November 2002

The Commodore submitted the picture. It is Tyrer One Design Number 1, built by Gerry Tyrer, the first of some twenty-odd in the club. The person on its port quarter is Gerry Tyrer himself, the chap pushing on the starboard quarter is Doreen's father, Hugh Nixon, who himself built a Tyrer. Gerry was his best friend and they lived in adjoining roads in Waterloo.

The photo was taken at Crosby Carnival in 1947. The large building on the left is Camerons Garage next to Saint Faith's Church.

You can just make out BSC on the lower half of the lifebuoy!

ALTSIDE COMMENT Considering that there is very little club sailing this has been quite a busy time. The start of the Clipper Race at the end of October, the working parties related to bonfire night and prize-giving last Saturday kept many people busy. Of course the weather played its part causing the walk to Ingleton Falls to be cancelled. The clippers started a day late but a number of people still turned up to the clubhouse to enjoy the jollifications. The next day it was interesting to watch the fleet sail past B.S.C. The most recent news is that Liverpool was placed seventh on arrival in Portugal but was upgraded to fifth position after an allowance was made as they had to put a crew member ashore who needed medical attention.
Shelagh and David Warren have recently suffered a bereavement for which I would like to offer our sympathy.
Bonfire night was most enjoyable with the fire and the beacon both blazing well. Members brought their fireworks and flares. The bar was well supported and hot dogs were served. There was a very good atmosphere in the clubhouse last Saturday evening for a most enjoyable Prize-giving. There was a good speaker, good food and lots of fun, which continued well into the small hours (allegedly)
Still another event to come this month is the auction on Sunday 17th. This is usually very entertaining as well as being a useful way of disposing of your unwanted sailing related items and also helping to boost club funds. You might even find a hidden treasure or something you've always wanted!
The General Committee Meeting took place last night, Tuesday. The following notes cover the main points from the meeting and some other information and requests that I have been asked to include.

There was one apology for absence. David Rowles was unable to attend the meeting.

THE COMMODORE'S REPORT.
I attended the proposed start of the Clipper Race on Sunday 27th October. Unfortunately due to weather conditions, which everyone knows about, the race didn't start until the following day. I did however manage to request from the crew of the Liverpool Clipper that they accept our club's burgee and take it around the world to which they agreed. I hope to reclaim it on 27th September 2003 and have it displayed in the clubhouse together with the Clipper Race programme that I managed to get race director Sir Robin Knox-Johnson to autograph.

I recently attended, with the Treasurer an evening at West Cheshire Sailing Club and more lately an evening at Wallasey Yacht Club with the Hon Membership Secretary. This Saturday I am attending West Kirby Club's Annual Dinner and Dance to be held at the Bulkeley Hotel, Beaumaris, at which I have been asked by their Commodore Paul Churchill to respond to the kindred clubs toast. I have also been asked to respond to that same toast at Hoylake Sailing Club's annual dinner. Contrary to belief I regard it as an honour to be asked.

The Prize Giving on Saturday went fantastically well, thanks to the efficient organisation of the Membership Secretary Stan Warren and a full programme of awards. My thanks to the Vice Commodore, Sailing Secretary, Sailing Committee and to the roofers who tried to stem the flood.. Doreen says thank you all for the beautiful flowers. I also presented a cup to the club -The Manx Trophy, to be awarded each season to the first BSC boat sailing from the River Alt to reach the Isle of Man.
I will define the criteria again at the Annual General Meeting next month. It will hopefully promote more adventurous cruising from the sailing members as it is an easy award to win, there is no real racing involved, only the ability to have your boat in the water early, a good weather forecast, some time off and a bit of luck. Pat has the new cup ready for next year and also has my thanks for organising the cups for presentation. They made a fine display.
Frank Walker the guest speaker and his wife thoroughly enjoyed themselves and hinted that he would be able to take some of us out for a trip on the Mammoth. Limited to five people though because he has a crew of ten and only fifteen survival suits aboard. I will follow this up.

The roof is giving us cause for concern but it will only give me official concern for another three weeks or so and then it will give other people cause for concern!.Do we repatch it again? Do we strip it down and refelt it? Or more sensibly should we not strip it completely and rebuild it as a traditional pitched roof? This could be done in conjunction with rebuilding the north wall of the club and it could provide (subject to planning consent) some seaward facing dormer windows providing even more club accommodation with spectacular views. My best wishes to the next committee as I know it will not be an easy choice.

THE VICE COMMODORE gave the Sailing Committee report.
At the last meeting of the Sailing Committee the bonfire was discussed. Alan Roe took charge and it was very well done. Many thanks from all.

Kevin Pope has agreed to do the work on the rest of the slipway and the work will be done between the end of November and February. He will also take care of removing all the existing debris. Work is now in progress, the rear commodore is getting all the bits together.

The owner of the yacht Cathy in the yard was sent a recorded delivery letter but this was returned. Mike then went to see him but the man has left and there are new tenants in the house. Therefore an advertisement will be placed in the Liverpool Echo in which. he will be asked to make contact and remove the boat, otherwise it will be sold.

Members are still leaving cables plugged into the electricity in the yard when they leave their boats. For Health and Safety reasons cables must not be left plugged in even for recharging batteries. ALL CABLES AND WIRES MUST BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE MAINS WHEN YOU LEAVE YOUR BOAT.

There is damage to the winch on the drum end of the cable. The cable is flattened and needs to be replaced yet again. The winch will be locked and a list of keyholders has been set up. When the winch is used one the following keyholders must be present, as an observer, to ensure that the cable is loaded on to the drum evenly. Bill Woods, Ted McGregor, Peter Williams, Mike Parker, John Heyworth, Alan Roe and Joe Coady.
The old cables are suitable for using as moorings for light boats. If you are interested in one get in touch with Bill Woods.

John Seagraves applied for mooring S16. This move was agreed by the committee. The reason for John's move is because of damage to his boat by stone throwing. The moorings 1 to 6 have all suffered from this activity. Please be vigilant.

THE REAR COMMODORE Dave spoke about the condition of the roof and the need for repairs to be tied in with the end elevation. It is apparent that a major job is needed. The floor in the Ladies toilets is giving way. The next committee must make plans for the immediate and the distant future.
We were also reminded about the auction. Les Carlile has agreed to be the auctioneer. Helpers are needed. Bring your goods from 11.00am, viewing from 2.00pm and the auction will begin at 3.00. The bar will open at 2 o'clock.

THE HON SECRETARY informed the meeting that the wreath for Remembrance Day had been delivered and was laid by Mike Kennan representing the club. In his correspondence there was a letter and a donation to club funds from a longstanding member who is now unable to come to the club. A vote of thanks was given for his thoughtful gesture.

The 200 club Member's Draw took place in October. The winners were 1st prize £30 Mr Ray Downey. 2nd prize £20 Mr David Freeman. The 3rd prize £15 Mr Peter Grocott.
The date of the next draw will be Friday 29th November at approximately 22.00 hours in the clubhouse.
Please note that in the run up to the December Draw on Saturday 14th December (Club Christmas Party) when the prize money will be doubled, all additional applications to join the 200 club draw will be temporarily put on hold until after the Christmas Draw. This will apply for the months of November and December inclusive. Applications to participate in the club draw will continue as normal from January 2003.

THE HON TREASURER reported a reasonably healthy bank balance. Stocktaking is in progress and he is preparing for his report at the AGM. David sent a cheque from the club to the RNLI for £511. and has received their thanks.

THE HON MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY told that his team had interviewed several potential new members and recommended them to the General Committee.
They are Gordon Mark Corns of Seaforth who has a 24ft Hurley as a full member. Tom Mason as a family member. He is currently doing his coastal certificate. Mrs Hannah Fargher will join us as a lady member and Mr and Mrs David Schofield of Hightown will become house members. All the above were approved by the General Committee so I offer them a warm welcome on your behalf.
Stan also spoke of the success of the prize giving evening. He still has money to collect. There were about fifty seven people present. Stan wished to thank Trevor , Dave and Lorna for their sterling work on Sunday morning with the clearing up.

SOCIAL NOTES. Doreen had hoped that more people would have turned up for food on Bonfire night but thinks that the other bonfires and displays in Hightown attracted many people. She made £30 with her hot dogs, which was very good considering the lack of appetite.

THE CLUB CAPTAIN. Alan Roe referred to the bonfire and road mending working parties. He was disappointed that not enough members turned up to help and therefore the road mending could not be done thoroughly. The Commodore closed the meeting.

TYRE ALERT

David Warren rang me to say that there is an outbreak of tyre dumping in the Hightown area. Will all members be observant and PLEASE make sure that the access gate is ALWAYS locked.

SINGING WIND

Just a short note of thanks and recognition for the people who helped me to bring my boat out of the water. Yes, we finally made it into the yard!! I would like to thank the following people because I could not have managed without them.

Billy "The Winch" Woods.
Ted "The Knowledge" McGregor.
Mike "Mr Cool" Parker.
Alan "Mr Fix It" Roe
Kieran "Giz a job,I can do that" Riley
Dave "The Voice" Ward.
Alan "Sapper" McDonough.
Not to forget Ann and Hazel "The Beverley Sisters".

Many thanks. John Needham.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

THE AUCTION SUNDAY 17TH DECEMBER.

THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER.

THE CHRISTMAS PARTY AND DRAW SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER.

Contributions for the next newsletter to be received by the 3rd December

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