St. George's Dinner at Bretby Club 22nd April

Gail and I accompanied by Rtn David Soul (Belper and Duffield)  and his wife Carole attended the St. George's Dinner at the Branston Golf and Country Club on Monday, 22nd April, the eve of St. George's Day.     The dinner had attracted about 200 Rotarians and their guests.

On arrival we were greeted by the sounds of  a traditional organ being played in the foyer of the building and were ushered in, along the red carpet by toastmaster, Tom Reddy.   After mingling with the other guests and getting a drink in the bar the assembled guests were called to their seats for dinner.    Grace, appropriate to the occasion was said by Rtn Robin Trotter, a past president of the Bretby club, following which we had a three course meal that was absolutely delicious, with service that matched it.

The Loyal Toast was said by Club  President Norman Carpenter , after which we had a raffle and an auction of a number of special prizes, including a signed Derby County football and  a meal at a local restaurant.  There then followed a most entertaining toast "To England and St. George", proposed by Professor Nigel T. Ratcliffe, the Chairman of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Partership NHS Trust. 

But that was just the entertainment starter.  The main course came in the form of "Dramatic Entertainment & Patriotic Pronouncements - A Romp through the Regency." presented by Mr John White, Principal Interpreter of "Select Society", who managed to give a most amusing account of the Regency Period which required a lot of very willing audience participation.

To bring the evening to a fitting conclusion there was a rousing rendition of Land of Hope and Glory and  The National Anthem which were accompanied on the piano by Clare Carpenter, wife of President Norman.

Organ Grinder, Patrick Cooke

Guests enjoying the evening.