Midweekers

Not everyone wants to race or take part in formal training groups, that is why we formed the Midweekers over 20 years ago. We are an informal group who sail throughout the summer on Wednesday afternoons, meeting at around noon for a picnic, then sailing from 1pm to 4pm. We take turns to provide our own support cover in one of the club safety boats, everyone being expected to help out in manning this cover.

Once the summer is over we sail on alternate Wednesday mornings and organise walks of about 4-6 miles on the other Wednesdays - again we take it in turns to suggest a walk. A pub is usually included somewhere or other !

We also try and include a friendly race or games on the water during the summer, with a barbecue for our AGM, a sail to Dunsters for a walk to the pub for lunch and other activities. We hold an annual Christmas lunch for everyone including non-sailing partners in December - come along and join us or if you want to find out more - ring Mo on 01622 831529 or email tillergirl2913@aol.com . From time to time we do other things, such as trips to France for lunch, a skittles evening; many of us support the LAMPS theatre group in Southborough. We attract our numbers from the racing fraternity as well as the casuals and welcome anyone who wants to come along.

February Update

When you get this in February, spring will still seem a long way off. But when you see the array of daffodils growing on the bank adjacent to the clubhouse, we have Derek Kemp, aided by Roger Lane and Helen and Nick, to thank for them. Derek bought them all and several of us have given him a contribution but if anyone else likes to put some cash in, please give it to Derek.

Bev Radford gave several members a full day on First Aid in November, which all reports say was extremely interesting and valuable.

Our Christmas lunch, organised once again by Rosemary and Don Thompson, went very well with a great turn out. We collected £210 for the RNLI Tunbridge Wells branch, which has been duly sent off to them. We also had a collection for the galley staff. Compared to last year, when there was no heating, it was positively balmy in the clubhouse. We were glad to see some ‘old’ members of the Midweekers and we were also joined by Crispin and Ros, the ex commodore.

Our walks are still being very well supported, by those who don ‘t usually sail with us as well. But 2012 is our TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY and we must do something special. The Midweekers were started in 1982 by Audrey and Jeff Warley, Ann Marsh and Amanda Conrad, with a view to getting together people who could sail midweek and also wanted to contribute to the general success of the Club. The group has gone from strength to strength, with some disappearing from view but always being replaced by others.

We have had holidays for many years at sailing villages, walks, social get togethers, and of course the all important sailing. We might organise another sailing week during this year but you will all be kept informed.

If you have any ideas on how to celebrate our 20th Anniversary, please let me know. Mike Willcock, the commodore, would like some sort of club event which would include everybody. A good idea but I do feel we need to have a special summer barbecue or picnic, one Wednesday afternoon.

Our first walk of the new year, Percy’s London walk to the Olympic site, attracted 21 members. It was a blustery day, but we could see the work being done (just hope it is finished in time). A good start to the new year.

Anyway, Happy New Year to everyone. See you soon, and just hope for some higher level of water.

Tiller Girl Gull Spirit 2617 01622 831529. tillergirl2913@aol.com

SAFETY BOAT

February 8th Gill Cameron Mo Clayton

February 22nd John Mayo Chris Woodward

March 7th Keith Done Don Thompson

March 21st John Kennedy Percy Williams

March 28th Robin Taylor Mike Cartwright.

SUMMER SAILING 1.30 to 4.00pm. Meet around noon for a picnic

April 4th Patrick Haydon Jeanne Masters

April 11th Paul Soderburg David Hewitt

April 18th Jo Morgan Roland Hunt

April 25th Alan Wilson Pauline Harker

WALKS

February 1st. Meet Mike at the Camden Hotel car park in the centre of Pembury, GR 625407, 10.15 for 10.30 start. 9-10km walk through woods and orchards. Finish back at Camden for lunch. Mike promises not to lose anybody or their dogs this time. Unfortunately he cannot promise there will be no mud for rogue boots.

February 15th Gill Cameron. Meet in car park at Brenchley High Street by the side of the Bull Inn, TQ 679418, OS Explorer 136. Dog friendly walk. Hopefully lunch at the Bull but there are other nearby hostelries if it is shut. Mobile 07702 002197.

February 29th. Derek Gouldsworthy. Globe & Rainbow at Kilndown (TN17 2SG), at 10.15, Grid Ref. TQ 701354. 5 miles circular walk, about 2.5 hours. Pre order lunch before we set off. Mobile 07779 941588.

Ann Wakeford. March 14th Pooh sticks walk. Meet Ann at Gills Lap car park (GR 467316 - 3 miles south of Hartfield on B2026). 10.15 for 10.30 start. The walk is approximately 4.5 miles before lunch

Round Bewl Cruise

For photos please click here