News & Views 2019 - Page 6
SER Dinner Dance Eastbourne January 2019
The Cumberland Hotel, Grand Parade, Eastbourne was once again the venue for the South Eastern Region’s Annual Dinner Dance over the weekend of 18 – 20 January 2019. This very popular venue hosted a near capacity 100 diners on Saturday evening.
For the ‘weekend breakers’ Friday was the start of the festivities with a gathering in the lounge or Bar for lunch, afternoon teas and later for pre-dinner ‘refreshments.’ The three course dinner Friday evening gave a little clue to the great cuisine we were to enjoy for the main event Saturday evening.
After dinner we spent a very pleasant evening catching up on all the latest news, with our friends back in the lounge and bar. Sadly a couple of regulars were missing this year but new friends were made with the ‘first timers’ at this year’s Dinner Dance weekend.
Saturday breakfast included all the best of heath foods or a full English breakfast treat for those whose diet ‘Starts tomorrow!’ The morning was dry but very blustery and freezing cold. However many ventured out for sightseeing, shopping or just getting some exercise. Meanwhile Jenny and her little band of helpers had the task of setting up for the main event later in the day. The gifts and special purchases of prizes were credited with their donators and arranged in the Ball Room for the Grand Raffle. Followed by the setting up of the Dining Tables with their Name Plates, Centre Pieces and decoration raffle envelopes. All finished off with Jenny’s handmade menu Cards and copies of the Region’s 2019 Sites Fixture Booklet. (Another stunning Table Arrangement designed by Jenny – check the Picture Gallery for more).
Saturday evening before dinner we were all invited to the Bar for a Pre-Dinner drink of ‘Bubbly’ compliments of the Hotel! Next was the traditional greeting line where Diners were welcomed into the Dining Room by the Regional President, Chairman and Club Hon. Treasurer and their partners. The top table included the invited guests Trevor and Pauline Wilson, Steve and Carol Harris and Kat Espiritus from Alzheimer’s Research UK.
A short break was taken between the sweet and the cheese & biscuit courses to make a couple of presentations. Jenny introduced her top table guests including Kat from Alzheimer’s UK. Next Jenny presented her with a cheque from the Region. In the two years of charity fund raising, for Jenny’s chosen charity, the amazing generosity of the Region’s members collected a total of £1,510.00. (Over £600 of the total was through Jenny’s head shave)
Kat gracefully accepted the cheque and thank us all for the donation, particularly Jenny’s sacrifice of her ‘crowning glory.’ Kat went on to explain how Alzheimer’s Research is working towards understanding Dementia, researching treatments and more importantly, the causes and possible prevention.
Jenny then handed over to Steve Harris (Club Hon. Treasurer) to make a presentation of the Club’ Certificate of Honour to Trevor and Pauline Wilson. He read a glowing citation of their many, many contributions to the Club and its members both locally and at many NFOLs over the years. (More pictures in the Gallery).
With dinner completed, we all moved down to the Ball Room and Lower Bar for the dancing. We were entertained by four very accomplished musicians by the name the Mayfair Society Band. They played every type of music from ‘strictly ballroom’ to ‘Rock n Roll’ with everything in between. The dance floor was full for most of the evening. During the interval the grand raffle was drawn and a lot of happy people collected some amazing prizes. Sadly, Auld Lang Sine came too soon and it was time for bed (or back to the bar for a nightcap).
Sunday breakfast was once again a gourmet’s delight and all took advantage of the generous portions to start the day well. Later in the hotel reception we bade farewell to those departing and ventured out for a breath of fresh sea air. Jenny and I stayed on for the extra night together with a couple of dozen guests and were once again treated to a super three course dinner Sunday evening
Monday morning we made our last goodbyes to the guests and to the Hotel Staff, with a promise of returning this time next year (The date Saturday 18th January 2020 has been reserved for us – you saw it here first!)
Another super Dinner Dance weekend enjoyed by all and we hope to see everyone again next year.
David Croney
