Friday evening (August 24th ) saw the beginnings of this year's "DO" at Swinford Farm moorings, with the arrival of 14 boats from either holiday, or just to ensure a mooring for the week-end after last year's success.
Also in residence was the caravan (complete with awning) of "Gipsy Rose Lazarus". Vera's boat being used by other members of her family for holidays. She was determined to attend Eynsham and not have to either leave early or do without her quota of beverage"!!
The marquee (from the lions club) was erected and inspected by committee members to assess whether the club gazebos would be a useful addition for extra accomodation. This was to prove an absolute god-send for members and "the band".
Saturday saw the activity level soar, as boats arrived from ports near and far.
This year saw the advent of numerous "harbour-masters", as it became apparent that this was going to be an extremely well attended event. "gipsy" vera did stirling work, ordering boats into various impossible moorings, and succeeding!! She then appeared to turn her caravan into a "tea and cream cake parlour". (well done vera!)
Barbecues were lit in the early part of the evening, as usual, and were well attended by all, various well tried "recipes" being subtly cremated!
The evening had been re-organised to cover the unfortunate cancellation of the karaoke. So the entertainment was "live" throughout the event. Colin Merry and Andy Douse ("deuce") kicked off the evening with an acoustic set of approx. 1 hour. and undoubtedly set the pace for the evening. After this Chris Winter and Dennis Hill did their "thing" for the youngsters in the club. This being dear to Chris's heart, because "they are the future for the club". Renditions of "ten green bottles" and "one man went to mow" saw the kids rewarded from the infamous "duck tin"
Approx. 9.30 p.m. saw the main entertainment start, with the now legendary "Pegasus Allstars". This year's band had two father and son outfits present. Rob and Jason Phipps (keyboards and drums), John and Andy Douse (bass and guitars). The boys performed a wide selection of music, including dedications for various club members and included music from the 60's, 70,s and 80,s .
Part way through the programme, a dedication was made for John and Joan Jones "ateala" who were shortly to celebrate 46 years of marriage. Colin Merry eventually joined in the proceedings and finished off the set with a rousing rock 'n' roll section.
The band had played for approx. 1 ½ hours, and were treated to applause normally reserved for "pro's".
A wide range of lady's underwear is on sale from "pegasus"! ! ! !
"SOME ITEMS ARE EXTREMELY WIDE". ! !
The event was attended by 44 actual vessels, and supported in car,tent or caravan, by a further 6 boats. (a club record). The weather, atmosphere, and assistance by all, was perfect .
MANY THANKS TO ALL
JOHN and JOAN DOUSE PS.
I reckon John
was 'Dog Tired' after that!!
LONG LIVE EYNSHAM!!
