A Great President's Evening.

After a bleak couple of years, we were able to celebrate another President’s Night to thank Miles for his sterling work on our behalf over two traumatic years. Accordingly on the 19th March, 42 of us sat down to dinner in the Beaumont Hotel.
dinner The Guest of Honour was our District Governor, Alan Carter and the occasion was also graced by the Presidents of both Tynedale and Hadrian’s Wall Rotary Clubs. After a reception in the adjoining room, we sat down to an excellent three course meal w3ith menu choices that were able to please everyone. From the remarks afterwards, the most praise went to beetroot cured salmon starter, the main course of featherblade of beef and the Lemon Posset dessert but the alternative dishes were equally good.
dinner After the meal, there was a “Diversion” when several members revealed secrets from our Presidents past!
First, Shelagh who surprised us all with previously unknown facts about Miles gymnastic past when he won a gold medal at the special olympics held in Ireland. Miles unfortunately had mislaid his medal which Shelagh was able to present on the night. Another Middleton berated Miles about his unsubstantiated and unauthorised hints of his connection with more presentation illustrious Middletons possibly with a free drink in mind. Other speakers recalled when Miles had spoken at an EU event and his recent trip to Switzerland and certain items of lost property on Swiss Rail. Miles was also purported to have revised the words to “The Grand Old Duke of York” which, perhaps, had earned a rebuke from the Palace. Finally his secret support of the Tynedale Rugby team was revealed and we were left wondering whether it was the team or the half time pies in the club house which were the attraction. Especially when Roy presented him with a medal as the Champion Pie Eater. dinner
Before our President could explain himself, Bob Hull, acting as MC for the night, proposed a toast to the health of our guests. In his reply on behalf of the guests, District Governor Alan gave a short account of the progress in the District following the relaxation of the Covid restrictions and thanked the club for the hospitality on behalf of the guests.
We now proceeded to the Grand Raffle, Shelagh and Vivien masterminded this part of the proceedings and distributed the prizes to the various winners. The evening drew to a close with a short response from President Miles in which he thanked everyone for coming and making the evening such a success. Roy and his Admin team had done a great job and the meal and service was a tribute to the Beaumont Hotel.