Dinner Weekend 2004 - Derby, 20-22nd February

The 2004 Dinner weekend was held in and around Derby, the home of the Social Secretary. The weekend started on the Friday evening (like most weekends), when we met up in The Silk Mill pub. After the sinking of a few pints and catching up on what had happened to people since the Autumn tour, we made our way back to our respective lodgings for the night, but not before Malcolm could acquire a pint glass for his collection at the slightly inflated from usual price of £1.50. Many of us stayed in a church hall, and after a whisky or two we turned in for the night. As it was one of the coldest nights of the year, I put the heating on, only to be asked to turn it off again because it was too noisy. At about 6am I awoke to find the hall was like an ice box, and so put the heating on again.

After wiping the frost off our cars we set off for the first tower which was at Stretton, which was ably run by the deputy master. The next tower was Burton on Trent, which had tower so crowded when I arrived that I went and stood outside in the cold. It was at this point I noticed how many young children and babies seemed to be around. Either the new students were getting younger, or people had started bringing along their offspring.

The next tower was at Rolleston-On-Dove, after which we took up a large area in the local pub and had lunch. Ringing in the afternoon was at Howninglow, at which I managed to miscall some call changes.

The AGM in the afternoon was supposed to be in the Hall at which we had spent the previous night. Unfortunately it had been double booked, and was being used for a drama class. Some quick re-organisation between the Master and the Social Secretary found us a new location for the meeting - the Duke of Clarence pub. Many thanks to the Landlord.

After England won the rugby, we all met up in our posh frocks and penguin suits in the Royal Stewart Hotel. The master took wine with those that knew what the "Brick of the month" was, those who grew potatoes in their bedroom, and those that were getting married this year. The Social Secretary and her Fiance stood up for all three, and were congratulated.

Ross gave this year's romance officer's speech, and Martin's Master's speech consisted of a few apologies, followed by a Quiz, which sparked a debate on whether the Aha track of which the into was played to us was "Take me on" or "Take on me". Our table would have won if we'd estimated the river Severn being two miles longer than we did. But we didn't, so we didn't. This was followed by a quick game of "heads or tails" before the Disco.

The disco contained the usual barrage of favourites, notable points included Dave from Cardiff leading everyone in 'The Macarena' and the 'Cha-cha slide', people getting showered in lager when "someone" got over-excited during 'Reach up for the stars', and of course Malcolm and Tim's stunning duet in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

Many thanks to Alison for organising it all, and to the other officers who helped make the weekend a success.

- Percy

Ross Hartley, Karen Williams & George Barrett Penny Clarkson, Stephen Penney & Gail Evans

Stephen Penney & Paul Isaac Kathryn Greaves, Ross Hartley and Paul Lewis

Puff on the top table Some people, dancing

Proof of just how shiny Pat's waistcoat really was Bohemian Rhapsody

Malcolm Murphy and Tim Payne Murder on the dancefloor