Last Saturday was a great work party and despite the bitter wind 30 people came – well done Caroline and Chris for cycling to the club! Thanks to Curtis who brought more scalpings and Carl with his ‘thumper,’ more pot holes have been filled in. With the help of Mike and his chain saw, lots of wood was collected for the bonfire, which was superbly constructed under Brian’s supervision – thanks Steve for leaving us all, those pallets.
Mark and his team loaded the skip, while wood was collected, hauled, transported to the bonfire site – even Barbara was seen with young Ricardo pulling branches from the under growth. Ian removed barrow loads of weed from the edge of the shore, while Nick and Heidi, watched by young Finn in his buggy, cleared more of the grass from the slipway.
Richard aided / supervised by Alice and Louise finished off the new starting horn – a 4 week project’ – well done Richard.
Robbie hoovered the loft, Pat got new hooks put up in the red shed and lots more went on outside unnoticed by the Jolly Sailor. Monica made numerous pots of coffee and tea and everyone worked really hard – the best way of keeping warm! It was great to see Colin as well. Thank you to’ one and all’ for all your efforts.
Soon after the workers drifted away – though several stayed the whole day – the Pirates started to arrive, while the clubhouse was amazingly decorated with scary ghosts, skeletons and loads of pumpkins – some superbly carved by Alice and Nina.
Only 2 boats took to the water. James with Rhys and William in their mirror and Haidy with Mum, Bev in her Pico – the first time on the water for Mum, well done Bev!! Gary was on hand in the ‘rubber duck’ in case of any mishap.
With a full clubhouse of 23 youngsters, parents , friends and those just wanting to see the fireworks and bonfire, Gary started the proceedings by giving out some prizes:- Keir was awarded the best Pirate crew: Jo the best improver and last but not least Izzy for the most enthusiastic and best Pirate of the year – well done – but Gary stressed that all the Pirates are winners, having turned out regularly every Thursday evening in the most horrendous conditions, cold, rain and mostly strong winds – well done everyone including all the parents, grand parents and helpers who helped with rigging boats, cleaning the club house and just supporting the children.
While heavenly smells were coming from the kitchen, Dean was busy setting up lights and music on the deck – thanks Dean, it made the evening. Everyone enjoyed curries, chillies and lots of suitably decorated Halloween cakes, thanks to Elaine, Carole, Bernadette, Fran, and all the Mums and were suitably fortified to go out on the deck and watch the amazing firework display organised by Brian, Richard and Louise, with the huge bonfire blazing away as well. What a great evening it was – thanks to everyone who contributed to making the last Pirates gathering of 2012 such a success – Sue, Fran and Tracey doing the washing up, Dean hoovering and Bernadette sweeping the floor, to name but a few. Thanks guys, and special thanks to the Pirate Leaders Gary and Carole.
