Date: 5th June 2005
Venue: The Priory School,
Edgbaston, Birmingham
Sponsors: Paul Leverton & Andrew Morris
Minutes – Great British Summer Party
Writing up an occasion more than two decades after the event has obvious flaws. However, viewing the Club’s Great British Summer Party at some distance has certain advantages.
My memory of the birth and build up to the afternoon suggests that it began in a typical manner. The committee collectively ruminated that it was about time for another picnic, and then sat back waiting for someone to volunteer. Still being a comparative newbie to Buckland ways, despite having sponsored a Futurist Dinner in 1999, I remained wet behind the ears and stepped forward as others stepped back.
I immediately roped in friend, former member, and more importantly local caterer Paul Leverton to assist. So far so good. Next a venue was required. The obvious choice was Blue Coat School – where I worked. Obvious to everyone that is except the school themselves. They were having none of it, so The Priory School were contacted instead. They could not have been more welcoming and proved an ideal choice. They possessed a food tech area that well suited our needs.
Bucklanders & their families picnicked at the rear of The Priory School
Paul and I felt that we should aim to do something quintessentially British, drawing upon the vast array of seasonal products available. At this point my recollection of the menu becomes especially vague. As far as I can remember it was along the following lines:
Fresh Mackerel & Gooseberry Sauce
-o0o-
Cold Rib of English Beef (Rare)
Various Summer Salads
-o0o-
Eton Mess
There may also have been cold salmon, equally various local cheeses might have made an appearance. I am surmising this on the grounds that it seems unlikely that I would have omitted the latter. Although my brain is now screaming that Coronation Chicken could have been in the mix. Heaven forbids. This seems less likely and is probably a hangover from too many family gatherings.
The mention of hangovers reminds me that curiously I purchased two nine-gallon barrels of scrumpy cider. Members and guests responded by arriving armed with supplies from their own wine cellars. The remaining brew was dragged homewards and consumed eagerly over the next few months. I can only recall its taste as electric.
Despite unseasonably glorious sunshine, the party was only attended by around thirty members and guests. With hindsight the occasion was probably poorly promoted, or maybe the idea of a Great British Summer Party was not sufficiently unique to wet the appetite of the Buckland community. A shame because it appeared that those who did attend thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Andrew P. Morris
Chairman
10.7.2023