The 'Open Days' we have held aboard have proved very popular, but as these are normally combined with a 'formal' society meeting, time aboard is restricted, a quick tour, cup of tea and a cake then off to the meeting. Not really a chance to 'put the faces to the names' make new friends, chat about anything and everything (mainly about anything that floats, especially tugs!!) So it was that George suggested a barbecue as a good way to relax, enjoy something to eat and drink and above all meet 'new faces'

 'Great idea, George, get on with it then!'  or words to that effect was the response, and 'get on with it' was exactly what he did. Easily said but with working parties to organise, stalls to crew at rallies and other commitments, finding a suitable date was a problem. So it was that September 24th was agreed as the day it would take place.

The biting question was how many would attend,  have we got a large enough barbecue to feed everyone, how much food should we buy and will we end up out of pocket?  Oh yes and what will the weather be like in the last week of September?

Despite notices on the web-site and in 'Towline' the initial response wasn't too encouraging, nevertheless as the day drew near things improved,  George set to, to build the 'industrial grade barbecue' we considered essential should there be a last minute rush.  After some modifications and a little extra welding by David Broomby it was completed, an awesome 'twin furnace job' mounted on a tubular steel frame.

Since making the original suggestion, unfortunately George's working hours had been dramatically changed so that he was actually on 'night shift' prior to the 'big day' and only managed to finish work at 3.30 am.  Notwithstanding this the Pennington ladies pitched in to ensure that all went well, George's wife and daughter prepared all manner of side dishes to accompany the main courses.  John Deakin also managed to secure a supply of first class sausages and burgers, to add to the steaks, chicken breasts and pork cutlets which George had provided.

A fine table was set aboard on the promenade deck, while ashore, George 'flashed up' the 'barbie' a good breeze supplying 'natural draught' ensured we up and running in no time. Just as well, for very shortly afterwards the guests arrived and what a great turn out.  

I didn't personally count everyone, but most estimates agree around fifty folk turned up, thankfully we had ample food for all and I feel sure nobody went away hungry, rather we couldn't eat any more!

All in all the day far exceeded our expectations and was a great success. The final figures have yet to be confirmed but we believe that the day generated a modest profit for the society's funds, this was supplemented by an additional £41 raised by raffling a bottle of whisky kindly donated by Colin Leonard.

The ultimate winner of the whisky was Pete Murray, for once not diving in the engine-room bilges replacing the main engine holding down bolts, a task he has cheerfully undertaken over several working parties of late. His exertions and ability as a contortionist make him a truly deserving winner of the prize.