What a wonderful day! Great reports form all above! As always, the real pleasure for me is to meet you all. It somehow brings all the avatars and usernames to life! I hate mentioning people for fear of missing someone out (am I the only one to scan a list to see if I've got a mention?)!
After only missing one turning, but fortunately realising it immediately, Jane and I arrived at Loddon Hall's full car park at about 11.15. We had a quick chat with Imogen and Tony, who told us to go to the doctors' surgery. It wasn't that we looked ill, but there was a large car park there!
Inside the hall, and forget the books - I looked for familiar faces amongst the crowd! Here goes with the list! We zoomed in on Stef, Fiona (great little gossip we had at lunchtime!), Wolfgang, 7up, Anita, Eddie, Chick, Julie, Stephen, Daisy to start with, probably more in the throng that I now forget! We later met Katherine, Katharine, David Cook, Imogen, Viv, Rosie, Lenoir, Francis, Sally, Sue Webster, Sophie, Kayleigh Lousie, Victoria, Tiffany, Lucky Star (John), Shadow, Faraway_Tree, a lovely lady in a red coat, Abi's lovely grandmother, Zoe (G@K), Norman and of course, Tony!
Wolfgang - I am so sorry we didn't say goodbye to you. I had assumed you would be at the picnic where we could have a good chat, but sadly you didn't materialise. It was also a great shame that Rob (Viking Star) didn't make it - I hope all is well with you, Rob.
I bet I've missed people out!
"I know the way to Dinton Pastures!" I exclaimed, totally denying Julie's claim that I led everyone up the garden path, two years ago, and got lost! What do you know? I did the same again! Eventually the parade arrived at the correct Dinton Pastures and we had a great picnic. Jane took several photos which I will put up soon. It was good to see Larry (Mark) too, sorry you got lost, old thing!
Special thanks to Stef and Fiona for the now legendary sandwiches and cake. Also to Viv and Rose for home made sausage rolls and great table stationery. Very patriotic!
Another great year; sorry you found some of the speeches a tad on the boring side, Abi; I'm not surprised, you are still very young! Sometimes the great detail that is gone into is more suited to really keen and older members, and although of interest, doesn't keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
Suffice to say, this is probably the second best Day I have attended, and thanks to all - suppliers, dealers, speakers, caterers and of course, you all for coming!
And to Tony:
Good Man!
PS I know I will have left somebody out - apologies in advance!
PPS By the way, Stef: why
do you live in Woodley?