For a variety of reasons, numbers were low for this session - apologies having been received from Joan, Sandra, Donnie, Irene and John H. We were saddened to hear of Donnie’s ongoing problems and wish him a speedy recovery and return to the fold. The club was also saddened to hear of the passing of long-standing member Joan Fleming and her family are in our thoughts.
There was a general discussion on items for the AGM which is due to be held next week and ideas were also floated in relation to our forthcoming move.
The subject of the day was under the banner of ‘A Little Bit of Brit Abroad’ and the title was interpreted by members in a variety of ways. Brian opened the batting with his take entitled ‘When in Rome’ in which he gave us a detailed and fascinating history of the VEC - the Venerable English College - the seminary where priests from England and Wales are trained. He has a personal connection with the college as his younger brother was once the Vice-Rector. This was followed by Sandra R telling us of her reaction to be at a papal audience - one of overwhelming wonder - and I was particularly taken by her description of the toughness of the Swiss Guard. Jeannie read out a piece on how her experiences as a chambermaid in Norway had engendered in her a spirit of togetherness and how we should celebrate our cultural differences. This was followed by John M’s contribution entitled ‘The Barga Steps’ which detailed his attempts to purchase a holiday home in Tuscany and being shown around a potential property by a seemingly insufferable English couple. This led to a discussion on members’ links with Italians throughout the world. Marilyn gave an impassioned defence of traditional fish and chips and the fact that no-one does it better that the British and, on a similar theme, Rob’s effort praised mint sauce and how the UK’s oldest ally, Portugal (in this case, Madeira) compromised its own culinary traditions to enhance a meal of lamb chops. Hilary spoke of the trials, tribulations and time taken in airports prior to an international flight in her her offering ‘If you’ve time to spare, go by air. Morag began her piece by highlighting the manners and approaches to certain situations which are quintessentially British but then came down hard on the fact that she detested the lack of punctuality which she occasionally confronted when abroad. She then read out Joan’s piece detailing a holiday in Magaluf, a pub in which to watch football and the reaction of her grandson following his first visit abroad under his own steam! Finally, Jackie (note the change in spelling!) gave us a poem entitled ‘Battle of Britain Two’ which highlighted the interminable morning fight for sun loungers around a hotel pool.
As stated, next week is the AGM and members are encouraged to let us know of any additions they would like to see on the agenda or indeed wish to bring up in AOCB.
