we are having a mild winter so far there were still quite a few Club Members who cried off due to sickness. Nevertheless the 50 plus Members and guests had an excellent time, as the Bosun’s Diner was once again our hosts for the evening. This is a popular haven for the Club as we have been there several times over recent years. It is generally large enough for our numbers and has the advantage of keeping every one in the same area. A very cold south easterly, sweeping off the sea greeted us as we arrived. The temperature outside was cold but inside the temperature was warm and the atmosphere was most convivial.

We sat down to a 3 course meal that was served quickly, Tony Dunn who had organised the evening made sure that everybody had their choice of meal written on their place cards, which meant no confusion for the waiters, as quite a few of us had forgotten what we had ordered several weeks ago. The choice of food and quality was excellent, and I for one really enjoyed my meal.

The prizegiving followed the meal, with the Cups and prizes being presented by Nigel & James and this in turn was swiftly followed by the raffle. James & Sophie had been prowling the room collecting monies as people were arriving earlier and a goodly sum of money was raised. There was a plethora of prizes that had been donated to the raffle which ensured that the majority of people went up to the table to select a prize. The disco followed on, allowing many to dance off their dinner, whilst others chose to sit and chat to catch up since last year or plan their campaigns for the 2012 season.

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