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MERSEA WEEK SOCIAL EVENTS 2008
BAR – Open everyday from 12.00 to 23.00
Breakfast rolls and coffee every morning 08.30 to 10.30
Sunday - Bar snacks and light meals from 12.00 to 21.00
Monday - Bar snacks and light meals from 12.00 to 17.30
- Prizegiving Curry Evening 17.30 to 21.00
Tuesday - Bar snacks and light meals from 12.00 to 20.30
Wednesday - ROUND THE ISLAND RACE
- Bar snacks and light meals from 12.00 to 17.00
- Prizegiving Barbecue 17.00 to 21.00
….and ”Dark & Stormy Disco”
Thursday - Bar snacks and light meals from 12.00 to 20.30
Friday - WMYC Regatta
- Bar snacks and light meals from 12.00 to 19.30
- Evening – Long Room: WMYC Regatta Supper
20.30 to 22.00(Booking Req'd)
Bar: Hot meals available 20.00 to 22.00
Plus music – Come and dance the night away!
Saturday – Town Regatta
- Bar snacks from 12.00 to 18.00
- Evening – Fireworks Display Supper from 20.00
(Booking Required)
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RACE DAY MENU
Baguettes:
Cock’s sausage & onion £4.25
Prawn Marie Rose £4.25
Mature Cheddar cheese £3.25
Meals:
Scampi & chips in a basket £5.95
Chilli con carne
(hot or very hot) £7.95
Spaghetti Bolognaise £7.95
Chicken Tikka Masala £7.95
Portion of chips £1.50
*** MIDSUMMER BALL ..Review ***
...Oh What a Night! ... It was the Ball we had all been waiting for..fine food, good company and two excellent bands. The old formula of seafood and strawberries certainly worked. Not only was it delicious and plentiful, it meant that the overall price was reasonable and it gave folk time to do what they were there to do...party!
An incredible amount of work went on behind the scenes and it is due to those people that the Ball was the professional and successful affair that it was.
Thank you.
NEW HEAD CHEF
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Stephen Edwards-"Eddie" as the new Head Chef at the Yacht Club. Eddie has, over recent years, proven to be one of the best chefs in the area and it has always been a pleasure to enjoy his cooking skills wherever he has been, notably the Whalebone at Fingringhoe, Plough at Peldon and most recently the Oyster Bar at West Mersea. Eddie starts with us on 30th June – in good time for the Summer season.
In addition to Eddie’s arrival we will also be launching a new lunchtime menu and an exciting new range of dishes in the evening. You will see some of your old favourites plus we’ll be adding a distinct Mersea feel to the menu as Eddie will be sourcing as much as possible from local suppliers.
I hope these changes will ensure that the Yacht Club once again becomes your first choice to eat with friends and family. Book now for the first week of July to ensure you are one of the first to enjoy the new menu and Eddie’s cooking.
Nick Glanvill
Commodore
THE STELLA BELL
18th May 2008
To all members,
Since the removal of the Stella Bell many members have acknowledged that both the service and general atmosphere in the bar have improved considerably. However, based on correspondence received and comments made in the suggestion book it is clear that the removal of the bell has not met with the unanimous approval of all members.
The matter was therefore discussed at length at a meeting of the General Committee held on Thursday 15th May 2008. The Committee, after careful consideration of all aspects of the matter, felt that the removal of the Stella Bell had been right course of action and that it should not be reinstated above the bar.
However the Committee agreed that the Bell is an important part of the Club’s heritage and that it should be treated as such. It was agreed that the Bell should be turned into a trophy that, whilst being awarded to a member of the Stella Class for racing in Mersea Week, would remain in a prominent position in the bar.
I hope that all members can see the good sense in this decision and continue to support the Flag Officers and General Committee in their endeavours.
N A Glanvill
Commodore
Music in the Bar - Quire - Friday 30th May - 1930 hours
Formed four years ago out of a music class at Greyfriars Adult Education, Quire, Colchester’s community choir and singing sensation, continually grows and now has over 60 magnificent voices.
Professor Bill Tamblyn, who leads the ever growing Quire, explains why Quire concerts have become such a success with audiences wherever they perform: “Audiences are positively encouraged to join in with the some of the choruses!” Quire are gaining a national and international reputation and have released 2 CDs.
Bill has kindly offered to bring some of the Quire along to the Club on Friday 30 May for an evening of shanties and other songs. They will entertain us in the main area of the Bar from 1930, with 2 sets. It has been agreed that he can 'pass round the bucket' during the evening for a collection in support of his chosen cause.
Dining will take place as usual and so why not book in for our Blackboard Specials evening - it promises to be a really good event.
House it going?
Message from the Rear Commodore House
Many of you will be aware that I assumed the post of Flag Officer House in February having offered to ‘help in some small capacity’ when approached by the Commodore. Having conducted an initial review, there were clearly some wolves nearer the sledge than others and in need of early resolution. We now have a clear structure to the House Committee and your main members are John Cook (House, including Structure, Gardens, and Property), Ben Gibson (Messing, including Catering, Bar, and Wines), and I’ve yet to find some willing volunteer to take on Entertainments (please feel free to get involved) but Annie Heathcote is the Communications Member there. Others give of their precious spare time and we are making progress.
You now have a choice of better beers in the bar, we are trying to create a small wine bar in the snug area, and communication has improved between staff and members. We have funding to improve the Gents, introduce bike racks, improve the showers, sort out exterior walls, and create disabled parking spaces. Under Simon Talbot we are looking at better utility of the Long Room, and I’m sure he would welcome practical assistance.
Although it is fair to say that our formal dinners have been outstanding, Ben has been working hard towards improving the general standard of catering and creating a more exciting menu. There have been some tastings and, having reached agreement, we were about to launch the new fayre upon you this month. However, Chef Andy has had doubts that he is the man to take catering to where we want to go, plus there are family pressures, and he will be leaving us. I’d like to thank Chef Andy for his support to date and wish him well in the future. We will be introducing some of the selected new dishes, but not the whole selection until we can assure quality and consistency.
Having attacked those wolves slavering at my heels (and plastering over the wounds from those I failed to slay!!), I would like to better gauge the way forward by seeking your help. I will place a new suggestions book on the table at the main entrance and would invite anyone with a helpful view or comment to make use of the facility. The book will be left in place and your comments will be addressed by the relevant Flag Officer and/or Commodore. I intend to put out a questionnaire by the summer and would ask that you give it some of your own precious time.
Finally, I would encourage you to make full use of the Club facilities. No matter how warm the beer, how plain the food, and how irritating the Flag Officer House (and we enjoy much higher standards than that in the Club – except the irritating Flag Officer bit!!) the membership will always provide the wit, the character, the camaraderie, and the sympathy whenever they gather together.
Tony Barton
Rear Commodore House
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REMOVAL OF THE STELLA BELL
1. At the General Committee meeting on the 27 March 2008, concern was raised at the apparent inconsistency in service to Members at the bar and the fact that Members then had to resort to use of the bell to obtain service. It was understandable that Members should have the appropriate high level of service and, ideally, there would be one, at least, of the bar staff serving within the bar area at all times. It was acknowledged, however, that staff costs did not allow that level of staffing and that more often than not any staff on duty would have a variety of legitimate tasks that could remove them from the immediate bar area (serving food to other Members, changing barrels, fetching wine orders, washing glasses, answering phones, etc, etc).
2. It was stated that many Members found the summoning of staff by a strident bell call embarrassing as it was felt to be demeaning to the staff and to hold no place in a decent establishment, certainly not in one of the class and style of WMYC. It was even more embarrassing as some Members seemed to believe that if not answered immediately then loud and resolute use of the bell was the answer. This was clearly even more upsetting for the staff and exacerbated the embarrassment as some Members then appeared to believe that causing staff discomfiture was fine sport and amusing.
3. It was felt that there was a place for better communication between staff and Members, and if Members were aware of pending and actual absence they would be far more understanding and there would be no need for a bell. It would also be helpful if Members were aware of who was actually on duty that day, by name, and what management was available to resolve issues.
4. I was tasked to assess the situation, revise staff procedures (with the aim of improving the service to Members, attaining better communication between staff and Members, and restoring mutual respect for all in the Club), and remove the bell. My initial assessment confirmed the Committee view. It was clear that the Club is blessed with smart, conscientious, and presentable staff who are willing and able. They all want only to give a decent day’s toil, in a decent environment, for a decent day’s pay. It was clear that the bell was viewed as unfair and demeaning and could have the opposite effect as intended as it was ignored deliberately when staff were about legitimate tasks and the bell was rung incessantly (although it was accepted that Members might not have been informed of those legitimate tasks, nor of their likely duration). I immediately instituted a revised staff regime (below) and introduced the House Team Board and explanation for absence cards.
5. It was clear that there were a small number of Members who regarded the bell as a genuinely appropriate way to summon absent staff and who would find it difficult to accept that it offended both staff and other Members. It may well be that an improved, efficient, and happier service will be insufficient to convince them that the bell has no place in the social hierarchy of the Club. There are other Members who are concerned that a presentation item should be removed and the history lost. It is a fact that most Clubs are fortunate enough to be in receipt of a number of presented items. It is also a fact that many of those outlive the utility for which they were originally intended (snuff boxes, cigarette lighters, claret jugs, cock fighting rings, etc) and are removed from daily use. Those items are then reserved for particular occasions, stored, redesignated, or returned. Personally, I like to see our history preserved and would look for suitable display of such items (although our trophy cabinet is somewhat full).
6. Taking all factors into consideration, and to meet the intent of the Committee, I removed the bell. I have been pleased with the reaction of our staff and Members have reported to me that they regard the service and information much improved. I am afraid that some Members who miss the bell take their frustration out on our staff and I hope they quickly realise that it does them little credit. I am having a small glass case built for the bell and intend to have it on display. Where Members find that staff are not readily available and there appears to be no obvious explanation, I invite them to go behind the bar to locate the staff member. I have encouraged all Committee Members to help take an active interest in service levels when in the bar and to seek out staff if appropriate. I would also ask that senior Members of the Club show leadership and help both staff and other Members resolve any perceived deficiencies in service.
A B BARTON
Flag Officer House
West Mersea Yacht Club
1. There would be a House Team board at the end of the bar with all the names of the team on duty at that time (Manager, chef, bar staff, waitress, etc). Team Board updated for each session.
2. The normal place of duty for the bar staff would be at the bar.
3. Julie would arrange the production of a number of signs that could be placed over the Team Board that would inform new arrivals of the reason for the absence of the staff from the bar (ie, ‘Sorry that I am not at the bar to serve you at the moment, I am changing a barrel. I will be back shortly’, ‘serving another member with food’, ‘fetching additional stock from the cellar’, etc).
4. Bar staff would inform members close to the bar that they were having to undertake one of the tasks before departure. Members present would be expected to inform new arrivals.
5. Bar staff would announce their return to the bar and enquire if there was anyone who needed serving.
6. Bar staff would attempt to welcome new arrivals into the Club where that was appropriate.
7. Julie would attempt to ensure that more members were aware of her presence front of house.
8. Julie was to encourage Chef Andy to discuss menu choices with members before the meal where that was possible, and to visit diners when time allowed.
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HOUSE NEWS 2
Disabled parking : We've created a disabled parking space which we ask members to treat with respect, particularly at events when it may be needed. There is no loss of parking because at the same time we've defined a space on the outer edge one row down. This really is for the smaller car as you are liable for a ticket from alert parking attendants if your wheels stray over the yellow line!
Wet room: This has fallen into some disrepute recently having been used as a bit of a dumping ground. No more! Its been cleared and cleaned, the door lock works again and we encourage you to use it for your wet gear and indeed for changing if needed. However please do not use it as a store, we'd like to keep it presentable. If you cannot remember the lock number. please ask at the office.
Sunshades: these do get damaged in the winds -if you are last to leave a shaded table in the evening, please take a moment to lower the sunshade and help us avoid bills for replacements.
Gents toilets: We're hoping to get a minor refurb underway soon including a redecoration and much needed new floor. Please bear with us if the toilet is closed from time to time soon, the disabled and the upstairs ones are of course always available.
Baby changing: In response to requests we've installed a purpose made pull down baby changing table in the disabled toilet so Mum's and Dad's can share the task! Please leave it clean after use.
John Cook
House committee
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Centenary Cup Regatta Party - Saturday 10th May 2008
After a hard day's racing, come back to the Club for a pint or two. Curry is the order of the day - chicken or vegetarian served with rice and Naan ....then it's time to party!!! Music til late!
Saskia Clark - Review of our Celebration Evening- Friday 22nd February
There was no underestimating the successes of Yacht Club member Saskia Clark as not one, but two television crews arrived at the Club to catch up with her last week. Dressed in a Chinese dress in line with the evening’s theme, Saskia told the Anglia TV and BBC Look East sports reporters how important Mersea is to her and what it means to receive messages of support and encouragement in the countdown to the Beijing Olympics in August.
Commodore Nick Glanvill and his Dabchicks counterpart Ed Allen took the opportunity to present Saskia with Life Membership of their respective clubs, pointing out that while Mersea has spawned many champion sailors, Saskia is the first Olympic contender. As Nick led a toast to Saskia and teammate Christina Bassadone, the cameramen panned the room capturing a smiling crowd holding their glasses high with Chinese nibbles in the foreground and lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
Watch out for coverage on Anglia local news this week and on BBC Look East towards the end of next month. Both stations will be following the 470 partnership as they train for the Olympics. Saskia is now at a training camp in Valencia leading up to the first of the season’s Olympic Classes regattas in Palma, Majorca, starting on the 17th March.
Saskia Clark
Midsummer Ball
Saturday 21st June 2008
Back by popular demand
We are going back to the original format:
Marquee and two brilliant Bands
Seafood Platters, Strawberries and Cream
(order your food and eat at any point in the evening)
Mildly themed on A Midsummer’s Night Dream
Ladies - we encourage you to reflect the theme in your dress but this is by no means compulsory. Gentlemen: Black Tie
£50.00 per head
If you wish to enjoy the love potions that the fairies have concocted
you will have to arrive by 8.30pm
Buy your ticket now by contacting the Club Office now.
Bring your friends and make up a table of ten
Let’s make this a night to remember and in the process, raise some funds for our Club!
London Boat Show - Review
Friday 11th January 2008 – Preview Day - £23.00 (Coach & Entry)
Two coaches with 86 people wound their way through the pouring rain to the Boat Show ....but, the coach was warm, the driver was excellent and what else can you do on such a day! Some of us managed to catch the end of the presentation of the award for best rescue photograph taken by local RNLI crew member Rusty Marshall and show our support. The official opening ceremony followed with both Sir Robin Knox-Johnson and Griff Rhys Jones being interviewed. It was then time to take in the show and being Preview Day, there were none of the usual crowds and it was easy to access any areas of interest.
5pm came round all too quickly when it was time to return to the Club for supper and to swap stories of the day.
Rusty Marshall's award winning photograph
Smack Boadicea CK213 - Those of you who have already visited the Boat Show may have seen local smack Boadicea on display. This year she is two hundred years old, making her one of the oldest sailing vessels in Europe still in regular use. Three generations of the Frost family have owned Boadica and the book telling her story is available from the Club Office priced £12.00.
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