Dinner Weekend 2002

Chester, 15-17th February

The Saturday morning saw the old stagers going for a peal on the glorious eight at Eccleston, ably led by Mr Payne. The main tour event beginning on the light eight at Tarporley, still half-muffled for the funeral of Princess Margaret the previous day. The ringing was of the usual WC standard, our esteemed Master miscalling Stedman not for the first time in the day! Tarvin was next on the list, a decent going six on which we attempted a touch of rhubarb. Whilst still bathing in the glory of ringing that spookily came round, we motored onto Christleton where we were informed that Malcolm Murphy had circled the tower thirty-two times. New student members were quite rightly most impressed. Unfortunately they have yet to grasp the finer nuances of Malc's humour, he had in fact got lost and gone round and round the tower thirty-two times that morning!

The afternoon ringing was at Handbridge and I'm pretty sure it was good. I have been reliably informed that the Master did finally call a successful touch of Stedman but the sensible ones amongst us had adjourned at this point to local hostelries to watch a particularly fine rugby match between England and Ireland. The result was in keeping with the day... the peal band having shown great mettle in scoring their peal at Eccleston.

The AGM took place in the early evening prior to the dinner. I won't waffle on about the details too much cos I'd hate to ruin Paul Lewis' minutes at the next meeting but I'd better mention the regeneration of the Society mascot... or else! The unveiling of the new 'Puff' was an historic WC event, it's not often we get a new dragon (the occasional post grad excepted!) and I am sure I speak on behalf of the Society in wishing Puff a long and happy association with the Welsh Colleges'.

The Dinner itself was held at the Moat House Hotel, Chester. We sat down to a meal copiously interrupted by various inane toasts by that immaculate Master of Ceremonies, PJL... there's just no beginning to his talent is there! I know taking wine with the Master is a tradition that goes back... ooh.. twelve years or so but perhaps we might think of a more original entertainment for next year!?! The speeches followed and our thanks go to Ian Davies for a studied, analytical speech which considered what he could have said. I'm glad you didn't labour the WC jokes Ian, but well done on the Welsh stuff... you're no relation to Ann Robinson are you? On the subject of weakest links Percy's speech followed. Suffice to say I don't think he'll be getting his name in the honours list for services rendered, there was one highlight however, Linda won the sweepstake for Percy's length.. every cloud and all that! We then partied long into the night with a brilliantly organised disco... thanks go to Karen's granny's neighbour's brother's window cleaner for standing in at such short notice.. you was fab... always will have a soft spot for Bohemian Rhapsody!

The following day saw most of us lunch at 'The Albion' in Chester, a very fine establishment and certainly to be recommended. Finally, finally a hardy group set off to ring a quarter of Grandsire Cinques at Chester Cathedral. A fine and most successful weekend was thereby rounded off in great style. Thanks go to all the officers for their organisation and to incumbents, pub landlords and taxi firms for making us so very welcome in Chester 2002.

DRM