'Farewell to the Captain' Dinner 2023
Pictures from this year's event - courtesy Bob Clarke here
“Well what a night to remember in The Hawthorne Wood Suite”
67 diners, including 7 Hotel guests gathered in the Hawthorne (Wood) Bar for a welcome BucksFizz (courtesy of the Hotel) and annual re-union of Seniors and Partners.
At 19:20 and above the hubbub of cheerful discourse and banter our MC Alan let rip with his trusty Thunderer – then blew his whistle to usher all into the dining room – all that is other than the Past Captain and his patient partner.
When all were seated MC Alan slammed his faithful gavel on the block to announce the triumphant entry of our Andy & Joy. With chest expanded and a seeming 6ft tall Joy waltzed into the room accompanied by Andy hovering a foot above the floor like a latter day Napoleon inspecting his cavalry to a huge Hooray from his troops (slight exaggeration Ed.)
Bishop Rob then delivered a heart felt confession about his inadequate golf technique concluding, to everyone's surprise, an Amen!
It so moved Matt he was on the cusp of offering several Free lessons – although this feeling quickly moved on.
The 3 Course Dinner choices were delivered efficiently and courteously and we offer our thanks to the Kitchen and Front of House staff for their excellent service. The wine flowed with predictable volume with several Seniors complaining about the uneven flooring as they, strangely, struggled to navigate visits to adjacent tables?
However this failed to stymie their dance techniques as they were as one with the rolling hills and stormy swells on the dance floor! Rock-on Billot!!
In the meantime Bob trolled amongst the guests with his “David Bailey” a flashin' and a clickin' to capture the natural mood of the evening to great artistic effect.
And on to the (thankfully) truncated speeches of Current and Past Captains. Captain Roy seemed to somewhat struggle with technology, constantly talking into his phone and desperately trying to bring up his prepared speech on the microphone. In frustration he pushed the mike into his trouser pocket and spoke to his daughter who had just phoned him in mid speech. Whatever you said Roy we really appreciated it?
Andy naturally thanked every man and his dog for helping him through his year and we Seniors reciprocate in our gratitude for his hard work.
Deborah Yarwood, the St Barnabas Hospice Representative, delivered a short but poignant speech on the workings of the Hospice and gratitude for the £3,618 (and 30 Bob) cheque.
And Alan's final slam of the night was to call Captain Roy to present the patient and understanding Joy with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for allowing her boy to come out to play!
Three surprise Presentations were then announced :
The First to Sam , our long serving Head Green Keeper – an engraving on slate by Richard James -
to thank him on behalf of the Seniors for his outstanding contribution over the past 30 years to the course maintenance and structure
The Second to Andy Davidge – an oak engraved open book by Richard James – plus the Claret Jug to celebrate his winning the 2023 Golfer of the Year.
And Finally a “Special” engraving – again on slate from Richard – to Mike Whittington in recognition of his continuous and valuable contribution to the success of the Seniors Group over the years as both Captain and Mentor.
To top off a most enjoyable evening Ace Discos provided the music to Trip – not so much the Light
as the Arthritic Fantastic : a rhythmic accompaniment of joint clicks and groans – reminiscent of whale mating calls and musical spoons to the octogenarian Rolling Stones.
Many thanks to all who attended and for the very important helpers on the night – Alan Lowen as MC , Bob Clarke's photography , Chris Daynes on Raffle collection along with Evie and Vicky on Raffle collection and draw.
Many thanks also to Paul Stanley for his Financial Control , David Toule for his Communications skills and Richard James for his superb Artwork.
And finally but finally to Andy & Joy for their Captain's Year.
See you next year.
'Farewell to the Captain' Dinner 2021
Pictures from this year's event - courtesy Mike Whitington here
“It was a night, what a night it was – it really was such a night” sang Elvis and who better to deliver his hits and more than Aron Fender himself!!
But first – The Venue. Due to the huge rebuild of Stantons we were directed to The Oaks Suite and what an improvement over the Hawthornes. The Table Layout was spacious and each table beautifully presented. Service was speedy and impecable with new Management recruit Tom Scott ensuring his staff were polite and helpful at all times. Everyone agreed that the standards of food presentation, temperature, tenderness and most importantly taste was up there with the top 2 Farewell Dinners. And naturally the wine offering very appropriate to the meal!
Colin delivered an emotional speech for a unique Captain's year which was heartfelt by everyone present.
Chris' response was suitably economic, sympathetic and relevant to Colin's difficult year.
Colin then presented a cheque to Lauren Alexander representing Marie Curie for £2,500:00 and who responded with a moving speech about the importance of contributions such as ours to their daily work. For your information we, The Seniors, have raised, over the past 7 years, £22,600:00 for Charities – a magnificent achievement and very generous contribution.
The Raffle was pre-drawn with a very expensive table of prizes on display. Ticket holders flocked to the table in great expectation of a grand return and my only regret is that Mike North should have supervised the offering of tickets dressed as Santa! Please remember we are always seeking Raffle Prizes for future fund raising.
And so to Aron Fender. What a performer, delivering his style of 50's and 60's music to a very enthusiastic audience dancing – well sort of involuntary muscle twitching in some cases – through until 23:45.
Finally we must not forget the helpers on the night so many thanks to :
Raffle – Ray, Andy, Paul, Roy and Lynda Lowen which raised £510 for Chris Daynes' chosen charity for 2022 - Lincs Air Ambulance
Photos and (secular) Grace – Mike Whitington
Master of Ceremonies – His Grace the Alan of Lowen
And in the backroom but most essential – Financial Supervisor Richard James
Thank you all for a great evening
'Farewell to the Captain' Dinner 2019
Pictures from this year's event - courtesy Bob Clarke and George Forbes photos here
Click arrow in screen above for slideshow
I’m A Celebrity (aka Captain) Get Me Out Of Here – Captain's Farewell 2019
That was not only the Captains sentiment but all of us who have “enjoyed” his Captaincy over the last year To repeat last year, the Seniors are nothing if not predictable with the 70 ish diners selecting their chosen meals with Thai Cod & Crab Fishcake, Beef Bourguignon and Sticky Toffee Pudding being the favourites and the wine was again very quaffable.
A normally chaotic but this time organised Captain Paul – delivered a heartfelt speech thanking All for his successful year before announcing we had a cheque to Epilepsy Society for £3,200.50 – with special thanks to All Seniors (and to Bob Clarke for the 50p!!
Would you believe that over the last 6 year the Seniors alone have raised £17,611 for the various chosen charities - REMARKABLE
John Browne (Vice) responded with a wandering speech, both physically and content, thanking Paul for his efforts and announcing the Charity for his Captain's year as “League of Friends of Grantham Hospital”.
Alex Davies – our new Director of Golf spoke about his new role and his continued support of the Seniors, who also happened to be life savers in that recently a staff member had a severe heart attack and the Defibrillator paid for by the Seniors saved her life!
“The Girls” (Vicky, Evie, & ANDY WOOD) again were magnificent in selling raffle tickets and raised £420 to start John's Charity – well done girls and Andy.
The evening was rounded off by Jayne Darling with a selection of 40's, 50's and 60' music.
May we thank all those who contributed to the evening and especially Paul for his very successful year as Captain of the Seniors.
'Farewell to the Captain' Dinner 2018
Pictures from this year's event - courtesy Bob Clarke here are some photos.
It’ll Be Alright On The Night – Captain's Farewell 2018
That was the hope and the Seniors are nothing if not predictable with the 81 diners selecting their chosen meals with Thai Cod & Crab Fishcake, Beef Bourguignon and Lemon Tarte again being the favourites and the wine was again very quaffable.
A “thorough and controlled “ Captain David – (motto, fail to prepare, prepare to fail) delivered a heartfelt speech thanking All for his successful year before handing over a cheque to Bowel and Cancer Research for £3,250 – with special thanks to All Seniors.
Paul (Vice) responded with an interesting speech, with and without the microphone, thanking David for efforts and announcing the Charity for his Captain's year as “Epilepsy Society”.
Ben – our Director of Golf – happily did NOT give a speech!
“The Girls” (Vicky, Evie, Shaz & Louise) again were magnificent in selling raffle tickets and raised £441 to start Paul's Charity – well done girls.
The evening was rounded off by the Supernova Disco – who did occasionally need prompting about the type of music to be playing.
Considering we had to overcome the major hurdle of changing the date of the event only 2 and ½ months ago, affecting the previously booked entertainment, the evening was a success.
May we thank all those who contributed to the evening and especially David his very successful year as Captain of the Seniors.
"Farewell to the Captain" Dinner 2017
Friday 17 November 2017
Pictures from this year's event - courtesy Bob Clarke
To see these pictures in a more sedate, senior's-type speed, click here
Report
From your Freelance Arts, Entertainment and Culture Correspondent – Bill Seniors
Swan Song and Amazons – Captain's Farewell 2017
As Frankie Valli sang, “Oh what a night, late November back in Seventeen!”
Yes this night was probably the best in a long line of Farewells with 81 diners selecting their chosen meals with Thai Cod & Crab Fishcake, Beef Bourguignon and Lemon Tarte being the favourites and copious wine to complement.
The Service under the watchful eye of Mark was very attentive and the food excellent.
A “tired and emotional” Captain Ray delivered a heart felt speech thanking All for his successful year before handing over a cheque to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance for more than £3,100 – and Well Done to All Seniors too.
David (Vice) responded with a some what more sober speech thanking Ray for his tireless efforts and announcing the Charity for his Captain's year as “Bowel Cancer Research”. For those of you who are not aware – the wives of 2 of our members have recently been been struck down by this very debilitating disease so it is appropriate that this Charity is germane to our current membership.
Ben – our Director of Golf – delivered a short speech in which he expressed his solemn love for the Seniors – an opinion we unquestionably reciprocate. Many thanks Ben – much appreciated!
“Woodcock's Maidens” (Vicky, Evie, Shaz & Louise) were unleashed on an unsuspecting crowd and managed to coerce – sorry persuade – a magnificent £385 worth of Raffle tickets to kick start David's Charity – Well done those girls.
However on the darker side I must mention the rather unnerving sight of 81 “head shots” of Captain Ray atop 81 muffins baked and distributed to all diners by Vicky – a very generous gesture thank you. Sadly the favourite question of the night became “can I eat Ray's face”!!
Then on to the delightful Ali James – our cabaret for the night. A voice like and angel and wit of broad sword, who sang and joked through 2 sessions much to the delight of the uninvolved and to the detriment of those who felt her rapier thrusts – “Grumpy Toule” and “Magistrate Stanley” take note.
Now for reasons that no one can explain Captain Ray has an obsession with a bunch of guys who made hit records out of songs such as “YMCA” and he decided that 5 ill chosen Seniors could deliver a rendition of “In the Navy” with equal panache and so “The Spillage People” was born. I cannot describe the performance in this article but using the old adage that “a picture paints a thousand words” please refer to the photos and videos on our web site – shocking behaviour!
However I have been assured by non other than Sir Lesley Vine – currently working in the Florida sun that the video has gone viral over there but Trump has declared it as “False News”.
In summary a great night was had and our guests certainly entered into the spirit of the evening.
Whoever declared that “wisdom comes with age” needs to rethink as parts of the evening were bizarre but very amusing and your committee is already considering next years dinner.
May we thank all those who contributed to the evening and especially Ray for his very successful year as Captain of the Seniors.
Pip Pip!!
"Farewell to the Captain" Dinner 2016
18 November
Pictures from this year's event - courtesy Bob Clarke
To see these pictures in a more "sedate" mode click here
Farewell to the Captain - 2015 20 November
forbesfoaters
Farewell to the Captain - 2014
Belton Seniors Farewell to the Captain Evening 2014
by raise a laugh
Or I’m a Seniors Golf Captain, Get Me Out Of Here!!!!!!!
photos by davidhoo t/a muss'npics
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Well it all got off to a good start, with Norman presenting the ladies with their corsages, members and their guests were chatting and enjoying the bucks fizz and canapes.
Our MC Phil Turrell called the Captain and his Lady to dinner: surprisingly all went like clockwork.
The Belton Woods staff looked after us very well, George came up to the stage thanked everybody for coming (70 members/guests) and earned lots of brownie points by thanking Jane for putting up with him.
In what was a mammoth raffle with 20 prizes, John Williams, Colin Thornton and Norman Tidy did a great job relieving everyone of £315 for the Captains Charity.( League of Friends of Grantham Hospital and a start to Pat’s charity Peter Alliss Wheelchair Charity.
Then the turn came on, Aron Fender, he turned out to be just right with his songs taking the Seniors back to their youth, the dance floor was full. Al Cotton was also on hand with some Sinatra favourites.
“Have Belton Woods Seniors Got Talent” arrived, with Alan, Del, Phil, Bob, John and Ray who did their Strictly Can’t Dance Spot with their rendition of YMCA. (Video)
The Audience were all up for it and joined in, or they were trying to help the boys remember how to do it.
Not to be outdone the ladies came up to strut their stuff to the Birdie Song. Dancing carried on until midnight, the Seniors came out to Party and they certainly did!!
"Farewell to the Captain", Annual Dinner - 2013
Annual Dinner 2013 - click bottom left of photos for captions
Captain Alan went out to a Musical Fanfare!!!
from our society reporter - Ray (well I enjoyed it) Woodcock
Well, Mick promised us a good night and that’s what we got!
The evening started well with canapes and aperitifs and the ladies were presented with corsages (by courtesy of Les Shipton). Mike Whitington got the best job of the night although it could be dangerous if you don’t get it right!!
Our MC, Phil Turrel, controlled the assembly in his own inimitable way, explaining how we could put in our complaints even before the meal was served!
As it happened all went well, I think. There were short speeches made by the captain and vice. It was good to hear that we had raised £1900 for the Captains charity, LIVES, we are also relieved to hear that we now have a defibrillator, we hope it is never used!!
Then, highlight of the evening, “THE BELTON BELLES“, four songs with an encore, two from the new Christmas Album! (in the shops now!)
John Williams worked himself into a lather while Bob and Del (not forgetting Ray on the tambourine) were the boy band giving the ladies plenty of support.
The audience went wild, wanting even more, but the girls were ready to strut their stuff on the dance floor! The evening continued with everyone enjoying the music, which ranged from "M People" to "Glen Miller".