EYNSHAM BARBECUE 2006
report by John Douse

August bank holiday again, and the hordes assemble at SWINFORD FARM for the annual mayhem!

However, this year would be special in many ways. Firstly this year, the club celebrates it’s 21st birthday (1985-2006), blossoming from a handful of boaters requiring a respectably priced crane-out and companionship on the river bank during the season.

Many of those original pioneers are still members and, although some have retired from aiming boats at lock-keepers, they still support the club on the social scene (and quite right too!).

Secondly, to maintain interest and variety, this year’s EYNSHAM BARBECUE may be the last one in it’s present format, although it is hoped that the venue will still be used for events in the future (watch this space for news!)

By friday evening quite a selection of boats had already assembled at the venue, and members were already busy assisting in the assembly and erection of the marquees. The weather was very unsettled during the night and Saturday morning, but slowly brightened, with only the occasional shower, which was never going to interfere with enjoyment.

Most of Saturday was spent catching up on tales of river holidays and places foreign to all except commodores. (Eds note: Commodore just returned from boat trip to Holland)

This year being that little bit special, the members were treated to a pig roast instead of having to cremate their own food, and as planned, believe it or not, the food arrived at 5.30 pm. to be carved and served for us. The tents were immediately filled with ravenous boaters. The accompanying salads and dressings had been beautifully prepared by HELEN WARD, and her volunteer “staff” and the display and variety was admired ( and eaten) by all.

SHOWTIME!!
This is where it all gets very stressful for organisers and artists, but all would fall into place, and disasters don’t really happen ( no - really!).

This year’s show was once again opened by GRACE on guitar and that lovely voice, being joined on stage by DAVE , and then DARYLL (billed as BURGER KING!).

JOHN DOUSE followed on with a selection of mandolin solos which were well received by many ( thanks JOAN!).

DENNIS then gave a short speech thanking all members for their input and support for events, reminding us all, that “the members are the club”.

What followed was “DEFINITELY NOT TELEVISION!” TV companies could not provide the level of entertainment we were all treated to! STARS IN THEIR EYES will never be the same again, and will probably bring a grin to all, as they remember the performances of ELLIE, OLLIE, NIGEL, TOM, and TOBY.
Their appearances as various artists, past and present, brought tears of laughter from all areas of the marquees and, although initially, they were unhappy with minor mistakes, it became apparent that this made for the most entertaining cabaret the club has ever seen from this great bunch of troupers. ( great career ahead for TOBY STANTON as a male model??).

What followed was certainly a sight to behold!
Direct from THE VALLEYS came our next act, orchestrated by very own ANNE MAISEY, who managed to talk family members and friends into doing a five piece monologue extolling the non-virtues of “THE ISLAND TARTS”. Each “tart” had a musical verse to tell, followed by a chorus by all. What was strange was that the highest voice of all seemed to eminate from a rather large “lady” with HAIRY LEGS!! (phone number available) Many thanks to ANN, CARLA,TARA,JACKIE, and JOHN?

The large, and beautifully decorated birthday cake on display was officially presented to DENNIS and GILL by ANNE MAISEY and duly cut for members to devour (it didn’t last long).

MAUREEN PORTER then took the stage and, once again tried to teach unruly feet, (fuelled by alcohol) how to line dance, with a dance especially choreographed by her for our birthday event. I honestly think MAUREEN has the heart of a lion to attempt any kind of education for this lot.

1999 saw the first EYNSHAM barbecue and the entertainment then was singer, JOHN HILL. JOHN was with us again, albeit following heart surgery, but there’s no stopping an old stager, and he did a sterling job on the sound desk for all acts and then finished the night with disco.

This event is our only charity do and this year your donations went to the MAKE A WISH appeal ( as requested by CHRIS and SUE JONES) £350 was presented to this charity. Many thanks.(Eds note: Chris and Sue are the landowners of the field we use at Eynsham)

47 boats were either in attendance or were represented this year, an excellent turn-out.

On a personal note, may I thank you all for your help and support over the past 7 years.

JOHN DOUSE