ClubScene June 2019 Event
Save the date: Summer Ball 6th July 2019
Review WAGS tour Eastern Europe Feature Members share memories of D Day
NOTES FROM THE BOARD Thank you for showing faith in me and electing me as Chairman. The Club faces many challenges, especially as the income from the moorings dries up. As I and others said at the AGM, these circumstances mean that we must evolve and be agile in adjusting and replacing that income. It seems to me that this will involve actions rather than words. My vision is that we provide the best value for members by ensuring that we can afford the staff, the premises and the offering which best suits members' wishes. This means doing more, using the building more and using the Club to generate income necessary to provide those bene its. What we cannot do is simply stand still and look over our shoulders. To that end, the board have approved the formation of a social committee, under the leadership of Paul Casey, to organise regular and more ad-hoc activities and increase the usage of the club. Part of the proposition is to give members and guests a reason to come out and enjoy each other's company on a Friday night - We have a full "Club Friday" programme for June and more will be published over the summer. We sadly say goodbye to Harry Veness this month who has been working as a Duty Manager at the Club. Harry is moving on to the Ivy in Winchester and I am sure you will join me in thanking him and wishing him well. One of our major successes is the Carvery Sunday. This will now feature a Club table for members to dine in the company of fellow members. At least one of those will be hosted by me or another board member, and new members will be invited to lunch at that table. We need to do more to ensure that new members are welcomed and get to meet longer-term members. As part of the new marketing effort, ClubScene is getting a shake up as you can see from this edition, thanks to new member Emma Wilson. It will get meatier as the months progress and we intend to fund this through advertising so watch this space! Whatever you heard from us at the AGM it is not all doom and gloom unless we – and that is you – let it be. Enjoy the Club, the people and the facilities. Have a great year - I intend to!
John Hill CHAIRMAN
With the sailing season well under way and the Portsmouth Regatta a few weeks away, the team are hard at work inalising all the last minute details. With the Portsmouth Distillery providing some of the prizes, competition will be tough! Some of you may not know that the Club sponsors one of the yacht racing marks close to Portsmouth. Going forward the Commodore will need to establish a fundraising campaign to continue this important tradition of keeping the Club's visibility on the Solent racing scene. I am asking Club members if they have any suitable items or experiences of value that can be auctioned or ra led to support this activity. Please do contact me on commodore@rnc-rayc.co.uk or 07833226999 if you can help.
Adrian Saunders COMMODORE
7TH JUNE : t h ig N Film rchill u h C
CLUB FRIDAY IS BACK!
14TH JUNE PIMMS O' CLOCK
QUIZ NIGHT 21ST Gather the gang together and get competitive! Designed and delivered by John and Diana Wren, great fun is guaranteed!
FROM 6PM TIL LATE
28TH JUNE IT'S WINE TIME
D-Day As the 75th anniversary approaches, member John Galley shares his memories of being a young teenager in Portsmouth watching the preparations for D-Day Preparation for Operation Overload (D-Day) led to restrictions on the movement of people of Portsmouth. In August 1943, Southsea seafront was declared a restricted zone. By the spring of 1944 southern England had become a huge armed camp as men, vehicles, stores and ammunition moved to their marshalling areas. Porstmouth was the headquarters and main departure point for the military and naval units destined for Sword Beach on the Normany Coast.
In April 1944 I started school at Highland Road Junior school. We had to stop class for the occasional air raid warnings but I made many friends. In many of the streets throughout Southsea hundreds of military vehicles were parked up with a mix of sheeting and camouflage netting covering them. Soldiers were everywhere, sitting, sleeping, chatting in groups and playing cards. One of my clear memories of this time was being handed sweets and coins by Canadian soldiers who said "they would have no need for them in the next few weeks" An excerpt from "Family All At Sea: North Atlantic January 1943" by John Galley
The troops were sealed into their camps on May 26 so the final briefing could begin. During this time Pop was based at Whale Island but was often away from Portsmouth. We never knew when we would see him next. We learned subsequently that staff at HMS Excellent played an important role in the Allied naval preparations for D-Day in particular preparing and many such as Pop taking part in the naval gunfire bombardment which preceded the landings. Mum, (sister) Pam and I went to Cowes to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa Galley. I spent time time up on the top floor overlooking the Solent - hundreds of ships one day and gone the next. It was D-Day. Even though the clouds were low there were low flying aircraft everywhere taking off and landing at Lee-on-Solent...
D DAY MEMORIES Martin Fisher, a member of the Club who currently lives in Richmond Virginia, shares his family's contribution to D-Day... "Our father was the specialist navigating officer on the flagship HMS Frobisher. He was responsible for the crucial battleship/cruiser placement for the D-Day bombardment of Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches for which success he got the Croix de Guerre. We still have a diagram of the ship locations." The Croix de Guerre is awarded to an individual or unit award to those soldiers who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy. The medal is awarded to those who have been "mentioned in dispatches", meaning a heroic deed or deeds were performed meriting a ci ation from an individual's headquarters uni .
WAGS go to
Eastern Europe A Georgian wine snuck in and stole the show whilst the Romanian wines caused quite a stir....
WAGS tasting notes: The Paparuda Riesling was agreed to be "an everyday quaffing wine" at a good price. A full-bodied Pinot Grigio followed though not to everyone's taste - a hint of acidity with a fruity finish. A competition was had to pronounce the third wine correctly! A nice off-dry white with floral notes on the nose and a little honey flavour. The Pinot Noir offered light blackberry, cherry and tobacco notes with low tanins and medium acidity. Would be good with chicken. Bull's Blood gave many members a fun trip down memory lane. The legendary ruby red wine of the win region was spicy full-bodied and very tannic! The sneaky Georgian wine, made with grapes fermented underground in a new oak barrel, offered smooth, juicy fruits with a little bit of tanin to give structure. A clear winner!
The Wines Paparuda Riesling, Romania
£7.99
Racovita Pinot Grigio, Moldova
£6.79
Tokaji Sargamuskotaly Grand Selection Szaraz, Hungary
£13.99
Paparuda Pinot Noir, Romania
£7.99
Torley Talisman Bulls Blood, Hungary
£8.99
Marani - Satrapezo Saperavi,Georgia
£27.99
SUMMER BALLÂ 6th July from 7pm
TICKETS ÂŁ39
Arguably the best black-tie event in Old Portsmouth! With a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as the ultimate live party set, guest singer Mr Smith will provide hit after hit to have you singing and dancing all night long! Includes Pimms on arrival and a three-course meal Vegan, Vegetarian and other options for religious/cultural dietary requirements available on request.
MENU OPTIONS STARTER Melon and Raspberry with Prosecco and mint OR Elevated the mackerel road, interrine a private Smokedfrom trout and with horseradish mousse and baby leaves position, with 947m2 of land.
MAIN Chargrilled duck breast with madeira sauce, dauphinoise potatoes and seasonal vegetables OR Pan fried sea bass with new potatoes, samphire and asparagus DESSERT Pineapple carpaccio with lime and chilli syrup and champagne sorbet OR Rhubarb gin and ginger syllabub
BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
A touch of
FROST...
Portsmouth Victoria Cross Winners
When one shows a visitor round the Club, they are always impressed by the building and its contents, but without parallel is the plaque dedicated to the 19 members awarded the Victoria Cross. No other club can claim so many holders of the nations highest award for bravery. Portsmouth has another claim; Highland Road Cemetery is the last resting place of 8 VCs, more than any other graveyard. Of those, two are the graves of Club members, namely Henry James Raby, the first man to receive the award, and Sir William N W Hewett. Henry James Raby 1827 - 1907
Both received the award as comparatively young men and both went on to achieve a distinguished naval career. The actions for which they received the highest honour are detailed in the plaque and the Club booklet, issued to celebrate the fact that not only did the Club have so many members thus honoured but they included the first VC ever awarded: The first presented, the first awarded in the Crimea, the first in the first world war and the first in the second world war. The booklet was published to mark 150th Anniversary of the appearance of the first VC citations in the London Gazette on 24th February 1857. Raby also was awarded a number of foreign honours including the French Legion d'Honneur, as well as Crimean, Sardinian and Turkish medals. His VC is in the Royal Naval Museum Portsmouth. He moved to 8 Clarence Parade, Southsea in 1881 and died there in 1907. Sir William N W Hewett 1834-1888 Hewett was born in August 1834; his father was physician to William IV and his mother was daughter to William IV’s Chaplain. In 1857 he married Jane Emily Blackadar, daughter of the Consul at Patras Greece, she was 14. In 1858 the first of their 5 children was born. In 1884 to 1886 Hewett commanded the Channel Fleet. He retired due to ill health moving into St Elmo, Lennox Road, where he spent the last months of his life. His funeral was a major event: “The procession left Haslar at 1330hrs. The body was proceeded by the band of the RMLI (the Red Marines), and was followed to the jetty, through a double line, consisting of Marines and young sailors of HMS St Vincent, by a strong party of Blue jackets from HMS Northumberland. At the jetty the coffin was placed on the Magnet, the departure of which was signalled by the firing of thirteen minute guns from the Duke of Wellington. The coffin was landed at the Dockyard railway jetty and conveyed thence to the new railway station at Southsea, where it was received by personal friends of the deceased and a large number of Naval and Military officers. The station was occupied by massed bands of men of the Channel Squadron. The road leading to the Cemetery was lined on both sides by troops of the Garrison and seamen of the fleet, while the cemetery itself was held by the RMA (the Blue Marines) and a guard of honour from HMS Northumberland. The coffin was covered with wreaths, conspicuous among them was one of laurel sent by the Queen. Other wreaths were forwarded by the Empress of Germany and Lord Wolseley. Among the mourners were 6 Admirals.”
A fitting tribute to one of the heroes from our extraordinary past. Both graves can be visited easily in the 2nd Central section of the cemetery.
Fun
&
Games
Quick Crossword
Sudoku - 101 (medium) Fill in all the squares so that each row, column and each of the 3x3 squares contains all digits 1 - 9
WIT & WISDOM "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." Dorothy Parker, quoted in the LA Times
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I could not learn something from him." Galileo Galilei, quoted in the I Newspaper
Some good news.. App of the week: VIVINO Choose your wine with confidence. Get ratings, read reviews, and check prices instantly just by snapping a photo of any bottle or menu.
The world's smallest baby has finally left hospital this week. Born at 24 weeks, Ryusuke Sekino was 22cm long, weighing 258g (9.1oz) At first doctors struggled to treat him as his blood vessels were too thin for intravenous drops. He was fed on drops of his mother's milk on cotton buds and now, six months later, is a healthy 3.4kg (7.4lbs)
Events Review: Jon's Showcase Dinner, St George's Dinner, Chairman's Dining Out Supper.
Club Social Programme - June 2019 Smart Casual Carvery Sunday Sunday 2 June: 1200 Carvery available: 1300 - 1400 Two course meal and coffee served in the Trafalgar Dining Room
Launch of new Bar Menu Monday 3 June Wine Appreciation Group Smart Casual (WAGs) Dinner and wine tasting Tuesday 4 June: 1830 Please contact reception if you would like to become a member of WAGs
D-DAY ACTIVITIES
Smart Casual D-Day drinks Wednesday 5 June: 0900 - 1700 Lunch will be served 1200 - 1430 Members Bar will be open for those visiting to commemorate D-Day
Smart Casual Lunch 'n' Learn: D-Day with Tim Concannon Thursday 6th June Lunch 1200; Talk 1400 Bar open 0900 -1700 Find out more about the largest seaborne invasion in modern history from an avid historian and member. Smart Casual D-Day drinks Friday 7 June: 0900 - 1700 Lunch 1200 - 1430 Members' Bar will be open for those visiting to commemorate D-Day.
Smart Casual Film Night: Churchill Friday 7 June Bar Open 1800; Film starts 1945 Churchill, a 2017 British historical wardrama film directed by Jonathan Teplitzky, portrays a beleagured Winston Churchill (Brian Cox) in the hours leading up to D-Day. Smart Casual D-Day drinks and dine Saturday 8 June Bar Open 1100 - 1500 Lunch 1200 - 1430 Especially for D-Day, the Members' Bar will open for drinks and lunch
Sunday Lunch in the Bar Smart Casual Sunday 9 June: 1200 Lunch available: 1230- 1400 Two course meal and coffee served in the Members' Bar Jacket & Tie
Training Silver-Served Supper Wednesday 12 June: 1900 for 1930
New recruits on board signals the return of our ever popular Silver Served Supper. Members can enjoy two courses silver served with coffee and a glass of wine. Smart Casual PIMMS O'Clock Friday 14 June: 1800 Special offers on Pimm’s cocktails and a selection of light bites and main courses available from the bar menu.
Club Social Programme - June 2019 Smart Casual Father's Day Carvery Sunday 16 June: 1200 Carvery available: 1300 - 1400 Join us with friends and family to celebrate, with a delicious carvery, dessert and coffee. All men attending will automatically be entered in our prize draw called on the day.
Quiz night Smart Casual Friday 21 June Bar open 1800; Quiz starts 1945 Are you the next 'Agatha Quiztie'? or do Have 'No Eye Dear'? Bring your best punny team names and find out! Hosted by Club members John and Diana Wren there will be prizes for the winning team and a meat raffle! Light bites and main courses available from the bar menu. Smart Casual
Sunday Lunch in the Bar Sunday 23 June: 1200 Lunch available: 1230 - 1400 Two course meal and coffee
Black Tie The Battle of Waterloo with Dinner with guest speaker miniatures Lieutenant General Andrew Collingwood Figgures CB CBE Thursday 27 June: 1900 for 1930 Members and guests will be joined by an esteemed military figure whose most recent appointment as Master General REME was created with himself being the first incumbent. The evening will feature a three-course menu with coffee, wine and port.
Smart Casual Wine Time Friday 28th June Bar open from 1800 Wine a little. Laugh a lot. A great opportunity to get to know new members and catch up with old friends alike over a glass of wine (or two!) in an informal convivial atmosphere. Special drinks offers will be available throughout the evening in the Members' Bar. Feel free to try out our new discussion cards! Smart Casual Carvery Sunday Sunday 30 June: 12 Carvery available: 1300 - 1400 Two course meal and coffee served in the Trafalgar Dining Room.
FUTURE EVENTS Smart Casual SUMMER BALL Saturday 6th July 1900 for 1930 The Summer ball returns in 2019 with amazing entertainment, an even more sumptuous three course menu and a welcome glass of Pimm’s on arrival. Mr Smith with his combined tribute to Frank Sinatra and live music party set will have you singing and dancing with his infectious performance. This is a distinct musical experience and simply a fantastic show.
An evening not to be missed!