Quietly, and without any fuss our new Social Secretary, Madeline Hatton, has been arranging and organising some very enjoyable events, often with a bit of a difference.
The first, earlier this year, was a theatre trip to London. This was well attended and voted a great success. Madeline's next offering on 20 May was a private afternoons viewing of the gardens at Coverwood in Ewhurst. This was preceded by lunch at the Heartwood Inn in nearby Peaslake.
Even those of us who view gardening as a necessary chore, marvelled at what can be achieved given a little knowledge, time and patience. The Stephens family originally owned Coverwood. That,s Stephens as in Ink, and the estate combines a working farm with the gardens of Coverwood House. Well, not so much a house as a Baronial Pile !
The walk around the gardens took about an hour. There were four lakes, one bordered by a very elaborate Arboretum. Elsewhere the Rhodedendrums and Azaleas of every colour and size were in full bloom. Quite a sight ! The walk ended with tea and cakes on the lawn and then, for those who still had some energy, a tour of the farm was available which afforded some great views of the house and out across the Surrey countryside.
The visit was well subscribed with better than twenty-five people turning up on the day. Admittedly a number of the fellows were keen not to stray too far from a car radio, but then it was Cup Final day, so what can you expect !
Madeline is to be commended for her choice. We obviously have been lucky in finding a Social Secretary with a knack for finding interesting and unusual things for The Club to do when it,s not afloat.
Mike (can just about mow the grass) Baker