Reporter.. John (Admiral) Douse
Click
here for pictures
Friday evening (25/8/2000) saw the beginnings of the august bank holiday club event at Swinford Farm (Eynsham) with the arrival of the marquee from Abingdon Lions Club and several club boats, either from up-river or returning from holidays abroad (beyond Teddington!!).
Some of the crews decided to partake of the cuisine at the local hostelry (The Talbot) followed by the usual quota of liquid refreshment.
At approx. 10.45 PM lightning was apparent, albeit distant. (soon to become extremely local!)., and the heavens opened. The rain continued all through the night, and into Saturday. It persisted into the afternoon and threatened to turn the Eynsham barbecue into…….. the Eynsham salad!
However, at about 3 O'clock, the god of small ships smiled on the venue, the rain stopped, and lots of boats appeared on the horizon.
The harbour master, (John.D), along with lots of help, managed to berth the princely total of 34 visiting vessels.
Several engineers struggled to erect the new awning, to house the barby’s which were then lit at approx. 4 o'clock and the usual burnt offerings were expertly cremated by all and sundry.
The marquee soon filled, (to bursting), with various forms of seats, tables and implements to break open the burnt offerings! and of course, liquid refreshment to take away the taste.
Around about 8 o'clock, a small band of itinerant (scruffy) supposed musicians arrived , and the evenings entertainment started. The "pegasus allstars" performed various sixties, seventies and rock ‘n’ roll numbers for about an hour, culminating in the unsightly event of certain female members throwing ladies underwear at the unfortunate bass player!!
The rest of the evenings entertainment was expertly provided by John Hill and his box of tricks. Several would-be singers attempting unlikely songs, mostly due to alcohol abuse. Notable exceptions to these were the band’s drummer (Mick Bullard) who sang 2 numbers well and Wendy (from Juleanne) who also sang well.
The kids did a wonderful version of ten green bottles (assisted by our venerable commodore.) and an even better rendition of ‘One man went to mow’ assisted by the whole audience.
THE EVENING FINISHED VERY LATE WITH SOME CREWS EVENTUALLY BUNKING AT 1.45 a.m.
Sunday, saw the usual spate of sore heads and comments ;
some of which follow below.
(South Wales version) "so. it was a good night then was it?"
(Woodley, Berks. version) "I feel absolutely disgusting"
(Farringdon (Richardson)) "I cant find my knickers"
Sunday saw the departure of most vessels to their respective moorings, but the usual die-hards remained for the remainder of Sunday and part of Monday.
suggestions for next years event include;
Billy Smart’s Circus
Formula one grand prix
Evening entertainment "the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra"
38 boats and crews were represented, including guest boats from other clubs,
1 camper van, and three car crews.
ADMIRAL DOUSE (retired musician) Click here for pictures