Broom Owners Club

27 members and guests gathered at the Royal Southampton Yacht Club on 18th September for the annual Southampton Boat Show Get Together. This year's event was special in that it was at the RSYC 5 years ago in September 2004 that the Broom Owners Club was formed. At that inaugural meeting the principle aims of the club were determined and the first club commitee elected, many of whom are still serving.

As usual the staff at RSYC made us very welcome and set aside a large section of their restaurant to seat us with excellent views of Ocean Village Marina, and the chef prepared a great dinner to his usual high standards. Among the guests were prospective members who were welcomed by all members and we hope they are now going to join us. The evening was enjoyed by all.

The Southern Region's first ever mid-week get together in July was a great success. The idea was suggested as many members were retired and as such would be able to take advantage of quieter more peaceful locations to get together in. Two locations were considered, Island Harbour on the River Medina upstream of Cowes, Isle of Wight and the Dan Bran pontoon on the Lymington River, both peaceful locations offering quiet surroundings, great views and pleasant walks. After discussions with some members the Dan Bran pontoon at Lymington was decided upon and booked. This pontoon is run by the Lymington Harbour Commissioners and is reserved for club rallies only. It has great views of the Lymington River and is close to two yacht clubs, Lymington Town Sailing Club and Royal Lymington Yacht Club. It is also on one hand within a short walk of Lymington’s High Street with shops etc and on the other right next to unspoilt coastal walks.

18 Southern Region members aboard nine boats gathered on 21^st July for a two night stay. Six boats moored on the Dan Bran pontoon and 3 boats were moored on their regular berths at Lymington Yacht Haven close by.

Dinner was organised on the first evening at Royal Lymington Yacht Club. This was our first visit and they made us very welcome with an excellent dinner from their regular A la Carte menu.

The following day a gentle walk to a nearby pub along the banks of the Lymington River and the Solent coast via old salt pans was organised by John and Gill Oldham. John had even prepared laminated maps with written directions showing the route and most importantly, the pub where we enjoyed a pleasant lunch before completing the circular walk back to the pontoon. All in all a great rally organised by Colin and Christine Stephens assisted by John and Gill Oldham which will, I'm sure be repeated.