Stardate 2010.014 British Drumming Out

Thursday January 14, 2010

After settling into our new digs at the Jurys Inn Hotel we then set out for the lobby where we met all the attendees that had either just arrived or had been here for a day or two. We had a short walk to the Loch Fyne restaurant for a Fish and Chips dinner, Genuine British Style and very good. After dinner we had a short time to socialize before we began a marathon walk to the Milton Keynes theatre. We made our requisite 10,000 steps in one fell swoop.

At the theatre we were treated to a traditional British Pantomime of the story of Cinderella.  We had excellent seats and jolly good fun. A humorous play by some very talented young performers assisted by an "Old Trooper" 89 year old Mickey Rooney. The two ugly stepsisters were played by men and they did a terrific job and were VERY Ugly. During intermission we were whisked off to a champagne reception by our British Hosts. Then back to the second part of the play. A bit of fun was had after the play as the troop involved the audience in some comedy. The British do not have a hospitality room as we think of it in the US so after trodding back to the hotel (adding to our step count) we all converged on the hotel bar and made many new acquaintances. What a wonderful evening.

Friday, January 15, 2010

We had an early wake up to get ready for the days events. After breakfast in the hotel everyone again met in the hotel lobby. This time a bus was waiting for us which whisked us off to the ancient "gleaming spires" of Oxford one of the best of British Education centers. The city itself was founded in the 9th century and the university in 1167. Many of the colleges are nearly as old. We had professional guides during our 2 1/2 hour walk through Oxfords historic sights and colleges. we spent some time at Trinity College going through the halls and classrooms. This is only one of more than thirty individual colleges that make up Oxford University (I didn't know that!) We had a coffee stop break before proceeding to the river cruiser at Folly Bridge. The entire group crowded into the river cruiser's main cabin as it was much too cold to be out on the open deck area so it was a wee bit tight. Even so we all had a delightful hot lunch and much camaraderie for the cruise. I'm not sure how many folks actually saw the countryside that we were passing. I did step out for a short gaze but quickly retreated back to the warmth of the cabin. There was the requisite short speeches and presentations of gifts to the outgoing chairman Chris Read. This was one of the coldest and snowiest Januaries in recent memory and we only got so far on our planned journey as the Thames was frozen over and we had to turn back.

We disembarked to our waiting buses and during the ride back to the hotel were presented with 20 questions of historical facts that we heard during our tour. Thanks to Gavin and Jeanne McCloud the prize went to Wendy and me. A mouse pad with images of the coats of arms of English nobility. Upon arrival back at the hotel we had an hour to freshen up and get ready for Chris's 60's themed reception and dinner

Chairman Chris had a champagne reception for all the "Bloody Foreigners" prior to Friday Night's 60's themed dinner. We had a group photo of the US Delegation with Chris decked out in his 60's Auston Powers garb. We then moved to the Banque Lounge for the pre-Banquet reception where we indulged in Tequila Sunrises. There were many variations of 60's attire and everyone was having a great time.. Wendy and I were able to snag a table with some of the Brits while other US attendees joined with various international folks. Dinner was quite good starting with Chicken Liver Pate and Vegetable Terrine. The main course consisted of Roast Sirloin with Yorkshire pudding and a selection of vegetables and potatoes all this was washed down with vast quantities of wine.

Chris was presented with a cake for his 60th Birthday along with some wonderful thoughts from his daughter, Elisha. The evening continued with a Beatles Tribute Band complete with a song book so everyone would know the words. The band was very good although VERY LOUD. Wendy and I took a few turns around the dance floor before the bands first break and she did very well on her sprained foot.

During this intermission the Brits put on a great Cabaret Show. Picture a bunch of "seasoned" blokes dressed as women engaging in a beauty contest! The winner would be the "Top Toddy" and  Chris's partner for the first dance when the band returned. Quite fun, actually. Peter Browning (Got the picture?) worked the room harassing many of the folks including me, of course. Quite a sight! We stayed for a while as the band was fun but eventually my hearing became dull and we retreated to the lounge where we could have some quiet conversation. Many folks had the same idea as there was plenty of fellowship in the lounge.

I had an opportunity to have a conversation with the incoming British Senate Chairman, Marietta Coleman and was introduced to her son and his lady friend. Time caught up and we trotted off to bed around 1:30 in the morning. Just as we were failing asleep there was a racket in the halls and rooms around us which lasted about an hour before quiet was restored and sleep came upon us.

Saturday January 16, 2010

After a hearty breakfast everyone boarded a "Double Decker" bus for our trip to Bletchley Park ("station X"). This was the heart of the British Codebreaking team during WW2. The work they carried out cracking the "unbreakable" German ENIGMA codes helped turn the tide of the war in the Allies favor. We saw replicas of the Bombe code-breaking machine and COLOSSUS, the worlds first semi-programmable computer. The Mansion which was the center of operations and many of the huts used during the war still remain and are open as part of the museum. Other exhibits is a post office, a maritime display, a collection of vintage vehicles and one hut "from Bletchley With Love" exhibit of amazing stories of WW2 Spies and Double Agents, including the war time exploits of Ian Fleming.

We had lunch at the Park and I was honored to be seated with the Lord Mayor of Milton Keynes whom I found fascinating.

We were treated to Vegetable Lasagna, Salmon in coconut sauce and Havana Lamb in a Caribbean sauce, desert consisted of Apple Pie, a European Cheeseboard and seasonal fruit. It goes without saying that there was also more wine.. We had some time for a further look-around before being bussed back to the hotel.

There was some relaxation time before gathering for the traditional Chairman's drinks and champagne reception. I'm convinced that the British Senate keeps at least one Champagne cellar in business. I was also amazed at the amount of Champagne that I could consume in a single day.

We were called through to the Drumming Out Banquet where we were privileged to sit at Chairman Chris's table and I next to his lovely daughter, Elisha. I was given the honor of leading the group in the Jaycee Creed and managed to embarrass myself by misstating a line in the creed and,of course, became brain dead for a few seconds before recovering my failing memory. We had another fantastic meal and many bottles of wine.

Chris delivered his final comments and then the Past Chairmen put on another bit of Cabaret. The two MC's took the part of the appraisers in the "Antique Road Show' TV Series. Each Past Chairman's spouse brought them up to be "appraised" for their Antique Value. The MC's did a great job and sounded as if they were actually appraisers. After each Past Chairman was appraised they took their place on the stage (actually a riser). It was interesting  at the high (or low) valuation placed on some of the "exhibits). When all was done Chris and Marietts took their seats on the stage and the CHAIN was formally transferred from Chris to Marietta which ended the formal ceremonies. A disco dance and DJ played for the rest of the evening while the wine continued to be served.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Get away day started with the traditional Champagne Breakfast/Brunch as the first formal event  to welcome the 2010 Senate Chairman Marretta and to say farewell to all our old and new friends from all over before heading to all points. Wendy and I took a cab to the train station for our trip to London. We arrived at Euston Station where I remembered that I left my walking stick in the Milton Keynes hotel, Damn!! Called the hotel but was transferred to Housekeeping where all I got was the recording. I left a message but had little hope of retrieving my stick.