Ladies Night
This years
Ladies Night was held in the clubhouse on 17 February and took the form
of a Medieval Banquet; 46 places were booked. Costume was optional but
just about everybody turned up in something medieval'ish. Joan and
George Bray presided as Lord and Lady of the Castle ably supported by
Sir Nigel - Lord of Anglesey "Master of the Privy", Gandalf of Amberley
"Keeper of the Salt" and Sir Rodger of Malsey "Master of just about
everything else".
The clubhouse had undergone a make-over to convert it
into a medieval castle complete with backdrops, shields, armaments,
thrones, stocks and dungeons. Guests were greeted by Sir Rodger with
complimentary drinks and carnations for the ladies.
At the appropriate moment and having been heralded by
Keith on his bugle the Lord and Lady were seated and the feast got
underway. The meal consisted of
Anne Bond
Mike Baker’s drawings transformed the clubhouse
1) Ye Grande Broth - Root vegetable soup.
As the soup was being served Sir Rodger said a little about etiquette.
This included the correct way to request use of the Lords salt and
privy. He also drew the companies attention to other points listed on
the back of the menu cards and the dire consequences of transgression.
These included not spitting across the table, wiping mouths on sleeves
and biting the trencher. Lewd or licentious behaviour or using profane
words and slurping broth, belching or picking any orifice was also
strongly discouraged.
2) Ye Fiske - Smoked Salmon
3) Ye Roaste - Honey Roast Gammon carved at each table.
4) Sorbet
5) Ye Pudding (adorned with sparklers)
At this point there was a Musical Interlude performed by Castle Bray's
strolling troubadours Mike Lee and Pat Halling with poetry and song
from Ann Halling and Mandy Lee.
6) Toast to the Ladies with Bubbly Wine (Cava)
7) Cheese (with biscuits and grapes)
8) Coffee (cafetière with appropriate titbits)
The evening was a great success. Several people ended up in the stocks.
Nobody was beheaded and nobody was flung in the rather fast flowing
moat. It now only remains to convert my Lord Bray riverside residence
back into a sailing club before the start of the sailing season.
Mike (Gandalf of Amberley) Baker
