TORQUAY WEEKEND 2007
By Jill (Commodore's Lady )
Click here for some pictures

The weekend started well this year, with nobody going back to Bournemouth by mistake (as one or two did last year). Weather wise it seemed we had picked the best weekend, missing the rain of the previous week and the snow of the following week and merely having to suffer a bit of a cold wind.

The Ashley Court once again did not let us down with the food they provided and after a delicious meal on the Friday evening we all settled down in the lounge to see what entertainment would be provided for us this year. I had spoken to the Hotel owner after sending in the first lot of booking forms about the entertainment we had on the Friday night last year and he indicated to me that he would find something more to our liking (Hopefully). A coach party was also booked in for the weekend and after we all got comfy the coach driver surprised us all by setting up for BINGO. I have to say that this delighted quite a few of our members who joined in with relish.

After two games of Bingo, it was announced that the entertainment was ready and after a few minutes of excited anticipation - oh, joy of joys – the same couple as last year tripped onto the stage. She was still wearing the same glued on smile as last year and, in fact, the entire act was exactly the same all the way through. I should think that almost a half of our members disappeared into the games room for the duration…….Well, you can’t win ‘em all!!! When they’d finished their act they put on a disco and when that finished some went to bed, some stayed up drinking and a brave group went for a walk. It was going to be a short walk – down to the beach and back again – but “I know a short cut” said John. So a half hour walk turned into an hour or so but it was fun!!

On Saturday, after breakfast, everyone set off to do their own thing. Most people went sightseeing, shopping or drinking, or a mixture of all three. However 2 of our intrepid members in company with 2 friends, had planned a special trip and came to Torquay complete with 2 dinghies which they put into the River Dart somewhere not far from Bude. There was a bit of a hold up as one of the engines refused to start at first, but they finally got it going and set off for Dartmouth. All did not go well as the engine broke down again so Dave and Grace (oops, didn’t mean to mention any names for fear of causing embarrassment) had to be taken in tow. However, all arrived safely (which is the main thing) although possibly a little damp as the water was quite rough and kept coming over the top the dinghies.

Saturday night, after another delicious dinner, we were overjoyed to find the Bingo being set up again. As happened last night quite a few members joined in, and several were lucky winners (both nights). Following the Bingo, we were entertained by a young lady singer who had us all up dancing the night away. Once again a few of us went for a midnight walk, this time just down to the beach and back and I had my second paddle in the sea. I can’t think why no-one else joined me, it was very invigorating!!

All too soon it was Sunday morning and following a hearty breakfast, everyone said their goodbyes and set off for home. I hope everybody enjoyed themselves…they certainly seemed to. Next year we will be travelling to pastures new – not sure where as yet.

Hope to see you all there.

Click here for some pictures