Graham Eames awarded second Letter of Commendation, November 2024
Nominated by Debbie Eames who wrote: I would like to nominate Keith Rowe and Graham Eames for a Chairman’s letter of commendation for their outstanding organisation of the 20th Anniversary BOC Pageant in Brundall in May.
Graham put an awful lot of time and effort into getting the 40 boats for the pageant – he even exceeded our monthly allowance of minutes on our home phone for the cause! To get that many boats to agree to come to Brundall and take part in the weekend was a massive achievement. During his many discussions with members, he also managed to sell tickets for the Southern Comfort Cruise on the Sunday evening – making that a resounding success. Graham also had the idea to set up the “Broom Handles”, our very own group of sea shanty singers, after failing to find a professional group to come along.
Keith put a lot of time and effort into securing the moorings in Brundall for visiting boats and helping everyone to moor up when they arrived. He organised the location and tent setup for the Friday evening barbecue and sought activities for the Sunday. He played taxi driver to our European members who visited and were staying in Norwich and had the idea of the Southern Comfort trip on the Sunday evening to round off the weekend with a party and a great cake. He also organised the coaches to get everyone from Brundall to Horning. For the whole weekend Keith helped with anything and just got on with doing anything that needed to be done, ensuring the whole weekend was a roaring success.
I would also like to mention here, that there were many other people who played a part in the weekends’ success:
- Linda Varney provided support during the organisation period and over the weekend, in particular, providing food at the barbecue for those who weren’t able to bring stuff for themselves.
- Chris Cole for organising the Saturday evening meal with the White Heron team – and taking over the serving of the food with Maggie when the pub realised they didn’t have enough staff on to do it.
- The “Broom Handles” for their entertainment on Friday evening – many thanks for all of the volunteers for their efforts, and also for their help securing the venue for the hilarious practice sessions and providing tea, biscuits and cake.
The whole weekend was enjoyed by everyone and despite the weather for the actual pageant, our Broom boats showed themselves to be worthy of the Broom badge, all clean, polished and dressed up to the nines in bunting – we looked absolutely magnificent on the river.
Dear Graham,
David Haugh, BEM
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER OF COMMENDATION
It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you of the award of a Chairman’s Letter of Commendation from the Broom Owners Club. This award is presented to members who have enhanced the good name and reputation of the Club and have contributed in a significant way to the enjoyment of the Club by members. This award is special in another way, too, as it is the first time that a member has been awarded a second Letter of Commendation – a record to be proud of.
On this occasion the award recognises your very significant contribution to the success of the Broom Owners Club 20th anniversary pageant, particularly the exemplary way in which the sail-past was organised and conducted. Despite the very inclement weather experienced on the day, the involved planning and attention to detail which preceded the event ensured that the sail-past was conducted in a safe and proficient manner, to the delight and enjoyment of those participating. The fleet in procession, with many of the boats dressed overall, provided a splendid sight on the river and certainly enhanced the reputation and good-standing of the Broom Owners Club.
Your encouragement and perseverance in ensuring that the cruise on board the paddle-boat ‘Southern Comfort’ was taken up for the last night, made certain that the pageant ended with a delightful and successful party, one that will remain in the memory of Club members for a very long time and which rounded off a great weekend with an excellent finale.
Graham, your contributions help make this great Club what it is and I take great delight in awarding this second Chairman’s Letter of Commendation to you. Congratulations and thank you for what you do for the Broom Owners Club.
Yours sincerely
Chairman, Broom Owners Club