New Years Eve at the Folly Inn - 31st December & 1st January
The last event of 2007 and the
first of 2008 thanks to some extended partying! As in previous years, the
demand for places was only just met, and this is one situation where booking
early is the only way of being sure of a place.
Having secured berthing on the shore pontoon, 9 boats ensured that no dinghies
were needed. Just to ensure their berth, some boats set out a day early, and
when Freebooter arrived at 11.00, the only space left was 4th boat out on the
raft.
In total contrast to last year, there was no wind, and it was a gentle motor
over to the island. After a quiet half at lunchtime, a stroll up to Newport was
the order of the day, except for one nameless crew (ok - it was Ocean Strider)
who went up by dinghy. Returning as it turned dark, crews retired to prepare for
the evening.
Some weeks back, it had been suggested that there should be a theme to the dress
for the occasion, and wouldn't it be a good idea if we went as pirates! There
are typically 2 responses to such an idea, as in 'great' or 'no chance'. Trying
to cater for both views, the dress code was optional. Notwithstanding this,
there were some truly splendid outfits by some clearly exceptionally
distinguished sailors! This set the tone for the evening.
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Gathering for mulled wine
aboard Freebooter, each pirate was inspected as they came down
the companionway, and all were judged well dressed. This made
for a grand entrance into the Folly when it opened at 19.30. |
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As ever, the buffet was truly spectacular, and few managed to make it for a
second helping. Wine, music and dancing became the order of the night, and in no
time at all, midnight arrived. The celebration was a mere interlude before
resumption of more wine, music and dancing.
Everyone joined in. Some of the bar staff costumes were also quite spectacular,
with belly dancers, Haiwatha (male), a mouse in a wizards outfit (Andy, the
host), and Robin Hood.
Having been obliged to retire by the closing of the Inn, the party then resumed
aboard Ocean Strider until shortly before breakfast .
Sincere thanks are due to Annemarie for all her work in
securing both the party places and the pontoon. This is no mean achievement, and
it has required negotiation throughout the year to firstly secure the booking,
and to then increase the numbers to a final list of 29.
As an indication of the difficulty, the Folly is already fully
booked for next New Years Eve! We have 24 places reserved, and a number of
bookings have already been taken!
H
T