St Georges Knight Dinner
SATURDAY 25TH APRIL 2009
Born of an idea in 2008, that it would be a patriotic and hopefully enjoyable gesture to celebrate the day of the Country's patron Saint, St George (23rd April) the plan took shape that an event would be held at the Sherborne Hotel, Sherborne, Dorset on the evening of Saturday 25th April. In keeping with the formal nature of the idea it was decided that this would be a “Black Tie” event, enabling the ladies to look their best in their finery and the men to dress up as penguins.
The Hotel offered us a beneficial rate for those wishing to stay, as quite a few did, not only on the actual night but the night before, enabling them to take a day looking round the beautiful nearby countryside and sights, including picturesque Sherborne itself, Shaftsbury, where Gold Hill was the site for the famous Hovis advert, thought by many to be shot somewhere “Oop North”, Cerne Abbas, site of the famous chalk man (with rather obvious assets) cut into the chalk hillside and coastal town of Weymouth. Hotel facilities and staff assistance were excellent, although room ‘phones were difficult to use, having been apparently made with no number buttons, or at least the one in Steve Derwins room!
On the Saturday night 29 members, guests and partners assembled in the ideally sized Hotel function room, greeted by a glass of wine or Bucks Fizz. How resplendent did everyone look, normally used to seeing one another in riding kit! The St Georges theme was reflected not only in some red and white St Georges flag bow ties, cummerbunds and waistcoats but by the beautifully decorated room, with pennants and flags, both around the room and on the tables, complemented by the Chapter Banner prominently displayed. A wonderful celebration cake had also been prepared which was on prominent display.
Guests arriving were European Conference Chairman and Vice Chair of England VI, Graham Buxton and wife Jacqui, President of England VI, Ken Heydon and wife Diane, President of England XIII, Steve Tromans and wife, their Secretary, Leonie, two members of the “Red Hats” ladies group, Sue “Lady Lovit” and Margaret “Lady Godiva” as guests of our Presidents wife, Tina, also a Red Hats member, COPS representative and herself a survivor, Iris Long, guest of Eng XIV member and COPS member Amanda Keylock. Finally was guest speaker Sir Bernard Knight (how appropriate) who you will hear more of later.
Our own toastmaster and member Chris Wilkinson MBE, looking distinguished as ever in all his official regalia greeted the arrival of Chapter President John Cooke, bearing a huge sword and Secretary Muddy Waters carrying a large flag of St George. These were placed with the cake, forming an impressive centre-piece. John went on to welcome those present and relate to us a history of St George, including the slaying of the mythical dragon. This was followed by Muddy reciting the Kings rallying speech to his troops from Shakespears Henry V before Chris proposed the Loyal Toast. There then followed and excellent 5 course dinner, with traditional roast beef main, rounding off with cheeseboard and port, coffee and slices of the delightful cake. It was almost a shame to cut up such an artistic piece. During the meal suitably patriotic music was playing in the background.
Following the meal, those present were treated to the guest speaker Sir Bernard Knight, who belied his appearance as a smart but small and ageing gentleman, by relating anecdotes from his life, interspersed with politically incorrect jokes and asides to his audience. Bernie, as he prefers to be known is a former airline pilot who, in a moment of madness volunteered to fly an airliner carrying a French ambassador and staff, which had been hi-jacked by armed Japanese terrorists. The plane eventually landed at Damascus where he and the crew persuaded the hijackers to leave the plane after handing over their weapons! His thanks were to be imprisoned for landing without a permit! You couldn’t make it up, as they say. He went on to receive a Knighthood from our Queen and an award from the French Government in recognition of his heroism. He was also made an honorary Samurai. What an entertainer he was.
The evening was completed by presentations to the visiting officials and a raffle and numbers board to relieve those who still had any money, of a little of it. It’s not to say that Muddy, who was assisting with the raffle has a loud voice but people were coming in from surrounding counties trying to claim prizes!
A disco followed, playing hits from the correct era for our audience at an acceptable volume for once and a little dancing and partaking of liquid refreshment continued ‘til the small hours (for those with the staying power). I believe all turned out for breakfast the following morning before wending their way home.
I can confidently say that all who attended had a tremendous evening and all credit must go to the tireless organisers, who, undaunted, are making plans for next year! This event was another example of the comradeship that exists within the Blue Knights and the sort of enjoyment that can be had by attending the Chapters social events. It must rate as up with our inaugural KART Rally as the best England XIV event yet. It’s not difficult to attend these functions, or as Pete (Alexander Meerkat) Lambourn would say “Simples”.
Roll on next year I say!Pat
Sturman
Chapter Editor and Director PHOTO GALLERY