AGM Adventures, Train Mishaps and Rally Ready!
Note: Clicking on any of the photographs will enlarge them.
Saturday morning began bright and early with a 6am start as I attended the TCI AGM in Mauritius. While the TCI Ladies enjoyed their AGM from a beautiful beach setting, I joined from the comfort of my own home. The signal was a little dodgy at times but I was delighted to catch Jill’s final speech.
No sooner had Mauritius finished than it was a virtual dash back to Sheffield for the Ladies Circle AGM. So many miles travelled without even leaving the house! Sadly I could not stay for the whole meeting but, just like Tangent this year, the Ladies Circle AGM finished before the boys!
Tuesday 12th May saw me boarding a real train at last as I headed off to Derby for a meeting with my VP. From there she drove us to celebrate with the wonderful ladies of Pocklington 577 Tangent at their 45th Charter.
What a fabulous evening it was! I had the pleasure of celebrating alongside both the outgoing and incoming Chairmen. I was delighted to be asked to induct their newest member, a first for me!! and, of course, enjoying some absolutely delicious cake baked by incoming Chair Kate Blackmore. As if that was not enough, Kate had also been busy creating beautiful lino-printed menu cards for everyone. Such a talented lady!
Then came 16th May and what can only be described as an ‘interesting’ journey…
I believe I may officially be the first nominee for this year’s “Shirley Chard Train Journey Disaster Award”!
The journey to Leicester was perfectly smooth and with only ten minutes left to reach Market Harborough, things were looking promising. However, after being directed onto an already packed train with standing room only, we rolled out of the station to hear the announcement nobody wants:
“The next stop is London St Pancras.”
Yes… just a slight detour!
Add in getting temporarily stuck in the lavatory and it certainly became a journey to remember. Eventually though, I arrived safely in Market Harborough where the warm hospitality of Market Harborough 224 Tangent more than made up for the travel chaos.
Their 55th Charter celebrations featured a spectacular afternoon tea and it was especially lovely to see Founder Members there enjoying the occasion.
I was wonderfully hosted overnight by the lovely Karan and Noel Tyler who even joined me on a little trip down memory lane.
My Great Uncle had lived just a mile from them and revisiting the area brought back some truly treasured childhood memories.
Leaving the Tyler household, I then continued on to meet Gill and Ralph Preston for brunch — complete with a glass of fizz. Perfect!
Thankfully, the only challenge on my train journey home was getting my enormous bouquet of flowers back safely.
I’m pleased to report: mission accomplished!
There was also time for a regular Tangent meeting with Wellington Tangent where we heard from a fascinating speaker representing Mary’s Meals.
Now the car is packed and we are heading off to Hexham for the 41 Club Car Rally. With my branded car being truly unique, I am quite certain it will fit in perfectly!
YiCF,
Carol