A roundup of all National and Group News

We are sad to hear of the passing of Iris Miles, one of the greatest time trailing women of the 1950s. Details of the funeral and of Iris’ amazing career are on the VTTA North Midlands website: http://vttanorthmidlands.co.uk/index.html

After a warm welcome from Chairman Andrew Simpkins, Alan Coburn asked all guests to remember friends and relatives who are no longer with us: Les Lowe, Mick Ford and Reg Bromley. It is always good to reflect on those who have contributed so much to the sport, often for our benefit.

After that sobering thought, I must say the lunch was an extremely jolly affair and very well attended. I was particularly impressed with all the work of our MC, Alan who seems to have mastered the art of technology in a very sophisticated manner. Word documents were emailed in advance of the Lunch, no doubt created on his new iPad. In fact due to his excellent notes for the various presentations, I have decided to include them ‘as read by him’. He even colour coded names of those not present.

Alan introduced a little known custom of cross toasting, before handing over to last year’s winner of the wooden spoon, Steve Lockwood, to announce a new winner. Steve has absolutely no idea what he was involved in that was so provocative or controversial to cause this achievement.  Since he hadn’t been able to attend last year's lunch the trophy was put in the capable hands of a Committee Member, who was entrusted with the simple task of getting the trophy to him safely and promptly. Unfortunately, things didn't quite go according to plan.

On arrival at his home the said committee member realised that he no longer had the spoon.  He was forced to set out again in his car, in the snow, retracing the steps of his journey home.  After much searching he finally discovered the wooden spoon buried in the snow, or at least part of it.  He realised that not only had it fallen out of his car but he had driven over it, breaking it into several pieces.  He then had to search for the remaining pieces.

The wooden spoon spent a considerable time in the care of a leading wooden spoon repairer, so it was a few weeks before it was finally delivered to Steve.  Thankfully the repair had been successful and hopefully you can see from the photographs taken at the dinner that it is now almost completely recovered from its ordeal. As a result the wooden spoon was awarded to the Committee Member responsible for this sorry tale, Jeff Matthews.

After an excellent and very ample meal, including half a roast chicken each, Jeff Matthews welcomed the guests, see other write up. To this Colin Sturgess replied, ending with a toast to the Midlands Group. Next up was our Chairman, Andrew, who responded by thanking everyone specially Tim and Colin. He drew our attention to the exhibition of Les Lowe’s awards which were here for all to see. His only other point was the need for more committee members. After Sue Kelly had toasted the Prize Winners, all Presentations to the various winners were made and then acknowledged on behalf of Phil Brown. Greta Spiers drew the occasion to a conclusion which was formally closed by the Chairman.