The inclement weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the Penzance and Mounts Bay Sailing Clubs first joint Dinner and Dance on Saturday 23rd January – held at the Queens Hotel.
The hotel was soon filled with smartly dressed guests – as the event this year was fully booked and the atmosphere throughout the evening was full of good spirit.
The evening began with the “saying of Grace” by Mike Matthews.
The meal itself was thoroughly enjoyable and catering staff were given plenty of praise for their attentive service.
Alec Cole was introduced and gave the Loyal Toast. Both Penzance and Mounts Bay Sailing Club’s Commodores Dean Mooney and Clive Goodhead were then introduced and in turn gave their welcomes and toasted both clubs
Huge deserving thanks was given to both Peter Jellis on behalf of Mounts Bay and also a beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to Penzance Social Events Organiser Joy Cole for all of their hard work organising the event, the food choices and the unenviable job of the seating plans!
Following the meal, Master of Ceremony John Matthews gave an entertaining speech reminiscing about St Ives Regatta in the “good old days” – including the cheeky local dolphin Beaky!
After the tables were cleared and area prepared, local band ‘Wattsup’ (now called Schoolboy Error) containing Penzance Sailing Cub’s very own Rear Commodore of Training Chrisso Smallman set the scene for a couple of hours of lively music and dancing. They succeeded in getting most of the guests onto the dance floor, with all ages joining in and getting into the spirit of the evening.
A raffle had been held during the event and a tremendous £276 was raised in aid of RNLI Penlee.
The night was pronounced a great success by all in attendance – roll on next year! Be sure to book early – I have a hunch that next year will be filled immediately based on this year’s fabulous experience!
