2019 Social
AGM on 30th November 2019 at the Grovefield House Hotel, Burnham
REPORT ON THE FAWLTY TOWERS DINING EXPERIENCE BY ANDY STONE
JAWS at Fawlty Towers
5th October 2019
Fifteen Jawsees and five guests attended the “Fawlty Towers Dinner Experience” in the Oak Room at the Wycombe Swan on Saturday 5th October.
The evening started off with a drink in the bar and then we were ushered into the dining room for dinner.
Basil entered and the similarity in appearance to John Cleese was uncanny. He was ably supported by Manuel and Sybil. We think Polly had the night off!!
They performed various sketches during the course of the meal including Manuel’s pet hamster (RAT!!), Don’t mention the War, Manuel’s Paella and the Wedding Anniversary whilst interacting with the audience. They were very good and much appreciated.
The dinner for those familiar with Fawlty Towers consisted of a starter of either WALDORF Salad or a Ham Hock terrine; The main course was a choice of RATatouille or DUCK (SURPRISE!!) and dessert was Trifle or Lemon Posset.
A fun evening was had by all and thanks goes to Glenys and Sue for organising this event on behalf of JAWS
Visit to Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge
On Friday 26th July, 23 members of Jaws went to the Bunker at RAF Uxbridge.
The Bunker housed RAF Fighter Command’s No 11 Group Operations Room throughout the Second World War, the room from which most of the RAF’s side of the Battle of Britain was co-ordinated.
Key decisions that would decide the fate of nation were taken in the Bunker throughout 1940 and it was thanks to the tireless work of the plotters and controllers that the RAF’s fighter pilots managed to keep the Luftwaffe at bay.
The Operations Room, a series of rooms on two levels some 60feet underground is reached via 76 steps, we all made it!!
The plotting room with its large map table, squadron display boards, balloon and weather states is exactly how it was when Winston Churchill visited on the 15th September 1940.
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”
Churchill’s famous phrase about the Battle of Britain was first spoken following one of his visits to the Bunker in August 1940.
We all enjoyed the visit which was considerable enhanced by an excellent guide who gave us a real insight into what the world was like in 1940.Visit to Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge
On Friday 26th July, 23 members of Jaws went to the Bunker at RAF Uxbridge.
The Bunker housed RAF Fighter Command’s No 11 Group Operations Room throughout the Second World War, the room from which most of the RAF’s side of the Battle of Britain was co-ordinated.
Key decisions that would decide the fate of nation were taken in the Bunker throughout 1940 and it was thanks to the tireless work of the plotters and controllers that the RAF’s fighter pilots managed to keep the Luftwaffe at bay.
The Operations Room, a series of rooms on two levels some 60feet underground is reached via 76 steps, we all made it!!
The plotting room with its large map table, squadron display boards, balloon and weather states is exactly how it was when Winston Churchill visited on the 15th September 1940.
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”
Churchill’s famous phrase about the Battle of Britain was first spoken following one of his visits to the Bunker in August 1940.
We all enjoyed the visit which was considerable enhanced by an excellent guide who gave us a real insight into what the world was like in 1940.Visit to Battle of Britain Bunker at RAF Uxbridge
On Friday 26th July, 23 members of Jaws went to the Bunker at RAF Uxbridge.
The Bunker housed RAF Fighter Command’s No 11 Group Operations Room throughout the Second World War, the room from which most of the RAF’s side of the Battle of Britain was co-ordinated.
Key decisions that would decide the fate of nation were taken in the Bunker throughout 1940 and it was thanks to the tireless work of the plotters and controllers that the RAF’s fighter pilots managed to keep the Luftwaffe at bay.
The Operations Room, a series of rooms on two levels some 60feet underground is reached via 76 steps, we all made it!!
The plotting room with its large map table, squadron display boards, balloon and weather states is exactly how it was when Winston Churchill visited on the 15th September 1940.
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”
Churchill’s famous phrase about the Battle of Britain was first spoken following one of his visits to the Bunker in August 1940.
We all enjoyed the visit which was considerable enhanced by an excellent guide who gave us a real insight into what the world was like in 1940.
Many thanks to Ian Griffiths for arranging this very interesting trip, photos to follow.
REPORT ON THE VISIT TO SEE PATIENCE ON THE 17th MAY 2019 by Ron Bright
The fact that we are still in Europe when we shouldn't be has had many unfortunate results, the main one being that Maidenhead Operatic Society were turfed out of the Town Hall they had booked for their production of Patience and ended up at the Community Centre in Bourne End!
Did it worry them, or affect their enthusiasm for doing a good job ? No! The packed audience thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Patience is not one of the top G and S operettas,but it is full of fun and lighthearted rubbish. The Janet Crookes fan club were there in force and she never lets us down. Mind you, she has a habit of hiding in the back row which makes it difficult to spot her every time! The cast were in good form, especially the male leads and considering their cramped location, the orchestra were marvellous.When you consider the problems the society had with their last minute change of venue, they thoroughly deserved the standing ovation they received at the end. Well done, Maidenhead!
REPORT ON THE ROVING DINNER ON 11th MAY 2019 by Glenys Stone and Sue Holehouse
Following on from last years successful Roving Dinner, Mary, George, Pauline and Derek decided to organise another one! This time with an Antipodean theme! On Saturday 11th May, wearing appropriate gear and some carrying tinnies, 32 members and a crocodile met in 2 places for pre dinner drinks, canapés and if you were at Di and Johnny’s, participated in a boomerang throwing competition. We were then split into 4 groups of 8 and proceeded to our designated starter venue. The groups were then mixed again for the mains venue, and then again for the dessert venue. Finally we all finished up at the home of Pauline and Derek for cheese/biscuits and coffee - and even more drink - by which time we were all stirred but not shaken!!!!! Many thanks to Mary, George, Pauline and Derek for a very enjoyable evening that was a feat of planning in itself.
JAWS running cups presentation at Farnham Common Middle School
Report by Richard F.
REPORT ON THE SWAN THEATRE TOUR AND AFTERNOON TEA ON 3rd APRIL 2019 by Pat Luscombe
Our party of 18 gathered in the Foyer at 12:30 and our outing began with a chat from our host about the history of the Wycombe Swan Theatre and the adjoining Oak Room and Town Hall. The theatre was opened in 1992 and has an audience capacity of 1076 over three levels. It plays host to an eclectic variety of shows throughout the year and is also home to the Local Youth Theatre who put on various shows. It has a relatively small permanent staff but an army of willing volunteers who keep it running smoothly. We then began our backstage tour, down many a winding corridor, with a visit first to the Town Hall. This is a multi-purpose venue, used for dining, comedy events, wedding receptions and rehearsals of shows. Next was the Oak Room upstairs. A much smaller area, with wonderful stained glass windows of local historical dignitaries, it also has a variety of uses from weddings to auctions and themed dinner evenings (The Fawlty Towers Gourmet Experience will be held here) Then it was back through the winding corridors once more to the theatre itself. A quick glimpse of a dressing room (very sparse), into the ‘wings’ and then on to the stage which seemed huge. It is ideal for large scale productions but it must feel a little overwhelming for a solo performer. The safety curtain (surprisingly made of steel) was then raised and we got a lovely view of this charming theatre. Some of us took a bow and we then began climbing up the stairs into the ‘rigging’ where the scenery is raised and lowered. Just around the corner were the huge lights – Super Troopers to us, thanks to ABBA – though our host seemed not to have heard that phrase. From there we descended back down through the theatre to the foyer for a delicious afternoon tea.Thanks must go to Sue (who sadly missed a treat) and Glenys for organising a really different and most enjoyable JAWS event. And finally, in the early 1800's, theatre rooms and stages were lit by heating a cylinder of the mineral called lime. The result was an intensely bright white light, which gradually turned green. Hence waiting in the Green Room before a performance and being in the Limelight during it.
REPORT ON THE JAWS QUIZ HELD ON 2nd FEBRUARY 2019 by Andy Stone
The JAWS Quiz 2019 was held on 2nd February in the Village Hall. JAWS Members with their guests made 44 attendees who braved ice and snow and one of the coldest nights this winter to attend.
In order to maintain a semblance of order at this year’s event it was decided to bring in the Professionals (No not Bodie, Doyle and Cowley) Steve, Ian and Jon, who had previously set the Library Quiz, to set the quiz and mark the papers.
With the aid of the new JAWS PA system the questions could be heard clearly by everyone – particularly once the batteries had been replaced in the microphones. (Lesson for future use – don’t forget the batteries!!)
Many thanks to Brian Kay who provided the projector and associated equipment to ensure the score was visible to all on the newly installed screen.
Steve, the question master, controlled the evening perfectly. Progressing swiftly through the rounds to ensure the evening ran efficiently and to time. The rounds were cleverly put together with slightly cryptic clues to the content but a recognisable theme to each round.
An excellent Fish and Chip supper was provided at half time by Farnham Fisheries, the fish and chip shop in the village.
At the end of the evening, while the quiz team were assessing the final scores, a game of ‘heads and tails’ was played with the final two being Barrie and Sue Holehouse. Sue won.
The final result was that the quiz was won by Table 2 comprising Pat, Barrie and Neil Luscombe, John Pugh, Theresa Savage and friend Anne. They all went home happy and clutching a bottle of Prosecco.
Many thanks go to Glenys Stone and Sue Holehouse for all their efforts in organising this and to everyone for helping to clear up at the end of the evening. The general positive feedback means that Glenys and Sue are already considering doing it again next year; so keep Saturdays in February free in your 2020 Post Brexit(?) calendars.
