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Kraken

From: Dublin Bay

Registered: 2011-02-24

Posts: 333

London Boat Show Dinner 2011

There had been a number of changes at the Boat Show this year. Some, like the new location of the R.Y.A. Lounge, had been well publicised and others less so. Entering ExCel via the usual western entrance, as one would from Custom House on the D.L.R., it was necessary to walk past many closed halls before reaching the show itself. In fact, travellers on the D.L.R. where advised, or instructed, not to alight at Custom House for ExCel but to stay on until Prince Regent!

The show was no smaller than before but had shifted to the eastern end to take advantage of the new extension. The escalators up to the R.Y.A. Lounge were generally deserted and the area appeared rather clinical with the lounge considerably smaller than in previous years.

The 'boardwalk' at the eastern end of the 'boat hall' was fine but the most talked about exhibit was the 'How to Master your Cruising Chute' demonstration at the other end of the same hall.

Ten of us gathered in the Tai Pan Chinese Restaurant at Limehouse for our usual Boat Show Dinner.

Brian and Dawn Smith with John Cade

Our Members' guests; Dick, Anne and Julian

Peter caught with toffee apple pudding

John and Lynda Tyer had come with their friends, Anne and Julian. John Cade and Dick Meloy were there, as were Brian and Dawn Smith. Peter and Jenny Cosker completed our fairly exclusive group this year.

We were made very welcome and the service was every bit as good as usual. The food is always excellent and plentiful. Perhaps a few more of you will be able to join us next year.

The photographs were taken by Jenny, who failed to secure a suitable photograph of John and Lynda Tyer. Please accept our apologies.