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SAIL OF THE CENTURY
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For those who hadn't heard, the district
conference this year was held on the MV Funchal sailing between Harwich,
Amsterdam and Hull…
Many of a nervous disposition didn't dare come, but your intrepid President
Neil (and Senga), Brenda Reynolds, Dave Goodman and Liz, and the intrepid old
salts the 2 Peters (Philips and Larkham) and their ladies and yours truly (with
Gill) volunteered.
Having arrived at a gloriously sunny Harwich and listened to a pipe band on the
quay we all duly sailed having waited for the departure of the high speed ferry
as we were a little slower. The Funchal is an old lady (her captain's words),
but very comfortable. There were meals (very good meals! - cream on the puds)
and in true cruise liner style snacks between meals (eat your heart out Alan!).
The crossings (both) were smooth. |
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That night it was fancy hats, but despite noble efforts from
the members there we couldn't repeat last years win. |
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On board we had fairly cheap drinks, but to make up
there was a blackjack table and a roulette wheel. I don't know if anyone of our
group won but I saw the president of the Epping club looking very
glum…
When we reached Amsterdam a coach took us into the centre for a quick tour past
all those funny cafes selling weed and various dubious areas (!) and then back
to the boat. At least except for 2 members of Thorpe Bay club who got back too
late and saw the boat setting sail! (I understand Easy Jet charged them
£300.00 for a quick flight back to Stansted). On the return leg Kate Adie
was our speaker and having arrived late due to B A problems, she spent the
night on board at a very sumptuous black tie do, being kept busy signing copies
of her book.
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![Senga, Roger, Gill, David, Lizzie, Carol and David Buckland [District Governor 1090]](dinner_group3r.jpg) |
| Next morning found us in Hull (not my favourite place) and
further speakers, especially a brilliant talk from Hearing dogs for the Deaf
(not Hearing dogs for the Blind as some thought!). The dog was the star of the
show! |
| After lunch we set out to get back; a
rather hairy drive down the A1 got us to Harwich. The traffic around Colchester
was so bad I gather the old salts went to their boat and stayed the night
there. Overall a great trip; the cost was less than last year and the on board
entertainment - especially the dancers - great also. Dave Goodman said he only
saw their backs….. |
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Thanks to Roger Harste for this report |
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