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Autumn 2013 Edition

AQUARIUS S.C.

Editor: Richard Cannon 01932 786636E-mail: editor@sailaquarius.org.uk

Web Site: http://www.sailaquarius.org.ukEmail: mail@sailaquarius.org.uk

Publicity: Mike Hendra 020 8337 1568 E-mail: publicity@sailaquarius.org.uk

The sailing season is ending not somuch with a bang as with a blow. Threeweeks ago members present sat nose towindow watching the steady downpourand only one foolhardy member went outfor a soak.

The following Sunday promised gustsof 30 mph, but coming from the south thetrees caused such turbulence that three ofthe four boats struggled to find aconsistent wind direction, while PatHalling simply romped away.

Last Sunday saw the approach of the'great storm' and only Bosuns venturedout for the first and only race - onecapsized, one retired after an over-vigorous workout, and the third onlysurvived by putting up no more than 'apocket handkerchief' to drive his boat.And I see that a new major storm is beingpredicted for the first weekend inNovember.

Quite why members prefer the warmth,burgers, cheap drinks and convivial chatof the clubhouse I cannot understand, butthen I do need my cobwebs to be blownaway after each week chained to my deskin the city.

However, the reduced numbers sailingthis year do partially reflect a change inthe nature of the sailing undertaken. Frommemory six members have cruised in theMed this year, one couple twice, while

Nigel's exploits have taken him to theScillies, the Shetlands and down the eastcoast. I suppose we are also seeing theclub evolve to reflect the changing profileof the membership.

The social side, by contrast, hadpossibly its best event ever in the muchacclaimed Russian night, which I misseddue to a remarkable lack of foresight 30years and 9 months earlier - it clashedwith my son's 30th. And more is to come,with the annual dinner and cheats'Christmas lunch carefully recorded in mydiary.

Between the two comes the moreserious matter of the AGM, which givesabout a month to consider how well thestructure of 3 vice commodores and atroubleshooting president has worked.Certainly we have managed to betterspread the load previously borne bycommodores, but is there scope for thecommittee to better reflect changes in theprofile of our members?

Very many thanks to all those whohelped the club during the year with aspecial mention of An-Ony-Mous (aliasMike Hendra) who contributed all thoseunattributed stories in this Mainsheet andour 3 Vice Commodores who havesuccessfully helmed Aquarius through2013.

Vice Commodore’s Bit -

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Origin of the SpeakiesThe term “Pulling Your Leg” seems to

have had a criminal origin. Apparentlythieves in London used to trip peoplethen steal valuables whilst they lay proneon the ground.

Over time the stumbling fall and thecomical effect of tripping someone“Pulling Your Leg” altered to meanmaking fun of someone.

Interesting StatisticsA look at club statistics reveals some

interesting facts.So far as the records show the club

has rarely been let down as a result of amember or members not turning up forduty, either in the ODD and support rolesor for bar duty. Although it is true thatthe names that appear on the various dutyrosters are not always the same as theindividuals who attends on the day,arrangements have usually been made inadvance to make a change or providecover.

By and large about a third of thoselisted as club members turn up forworking parties, on average that is about23. The attendance record is fairlyconsistent as are the people who turn upon the day. Some members keep up theirmembership even though they rarely usethe club so one might argue that payingyour subs without using the facilitiescounts as volunteering. Of course somemembers do voluntary work for the cluboutside of working party days and somemembers are not fit enough to labour inthe noon day sun but use the clubsocially so perhaps our adjusted averageis close to 50% than 30%, not too bad bygeneral standards.

ContentsVice Commodore’s Bit - Graham Thompson 1Origin of the Speakies 2Interesting Statistics 2Newsletter Format 2Sunbury Regatta Fireworks 3Culinary Corner 3The Cannonisation of ‘Over Easy’ 4Newsletter Printing 4Club Management And More 5Brilliant, Beautiful Bewl - Brenda Panting 6Who Do You 7Steering Backwards 8Farewell 8Goodbye - John & Brenda Panting 9Dangerous Waters – Jean Maracchi 10Cheats Christmas Lunch 15 December 10Pure Poetry from Middle Thames 11AQSC Quiz Night - 19 October 2013 11AQSC Russian Night - Mike Baker 12The Undertaker 13Don’t signal to the Birds - John Panting 14Annual General Meeting, Prize Giving And 15The Power of Prayer 15Social Calendar - Dates For Your Diary 16Aquarius Sailing Club Annual Dinner 16

Newsletter Format

Prior to this issue newsletter page sizehas been A4 with 2 pages per sheet ofA3 paper and folded to create an A4booklet.

There is a problem with the A3 printerused and they are less common than A4so this issue has A5 size pages with 2pages per sheet of A4 folded to create anA5 booklet.

I like the A5 format as it makes amore compact publication; The text sizeis the same and generally there are 2columns instead of 3. More storiesoverflow on to a 2nd page.

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This event took place on a beautifulclear night on the 10th August. The windwas light and the temperature was “mild”in Weather Bureau parlance so a lightjacket was sufficient for comfort.

To start there was a BBQ at AQSCand then the Patrol boat, full of members,left at 8:15pm.

The river events opened with a sailpast by cruisers belonging to members ofMiddle Thames Yacht Club but it wasnot without Aquarius participation.Several vessels decked with lights,pictures, music and fancy dressed crewspassed “Habari” the anchor boatbelonging to Di and Phil Howley. Alanand Gail Mackintosh decked their boatout as Chez Flintstone and dressed thepart as well whilst Stuart Shaferattempted to record the event on film.

Aquarius fielded the Patrol Boat witha motley crew of 10 whilst Grahamundertook the task of rowing Trudi upriver.

Sunbury Regatta FireworksKeith Poncia equipped his Pacer with

wife and an outboard and motored upriver in a series of circular motions thatwere the best course he could steer.

Upon arrival we attached ourselves to“Habari” and were soon supplied with agood med-red from the galley.

Although it was rumoured that thefirework display was to be shorter thanlast year, it was stunning. We wereperfectly positions for the event and thedisplay seemed so close above our headsthat one almost felt the need to duck.

Twice there was a lull in proceedingand twice the audience thought the eventwas over when again screaming rocketsburst overhead. At each lull the audienceclapped enthusiastically and no onethought the event was shorter than lastyear. What a spectacular evening and allincluded in the AQSC membership fee.

Thanks to Phil, Di, Alan, Gail, Stuart,Middle Thames Yacht Club, those whoparticipated and or supported the eventfrom Aquarius and of course, SunburyRegatta.

Culinary CornerBlackberry and Almond Cake Try using: Apples, Cherries, Peaches, Plums, Etc.Grams Ingredients 20cm spring form pan Grease pan Heat oven 180 degrees115 Butter Soften butter115 Sugar Add sugar and beat till fluffy.3 Eggs Add eggs and almond essence whilst still beating1 tsp Almond essence Fold in flour and ground almonds.40 Plain flour100 Ground almonds NB.Hazelnuts work but change the texture slightly1 Tbls Milk Stir in milk add mixture to pan340 Blackberries Layer blackberries on mix and sprinkle on sugar2 Tbls Sugar  Bake mid oven 30 minutes

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Having spent more time in the riverthis year than was usual for him, RichardCannon discovered his old boat, “June”or more commonly ST368, was lessbuoyant when upside down than it shouldbe.

As the SigneT Nationals were only acouple of weeks away he thought that achange of boat may be quicker than therepair job necessary to seal the buoyancychambers around the gunwales.

He recklessly approached Mike Bakerwith a view to purchasing “Over Easy”.Of course Richard had not matched theboat’s name to the problem that causedST368 to leak, basically going over tooeasily so oblivious of the possibility ofexciting the gremlins embedded in thewind, Richard bought the boat.

The first members arriving atAquarius for the trip to the SunburyRegatta fireworks were greeted by a car-park cut off by Richard’s boat bits.Trailers, masts, booms, sails were strewnacross the parking area and the firstarrivals were co-opted in to assistingwith the restoration of order. By Sunday“Over Easy” was now partly ST 368 withthe new hull joined to the new sails by368’s boom, main sheet and fittings, andgenoa fittings.

For its first outing at Aquarius “OverEasy/ST368” was to be crewed by“Team 150”, Richard and Mike Hendra.Both hoped that the first outing wouldnot see a repeat of the ducking they hadendured at the Hampton Regatta. Richardhad suffered a disaster at the SignetNationals, due to high winds and thedifferent main sheet system, and hisconfidence was suffering a bit althoughneither he nor Mike had associated thenew boat’s name with the risk of a swim.

As the five minute horn soundedRichard saw that the mainsail tack pinhad fallen out and was lost for themoment at least. Just before the 1 minutehorn OE/368 left the dock still with themain un-tacked. The new boat had adifferent arrangement for jib sheetingthan the old one which Richard did notlike and with which Mike was notfamiliar.

Against all odds Team 150 had a greatstart and reached the top mark alongsidethe fastest boats. Richard was positioningand tacking well and soon the oldconfidence and competitive spiritreturned. OE/368 sailed well and endedthe race with a great tussle for the linewith John Panting which John won by anose.

Team 150 sat out the 2 O’clock raceand by 3:30 “Over Easy” had a newmain tack pin and ST368’s jib sheetarrangement. In the gusty conditions thegunwale came close to the wave tips butOE/368 successfully returned to upright.In the end Team 150 finished well andRichard’s confidence was restored. TheCannonisation of “Over Easy” andST368 was complete, well at least fornow!

Anyone want to buy a pile of Signetbits?

The Cannonisation of ‘Over Easy’

Newsletter PrintingThe printing and paper costs of this

Newsletter were met in full by JDCIndependent Financial Advisers

69 The Green Twickenham020 8755 5577We thank Frank Rainsborough for

setting this up. Apart from the costsaving, it is good to have this taskdelegated.

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Virtually nothing that happens atAquarius comes with a cost for labour.Club members provide their serviceswithout charge for everything that isneeded to make the club work. No onereceives a salary or payment forrunning the club; the ManagementCommittee is supported by an army ofvolunteers that does the job.

Management Committee operationsare divided into three formal elements,Administration, Premises and Sailing.

GrahamThompson manages theadministration supported by the HonSec Jean Maracchi - Hendra, WHS PatIrving, Treasurer Joan Walkden, BarManagement by Peter Carpenter withRodger Wheeler, and social & cateringby Diana Carpenter.

Premises are managed by NigelKnowles well supported by BryanClements and Ken Ayres and by alabourer often seen working late intothe night who has a strangeresemblance to Nigel himself.

Sailing is ably managed by ourcomputer boffin Richard Cannon whoalso manages and edits the Mainsheetsupported by Mike Hendra.

Eric Bridgewater keeps and eye outfor happenings that might affect theclub, Kath Bridger provides assistanceto the committee in various mattersand Michael Chipps keeps the meetingminutes to ensure the smooth runningof the club.

No contractors are paid to maintainthe club, no cleaners are engaged toclean the clubhouse. No barman ispaid to serve drinks, no cook is paid toprepare meals, no waiter is paid toserve at table and no skivvy is paid towash up. No washer woman is paid tolaunder the towels and tea towels. Nogrounds-men are engaged to look afterthe landscaping and no boats aremaintained by shipwrights.

Most building work is done byBodgit & Co principally NigelKnowles supported by Bryan Clementsand Ken Ayres. The club is opened byvolunteers and closed by volunteers.When you enjoy a meal or buy a drinkthey are prepared and served byvolunteers, the dirty crockery, cutlery,glass etc is collected by a volunteer,washed and dried by a volunteer andreplaced for future use by a volunteer.The same goes for tables and chairs.For the most part the work is donewithout complaint because those whodo the work enjoy and value the clubsufficiently to want to keep it going.

PLEASE REMEMBER - Norubbish is removed by the bin men soany rubbish produced by the club orleft behind by members, either in theclubhouse or anywhere outside, isremoved by volunteers. Please don’tadd to the burden.

Club Management And More

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Weather met-check not looking goodfor Saturday, ok Sunday and lots ofsunshine for Monday. Being optimisticwe thought they could be wrong with thefirst prediction. Jumped out of bed on theSaturday morning at 6 a.m. and withnose pressed against window pane sawalas they were correct – it was pouring.Looked around at my semi packed bagand decided that it was in need ofwarmer clothes. Then it was a dash downto the hall for wellies and waterproofcoats.

Left at 9 a .m. with John mutteringthat we should have gone at 7.30 and mewith fingers crossed praying there wouldbe no traffic hold-ups. Could not believemy eyes when I actually saw Richardturning into Bewl just in front of us.

Onto campsite and a warm welcomingsmile from Mike, with Jean inside theirfold up caravan with a light under thekettle. They had arrived on the Friday.We sat under their awning eating biscuitsand drinking coffee peering out gingerlyto see if the rain had stopped.

Over an hour later it did – so allaction to get Richard’s and our tent upwhich we literally just finished before itbegan to pour again. Although there wereabout 20-30 youngsters out on the water– Richard and John were not inspired toget their boats out and do the same.

In the evening we went to Jean andMike’s welcome café again, this timearmed with goodies for a barbecue. Wineand beer was available to add to tastyaccompanying dishes prepared by Jeanwith meat cooked by masterchef Mike.After an evening of chatting and moredrink, at 10.30 John, I and Richard leftfor our less welcoming dark tents.

Next morning with the sun shining itwas down to the launching pad withJohn, Mike and Richard to get the 2boats ready for race day. Jean joinedlater. There we met Darren and Sylvie.Darren who had kindly come to sail withJohn.

We on shore, had a lovely morningchatting and watching the racing then itwas all back to the campsite for picniclunches (guess where) Afternoon stillmore chatting and sailing. At the end ofthe day Darren and Sylvie left for homeand it was showers etc and back to J andM’s for another barbecue. We were alsojoined by Paul who had arrived earlierand was assisted by Richard to put up histent. So the end of a great day.

Monday and ‘oh boy’ were theweathermen correct. It was such apicturesque site with the still, calm water.How could a walk around it be resisted.John and I decided to go and enjoy thesurrounding area and found it to bebreathtaking. Definitely another dayneeded to complete the circuit. When wearrived back more members fromAquarius had arrived. Rodger, MikeNigel, Keith and Madeline, all withboats, then Bryan, Trudi and Liz. It hadbeen designated a family sailing day.Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselvessailing, as well as changing boats and thehelming or crewing.

Alas 4.30 whizzed in and everyonehad to be off the water. Then to themundane things of packing up of theboats, showering etc. Those who hadsailed on Saturday supported the prizegiving, although sadly no prizes forAquarius this time.

Brilliant, Beautiful Bewl -

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Who Do YouThink You Are?

We often hear it said that we have toomany people in the UK and theimmigrants should all be sent home. Thisof course prompts the question who arewe talking about, since we are allimmigrants in some way or other.

As we were last successfully invadedin 1066 then perhaps we should redressthe invasion and return all those whowere not here before William murderedour King in 1066. This would surelyrestore some Anglo Saxon decency to theplace. So, if your mob weren’t herebefore 1066 should you be on the list?

I checked the 1086 census or the“Doomsday Book” to see if my namewas listed but fortunately no surnamesimilar to mine was found. Ergo I am animmigrant and thus a likely candidate fordeportation and as an Australian Citizenthat’s Queensland so its goodbye fromme. I wonder how many others of us arein the same situation?

Next an invitation for those whowished to go to J and M’s for tea andbiscuits. It was a great way to nearly enda beautiful day, but then for those whowished, it was off to a local pub for anenjoyable evening meal.

With Jean’s help John and I packedour tent away. Jean could not believe thatsuch a huge tent could fit into such anordinary sized bag. That was after Johnrolling over it to let the excess air out.

Richard, John and I left the sitewaving goodbye to Jean and Mike, whowe were in no doubt had, with theirgenerosity of ‘open’ caravan, added tothe enjoyable time at Bewl. We take itthey probably sat for a while enjoyingthe peaceful, beautiful evening andreflecting on the few days, whilstwatching the sun go down.

Please watch out for Bewl visits nextyear. Great days for sailors and non-sailors alike. Lovely club house with allthe facilities and beautiful countryside.We had a really lovely time with only afew ???. So here’s to the saying ‘themore the merrier’.

Bewl camp site Bewl AQSC club house

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Steering BackwardsDebate about the merits of various

types of marine steering gear has takenplace in Committee recently. Some prefera tiller and some a wheel. Here the wheelin question is the type rigged to anoutboard motor powered boat.

It would seem that of the clubmembers, the Hon Sec is the reverse parkexpert. She has steered a boat with amarine type wheel, a tiller and a bigsilver one used on proper yachts. Jeanactually won the Reverse Yacht Parkingaward on our North Ionian Flotilla someyears ago.

So here we have an expert not only onsteering gear but steering astern as well.For wheel preference she says she likesthe big silver one, not only do they workwell, they match her taste in earrings sothey are doubly favoured.

When asked she says: Whateversystem you are using, face the way youwish to travel. Take care of ropes chainsbuoys and other obstacles. Go slowly andaim towards your desired destinationsteering as you would when driving a carforward. With a tiller, point to line thestick towards your desired destinationand in either case but don’t move therudder too far off line as it will usuallystop the boat.

If the wind is blowing hard, make agesture of help to your own version of apersonal saviour. Don’t listen to thecrew, they can always do it better tillthey try. Remember you can always stopand start again if necessary and most ofall: “Don’t panic”.

So there, a big silver one, will lookgood on the patrol boat and the patrolhelmsman will look very professional ina flash sailing suit and it would certainlyimprove the image of Aquarius!

Farewell ToJohn & Brenda

Perhaps the saddest day of the latterpart of summer was Sunday 8thSeptember when many Aquarians foundout about the decision by John andBrenda Panting to change sailing clubs.

Whilst we all understand John’sreasons for the decision, reproducedwithin this edition, losing 50% of ourSigneT racing fleeting in a single blowwas quite devastating for those of us whohad enjoyed the Panting challenge.

Equally the loss of Brenda’s smileand enthusiasm was not something thatthe Galley crew and the Sundayafternoon brigade were overjoyed by.

I suppose club members tend fadeaway or become sunbeams rather thenleave suddenly so to have such highprofile members leave is the kind ofshock that takes the wind from our sails.

However, we have refused to let themleave gracefully so they will remainmembers until March 2014. As a penanceBrenda was bludgeoned to writing herBewl story and John to do his bit aboutsignalling on roundabouts.

All jokes aside, thank you both forbeing such great members and forcarrying the Aquarius banner every timeSunset is launched into the stream. Ofcourse we wish Brenda and Johneverything of the best and our messageis; Don’t be strangers!

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December 2008 and it was no surprisethat it was John’s birthday. He was 60.The surprise was that his present was akit to build a SigneT.

The above had followed much effortby Brenda to locate a suitablychallenging kit and to ascertain where tosail her. One contact led to another andsoon the existence of the SigneT ClubOwners Association came to light andalso a club near where they lived whohad a number of SigneTs being sailed byLaurie, John, Richard and Mike.

Aquarius it was to be. This gaveplenty of scope for plagiarism during thebuild and plenty of competition whileracing. Brenda settled in to doing thisand that. In due course we joined theCommittee.

We would like emphasise that wewere and have always felt very welcomeat Aquarius. In fact, we were soimpressed on our first visit 5th April2009 by the friendliness and warmth ofthose present. It is noted in Brenda’sdiary, “Lovely club warm and friendlyatmosphere.” On the day of the launch ofSunseT, on 25th April 2010, all thosearound at that time were extremelycomplimentary on the standard of workdemonstrated in building her.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our timesocially and on race days. However,things have changed. We live less than amile from Papercourt Sailing Club. Theclose locality of this club gives us moreflexibility at weekends and is clearlyclose enough to us that we can pop in onWednesdays for a cruise and/or a drinkwith the added benefit of Saturday andSunday racing plus a winter series.

The real thing which has changed isthat the club in 2008 would onlyentertain boats in certain classes but isnow welcoming other boats within ageneral handicap range into which theSigneT falls.

So it’s not so much that we have beenin any way disillusioned with being partof Aquarius but that we have beenattracted by a situation we could notrefuse. Given the above you will not besurprised to learn that SunseT is nowberthed at Papercourt and will not bereturning to Aquarius. However, thesame cannot be said for us as we have aDuty to complete as OOD + AOD on thelast race in November. Sadly though weconfirm we will not be renewing ourmembership.

Wishing Aquarius and all those aboardher much success in the future

Goodbye -

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There has been some discussion inAQSC regarding the different abilities ofour male and female members. Some ofyou will wonder how anyone couldpossibly wish to stray into thesedangerous waters, but we are a plucky lotand do not fear to tread into the shoals ofpolitical correctness.

There have been frequent long anddetailed discussions regarding the vesselAQSC requires as a stand in for thecurrent patrol boat, should this vessel beso inconsiderate as to malfunction andleave our brave sailors abandoned in midThames. A new type of ladder forhauling sudden and reluctant swimmersout of the river is under construction, andnow the thorny problem of tillers vsteering wheels must be decided, not tomention the method and strength ofpropulsion to be implemented for theengine of this replacement vessel.

So I turn to my readers to solve theproblem of tiller v steering wheel and theabilities of our female members to handlethe different steering methods. It hasbeen suggested that the delicate female isbetter off with a steering wheel asfemales are used to using one whilstdriving a car. Cars are not supplied witha tiller, so a female would not be ableto fathom out how to operate one in aboat. This naturally implies that should acar be fitted with a tiller, our malemembers would be more than capable ofhandling this change, but the weaker sex,i.e. females, would not. We of the gentlersex would by default of course prefer asteering wheel over a tiller. What bravewords.

Then there is the vexed problem ofputting the boat into reverse. This mighttax female abilities far too much, andgeneral panic would ensue on the wateronce again endangering the lives of ourplucky sailors. Which way to face whenundertaking this operation? How fastshould the boat go when in reverse?Which way to turn? Mind that rower!!Watch out for the shallow water!!

It is up to you gentle reader to resolvethis sticky situation before war isdeclared between the sexes. Tiller orSteering wheel? Let me hear you then,Watch this space.

Dangerous Waters –

Cheats Christmas Lunch15 December

This will be organised by NigelKnowles and Rodger Wheeler. Theselunches have proved very popular in thepast so early booking is advised. Watchout for advertising via flyers, email andour website.

Quiz night

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Pure Poetry from Middle Thames

Don Barnet is a lively lad but he’ll never get to HeavenCos whilst his boat is thirty foot he only pays for twenty seven.

And on Stuart Schafer.

If I were not upon the stage a boater I would be,If I were not upon that stageOn CAVATINA you’d find me,And as we gently sailed alongYou might just hear this lovely song.

Its poxy this and poxy that and poxy I don’t careI don’t mind whose boat it is, it can’t moor poxy there!

AQSC Quiz Night - 19 October 2013With others I have organised a number

of quiz’s for the club over the years andthe latest one was attended by sometwenty-four die-hards, who can’t seem toget enough of them. Now, it has been saidthat I don’t do easy quiz’s and I guessthat may be true. I tend to think of themas challenging.

The evening kicked off at 7:30pm onceeverybody had placed their fish and chiporders with Di Cowley. Each of the threeteams were then given a sheet of 20 filmtitle anagrams to complete during the firsthalf of the evening.

Some fifty questions later supperarrived and there was a halt toproceedings while everybody descendedon the kitchen to find what they hadordered. Evidently Diana had got it rightand there were no complaints. Well doneyou!

The second half of the evening gotunderway with the distribution of anothersheet of 20 ‘ology’ questions to be solved.The look on some people’s faces was apicture (as in I didn’t know there werethat many ’ologies’). There were anothertwenty five questions before the eveningwas wound up and the scores counted.

The winning team was then presentedwith the AQSC Quiz Trophy (you didn’teven know we had one of those did you?)and a large tin of chocolates. These weregraciously shared with everyone.

My thanks to everybody for comingand especially to Di, Pete, Diana, Richardand Gordon for helping with the supperand the clearing up afterwards, muchappreciated. I’m off to start compilinganother quiz to torment the members withperhaps sometime next year.

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Over the years we have had somepretty interesting social events atAquarius, but I have to say that RodgerWheeler’s ‘Russian Night’ on Saturday21 September delivered something just alittle bit different. Rodger had organiseda four course meal and a Balalaika Groupfor the entertainment. Now you might beforgiven for thinking this possiblysounded a bit naff but you would havebeen very wrong. By general consensusthis was possibly one of the best socialevents at Aquarius ever.

Rodger always seems to go for theslightly different/quirky despite theorganisational problems this inevitablybrings. Rodger and Linda had seen theBalalaika group perform in Sunbury in2012 and had talked to Bibs Ekkel, theirleader, about performing at Aquarius.This wasn’t just any group. Bibs was aprima Balalaika soloist and one of thetop masters of the instrument outside ofRussia. He has entertained Royalty, andhas an extensive repertoire ranging fromcabaret to symphony hall and hasperformed in Russia, Poland, China,Britain the US and Canada.

Rodger had arranged for fourperformers to come to the club but in theevent six turned up (at no additionalcost). Five players and a singer, all incolourful traditional Russian peasantcostumes.

During the prior week the new canvasmarquee was erected over the quarterdeck, the clubroom was cleared forentertainment and chairs and tables wereset up on the quarter deck.

The evening started, as most do at theclub, with a crowded bar. While thegroup set up, Zakuska (Russian horsd’oeuvre) were served to an audiencewhich numbered some thirty five or somembers. Shortly after, everyone wasinvited to take their seats in the clubroomand the musical part of the evening gotunderway.

The Balalaika is probably the mostrecognized of Russian folk instruments.To keep it simple the group played threedifferent types ranging in size, and tone.They were accompanied by a guitarist(six string, not the traditional Russianseven string version), a domra and asinger. Two of which were his wife andson. The balalaika itself is a threestringed instrument, two gut and onesteel. The gut strings are tuned togetherwhile the melody is played on the thirdsteel string.

Bibs and his group played two setswith the main course of Beef/MushroomStroganoff with rice being served duringthe interval. They played a variety oftraditional Russian balalaika music butalso included many well recognisedpieces which had been adapted for films

AQSC Russian Night -

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such as Doctor Zhivago. This wasaccompanied by enthusiastic clapping,foot stamping and singing by theaudience.

At one point Bibs took time out toexplain about the instruments anddemonstrated their (and his) versatility.Towards the end, shot glasses of Vodkawere handed around and the evening, theperformers and the audience were toastedin traditional Russian fashion. Weresisted the temptation to smash theglasses afterwards. A variety of dessertsand cheeses followed by coffee roundedoff a very memorable evening.

The Russian Night was a somewhatunexpected evening. Many people hadsaid they were unsure what to expect,however, no one left disappointed and itwas still the focus of much conversationat the club the following day.

Many thanks are due to a variety ofpeople who worked long and hard toensure the Russian evening was asuccess. These included Linda Wheelerwho was instrumental in the planning ofthe evening and the preparation of theStroganoff. Diana Carpenter also helpedwith the food prep including mountainsof savoury rice. Joan Walkden and PatIrving, Helen Barnett and Jean Maracchiamongst others all worked to helpprepare and serve the food on the night.Thanks also to Nigel and all the lads whoturned up on Friday afternoon to erectthe Marquee and prepare the clubhouse;and last but by no means least a hugethanks to Rodger whose vision theevening was. You did well. Very well.Thank you from us all.

Some of you may have heard the storyof the Hon Sec passing a club memberon the left on the A3. The member inquestion is elderly (situation normal formost AQSC members) much mindful ofthe rules of the road, who drives mostlyin the middle lane at what he calls thespeed limit. Of course the man (whoHS??? had cared for after his kneesurgery) made mention of the situationthe following Wednesday and althoughteased mercilessly about the incident Jeanmanaged it with her usual good humour.

Her version is that during her journeyhome from the club she was turning offthe A3 at Malden Road New Malden.She says she was travelling at the speedlimit per her GPS and she came upbehind a driver who was hogging themiddle lane at speedo speed 50 or less.In the circumstances she could notovertake before the exit so passed on theinside immediately before the slip road.She says that in Venezuela there isnothing wrong with “Undertaking” andshe has been doing it for years withoutproblem so what’s fuss?

Now it has come to light that the poormember is suffering another structuralmalfunction and may shortly need furtherorthopaedic surgery after which he willrequire some more tender care. Now thequestion; Is he prepared for recuperationin the care of an undertaker?

The Undertaker

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I was approached to write an Articleon Signalling at Roundabouts. You willprobably know by now that I am aNational Observer for the Institute ofAdvance Motorists (IAM). I mention thisbecause it really in many ways makes theanswer very simple. There is no preciseanswer. However, to explain this answertakes a little more effort as below.

So the first point to cover is reallycomes via Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

To Signal or Not To Signal?While you are behind the wheel you

are constantly using your five senses toTAKE in information.

You USE this information to make aPlan.

The Plan will incorporate amongstothers, the decision about signalling - ToSignal or Not To Signal?

So when should you signal?Well for a start Don’t Signal to the

Birds.You should signal when it is a benefit

to other Road Users. You may in somecases not be able to see them but couldreasonably expect them to arrive on thescene. (Road Users include pedestrians,cyclist, motor cyclists and drivers of anyvehicle etc.)

Once you are through this process youdecide to or not to GIVE a signal.

The above is called theINFORMATION phase and includesTAKE USE GIVE (TUG).

OK now if we have decided to signalwhen and where should we give it?

When we approach a Hazard we haveto consider where to POSITION thevehicle.

Once this is decided we need to signalin good time before we change position.

You have to repeat the above process

several times for a roundabout. Onapproach to it. While going round it.When about to leave.

What signal you give will depend butremember it must be appropriate and ofbenefit to other road users. This is not aseasy as it sounds because a signal canconfuse or mislead other road users.

So back to - There is no preciseanswer. We need to ask what aroundabout is.

The answer is reasonably simple. It’sa group of roads that meet at a node(point) where traffic is required tonegotiate it in a procession clockwise. (Ifyou drive on the left).

The difficult part is that everyroundabout is unique: i.e.1. The number of roads that meet.2. Where they meet and leave it.3. The type of road (dual carriageway,

single track etc.).4. The size of the centre. (From

enormous to a blob of paint).5. The speed traffic negotiates it.6. Whether it’s lit at night.7. It may have lane markings.8. It may have dedicated lanes on the

approach roads.9. It may have dedicated lane markings

around it.10. It could have traffic lights to its

approach.11. It could have traffic light within it.12. It may even break the basic rule of

give way to the right and have giveway markings within the roundabout.

13. You may be able to see over thecentre of it or maybe not.

14. Two or three mini roundabouts maybe linked together.

I think I could add more but thepoint is made.

Don’t signal to the Birds -

15

If you change any one of the above 14you make another not quite ‘unique’roundabout from about 86,000,000,000possibilities.

Hence the above explains whydrivers/riders never get the simple answerwhich serves all roundabouts.

If you want a simple answer then readthe Highway Code sections 184 to 190but as you know it really does not coverthe question fully. You have to decide if,when and what to signal for everyroundabout you negotiate - at entry,while negotiating it, and at exit. SafeDriving!

Wow! So now we have the expertsanswer. When I passed my test in 1958things were less complicated and theanswer I was given was: Always signalyour intention to leave but never untilyou have passed the exit immediatelybefore the one you are taking. It hasworked for me on three continents overfifty five years. Go safely!

Your presence is requested for theAnnual General Meeting, the mostimportant meeting of the year where thefuture administration of the club will bedecided for the coming year.

Matters for discussion will includeelections for Flag Officers andCommittee, the club's finances and futureplans.

The Annual Prize Giving and End ofSeason Party will follow including ourtraditional mulled wine, mince pies andother tasty fare.

a

Annual General Meeting, Prize Giving AndEnd Of Season Party Saturday 7 December

At 7:30 pm For 8 pm

An odd title from me as an atheist butthere is no doubting the power toinfluence events that occurs when agroup of people combine their thoughtprocesses to influence a particularoutcome. Membership and fellowship ina vibrant organisation is one of the keysto longevity and outside of the churchesclubs like Aquarius can produce similarresults so being a member aids theprospect of both a fulfilling and longerlife.

At this time some of our members are“unwell” and some have partners andloved ones who also are ill.

These members need to know that themental power of Aquarius is focussed onthem coming through these difficultiesand out the other side smiling again.Names and details are not necessary, justgive a moments thought, a beam ofAquarenergy, to those who might need itand tell them when you next see them.

The Power of Prayer

16

Social Calendar - Dates For Your DiarySat 16 Nov Working party 10:30am. Come along with gardening tools.

“Barbeque lunch on the go provided" (Note that the customary sit down lunch willnot be available because the kitchen and Clubroom will be being "deep cleaned" forthe Dinner).

Sat 23 Nov Annual Dinner starting at 7:30pm; details below.Sat 7 Dec AGM, Prize Giving and End of Season Party starting at 7:30pm.Sun 15 Dec Cheats Christmas lunch 12:30pm and family games. 2014Wed 1 Jan Hot Drinks Biscuits from 11a.m. New Year's Day Sail, subject to sailing

conditions. Celebrate the New Year with a Soup and "Raid the Freezer"lunch from 1.30p.m. We may even prepare some mulled cider/apple juice.

Sat 25 Jan Burns Night Celebration, Haggis Tatties and Neeps from 7:30pm.Sat 15 Feb Viennese eveningSun 2 Mar Lunch 12:30 pm and frostbite cruise/scavenger hunt.Sun 16 Mar Working party 10:30am. Come along with gardening tools. Lunch will be

provided.Sat 22 Mar Start of Season Party 7:30pmSun 30 Mar Start of sailing season

Price: £30 (£25 if paid by 13 Nov)Dress: SmartIncludes:-Reception drink at 7:30pm.Four course meal by Professional

CaterersTable WineCoffee/Tea and mintsLimited to 48 members on a first

come first served basis. This is a verypopular dinner so earliest booking isadvised; by 13 November at the latest.

Please pay using online bankingusing reference AQSC +(your

surname) toSort Code : 309693Account : 00100373Account name: GM & E Thompsonthen email confirmation of payment

and your menu choices todinner@aqsc.org.uk. In case of

difficulty ring Richard 01932 786636.

Alternatively post to Diana Carpenter11 Chestnut Avenue, EWELL, Surrey,KT19 0SY to receive by the13  November, enclosing a chequepayable to ‘Aquarius Sailing Club’.

If you don't receive a confirmationemail/phone call by Sunday 17November please contact Diana on020 8393 8029.

Note: Booking forms are includedwith this issue of "The Mainsheet"

Please order by 13 November as anytickets not sold by this date will beoffered to guests of members. Pleaseinclude (G) against guests, they will beplaced on a waiting list until13 November when any remaining ticketswill be allocated.

If anyone has items they would liketo donate to the raffle would theyplease leave them at the club by20 November.

Aquarius Sailing Club Annual DinnerSaturday 23 November 7:30pm for 8:00pm