From the editor : Nov 02

Welcome to this edition of the Ashdown log - it's amazing to think that another sailing season is almost at an end - and that another one is about to start! Never let it be said that Ashdown Sailing Club wasn't keen to get on the water!

We have what I think is a record number of applicants for the November Weekend - matched, thank heavens, by what is probably a record number of boats. The only thing left to do now is match them all up!

Incidentally, condolences to Barbara and Ken Warren who were the first members to put their names down - no sooner had they applied than Barbara suffered a badly broken leg and they had to cancel. We send her our best wishes and hope she'll be on her feet again in time to make the Christmas cake (and certainly in time to come to the Christmas Dinner)!

Which leads rather neatly into a reminder to you all to book early for the principal gourmet event of the year on Friday 13 December. You'll find details of the Christmas Dinner menu and a booking form with this issue - but don't put it off until next week - do it now and make sure you have a place.

Other matters for your attention include the Winter Walks on Sunday 1 December (Please contact Matt Kirk - see details later) and the first weekend cruise of 2003 on 18/19 January. Gerry Raby is the organiser and you will find the booking slip at the back of the Log.

Additionally, there may be the possibility of the occasional weekend day sail during December. If you are interested please contact Robin Isaacs and he will ascertain boat/skipper availability for the date that you are interested in. We really would like to encourage a relaxed and informal relationship between skippers and crew so that members can feel free to approach boat owners when they feel an urge to get on the water, even if there is no Club event scheduled.

Pam has been very busy on our behalf during the past few months organising a new supplier for clothing embroidered with the Club logo. We are no longer limited to sweatshirts - there is an abundance of apparel to choose from in a huge range of colours. Some examples will be on show at the next Club evening on 6 November and Pam has a large catalogue so come along and have a look.

If you are thinking of going to the London Boat Show in January, have a word with Yvonne Snowdon who has access to a source of tickets at a most advantageous price.

Thanks to all members who turned up for the AGM - and to those who sent their apologies. I don't know what it is about an AGM that is such a turn-off (only eighteen voting members attended). it lasted less than an hour and we had a lot of fun. If you weren't there, perhaps you have not had an opportunity to send your membership renewal to Trevor. The new membership year started on 1 November and the subscription has been approved at £12. Your renewal form was included in your AGM pack so get it in the post now - or better still bring it to the Club Meeting at Spooners on 6 November.

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who sent contributions for this issue, especially our old friend, Anon, who got busy with the limericks! It does make the editor's life much simpler if there is something to edit! Keep them coming articles on any subject are acceptable, as are photos, poems or anything else you can think of. The next issue of the Log will be edited by Pam Wyatt so please get any contributions you might have to her in good time

Doh Williams