The Centenary celebrations at the Gala Dinner in the spacious marquee on the 2nd team pitch were an unmitigated success. The weather was perfect, the music, catering and the camaraderie of all age groups was up to the highest possible standards as expected. The evening started with free drinks, followed by the usual excellent and apt welcoming speech by our President, John Spencer, incapacitated physically but certainly not mentally! He paid apt tributes not only to our founders but to those who kept up the momentum to take us from being a local Dales Club to one known and respected nationally.
Not only that but John and Amanda circulated amongst the tables, as did other Club stalwarts, to extend the warmest possible welcome in true Wharfedale style. That 400 people were there was further proof if any were needed that we are members of a very special Club.
The team of ladies led by Carol Brewster and Amanda had worked throughout Friday and put in much thought and effort for many weeks to ensure that the event went like clockwork. They deserve huge credit; such teamwork must never be taken for granted.
Gina of course was one of those ladies and Hodge was there in the early hours when we left to thank us for coming, and of course Rachel Younger who provided much needed bacon sandwiches! We must never take for granted the loyal people who are prepared to put in the hard graft week after week.
The dancing saw many of mature years taking to the floor. I noted Adge going strong when younger men might have flagged! We had had the advantage of warming up at a 50th birthday celebration a few weeks before.
Words cannot do credit to a fabulous, totally memorable evening which was certainly worth all the effort.
Now for a special season on the pitch! It is good that the 1st XV match v Sheffield will now be a part of the special weekend on September 30th to October 1st.
Here’s a collage of some of the wonderful photographs of the equally wonderful evening!
