2010 Past Presidents Lunch

It was 14th July when Past Presidents of the O B Club stormed the “One 19” Restaurant at the Mount Royale Hotel in York for a Reunion Luncheon. The Past Presidents had invited the Branch Secretaries to join them at this function, in an attempt to demonstrate the high esteem in which the Secretaries are held. After the initial gathering at the bar, the group moved to the delightful gardens for socialising and drinks, followed by an excellent luncheon in the well-appointed restaurant.

Grace was said by President Ken Nixon and thanks were expressed to John Richardson and John Blythe, who had organised this cheerful, unofficial gathering. Coffee was taken in the lounge. Iain Bryce was unable to attend but his cheque was gratefully kept and used to provide a bottle of port to help finish off a memorable occasion.

It is recorded here, lest he forget, that Mike Eveleigh’s kind offer to organise another similar event next year, probably in Grantham, was greeted with great enthusiasm and accepted with even greater alacrity. It was agreed the reunion should be open to spouses and or partners, which is particularly appropriate as 2010/11 will see the Club’s first female President.

The photograph in the gardens shows the Past Presidents and Branch Secretaries enjoying pre- prandial drinks.

Left to right and including year of office / branch:

John Blythe, 2001; Mike Eveleigh, 2007; Alan Dutton, 1994; Eddy deBrouwer (Sheffield); Kenneth Nixon (President); Ian Graham, (North West); Roddy Watson, 2009; John Foot, 2005; Malcolm Wilson, 1998; Jim Garton, 1997; John Hilditch, 2008; John Richardson, 1991; Paul Gibson, (London).

The photograph in the lounge shows the group raising a glass to absent friends and John Richardson and John Hilditch were obviously well entertained.

Unable to be present were Messrs Bryce, Burnett, Eeles, Hardy, Mortimore, Sharpe, Szpakowski, Widdowson, Wilson AR, Wresdell, Garbutt (Hon Sec) and Kench (Cantab).