New Year's Eve Banquet

To promote a dinner of three courses and then deliver a gourmet banquet of five, is a pretty infallible recipe for success!

This was indeed the experience of the New Year's Eve event which was enjoyed by a full clubhouse of indulging members.

This magnificent repast was prepared by Wendy Bower and extended family to whom we are all extremely thankful.

I cannot recall a desire to be committed to a residential home before, but I can only presume that the inhabitants of our new social secretary's previous residential home must have enjoyed culinary delights beyond compare and which I would be very happy to participate in. (I trust readers will, however, refrain from wishing my speedy removal to such an institution - thank you!)

The club looked a 'million dollars' with its Christmas decorations and creative table settings. It was a cosy retreat from the bleak easterlies and freezing temperatures outside.

Some excellent wines were served to complement the top quality food and a great atmosphere prevailed to see off the old year and welcome the new. The grandstand view of the usual spectacular fireworks rounded off a great evening.

New Year's Day

New Year's morning dawned crisp and cloudless with a deceptive warm sun which, however, can have had little effect upon water temperatures, except perhaps to make the water feel relatively even colder.

Despite, or because of, the beautiful morning, the usual amazing numbers of insane lemmings competed for spaces to stand shivering on the edge of a windswept beach and then be driven into the icy sea by the maddening cries from stewards and spectators.

This ancient ritual never ceases to amaze. I wonder if the recipient charities benefitting from this wild activity can have any real idea of the mad motivation they seem to have generated.

Despite their need for early committal, many congratulations to all the participants for providing such a spectacle and raising an excellent sum for good causes.

First Aid Course

It seems a relevant sequitur from the previous item to remind everyone that a basic first aid course has been arranged for those wanting this useful skill or to update their existing qualification on Saturday, January 23, starting at 9.30 am in the clubhouse.

Bowling and Chilli Evening

This is booked for Saturday, January 23 - meet at Canaston Bowl at 6.45 pm for bowling at 7 pm and then back to the club for food and drink. Bookings please to Wendy Bower on 813324 or [email protected]">[email protected].

Future Social Events

During February, we have a visit from Tenby Sailing Club members for a return darts match and pleasant social evening on Friday 26th and the intention to hold a wine and cheese evening on a Saturday night yet to be arranged. Further details later.

Membership Renewal

It is that time of year again and you may well have received an invitation to renew by post already. Early application and payment is always appreciated.

Nautical Nips

Last year, at this time, there were reports of the sea freezing along the south coast of England.

A half-mile stretch along the shoreline reaching about 20 yards out to sea at the exclusive Sandbanks peninsula which stretches out into the harbour at Poole, Dorset, was frozen.

With temperatures here around -9*C on January 4, maybe we will see some ice on the Saundersfoot sands.

The temperature at which sea water freezes depends upon the varying salt content. Typical sea water can freeze at only about -2*C (if there were no movement) and it is interesting that the ice so formed has a low salt content sometimes even to allow it to be drinkable.

Skipper's Mate