St George's Knight ..
on the Riviera!
23-25th April 2010
Photo Gallery
Friday 23rd April 2010, not only heralded St Georges Day, but the start of the Chapter’s second celebratory weekend: St George’s Knight on the Riviera. The hotel selected was the Headland Hotel in Torquay, was a little out of the town centre, which proved a bonus when we learned that Torquay was the venue for the 2010 AGM of the Young Farmers. 4000 descended upon the town for the weekend, and you could not venture into the town without seeing lots of them in their colourful tops resplendent with original captions. We understand that the town centre was very noisy throughout the evenings and night time, so our choice of location proved very beneficial.
Unfortunately, having spent a lot of time and effort liaising with the hotel, Pat was unable to attend. We really missed you and Carol but understand and hope to see you at the next one.
The weather was perfect; sunny, blue skies and very warm. Combined with the hotel’s location overlooking the sea and outside swimming pool, we were set for a great weekend. We soon found that the hotel staff were very friendly and that was not just the front of house staff, but those in the other areas. Everyone we met was very polite and helpful. As soon as we arrived – forget the luggage – just enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and home made biscuits. Perfect. Well, almost! It got better when I started unloading the car, it was hot, so Russell and friend Tony took sympathy and ensured that I was supplied with plenty of water. It was water ….. once! Very refreshing non-the-less!
Our very good friends from England VI having sent hat the weekend was going to be good weather, decided to ride down on their bikes, taking the scenic route down the Fosseway and across the Somerset levels. They all certainly arrived very happy. Ken, you had obviously done a very good job!
Dinner was taken in the restaurant, and if the hotel was to be judged at all, it was going to be on its food. Well, this was going to be a really good hotel as the food was excellent. Mixed with a good wine, it made for a very convivial meal.
Saturday was a free day. To do just what you wanted. Ken and his Chapter decided to go riding for the day: Brixham, Dartmouth and Dartmoor and the weather, although not as warm as Friday, was still good for biking.
Some of us from the host Chapter, met up back at the hotel to set the function room up for the evening’s festivities. We took time getting it to look right and soon it was time to get ourselves ready.
We like to make the evening slightly different, so guests will not know what to expect, and it was with this in mind, that Muddy and I arranged a different procession than the previous year. I dressed up as St George, resplendent with sword and shield whilst Muddy became the dragon! He had acquired a proper dragon’s head and fitted a smoke system inside. So, once we were sure everyone was seated in the room, the music started, (“Trumpet Voluntary”) and I led the procession of the Dragon carrying our flag of St George and Pete, our Chapter President. Once the flag was sited, I’m afraid, the dragon had to lose its head (very carefully of course; well no-one had paid the full fee!).
Everyone had been greeted with a Bucks Fizz and the ladies with a red rose. Pete welcomed everyone to the dinner before giving a history of St George. A full five course gala dinner was served, most of opting for the traditional roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. The apple pie which followed was just the best. The cheeseboard followed accompanied by a glass of port and then by coffee. I know that I am biased, but the food was excellent. I knew the efforts that Della, the hotel’s General Manager and her team, had gone to, to serve the food fresh and hot. You and your team did so well Della, thank you!
Our speaker was going to talk about something completely different, but during the setting up in the afternoon, we discovered that he was thwarted by not having a mobile phone signal. He then had to talk without the benefit of visual aids, which was a shame, as I have seen how interesting it would have been. None the less, Nick worked his way through and did a grand job.
To follow Nick, we introduced Chantel, a classical singer who performed three songs for us starting with an Eva Cassidy song, “Songbird”. Chantel has a beautiful voice and did the sound system was not adjusted in anyway. What we heard was her voice and not electronically ‘assisted’. Chantel finished with, “Time to say goodbye” and I am not lying when I say that I saw some people with tears in their eyes. When she finished the song, there was a standing ovation for Chantel. What a performance!
Our President made some presentations. Engraved glasses went to Nick, Chantel and Charlie who all gave their time free of charge. A glass went to our friends at England VI, presented to President Ken Heydon. Finally and a complete surprise, I received a presentation from the Chapter and Tina a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Thank you all!
To follow, one of our very own Chapter Members, Charlie Han, did the disco for us and I think that I speak for everyone there; he and Daniel did a great job. He got most of us up onto the dance floor so that we had some fun. We did! Just look at the photo’s!
During the evening, we had a loyal toast, a speech from Henry V by Muddy and we had to cut our beautiful St George’s cake made by a friend of Lesley’s. We had a number square and raffle.
All too soon, the evening came to a close and it was time to say ‘goodnight’, for me; being thoroughly knackered, but extremely pleased how well the evening had gone.
The following morning some left for home and we wished them well, whilst others like myself and our friends from England VI, chose to stay another day.
Thank you to everyone who came along and made it the success that it was,
| Photo Gallery |