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Archived News Items 2013 updated 25Jun2014

Items that have been on the News page but are no longer current are generally transferred to an archive.



Wednesday 18 December, being the last before Xmas, will feature some seasonal nibbles. Come and join us for some festive cheer from 8.00pm. Note that the Bar will be closed the following Wed; Xmas day.

On 15 December Anne and Nigel Knowles, with help from others, gave us a super Cheats Xmas lunch with an incredible 20 items of food, crackers, party poppers, 3 quizzes, and a Jenga Tumbling Stacking Tower. Photos taken by Frank Rainsborough are on his Google+.

On Sunday 15 December the Cheats Christmas Lunch is at 12:30. MUST be booked in advance by Wednesday 11 December by email to or sign up on the booking form at the club; details

On Saturday 7 December the AGM, Prize giving and End of Season Party will start at 8pm. This is our most important meeting of the year where the future administration of the club is discussed; details.  

On Saturday 23 November at 7:30pm there is the Annual Dinner; Details, it MUST be booked.

The weather was ideal for the working party on Saturday 16 November; 26 members completed all planned tasks and more.   

On Saturday 16 November - 10:30am to 4:00pm there will be a Working Party with Refreshments provided – Bring Gloves and gardening tools etc. In addition to the usual tidying of the boat berths etc. we will be erecting the “winter quarters” on the quarter deck and deep cleaning the Clubroom and kitchen. For this reason the customary sit down lunch will NOT be served, but hot drinks burgers, bacon butties etc will be available as usual.  

6 November The Autumn Newsletter PDF A5 is on line. Due to problems with the A3 printer the format has changed for this issue; page size has reduced from A4 to A5 and the number of pages increased from 8 to 16; text size and column width hasn’t changed. There are 2 pages each side of an A4 sheet; 4 sheets fold to create an A5 booklet. The A5 link prints as sequential A5 pages which is better for viewing on a monitor.     

On 2 November although not wet there was a very strong cold wind and I was glad to be watching the fireworks from the comfort of the club rather than being at Kempton Park. 3 Displays could be seen; Kempton Park didn’t seem to have many high fireworks but Apps Court Farm, Walton, had a very good display. Jean & Mike Hendra, helped by Di Howley & Anne Bond prepared us a lovely home made supper of Spicy Pumpkin Soup, Sausage and Egg Pie, and Apple Pie Crumble.

UPDATE On Saturday 2 November Due to the threat of inclement weather, we are gathering at the Club to view the fireworks rather than risk a chilly drenching at Kempton Park. The fireworks start around 8pm and food will be available when they finish.

 there will be a visit to Fire Works at Kempton Park, the largest display in Greater London, then soup & victuals at the Club. Tickets in advance from http://www.kemptonfireworks.org.uk/ are £7 or £9 on the night. Alternatively Richard Cannon can also obtain advance tickets from a local shop, ring 01932 786636 by Wednesday 30 October. Meet and park at Richard's house, 77 Saxonbury Avenue, Lower Sunbury, by 7:00pm for a short stroll to Kempton Park, Map.

On Saturday 19 October there is a General Knowledge Quiz with fish & Chip supper, 7:00 for 7:30; Place food order on arrival , no booking.

On Sunday 13 October LEHS are running some timed trials between 13:30 and 16:00. Our events have been changed and members are asked to keep clear

On Saturday 21st September the Russian Evening with a Ballalaika band and a Russian 4 course meal was super; story.

20 September  The ‘Tent’ used over the Quarter Deck has been invaluable to double the covered area available to socials. The poles were breaking so the tent has been replaced. Thirteen members were at the club on Friday afternoon erecting the new tent, for the first time, for the Russian evening. Also a concrete floor was added to a an enclosure under the club to improve the storage environment for it.

24-26 August visit to Bewl. After a very wet Saturday there were ideal conditions on Sunday and Monday for super sailing.

On Sat 24 - Mon 26 August, the bank holiday, there is a three day visit to Bewl Valley SC with camping; Mike Hendra will be an Aquarius base with his caravan; details. Sunday is an Open Regatta with handicap racing.

On 10 August conditions were perfect for the BBQ, the Sunbury Regatta illuminated sail past and fireworks. The patrol boat, a row boat and a dinghy with outboard took 14 members upstream to Di and Phil in their cruiser with Stuart; the view was perfect and the fireworks were the best we have seen there.

Saturday 10 August - Bring your own BBQ and Sunbury Regatta Fireworks, details. Book a place on one of the boats going up river to the show using the booking form in clubhouse.

On 20 July we had one of our best hog roasts; Nigel Knowles had cooked it to perfection and the weather was hot and dry for the 74 attendees.

On 26 June the evening was fine and warm for the 'Mid Summer Madness' cruise through the lock for dinner at the Weir Hotel. The West wind was rather light for the four sailors, there was also a row boat, a cruiser, and the patrol boat; 17 members who were joined by 2 more at the Weir. The return was slow because the wind had decreased; we didn't get back to Aquarius until 10:30.   The next management committee meeting is on Monday 16 September.

24 July The Summer Newsletter PDF is on line.

The next management committee meeting is on Monday 22 July.

On Saturday 20 July there is a Hog Roast at 7:30pm. Book by Tuesday 16 July for a reduced cost of £8. Details and booking form.

Wednesday 26th June Midsummer Madness Cruise at 6.00 p.m. Sail or motor through Sunbury Lock for a meal at the Weir Hotel. Return before nightfall. Contact Richard Cannon / 01932 786636 if you would like a place in a motor boat.

On Saturday 22 June & Sunday 23 June there is the Aquarius Regatta, Saturday is also a Signet Open Meeting, Racing from 11:30 a.m.

 The next management committee meeting is in the Clubhouse on Monday 17 June, NOT 3 June as originally scheduled.

On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June all AQSC members are invited to the Hampton SC regatta. Racing at Hampton SC isn’t suitable for novice helm and on Sunday the patrol boat will be at AQSC for those who would like informal sailing and training. HSC regatta details.

On 1 June at 7:30pm An evening of Barber Shop Singing has been added to the program; details. Please add it to your diary.

On 27 May at Bewl it was a glorious sunny day but cold in the 12 to 25 mph SW wind which gave super sailing, although hairy at times. It was very different up Bewl Straight where it was a more gentle sail.

Monday 27 May - Visit to Bewl There is no racing and it is an excellent opportunity for members to experience a relaxed day sailing on a large expanse of open water. You don’t need to have a boat to bring and it should be a super experience for new members. If you think you may come it is important to ring Richard on 01932 786636. General Bewl details.

There is an Open Day on Sunday 26 May. Richard sailing at Aquarius SCEveryone is invited to visit Aquarius Sailing Club and try sailing for free from 11:00, directions. There will also be training and fun Sailing; ideal for new members to try various boats.

On 11 & 12 May the weather was kind to the busy Open Weekend. Although cold the strong West wind gave very good sailing; 10 mph to 15 mph increasing to 20 mph on Saturday and 10 mph on Sunday. All four Bosuns were out. Fortunately the wind wasn't very gusty or shifty.

There is an opportunity for the local community to try FREE sailing at an Open Weekend on 11 and 12 May from 10a.m. to 4p.m. Everybody is invited to have a look at the club and experience FREE sailing in a dinghy or cruiser at Lower Sunbury Road, Hampton TW12 2FZ, directions.
Clubhouse: 0779 599 1519,
Secretary: 0791 728 6595, www.aqsc.org.uk

 As it is possible, but unlikely, to get wet near water you should bring spare clothes. Club details.

On 27 April the Mid Thames Trophy at Hampton SC had 5-10 gust 15 mph North wind which gave difficult sailing; extremely shifty/fluky and it could be very hard to make way against the 0.7 knot current. The course was very long; from Platts Eyot to beyond the downstream end of the downstream island. Charles Dennis race places were 13, 7, 16 MMT place 11; Richard Cannon 20, 14, 9, 13; Bryan Clements 13, 15, 13, 14. Club places HSC 1, DSC 2, AQSC 3, SSC 4.

On Saturday 27 April the Mid-Thames Trophy inter-club event takes place at Hampton SC. The first race is at 11:00 with a briefing at 10:30; allow plenty of time to rig.  Please support this important event to help AQSC regain the Trophy. Please let Richard Cannon know on 01932 786636 if you expect to come.

On 20 April Frank Rainsborough did a great job organising one of the best quiz nights we have had; an army of Rainsboroughs beavering away, Diana and Pete Carpenter were giving sustenance and bar support to the usual high Aquarius standard. Marinis supplied a super fish and chip supper followed by puddings by Diana.

     The next management committee meeting is in the Clubhouse on Monday 22 April

08 April The Racing Rules of Sailing are updated every 4 years after the Olympics so the latest rules are 2013-2016. The changes are mainly clarification; I don’t think there are any game changers. The links are also on the Race Result page under General Documents.

On 31 March I wasn’t expecting the Easter Egg Trophy to be sailed for because all this year the current has been over 2 knots. We were very lucky that the current had reduced to 1 knt and a good 4 to 9 kt East wind gave an excellent sail for the few who braved the bitterly cold conditions; Charles Dennis won. Bryan Clements capsized but managed to keep dry. John Panting’s SigneT filled with water when he only just avoided a capsize. Thanks to Diana C and helpers for lunch including a bonus soup. A good number arrived for tea and cake; thanks to Liz Archer for getting the cakes and milk.

 On Sunday 31 March the new season sailing starts with the Easter Egg Trophy. At last the current is reducing and the weather is forecast to be fine with a 10mph EAST wind so sailing should be good. The program is:

 Four races, 3 to count for Easter Egg prizes, 11:30 2 short sprint races back to back, 14:00  2 short sprint races back to back, 15:30 Tea and cakes followed by  presentation of Easter Eggs prizes. It is important to be in time for the 11:30 start as it won't be delayed for late comers. Remember BST starts.

The next management committee meeting is in the Clubhouse on Monday 18 March at 8:00 pm.

On Saturday 23 March there is a Start Of Season Party with a free buffet at 7:30pm.

22 March The Spring Newsletter PDF is on line.

On 17 March there was a Work Party. Despite a forecast of cold inclement weather 23 members braved mostly only light rain during the day, but with a finale of hailstones. Many tasks were completed by 3:30pm.

Walking around temporarily moved boats Peter Carpenter fell into the river, but he was recovered quickly, suffering no ill effects except wounded pride!

Diana Howley helped by Helen Barnet, Joan Courtney and Jean Maracchi fortified us with bacon rolls mid morning and a super Spaghetti Bolognese, and rice pudding when work finished. Anne Bond, Gale Mackintosh and Stuart Schafer helped clear up.

On March 17 there is a working party from 10:30am. Come along with gardening tools and clothes. Lunch will be provided.

03 March 2013 The 2013 program and Duty Roster are online; note that the Start of Season party and start of sailing are one week later than in the original 2012 programme.

  On Thursday 28 February members may find the talk on ‘The making of the Gloriana’ at Richmond interesting. Details and ticket booking (£10).  

The Lunch and frostbite cruise/scavenger hunt scheduled for 24 February has been CANCELLED.

The next management committee meeting is in the Clubhouse on Tuesday 12 February at 8: pm.

On Wednesday 13 February Rodger Wheeler made delicious pancakes for thirteen members; there were around 7 different flavours to sprinkle over them.

On Wednesday 13 February Rodger Wheeler will be making pancakes at AQSC as it is after Shrove Tuesday, pancake day; all are invited to come and enjoy them.

Chinese snakeOn Sunday 10 February the Chinese New Year of the Snake dinner could have been a disaster because four days before Rodger Wheeler found that the restaurant he had arranged to supply the food had gone on holiday. He changed plans, organised and prepared a super 6 course Chinese meal with help from Linda, Don & Helen Barnett, and Gorden Courtney. There was a huge variety of delicious dishes for 22 members. Pictures by Frank Rainsborough.

On Sunday 10 February celebrate the start of the Chinese YEAR OF THE SSSSSSNAKE in Aquarius style at 7 for 7:30. Suggest dress in Chinese style. Extensive Chinese Buffet £10.00 payable on the night. Booking by 5 February ESSENTIAL - Late bookings £15 subject to availability. To reserve your place email , or phone 01932 786636, stating dietary needs e.g. vegetarian.

On Friday 25 January our usual catering teams were away but 26 members still had a great Burns night dinner prepared by a new team headed up by Di Howley and Stuart Schafer, helped by Don &
Helen Barnett, Phil Howley, Anne Bond and Joan Courtney. Pictures by Frank Rainsborough.
The catering team

On Friday 25 January at 7:30pm there is Burns Night Celebration with Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, TipsyTo a Haggis Laird Trifle, Scottish Cheddar and Oat Cake Biscuits. PRE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL, please state if you require the Vegetarian Option (Vegetarian Haggis or Vegetable Lasagne) Email Stuart Schafer, phone 07852 678753 or write your name on the list in the Club House. Pay on the night - cost £5.00. LAST DAY FOR BOOKING FRIDAY 18 JANUARY.

On Saturday 12 January there is a Social Committee meeting at Diana’s house following lunch at 1:00pm.

On Sunday 13 January there is a Management Committee meeting in the clubhouse at 11:00am.

On Wednesday 2 January, as the water level has fallen, the club and bar will be open from 8pm. Mike and Jean are making a Spaghetti Bolognese supper for those who book ASAP with Mike Hendra but before mid day Wednesday.

Unfortunately the scheduled activities and nibbles at the club on Tuesday 1 January 2013 have been cancelled due to the river state. On 27 December there was 300mm of water over the bank so the clubhouse wasn’t easily accessible and more heavy rain is forecast.  

On Tuesday 1 January 2013 there will be activities and nibbles at the club. Unfortunately the wet weather means it is unlikely that we will be able to sail; on 22 December every lock was displaying a red warning board.