1998
Click on the pictures for a better view.
1998 arrived with the traditional sounds of Big Ben and party poppers. Well it did for the Hamwic New Year's Eve revelers. When all the balloons were popped, silly string strung and blowers blown, we wended our weary way home. Thank goodness for the scouts, who felt so sorry for us they came in early next day and cleared up the worst. I could really get to like those people!!
Whilst we waited for the warmer weather we organized a few shored based activities to keep us busy. Valentines Day was first up and a few romantic hamwicians wined, dined and danced the evening away at the Novotel. This gave Kevin a chance to sit back and enjoy the music for a change. Don't worry we had plans for him in March.
With safety in mind we held a RYA First Aid course so we could all bring ourselves up to date with the latest techniques and recommendations. This proved very popular and after an intensive days' training we all received our three-year certificates.
Knowing you couldn't wait to get across the channel Lynn organized an alternative route, via Le Shuttle. This proved immensely popular with places snapped up fast. The best thing was, for this channel crossing we didn't have to get up before dawn and we were back in bed by midnight. Not forgetting all that cheap booze we picked up on the way!
Time to make Kevin work again. We decided to try a new idea and hold a spring dance, aptly named the `Daffy Duck Do'. To spice things up we added a bit of interest with a `Whose Knees' quiz. We'd had some fun getting photos of various knees and the contestants gamely paraded their legs around the room whilst we tried to match knees to faces.
By April we were ready to get back on the water again. Unfortunately, the weather wouldn't play ball for Hamwic in '98 and several of our rallies were met with cold, wind and rain. Some boats did brave the Easter weekend and headed into Lymington to get their sea legs working again. Jenny and David assisted by Shane headed for Amsterdam to bring back their latest acquisition, a Westerly Fulmar. The weather defeated them this time and they only reached Rotterdam before having to give in. Three weeks later they were back to try again this time with more success.
Whilst we waited for drier weather we held another skittles and quiz night. This now seems to be an annual event so look out for details of this year's! (probably March)
For the theatre buffs among you we took a party along to the Mayflower to see the superb production of 'Les Mis'. We also enjoyed a pleasant walk along the River Itchen at Itchen Abbas followed by Sunday roast at a local pub.
Finally a proper rally! Six boats eventually made it into Haslar, engine trouble sadly preventing two more. But car loads arrived to join us and we swarmed into Gosport for a tasty meal. The next month we made it to Bembridge, not so many this time but just as much fun.
The Hamble Seascouts held their summer bar-b-q and the weather stayed dry for them yet again. We must find out who their forecaster is.
We held a Hamwic Fun Day at Royal Victoria Park. It was meant to be a children's fun day but it seemed most of the children were on holiday! Those of us that turned up had a good old-fashioned picnic and played rounders and cricket and flew kites until the sun went down.
September saw us back
at one of our favorite haunts, The Folly Inn. Lots of boats turned up even though it was rather windy. However it did make for a fast trip over. We spent the better part of the afternoon and all evening enjoying the comforts of the inn and company of friends.
Amazingly autumn was here again and Lynn was thinking up more sets of questions to befuddle and confuse us during her quiz nights. Joy took us on a walk to Keyhaven. Lots of you turned up for this one and the weather did its share by staying dry.
December brought the festive season round again and we kicked off with the children's Christmas party. We kept the numbers more manageable this year and entertained them with games ranging from skittles, hoopla and duck fishing to pass the parcel and musical chairs. Santa did his bit and each child put in their order for Christmas whilst collecting an early present. The adults had their own party at the Post House Hotel. Terry somehow allowed the waiter to pour gravy in his lap (luckily he had dark trousers on).
Suddenly it was time for the Christmas sail to Hamble. Yet again the weather got the better of us, discouraging those who weren't yet laid low with colds and flu from braving the waves.
Finally the New Years Eve party. This year was tickets in advance only to prevent overcrowding. We completely sold out before the night, which is an indication of how much people enjoy the evening. Thanks to everyone who helped before during and after the event, especially Kevin our intrepid DJ, without whom it wouldn't be possible.
Thanks to Steve for producing the newsletters, we had eight issues throughout 1998. Please help him in '99 by sending in your stories and articles. Anything will do, including adverts, recipes, quizzes etc. etc.
Last but not least, remember we all meet the first Friday of each month at the Festival Hall, Merryoak Road, Southampton to keep up to date with rallies and functions. If you can't come along keep an eye on your newsletter or give us a call to see what we're up to.
Happy New Year to you all.
Claire
Thanks to Weymouth for the background