60th Anniversary Celebrations

The last such celebration was the club's 50th back in 1998. Then every living AQSC Commodore was assembled together with surviving founder members and the Major of Richmond and Flag Officers of all the surrounding sailing clubs. It was a great evening and such a success that, ten years on, it was decided to organise something to mark our 60th birthday. The social committee, lead by Diana, settled on a 'posh' buffet. Linda Rowley volunteered to make the anniversary cake.

On the Wednesday before a final meeting was held to ensure nothing had been missed. On the morning of the party a marquee was erected over the whole quarterdeck. This had been especially bought from E-bay because it was exactly the right size for the job.

Food tables were laid up on the quarterdeck, display boards erected and tables and chairs scattered around while Nigel set up his ceiling hung digital projector to run a continuous slide display.

By 6:30pm the food that had been placed in the large glass fronted chiller cabinet that Pete had delivered earlier in the day was transferred to the serving tables. It looked a real picture and at its centre Linda's Anniversary cake looked too good to cut, let alone eat.

Shortly after 7:00pm members started arriving including representatives who had been invited from Hampton, Desborough, Staines and Littleton Sailing Clubs. In the event some 80 people attended the event which was hosted by our Commodore Nigel Knowles. Several of our past Commodores had been invited including Nigel Richards (1988-1990) and his wife Lesley and Ron Simmons (1973-1975). I don't know what the collective is for Commodores but a picture of them all, and their ladies, appears in this issue.

Following an hour of reminiscing in the bar the buffet was served. It was quite a spread with something for everyone and every taste. After the buffet Nigel thanked everybody involved in the evening's organisation with special thanks going to Diana, Linda and Joan Bray who were all presented with bouquets of flowers. He then asked each of the past Commodores to speak, about their time as 'boss'.

John Botterill's part was of special interest. Ahead of this anniversary John had been preparing a history of the club from 1948 to 2008. During his bit he distributed a number of copies. Since that evening I have had a chance to read the booklet I have to tell you it's quite something and required reading for anybody who wants to know about the history of AQSC. Following the speeches glasses of Champagne were distributed and a toast to the club was followed by the cutting of Linda's beautiful cake.

The evening went on late into the night with everyone agreeing it was one of the best functions ever put on at Aquarius. The quarterdeck and marquee really came into their own virtually doubling the available space at the club and enable room for plenty of seating to be provided.

Well done Aquarius and here's to your Centennial in 2048.

Mike (Over Easy) Baker