Having missed last month’s deadline (Don’t you just love the sound as they go whooshing by!) these notes cover October & November.

Now we are into the dark evenings of autumn complete with seasonal winds and storms, you have to be very hardy to venture out.  OK I’m speaking for myself here but, even if my hand had been fully fit for the journey to the autojumble at the Drill Hall, Peebles, I’m not sure I would have taken the Matchless.  So well done to Eddie, Steve and James Pennycook who made the trip from Kirkcaldy and showed me how it’s done. 

There was almost as good an attendance of section members at the autojumble as there was at the October meeting.  Due to the unexpected closure of the Two Bridges that Monday night we decamped to the Hawes Inn, our default venue. I hope everyone wishing to attend found us there!  At the meeting we were regaled with tales of the Alternative Rally which was attended by Steve Pennycook, Bill Curry and Ivor who all had a great time.  Then our thoughts turned to next year’s International. There was much discussion on the planning and arrangements and we were warned that if you intend to go you will need to make your booking now.  The inclusive nature of the International with an “all in” one price package complete with all meals included was not universally popular as some members have dietary preferences which are unlikely to be met by normal Italian menus. This notwithstanding, all the usual suspects expressed their intention to attend.

Everyone I’m sure will join me in congratulating Lisa Glover, daughter of Steve and Liz, who literally carried the flag for Scotland in the Youth Commonwealth Games and who only just missed out on a medal in the javelin contest.   Steve who was in India for the games changed his mind about hiring a motorbike when he saw the lack of traffic rules on Indian roads.

The November meeting was back to the Two Bridges where one of the topics under discussion was the venue for our annual dinner, please give your suggestions at next months meeting. 

The regulars at our meetings were all pleased to see Dave Raeburn who was in the area and came to make sure we were all misbehaving as usual.  On a less happy note John Wilson was unable to attend as he is undergoing treatment for a serious illness.   We all wish John success in his treatment and a speedy recovery.