We celebrated St. George’s Day two days late, as it was the nearest Friday. Next year it will only be one day late as 23rd April is on a Thursday. I had thought I would make 2014 my last effort until the night itself which went down very well.

Four things made it hum this year. Firstly the Chairman risked being beaten up by ‘er indoors, when he suggested that their wedding anniversary should be celebrated at the St George’s Day Dinner, thereby providing more than a third of the attenders. Secondly there were some very poignant readings by Colin Lane, Dawn Annandale and Greg Johnson. Thirdly Alan Schofield gave a rousing toast to “Harry, England and St George” and topped it off with a trumpet solo of “Land of Hope and Glory”. Finally Emily Sharp was a delight on the keyboard, in spite of finding some important rugby songs were unknown to her.

67 people booked in and 65 actually dined. Vice Chairman Simon Himbury, blithely told me “ It is better to say you are not coming and then show up, than to say you are coming and not show up”. He redeemed himself by singing a bravura interpretation of
“Calon Lan”

After the serious part of the readings and the meal, the event descended through wartime songs into musical songs, then sentimental songs and ended up with Music hall Ballads.

“Green Grow the Rushes Oh” was again patchy with some tables enthusiastic and good, whilst others were leaden-eyed and uninterested.

We will revamp the songbook (Thank you Headley’s the Printers and their new chief Executive, Simon Bingham, for printing them for us). Some old fogy’s (including me) find the print hard to read and we will introduce some new songs into the repertoire.

We know how to and will tap into more potential customers next year, so that it remains an indispensable feature of the club’s calendar. All diners this year felt they got good value for money and we thank the bar and catering staff under Pat and Brian for making it so enjoyable an atmosphere.

John Kidson
28th April 2014