A happy and prosperous New Year to all our readers.

New Year's Eve

The gala buffet was very well attended, with the ravenous participants being treated to a superb spread. Many thanks to Jane Stewart-Walvin for her gargantuan efforts in preparing the buffet and to Polly for her invaluable assistance. Also a big thank you to commodore, Mark Brace, for his role in co-ordinating the event and to David Stewart-Walvin's efforts in quenching members' thirsts. It was a memorable evening, much appreciated by members and friends.

Darts

We begin the 2012 campaign with a home match against the Swanlake Inn, against which we have a dismal record. Surprise, surprise, I hear you say. The practice sessions during the festive break will surely have stood us in good stead - our optimism is still high, despite several setbacks at the end of last year. Participating members please note.

Social

Programme

The latest newsletter has been circulated and includes details of social events for the foreseeable future. Please support the club's efforts on the social front.

Just a few dates to note - Terry Evans has agreed to put on a Bangers and Mash and Quiz evening on January 21, a Surf and Turf evening on February 18 and a Cheese and Cawl evening on March 3. There will also be a Cheese and Wine evening, a Soup evening, some music evenings and some theme evenings. Dates will be published soon.

Jam

Evening

The next electric jam will be on Wednesday, January 18, whilst the next acoustic jam will take place on Monday, January 23. It's the place to be!

Humour

Once upon a time there was a famous sea captain. This captain was very successful at what he did and for years he guided merchant ships all over the world. Never did stormy seas or pirates get the best of him. He was admired by his crew and fellow captains.

However, there was one thing different about this captain. Every morning he went through a strange ritual. He would lock himself in his captain's quarters and open a small safe. In the safe was an envelope with a piece of paper inside. He would stare at the paper for a minute, then lock it back up. After, he would go about his daily duties.

For years this went on, and his crew became very curious. Was it a treasure map? Was it a letter from a long lost love? Everyone speculated about the contents of the strange envelope.

One day the captain died at sea. After laying the captain's body to rest, the first mate led the entire crew into the captain's quarters. He opened the safe, got the envelope, opened it and... the first mate turned pale and showed the paper to the others.

Four words were on the paper, two on two lines: Port Left, Starboard Right.

Subscriptions and Weekly Draw

It's that time of year. Yes the annual subscriptions are due. This year we are running a weekly draw which can only be won if you are present in the club when the draw is made and you are a paid up member. The first draw takes place tomorrow (Saturday). You've got to be in it to win it.

Opening Hours

We have returned to winter openings of Friday, Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtime. Why not call in for 'lemonade' - there are not many 'watering holes' with a vista like ours.

Email addresses

We are still experiencing some problems with some email addresses which may have been changed. Would members who have changed their email addresses please send their new addresses to Phil Wathen.

Website

Information on club activities etc. can be found on the club's website. This is a very friendly and welcoming club which endeavours to involve all members in a variety of activities. Contact any member who will be delighted to furnish you with further details.

GP14