The two course meal was expertly served by the excellent Royal Brighton staff, which most people enjoyed, along with the pre dinner drinks and the wine provided on each table.

We were entertained by the glorious voice of Beth George and the improvisation of our accomplished keyboard player, Steve Sedergreen. Many jazz and blues standards were sung, including Cheek to Cheek, Summer Time and Autumn Leaves. The date coincided with the 106th anniversary of the birth of our long timemember, Ralph Butcher. Also, the 65th wedding anniversary of Barry and Margaret Amond, which occurred the following day, was celebrated. A raffle took place at the end of the night, drawn by our President’s wife, Lisa Hill, with prizes being won by Andrew Kerr, Margaret Smethurst and Chris Renwick. Tim Harding then thanked everyone for attending, mentioning his father’s membership of RBYC, thanking the organisers and promoting future events.

Thanks to all who assisted particularly John Green, Bob Wigg and Deb Skuse for welcoming guests and directing them to their allocated tables at the commencement of the night.

The night was marked by a dramatic event when a large elm collapsed over the Brighton Esplanade, just north of the Club, which halted traffic for some time and was still being removed from the road by the SES at the conclusion of the night. – Derek Skuse