Hamwic Cruising Association

1996

January saw us regretting that Christmas binge and starting the Hamwic diet with a pledge to lose those pounds by Easter. Jaik helped us start by organising a winter’s walk of several miles and ending with a visit to the Alice Lisle Inn. The walk certainly helped but I’m not sure about the pub lunch afterwards. The London Boat Show was an attraction not to be missed and a coach load of Hamwicians and friends enjoyed the day and a meal. A month later and the weather was still freezing but undeterred, we went to the Isle of Wight for another walk from Yarmouth to Freshwater (plus a visit to the pub of course). Robin took us on a visit to the Mayflower theatre in March to see Jerry and the Pace Makers and we reminisced over all those old favourites. The highlight of the month was the ‘sell-out’ skittles evening. A ploughman’s supper and fun quiz turned the night into a roaring success. We’ll definitely be having skittles again this year!

Chichester was the destination for Easter, afloat this time with our first proper sailing rally of the year. To make sure we were prepared for emergencies Ady and Pam gave us some valuable lessons in first aid.

A lunchtime B-B-Q was planned for May. Unfortunately the weather turned bad and only a few hardy souls attended. Once the rain stopped we enjoyed a really long forest walk and John demonstrated his tracking skills by finding the way back to the car park! Whitsun arrived and Marion booked a house in Weymouth for the week. Several boats braved heavy seas to join the landlubbers and spent the week discovering the delights of Weymouth (yes, there are some if you look carefully!)

Summer came and Hamble Seascouts invited us to their summer B-B-Q. We danced the night away to the sounds of The Strand performing live on stage. Then it was time for another holiday, two weeks this time in Salcombe. Marion excelled herself as usual arranging a lovely cottage with great views across the water.

September saw the start of the Hamwic Race Meetings. We didn’t do much racing though as the weather was so hot and balmy we just drifted from marker to marker. Our second meeting was the complete opposite and we flew round the course adding extra legs because we finished so quickly.

Robin kept us busy in October starting with a bowling evening and then a tour around the Mr Kipling factory. The Silhouette Club was the venue for our end of season dinner dance.

Christmas rushed upon us and Ron invited us to the University Christmas dinner, this year rather aptly based on the theme of ‘Cruise Ships’. At the Hamwic children’s party the magician kept them spellbound, then we wore them out with fun and games until Santa arrived with presents for everyone. Well done all those wonderful Santa’s helpers!

We’d just got over the Christmas turkey and pud and it was time for another rally. Setting off in the snow we headed down Southampton Water to rendezvous at Hamble for chilli and jacket potatoes. Lastly, the grand finale, the New Year’s Eve disco. A small band of dedicated Hamwicians worked tirelessly to decorate the hall, repair the disco equipment, prepare the food, buy the raffle prizes, sell the tickets etc., etc..... Everyone had a tremendous time and we raised lots of money for the club.

And just in case you haven’t been counting; Steve and Gwen have produced TEN issues of Ribs and Trucks for your entertainment throughout the year. A really big thank you to both of them. Well now you’ve remembered what a great time we had last year, you probably can’t wait to start again this year. We’ve got lots of ideas for events and would be very interested in any of your suggestions.

Here’s to a successful 1997!

Claire

Thanks to Weymouth for the background