Eynsham 2004 Report from John Douse
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This was the general comment of this year’s EYNSHAM BARBECUE.
SATURDAY AUGUST 28, saw the final outdoor event of the 2004 year’s calendar for this wonderful collection of characters ( more commonly known as - members)
33 boats were either in attendance or were represented by members this year and considering the number of negative factors involved, this was a tremendous turnout for the club.
The elements were totally against us in the preceding few days and the field was in a very poor condition. Even up to the evening before the gathering, the ground was sodden and more rain threatened to disrupt our meeting. However, skies cleared slightly and the weekend remained dry, for the most part.
Moorings were at a bit of a premium due to silt & weed but with a little “dredging” by propellers, everyone was berthed for the duration.
By about 5 p.m. all was in place and barbecues were busy providing Oxfordshire with an array of new odours while seating was arranged to gain maximum viewing for the approaching extravaganza!
As entertainments officer I had the “jittery” job of presenting an unknown amount of talent to a discerning audience (just try it sometime!!).
The original concept for this year’s entertainment stemmed from the news that “THE PEGASUS ALLSTARS” would not be able to attend, therefore we would try a show made up from “in-house talent” and volunteers were asked for.
The initial response was timid, but, in keeping with our long tradition of “fools & alcohol”, names were eventually forthcoming.
Saturday afternoon saw frantic rehearsals by musicians and artists amid copious amounts of nerve settling agent (more alcohol!).
At this stage it was announced that due to a change of personnel and circumstances, “the pegasus allstars” were able to play and would finish of the evening’s live show.
7.30 p.m. and nerves are in tatters, but it’s show-time and the audience awaits.
First act on is a trio of girls who were announced as, “ROSES AMONGST THE THORNS” (a reference to 2 male accompanying musicians).
The girls, GRACE, & her 2 sisters MARY, & ELSPETH, sang a selection of popular numbers and were “possibly” helped by members with song-sheets, joining in.
Nerves frayed but music beats all and the girls were well received by the crowd with well deserved applause for a great job. CHRIS, on guitar was his usual professional self.
What came next was a complete surprise, to say the least. I was asked to introduce them as “ABBA DABBA DOO” and only just prior to their appearance, was made aware of the act.
This was to be the highlight of the evening’s entertainment and had taken many weeks of hard work & preparation.
ELLIE, OLLY, TOM, & NIGEL nervously took the stage and did the most professional tribute to “ABBA” you could wish for. The costumes, makeup, and choreography were absolutely brilliant. They performed 4 numbers and left their audience shouting for more.
The encore was a complete reversal of the first number with Nigel & Tom taking the girls parts to completely “camp it up”. This was real talent from 4 members who threw themselves completely in at the deep end, & came out with OLYMPIC GOLD.
After
a short break we were then treated to a professional (& free!) lesson
in line dancing from MAUREEN PORTER. The dance area remained busy throughout
the session and was greatly appreciated by all those with light feet, (&
some wellies!)
Thank you MAUREEN, great showmanship.
As a spontaneous item CHRIS WINTER took the floor and revived the SWAN RADCOT NAVY club song with some new verses with the idea that items of fun can put to song at any future event?
Last live act for the night was “THE PEGASUS ALLSTARS”, who, with their new drummer finished the night with their usual array of songs and guitar demonstrations from ANDY.
COMMENTS ON SUNDAY WERE CENTRED AROUND THE POSSIBILITY THAT THIS WAS ;
“THE BEST YET”.
MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED, ORGANISED OR “STARRED” AT EYNSHAM 2004
