The Dinner

After enjoying a lively drinks reception in there with 135 guests now assembled, we were summoned through to the Great Hall at 8pm for a formal photograph and then we settled down to enjoy a four-course meal.

Bob, GU4YOX was our Master of Ceremonies, and helped coordinate quite a number of announcements. Thank you to Bob for being such a big help and, as always, a lively entertainer!

The first announcement of the evening was the appointment of Andy Chadwick, G3AB as this year’s President. Other announcements included the Unsung Hero Award (Bob, WB2YQH) and the G3FXB Al Slater Memorial Award (G3TXF). This year FOC also appointed a Vice President (Rob, GM3YTS) and Honorary Vice President (Sheree, Rob’s wife). Congratulations to them all. Full texts as read out have been transcribed, below. I can also report that the winner of the beautiful engraved Begali paddle was Hardy, DL1VDL, who has since let me know that he used his new paddle in the BW QSO Party with great pleasure. Congratulations to Hardy. Finally, thank you, on behalf of FOC, to Margaret (ZL2AZ/2) who generously provided a blown glass ornament in Maori style as a ladies’ prize. This was won by Sarita, G4DJX/2. Pete ZL2AZ and his wife Margaret were (by some margin) the furthest-travelled guests, and we were all particularly glad we could enjoy their company this year.

After such a superb weekend, it is easy to see how FOC’s sociable character and many deep and lasting friendships hold the Club together. The college, the food and the accommodation all contributed in their way, but what made this a truly special occasion was to have so many of our Members in one place again. FOC’s sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who made a special effort, and perhaps a lengthy international journey, to be part of the celebration.