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FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER 2010
Our February meeting saw us returning to Holden Wood Antiques Centre for a belated Burn’s Night. For once, no snow in sight but we were glad of the warmth inside the building and the sight of a tot of whisky at every place setting. Following a welcome cup of tea or coffee for those wishing it, exchanging greetings to those who did not make the Annual General Meeting, we sat down at a full long table.
President Michael welcoming Skalleagues and guests followed this up by giving us an explanation as to why Robbie Burns wrote about the haggis and then resplendent in kilt Andrew Rayner recited he 1st and last verse of the ‘Address to the Haggis’. Surrounded by neeps and tatties a whole haggis was placed in front of us and it was a question of endurance as to whom could finish with a clean plate. The haggis was delicious and a medal should be awarded to Dorothy Case who put some of the women and men to shame, by nearly clearing her plate. The whisky helped to digest the main course before a tasty desert with custard was placed in front of those who had the energy to eat it but being Skalleagues this proved to be no problem.
Conversation ebbed and flowed and coffee, pots of tea reappeared to aid digestion of a very good meal. We even had a guest volunteering to do a five minute impromptu talk on ‘Imaging and Mirroring’ which gave an insight into how we adapt to other people’s speech and mannerisms – aggressiveness being met by aggression, fast talking being reciprocated by the same. Perhaps its a way of getting a word in edgeways and after watching ‘Question Time’ on Thursday evening you could see where this all fitted in.
Finally we all dragged ourselves away from the warmth into the chill but an enjoyable evening had been had by all.
Our website under the capable hands of Martin Cleaver continues to keep us updated with photographs and news of members, Royalty and the next best thing to the Royal Yacht Britannia the ‘Marton Emperor’ barge. How long will it be before it receives its knighthood and becomes a ‘Sir’. If James I could knight a piece of meat it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that Prince Charles could do the same for Martin’s pride and joy.
It was with some sadness that the ‘Sparrow Hawk, Burnley closed down following our
A.G.M. in January. The hotel had been on the market but it came as a surprise when the news broke in the local newspaper. This left us without a base for our Council meetings – but the Holiday Inn Express, Burnley came to our rescue, not with a room, but a corner in their lounge. There our business was concluded with a more expensive coffee than that enjoyed at the Sparrow Hawk. We will miss the hotel as we have enjoyed excellent food at our meetings held there and Jeff has always given us excellent value for money.
Our next meeting on March 8th will be held at the Sycamore Farm Inn on Liverpool Road, Burnley. This has been re-arranged because the March meeting had been booked at the Sparrow Hawk. The inn is only 5 minutes from Junction 8 if coming from the west and 10 minutes from Junction 9 if travelling from the east. Directions will be found on the Pendle website, if required.
The meal will be a carvery where you can choose the quantity and type of meat you want and also the vegetables. Having seen the sweets and the size of them – they are large – you may wish to purchase them separately, not at all or even purchase one and share it. The cost therefore reflects just the price for a main course at £7 for members and £7.50 for guests. The sweets cost £3.99.
The meal has to be paid for upfront so please could you bring the correct amount in cash so that I can order for everyone at the same time. Unfortunately the inn will not accept cheques without a banker’s card so I cannot pay using the club cheque.
FUTURE MEETINGS
Monday, 12th April Tour of behind the scenes at Pendle Hippodrome, Colne
Monday, 9th May Visit to Earby Lead Mines Museum, Earby
Monday, 14th June Visit to Manchester Airport
Quite a varied programme and whilst the April and May meetings stay in the Pendle area we venture further afield in June to Manchester. Details have been received regarding other Skal clubs is of the Republic of Ireland’s 49th Annual Convention and the 50th Anniversary of Skal International Cork which will be held between 26th and 28th March, 2010. Details regarding the weekend and cost can be obtained either from me or by emailing Treasurer Mary Brown MBAssoc@eircom.net
And now a plea for raffle prizes! Our stock of prizes have now all but gone and mindful of the fact that we like value for money when parting with our hard-earned cash for raffle tickets I am appealing for either wine chocolates or a prize you would like to win!
In conclusion, please can you let me know either by email, telephone or letter if you are attending the March meeting in Burnley by the 4th March at the latest. Hoping that the snow keeps away and the weather improves I look forward to meeting up and having an enjoyable meeting at the Sycamore Farm Inn, Burnley.
Yours in Skal, Doreen A. Rawstron, Newsletter Editor