Six Nations Raptures

A large screen-side crowd of rugby enthusiasts enjoyed both games last Saturday in our lively club atmosphere. All four teams played some good rugby, with a fair result in each case.

The next round starts on Friday, February 27, with Wales' next big test against France away at 8 pm, followed on Saturday, February 28, by Scotland v Italy at 3 pm and Ireland v England at 5.30 pm - which also ought to be a humdinger! The new big screen and all round sound system are really excellent - do come and join in.

This Weekend's

Club Programme

Although there is no Six Nations rugby this weekend, don't forget that the club is open tonight (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) from 6 pm, and on Sunday between 12 noon and 2 pm, for members to enjoy a social gathering, with food and drinks available throughout.

First Aid Resuscitated Again

The first aid course previously confirmed for February 21 has had to be moved (again) to a split event on Wednesday and Thursday, February 25 and 26, both starting at 6.30 pm. It is appreciated that this leaves little time to get from work, so we hope to be able to offer food in the club for those who want it, to avoid participants needing first aid themselves. If you were booked on this course, but cannot make the new dates, please let Trevor know as soon as possible on 811235.

RYA Club Race Officers Course

There is a club race officers course being held on February 28 at Teifi Boat Club. Cost is £15, to include lunch and all materials. We are in great need of more qualified OODs to help spread the load at SSC, so do please attend if you are able to. Sorry not to give more notice of this event. More details from Chris Jeffries on 07824 990695 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

Working Party

for All Members

We are in need of your help on Saturday, March 7, from 10 am (there is no rugby) to help to prepare club and equipment for the new season. There is a wide range of jobs to be done, so you are welcome whatever your skills. Your help is requested, but overalls with broad arrows will not be compulsory, and food will be available to help maintain stamina and results.

More Members' Benefits

A new facility for members was agreed at last week's committee meeting. In addition to the for sale section, our website is to include offers of goods and services from SSC members, e.g. members with accommodation can register this for the benefit of visitors coming to SSC events, etc.

Subscriptions

We know we are in a recession and a banking crisis, but membership subscriptions are now overdue. For those who have not yet got round to it, please return the forms and your cheque now, especially if you require a space in the dinghy park as these are in short supply and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Members'

Welcome Day

New members will be especially welcomed to the club on Saturday, March 21, when lunch will be available from 12 noon, followed by the three matches which may well decide the final positions of the Six Nations rugby, with snacks and the bar open throughout. Matches are 1.15 pm - Italy v France, 3.30 pm - England v Scotland and 5.30 pm - Wales v Ireland.

Nautical Nips

From last week: Cinclus Cinclus is the Dipper - a brown, wren-like bird with a white breast that lives near swift flowing, mainly upland streams. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates and fish and has a most unusual form of hunting.

It uses its wings to swim underwater and is able to walk along the bottom with wings outstretched to stop it from rising to the surface. Its common name derives from its habit of bobbing up and down when typically perched on a stone in mid river.

The remarkable thing about the dipper is that it enters the water feet first - like a child jumping into a swimming pool - which to my knowledge is quite unique in the bird kingdom and also most bizarre.

I did not believe that such a thing would happen in nature and have spent some time observing local dippers on a river near Carmarthen to confirm to myself that this was so. Perhaps it could have been better named Sinkus Sinkus!

To sharpen the wits this week, as it is the bicentenary of 'The Origin of the Species', what are the links between Darwin, Fitzroy and the demise of Finisterre?

Skipper's Mate