Page 32 - Summer2014Gazette

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All seasons are kind to evergreens

The joint 70th birthday garden party for Chris Haines,
Ian Wilson, and Gary Botley, July 5th/6th 2014

Ian Wilson, Gary Botley and Chris Haines These modestly pleasant
conditions seemed also to
It was certainly a unique Although held at the height reflect the sedate character
event of its kind, three of summer following a of the occasion whilst
past presidents celebrating short heat-wave, the event Saturday’s chill and the
their respective seventieth experienced the uncertainties winds of Sunday evening
birthdays within several days of unpromising British brought in an ominous hint
of each other. Chris Haines, summer weather earlier on of autumn, (perhaps evoking
Ian Wilson and Gary Botley that Saturday. A series of a sense of being one who
were not going to pass up the light showers during the was in the autumn of their
opportunity of sharing the morning and afternoon life’s journey.) But when the
occasion with friends and of that day threatened sun came out, one could still
colleagues especially those the prospect of open air experience the precious joys
in the club itself, and where socialising, although the of an Indian summer, to
better to hold such an event grounds were well provided give assurance that life yet
but in the grounds of the with marquee tents for had more pleasures to offer.
Clubhouse in Hayes. shelter from all the elements. To quote the observation
Over two days during the However just before the of Phineas Finn, (hero of
weekend of July 5th and 6th start of the Saturday party novelist Anthony Trollope’s
from late Saturday afternoon at 5pm the sky brightened, Palliser novels depicting
until Sunday evening a the clouds parted and a faint Victorian parliamentary life),
celebrated assembly of sun gave some semblance when complimenting the
guests, including over 30 of modest warmth to aged society hostess, Lady
past presidents, numerous complement the freshness Baldock on her looks, it
vice presidents, and athletes which tempered the muggy could be said of you that “all
past and present turned up. humidity of previous days. seasons are kind to evergreens”.
There were certainly many
evergreens present here,
especially the three main
characters, and they all
had plenty of opportunity
to meet old friends and
acquaintances. George Butlin
talked to me at length about
the ‘Hellfire Club’, a dining
fraternity from long ago
with a penchant for classy
wines and mythological
pseudonyms. A short speech
from Brian Stone regaled the
assembly with appropriate
anecdotes, and a highlight
of the Sunday party was
the customary rendition
of ‘happy birthday to you’