SURFACE WARSHIP ASSOCIATION - CHARTWELL WEEKEND 12/13th
JUNE
Like Topsy, this boating event continues to
grow and grow. This year was no exception with 26 members attending, including
a number of them being accompanied by their wives, and partners.
The models exhibited totalled 51 over the 2 days and
again showed the public the whole spectrum of Naval Types. These were from the mighty Aircraft Carrier down to a wide variety
of M.T.B.'s. Numerous members of the
public passed on their comments to members, of the high quality of
craftsmanship on display. These congratulatory comments were also passed on to
us by the Chartwell Management as a
result of which we have already been invited back next year. Watch out for dates in forthcoming QDR's.
Once
again the weather showed its kind face to the SWA with Saturday and Sunday being sunny and warm and not a hint of rain. This gave
us perfect sailing conditions with just a slight chop
on the lake early in the mornings. The only person concerned about this slight breeze was Bob Jenner with his Aircraft
carrier "Illustrious" especially
when turning. In fact this was not necessary, as she performed perfectly and
was a wow with the crowd every time she sailed on the lake. We had several mass
sailings during the day and the sight of 10 models of all types cruising around the lake was greatly appreciated by the
large crowds. Finally despite Admiral Bellamy running
one of his own models on the lake, no yellow cards were issued this year.
Over the 2
days Chartwell received over 3,700 visitors which
make all our efforts worth while. As in previous
years, on Saturday evening 18 members and wives and partners enjoyed a social
dinner at a local hostelry. This is an ideal opportunity to chat to old friends
we normally only see at different Exhibitions. This SWA meeting is becoming a
truly international event with members coming from Switzerland, Germany,
France, Scotland, Wales and all across England.
This year we had to share the
weekend not only with a Band up at the House but also a Sussex contingent of
Home Guard enthusiasts. They gave displays of marching, arms drill and accompanied by blood curdling screams,
bayonet practise against an imaginary enemy of straw dummies. I am pleased to
report "the brown jobs" still needed the
assistance of the Navy to get themselves out of trouble and help get one of
their vans up a steep narrow track. Never underestimate the power of the SWA.
Finally members attending were
Steve Bullock, Hilary Breeze, Peter Revill, Jorge Britsch, Phillip Bellamy, Barry Chapman, John Coster, Bob
Jenner, Captain Moriarty, Jack Connolly, Colin
Watson, Roy Skeates, John Edwards, Barrie Griffin,
Chris Gilson-Taylor, Fred
Carter. Our special thanks go to Jess Walker, who with Karen, Hannah, Rose, George and Steve, helped out and stayed
overnight at the lakeside to guard the models.
If I have missed out any persons I apologise but we don't have any official entry details for this event.
In view of the increase in members
wanting to come to Chartwell and to allow us to have
adequate Gazebo cover for members models, especially in case of unlikely
inclement weather, we may have to ask for application forms to capture numbers.
So watch out early next year for details of the Chartwell Event in the January QDR issue.
Barry Chapman.