Following a week of heavy rainfall, which found it,s way into our river (& others), crews & representatives from over 30 boats assembled on the field at “RADCOT MARINA” for our annual Fun Day. This has become a firm traditional favourite with members & their families, who wish to spend the afternoon drenching & verbally abusing other members (all in the best possible taste!!)
The usual events were in place i.e.The ever popular “HEATHER’S CONUNDRUMS” & The “JUNIOR QUIZ” (which proved to be a real winner with the “TUTORS” & JUDGES”, who were amazed at the memory skills of the kids! BEST DRESSED BOAT COMPETITION which was a VERY close run thing, the judging being done by two lady passers by. (Tom & Elly got another gong!)
Some new additions to this year’s “menu” were ably organised by CHRIS GINGEL & DAVE HANSELL. These were to be: A TIMED MINI-BICYCLE COURSE , Biased towards people with short or NO legs!! (No prizes for guessing which geordie did a good time) A PENALTY SHOOT-OUT COMPETITION, for people with “USEFUL & FULL-SIZE LEGS”.
Both contests were extremely popular, with unforgettable memories of STEVE (TEMPTED) & BILL (JUSLOVITT) doing entertaining acrobatics as they left the bike “over the handlebars”. THE BICYCLE WILL NOT SEE THE ROAD AGAIN!!
The penalty shoot-out was popular with the younger (more energetic) members, who had obviously watched all of the “WORLD CUP”. DAVE (MOPPET), proved himself to be a worthy adversary as goalkeeper.
New ideas for events are always welcomed by your committee, so keep the ideas rolling in.
THE BLIND DINGHY RACE was revived this year, and turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable, if not tiring race, with varying skill levels of rowing shown. “DAY SKIPPER’S NAVIGATION COURSE” would not go amiss here!!
Highlight of the afternoons fiasco is, of course: “THE ROUND THE ISLAND RACE” more commonly known as : “SYNCHRONISED DRENCHING OF THE COMPETITORS” (and spectators, and organisers, and anyone foolish enough to venture within range of a bucket of water!!)
This years course was reversed and shortened because of the river current, and finished against the old bridge in the back stream. ELLY & LYNN dressed in their most modest of outfits for the event, turning out in “RED HAIR, FISHNET STOCKINGS, HIGH HEELS, & DENIM SHORTS. (typical dress code for HENLEY!!) I have still not found out why the crew of “THE SAFETY BOAT!! Ended up in the river??
Everyone having dried down & changed clothing for a much drier evening, were soon to be rudely awakened by nature, in the form of a flash storm, which persevered for almost two hours. Eventually, around 8 p.m., the skies cleared enough for us to discolour them once more, by lighting the barbecues, where many burnt offerings were skilfully cremated.
The evenings entertainment was provided once more, by “ONE WAY STREET”, who sing the songs remembered by most members grandparents!! (& TOM). Much liquid refreshment was consumed, and the die-hards braved the elements around the camp fire until the early hours.
“A TYPICAL RADCOT FUN DAY”
JOHN D.
Ed’s note: Should be some interesting scenes on the video to be shown at the AGM!!
