First Night

So - our last evening at the "old" hall of Rovsco last Thursday, and our first evening at our temporary accommodation at Endeavour Hall this.

For most, it was a question of finding it in the first place. Explicit instructions sent by email by Maz and posted on the website - together with a map and even a direct link to Google Maps, enabling you to walk almost to the hall, at least virtually.

The next issue was parking, with only road-side rather than hall-side being available, and "feeling" where might be convenient.

The chairs weren't much of a problem, with plenty available - as well as tables - in a cubby hole adjcent to the room itself. The kitchen facilities were felicitous, but requiring some sorting and a little getting used too. Fear of setting of an alarm by allowing the water-boiler to over-steam were carefully considered. Heating was adequately provided for by an adjustable thermostat by the door - but with a real need to remember to re-set it to its off position before we left.

Pam organised a seminar-warm-up-style session for our evening's entertainment. We were all asked to write on a card a memory of a "First" in our lives. When these were read out - by Pam - we had to try to guess whose first it was. Ian G. got them all right, but he was lying, some got about eight correct - which I thought was remarkable because I didn't even get my own one - but I believe Cliff got something like twelve. Some wonderful money prizes in the form of gold-wrapped chocolate were awarded to Cliff and also to Maz, who was the only person to come up with a poem about the move from the old hall - the original suggested activity for the evening. The poem is appended below.

The hall was OK - my personal reservation about it being the terrible sound-quality. It is one of those places where you can hear everybody speaking at equal volume at the same time. The other problem I foresee is the necessity of clearing the hall (and leaving it in clean and tidy condition) by 10pm. We are so lucky in our Rovsco Hall that we can over-run more or less as we wish. It makes for a much more social atmosphere.

Paul Ferris, 10th April 2015

Here is Maz' poem (and her first, by all accounts!)

FAREWELL TO ROVSCO HALL

Rovsco Hall has been EFOG's home for roughly 20 years,
So saying a fond farewell to it was bound to bring some tears.

The animal paintings on the wall have given us some pleasure,
The hall has seen activities which have given us all much leisure.

Our food evenings have always been an important part of the fun,
And I know they will continue - bangers and mash is the next one.

We rescued most of the primroses with Marian's help and advice.
They are spread around all over the place - but we had to leave the squirrels and mice!

Endeavour Hall will be our home for the next few months or more,
Then we hope to return to Rovsco Hall, rebuilt and with a new floor.

We'll have to take care with a brand new place, and not leave marks anywhere,
But it will be our home for many years, so I know we'll take some care.

So farewell to old Rovsco Hall, we'll look forward to your rebirth.
I am sure you will give us much pleasure once more, and we'll have many good evenings and mirth!