South East Noggin & Natter - An Outdoor Gathering

South East Noggin & Natter - An Outdoor Gathering

In the history of this nation, there are so many names of heroes who have braved all kinds of adversity, in the pursuance of an almost impossible goal. We think of: Captain Cook in the Antipodes, Dr Livingstone in Africa, Shackleton in the Antarctic, ‘The Few’ in the 2nd world war and Sir Edmund Hillary on Everest. New names, as of last evening, have to be added to the list of those undertaking acts of derring-do; Mike and Jan Baker, Derek Tourle, Barbara and Richard Long and of course, The Swinerds.

It was the first Jolly Tanners N&N, following the loosening of the Covid regulations on April 12th. As with all things regulated by officialdom, a small group meeting outside in the freezing cold, windy and rainy weather is permitted, leaving meeting inside for the expected heat wave in a few weeks’ time. The marquee provided in the garden had, to put it politely, ‘seen better days’ and the heaters displayed so much more light, than heat. We had goose pimples on our goose pimples. The Bakers had been enticed from sunny Cheam with the promise of entertaining talk and tinkling laughter. They were most surprised when a sudden rain storm of monsoon proportions, was so loud falling on the marquee roof as to make conversation almost impossible, added to which the rain was hitting the water already filling the receptacles collecting the drips so forcefully, that it ‘bounced’ up Derek’s trouser leg – oh how we laughed, excepting Derek of course.

A soggy distraction then appeared. A large group of cyclists, who all looked suspiciously like members of our esteemed constabulary. When questioned as to this likelihood, me thinks they did protest too much. We remained convinced when witnessing their elasticity with social distancing and their appreciation for the Channel 4 satirical programme staring Harry Enfield as Prince Charles ‘The Windsor’s’ – Royal Protection perhaps?

I would hope that South East members who are able to join us at this N&N, are far from deterred, reading this reportage. Under normal circumstances, we enjoy the facility of a private room and during really cold winter weather, Chris the landlord always allocates the best location by the log fire, for his loyal AOC customers. Chris has also applied for planning permission to build a conservatory, to replace the aged marquee. We have experienced many happy hours over the years at this N&N as an Alvis cars ‘brains trust’, such is the expertise of the SE AOC regulars.   The evening ended about an hour earlier than usual…

Chris Swinerd

SE AOC Secretary