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NOVEMBER 01
Ed. Mrs P Heyworth.54 Altcar Lane.Formby L376AY. Tel 01704871727.
Here I am again after what seemed to be a long absence but a very enjoyable
holiday. We arrived back in time for me to attend the General Committee on Tuesday
and thus to find out about the "doings" in the Clubhouse. Some of
them will come up in the reports. We seem to have missed a good October Social
and we were particularly sorry to have missed Prize Giving, one of the most
enjoyable evenings of the year. I am very grateful to Shelagh Warren for standing
in for me with the sorting and polishing of the trophies for presentation. This
year seems to have gone stealthily by and it is already time once again to remind
you about the Annual General Meeting. This is open to all members and although
voting is restricted. it is an opportunity for Social/House members to find
out more about the organisation of the club
THE COMMODORE Peter told the committee that he and Doreen had attended functions at several other Sailing Clubs and of course had also attended our own Prize Giving, which he enjoyed very much. He was pleased to see two Altmouth Cup Winners in attendance. He also reports that his liver needs a rest!!
THE VICE COMMODORE was unable to attend the meeting.
THE REAR COMMODORE.
Dave told the committee that he had bought a pipe cutter in preparation for
a forthcoming working party on the slip. There will also be three new gabions
put in place. The date is not yet decided, but please look out for it
Whilst working on fitting a new hot water system David Warren received an electric
shock. The problem has been identified but a discussion ensued and it is thought
that the electric system needs a complete overhaul. The new water system will
soon be working.
Another matter about the fabric of the club discussed was that again two small
leaks have appeared in the flat roof and it may need replacing.
Stan Warren has done some work in the new committee room and he was thanked
for this and also for making the chairs look very presentable for the Prize-giving
event. It is still necessary to get rid of the worn benches and other rubbish..
Dave had represented the club by attending the reopening of the extended Coast
Guard Station which now houses people from other related organisations.
The Auction, which David organised, raised £167.40. This was very good
in view of the very poor turn out. He suggested that perhaps Saturday was not
a good choice of day and that any future auctions will be held on Sunday.
THE HON.SECRETARY has
been very busy, He has received a great deal of correspondence which you can
find on the notice board.
There is an application from Hightown Parish Council to use the clubhouse as
headquarters for a beach clean up. This was agreed. All club members are invited
to attend and help between 10 am and 4pm.on Sunday 25th November.
A thank you letter has been received from the RNLI for the donation of £45
from the club. This was the proceeds from the delayed RNLI race
Preparations are under way for the organisation of the Annual General Meeting.
THE HON TREASURER has also been very busy preparing the accounts for the AGM.David also reports that the finances of the club are in a healthy state.
THE HON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
Stan introduced a prospective new member to the committee. A vote was subsequently
taken and we therefore welcome Ed Chatterton into the club and also Mr G. Pennington
who joined us last month.
Stan reported that Prize-giving went very well. A letter of thanks will be sent
to the caterers for the excellent food they provided. Thanks were offered to
Stan from the members at the meeting for all the hard work he puts into the
organisation. However there was a matter of concern, which I have been asked
to mention. If a member puts a name on the list for tickets on behalf of another
person the application must be confirmed later. Unless this happens there is
confusion and food is ordered unnecessarily. It is better to give your own name
to the organiser (in this case Stan).
Some past Commodores did not receive their ex Commodores burgees. Stan has ordered
and received these and they will be presented to the Commodores concerned on
Friday 30th November. It is hoped that members will attend to make a pleasant
social evening. Food may be provided. Look for a notice on the board covering
the hatch. Invitations will be sent to the Commodores who will receive their
burgees.
THE YARD AND BERTHING
MASTER. Bill wishes to thank Ted McGregor who has done a lot of work in the
yard over the past year. There is a bit more space in the yard. Two boats will
be taken and stored at home and some of the unused or duplicated boats have
been removed or will be shortly.
Sam Hartley gave up his mooring last month and is sailing from the Marina. His
boat is up for sail.
(Sam has been sailing from the club for many years and it will be most unusual
not to see him on the moorings next season.)
THE SOCIAL CHAIRPERSON.
Doreen was not present at the meeting. Her report was given by Peter. The October
Social was a great success both the food and the disco, were good and enjoyed
by all. The same cannot be said for the Bonfire Night, which was very poorly
attended and unfortunately made a loss.
Plans are made and the food is ordered for the Christmas Party. Tickets will
go on sale soon.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY.
BEACH CLEAN UP. SUNDAY 25TH NOVEMBER. 10am to 4.00pm.
L.B.S.A. DINNER AND PRIZE-GIVING, 29th NOVEMBER.
EX-COMMODORES BURGEE PRESENTATIONS 30TH NOVEMBER.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 9th DECEMBER 10.30am.
THE CHRISTMAS PARTY 15TH DECEMBER.
A SLIP AND GABION WORKING PARTY. (DATE TO FOLLOW)
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY 31st DECEMBER.
FITTING OUT DINNER AND LADIES DINNER 2nd FEBRUARY
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BAR IS OPEN EACH WEDNESDAY EVENING.
BIRDS OF THE ALT.
At this time of the
year we are all familiar with the sight and sounds of the Pink Footed Geese
that visit our area each winter. We are very lucky also to have Oystercatchers
and Dunlins which breed on the open fields and uplands coming to the shore in
winter, some come from further a-field to fatten up before they migrate further
south. These species have bills that have adapted for different depths. They
are dependent on different species of shellfish and other beach life. Other
visitors at this time are Sanderlings and Knots. It is quite difficult to distinguish
between these birds on a cold sunny morning but the sight of thousands of Knots
flocking together is impressive and unforgettable. These aerobatics take place
at only a few estuaries in the country. Whatever we say about the River Alt
it does give us this special winter bonus that comes from the rich food supply
that lives in the river and it's surroundings.