The last meeting at Askim’s featured a particularly meaty feast which left your humble correspondent feeling somewhat bloated, and allegedly exuding an odour of garlic. The meal itself tasted excellent, however. Don’t think I‘ve ever come across any restaurant proprietor less keen to make money by selling drinks, if it involved paying with the credit card machine. I’m sure we would have consumed more alcohol if he had been less bothered by his transaction charges.

After a bit of shenanigans with where the meeting actually was, our illustrious catering team of Dominic and John did a great emergency manoeuvre and managed to get us in at the Crescent. Despite it being prime holiday time for ‘silver surfers’, some 22 people attended, including 3 guests, John Price, Andrew Hayes and Bob Heaps.

The evening opened with Chairman Peter asking for a minute’s silence in respect of the Queen. He had received a missive from National setting out protocols for any meeting around this sad time, but decided that, as we were such a ‘well behaved club’, we would meet all the requirements without him having to read them all out!

The meal comprised Veg soup, Boeuf bourguignon and a very large cheese board, all of which your correspondent found to be very good.

There was no major business reported, other than the Secretary reporting that Gordon Hayes had resigned due to his heavy commitment related to his charity work. The Chair reported that he had heard unofficially that the Aalten weekend (with Aalten coming here) was conceivably likely to maybe possibly perchance be in late April 2023, but he wasn’t sure. Watch this space for further information.

The meeting finished with the usual toast to RT. Brian Pidd then had a gentle rebuke for the Chair forgetting to toast the new King.

It was good to meet up again after the summer recess.

Sports report to follow but here is a taster of the three amigos arriving for the showdown at Beck Hole.

The quits evening closely contested event was won by Colin Bird and Ben Kitto, with Colin being awarded ‘Man of the Match’ status. Many thanks to sports officer Darren for organising this and our hosts at Beck Hole.

The following is a brief outline of the evening, full minutes to follow from Simon Lockley (via email) in due course.

The AGM evening at the Crescent Hotel started well. National Council Liaison Officer Wynn Parry reported on the change of Association rules to the effect that clubs could invite any new members regardless of whether they had been in Round Table previously or not. This is without limit in number. 

Wynn commented that that our 41 Club is one of the biggest in area and indeed in the country which, in my opinion, is worrying for 41 Club nationally given that we are ourselves conscious of our shrinking numbers. 

Wynn asked that we support National Tangent’s charity work by buying raffle tickets which we duly did; the Club also voted to give a lump sum of £100.

The previous minutes from the AGM were passed; the AGM had been with minimum attendance by officers only at the Nags Head, Scalby due to Covid restrictions.

Officers’ reports were given with no major issues forthcoming.

It was discussed what the situation regarding Aalten visits was currently. Apparently, Aalten are keen to firm up a date but Round Table are being cautious at the moment given that they only currently have approximately eight members. 41 Club hold funds to support a visit.

There will hopefully be a sports night, possibly Quoits, in the near future.

Given that Peter Calow the Vice Chairman was currently self-isolation, the handover to a new Chairman and appointment of officers could not take place and was been postponed to the next meeting.

A toast was made by John White in memory of Tom Cathcart.

A toast was made by Simon Ward in favour of Dominic Grunwell for his Catering Officer endeavours through the year.

At this point we enjoyed dinner which comprised of a Pate starter, Irish Stew and, to finish, Cheese and Biscuits or Sticky Toffee pudding.  

After the dinner, Chairman David Ascough inducted Neil Warburton as a new member.

Dave suggested the Rainbow Centre as his appointed charity for the year. He gave gifts to his officers in thanks for their services, Mike Shingler with a miniature replica.

Steve Slade was presented with his past chair gong, just a little late due to Covid.

With that, the AGM procedures were paused pending completion at the May meeting.

Meeting report and photos by Stuart Baines.

The March 41 Club meeting got off to the usual start with a pre-dinner tipple at the Tap and Spile on Falsgrave. A good turnout with circa 20 members getting a head start on the beer. Personally, a top tipple was available to me: Camerons Strongarm – definitely a throw back to the late 70s!

We were herded out and across the road at 7.30 pm to Tops Chinese restaurant. Chairman Dave welcomed guests Andrew Hayes, Neil Warburton and John Price.

The meal comprised of the usual pre-dinner crisps (always remind me of Quavers), a medley of fried goodies, and a main course of four pork and sweet and sour dishes dishes, rice and a side of chips (they have the Scarborough preferences sorted here not something you are likely to get with your meal in Peking).

Chairman Dave asked for reports but none were forthcoming.

Not much maritime apart from the prawns in the sweet and sour but  we left suitably stuffed and satisfied so what’s not to like?!

AGM at The Crescent next on the agenda.

Report and photographs by Stuart Baines.

A visit to the Maritime Heritage Centre followed by a Golden Grid Fish and Chip supper.

The pre-dinner visit to the Scarborough Maritime Centre was very interesting as I am a Scarborough lad. It was great to see lots of photos and information of my home town from yesteryear.

We were treated to a very informative talk on the projects managed by Borough Engineer Harry Smith who designed many of Scarborough’s iconic features such as Peasholm Park, The Open Air Theatre, what was the Floral Hall, and the now also defunct South Bay Swimming Pool which was at the time the first sea water swimming pool in the country. All in all a very productive character.

After visiting the museum we dropped down to the Golden Grid, some via the Newcastle Packet, for a fine fish and chip supper. We were joined by guest Martin Johnson.

Thanks were given to Dominic and John White for arranging the evening. Dominic reported that the next meeting would be on 17 March.

Meeting report and photographs by Stuart Baines.

Rabbie Burns Night by a marauding Sassenach

On a dreich and cold night, some 28 (soon to be) tortured souls of Scarborough 41 Club (including 3 Scarborough Tablers) gathered in the main hall of Scarborough TEC to celebrate the birth of some Scot known as the Ploughman Poet over 260 years ago. You may ask why? I would suggest that that is irrelevant, as long as we all have an excuse to have a jolly good night out, and what a good night it was!

Although most attendees appear to have noted the request for Black Tie, there were some who had obviously gone to the far reaches of their closet and found that their formal attire had mysteriously shrunk since they last wore it 10 years ago!

The night started with John White reciting the Selkirk Grace (which he had thoughtfully translated- I think), followed by the wail of a lone piper from the direction of the toilet block. A few seconds later the pipes started up and the Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin’ Race was led in around the tables. The Piper then ‘Addressed the Haggis’, before stabbing it in a heathen frenzy. The use of words such as Ragout and Fricassee in the address does raise a query whether Rabbie Burns was really French!

The meal was very good, comprising of Haggis Gateau, with asparagus wrapped in Parma ham, followed by Scottish Beef Stew with Dumplings, Edinburgh Cheesecake (made with oats), cheeseboard and coffee. An excellent testament to the students and staff at the TEC.

Tots of Tamnavulen (a single malt Speyside for the aficionados) were duly consumed and, after a callout and thanks to the students and staff, there being no significant business, the meeting dissipated around 10.15, with members disappearing into the fog , possibly never to be seen again?

Thanks to Dominic and John for their hard work in organising the event, it was almost like life had returned to some sense of normality.

Report and photographs by Simon Ward.