Being Friday the 27th day of January, 2017 ...

We are uncertain whether the 9 people who turned up did so to enjoy music in good company, or simply out of curiosity.

Here's what we found ...

Dogsbody was required to sign a disclaimer acknowledging that we occupied the hall at our own risk, and undertaking not to remove or venture beyond the barrier of chairs.

We despaired of the spelling ...

Were we discouraged?

Berry, as MC, lightened the mood.

Howard took us to this magnificent place of worship ...

Bob regretted his exile from the hills of Donegal ...

Bryan engaged metaphysical realms ...

Others were sceptical!

Having corporately bid Good Night to Irene, we went home, sound of wind and limb, but of questionable minds.

NOW, what about next week?

It would appear that some extensive rebuilding work is going to be required. We do not yet know when that is likely to commence, nor what it might mean for our continuing occupancy of the hall.

Therefore, I propose to review the situation on a weekly basis, as cancellation of the Club's activities could occur at short notice.

As far as I am aware, we should be able to occupy the hall again on Friday, 3rd February.
An email will be circulated on Thursday to confirm (or otherwise!)
So, WATCH YOUR INBOX!

Alternatively, phone Colin - 01243 574021 before you set off.

Advance Notice regarding 27th January and onwards ...

We have been advised that there has been an unfortunate accident causing damage to the front wall and door of the Guide Hall ...

For the immediate future it will not be possible to use the front entrance.
Fear not ... there is a blue gate to the right of the hall ...

Go through this gate to gain passage to the side and rear of the nuilding. You may then enter the hall through the patio-doors or via the kitchen at the back, (preferable option if music is in progress!)

We are assured that the building is structurally safe, that the usual facilities will be available and that the central heating will work.

It is possible that the limited front parking area could be occupied by detritus and/or building materials while repairs are being undertaken.
We once again recommend parking at the Market Car Park, and walking into Whyke Lane through the gap in the Eastern wall, as suggested in the informative blog (scroll down to 'Where?' for a map.)

Worry not!
We will be meeting as usual on Friday 27th January.
Depending on developments, we anticipate meeting on every Friday during February.

Progress reports will follow.

Being January 2017 ...

Belatedly ...

To all our friends.

ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2016 ...

It has been an enjoyable, encouraging and successful year of song, music and merrymaking.

Thank you to everyone who comes along, both regularly and occasionally, and all the MC-s who make everyone feel welcome and valued.

Thank you to all those kind individuals who ensure that Dogsbody always gets home safely!

Attendance:

• Total = 638 person-attendances over 47 weeks.
• Average attendance = 13.57 bodies.
• Best attendance = 28 persons + one guinea-pig and a stuffed penguin.
• Lowest attendance = 7 lonely people + one stuffed penguin.

Treasurer's Summary Report:

• Having donated a small gratuity to the Friends of Guiding, income and expenditure were rendered equal, whereby the club can celebrate the fact that we achieved our constitutional aim of making no profit whatsoever!
• Nobody got paid for doing what they enjoy.

Notes about the future:

• The hire-fee for the Guide Hall is to be increased for 2017 because of rising energy costs. In order to cover that expense, the club needs to maintain an average attendance of 13.5 subscribers per week. If we need to purchase new table-cloths, you'd better bring along all your friends!
• We are advised that The Guides are planning to refurbish the kitchen during August 2017 and that the hall will be unavailable to us during that month. Dogsbody looks forward to a short sabbatical then, but if anyone else wishes to organise an alternative venue for August, that's fine.

So, what did happen during January?

• 6th January ...

Mave anticipated the arrival of a green man ...

Will I do?

There was account of an illegal activity ...

...and the other one hung as a token.
May God forgive their crime.

There were two accounts involving three hypothermic deaths ...

• 13th January ...

Angela blew bubbles with Paul ...

There were hypothermic sheep ...

and so they all perished ...

We discovered this unsecured conveyance ...

It now occupies a secure location somewhere in Chichester.

Anyone claiming ownership must contact the Police within 28 days.

Otherwise it becomes 'finders-keepers'!

• 20th January ...

Mick took us instrumentally to a Cornish estuary ...

Mike P. remembered Peter Sarstedt ...

R.I.P.

Then, courtesy of Roger, we went home on the [right] side of midnight.

Being Friday the Penultimate Day of December, 2016 ...

Yes, it was the eve of New Year's Eve.

We anticipated some Christmas left-overs.
Look what Chris brought to share ...

Thank you, Chris!

Max and Sylvia travelled many miles over hedges and styles in search of a diminutive bird ...

Yvonne requested the assistance of two gentlemen ...

Les and Mike appeared surprised
at such a description.

Some of us wondered what ever happened to an erstwhile local talent, Maria Barton.
Well, here she is ...

We wished each other all the usual wonderful things for New Year: peace, health, prosperity etc., before being accompanied home by a gathering of celestial beings ...

[Our] triumph is begun!