What a year it’s been! When would we be coming out of lockdown? Will we, won’t we? Without a definite date nothing could be planned, there was just a series of “Ifs”. Then it was going to be mid-June. Planning started in earnest, only for our hopes to be dashed and everything was again put on hold. Then, at last, the 15th of July saw the end of lockdown and the relaxation of the restrictions on our lives. Our regular activities gradually got going again and we could make plans for a programme of major events. The first was a putting competition, the Blagdon Open, for individuals to play on our rather rough 9-hole course. The weather was good, the bar was open and the turnout was good so a very enjoyable afternoon was had by all, players and spectators alike.
Then came what is normally the pinnacle of our summer, the Summer Party, held in mid-August. A jazz group was hired, extra tables and chairs were hired, gazebos erected, decorations put up and a superb buffet was provided by our excellent cook Dave and his two waiting staff. Once again the weather was kind to us, sunshine but not too hot and with a gentle breeze. The attendance exceeded initial expectations and residents and a few guests were obviously glad to be free to socialise again, creating a superb atmosphere. Some even got up and “danced” to the music. Much of the success of the event was due to the willing group of residents who set the whole thing up, those who ensured that everyone was properly looked after during the afternoon, and at the end those who returned everything to normal. Nothing could have happened without them.
We held another putting competition at the end of August, this time ‘Inter-House’ with teams made up from the five apartment blocks and the cottages and bungalows. The competition, as well as earning liquid prizes from the bar, was for the Emerson Cup. Hugh Emerson, the donor of the cup, was a past resident. Again, the weather was kind to us, the attendance was good and it was a good fun afternoon.
Now we can look forward to more major events which will be reported on in future blogs. These will hopefully be monthly from now on.
