Burns Lunch

It is somewhat enigmatic that the focus of one of the most fervently supported celebrations was a taxman! I wonder how many Burns Night celebrants revelling in the 250th anniversary of Scotland's most loved and leading poet last Sunday were aware that he trained for and worked in the Excise Service. Where else could you possibly find such public adoration of one in this profession?

Our celebration lunch on Burns Night (another contradiction?) consisted almost entirely of Sassenachs and certainly lacked the fervour and intensity of true Scottish devotion - there were no pipes, no readings and no formal toast. Nevertheless, a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all and the Scottish flavour was in adequate evidence with traditional haggis, neeps and tatties and the statutory wee drams all excellently prepared and presented by May, David and Graham. Many thanks to the team.

Membership Subs

Continuing the topic of taxation! - a reminder that subs are now overdue, so please get round to digging the renewal out of the pending tray or off the website (http://www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk">www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk) and sending the appropriate cheque.

A particular request to those non-members who have attended club events or who have been using the club without being members. Where this is an oversight, please rectify. The licensing laws are extremely strict now and non-members are not allowed in the club, except as guests introduced by members with a view to membership, and then only four times in a year. Social membership is only £5, which is a very trivial sum for the benefits available, which makes non-payment even more indefensible.

This weekend

Don't forget that the club is open this weekend (and for the rest of the winter season) on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 pm and on Sundays from 12 noon to 2 pm.

Big Screen Rugby

Next weekend, ie. Saturday, February 7, is the first international match of the new year. The England v Italy match is at 3 pm, followed by Ireland v France at 5 pm. Lunch is available beforehand from 12 noon and the bar will be open throughout.

Valentine's Day Lunch

This takes place 12.30 for 1 pm on Sunday, February 15. Bookings please to May on (01834) 813595.

SSC Website

Details of this season's programme and the open fixtures can be found together with a wealth of other information about the club on the website at http://www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk">www.saundersfootsailingclub.org.uk

Sex (In) Equality

The sailing classes for the 2012 Olympics in the UK have now been announced. It is disappointing to note that there are six classes for men - windsurfer, single-handed dinghy, heavyweight single-handed dinghy, two person dinghy, high performance two-person dinghy and keelboat, but only four classes for women who do not have the heavyweight single-handed or high performance two-person dinghy options. This seems particularly disappointing in view of the phenomenal success of our ladies in the last games. Why is there not a women's equivalent of the high performance double-handed category?

Nautical Nips

Whilst it is widely recognised that a large number of sayings have nautical origins, there are also a large number of words in nautical use that are borrowed from elsewhere, especially from the animal kingdom.

For example: spider, horse, leeches, hounds, fly, goose-wing and goose-neck, stag, greyhound, hedgehogs, etc., etc. Explanations where necessary next week.

Skipper's Mate