The last year seems to have flown by and here we are in Barnstaple again enjoying some antics in the name of Christmas.
It didn't start off too well. A few of us arranged to meet at the Exeter Services but some of us were a bit behind time then when we were all there Steve's XR3i decided to have a fit. The battery had run down so much the alarm & immobiliser wouldn't deactivate, if that wasn't bad enough the indicators would stop flashing and the alarm itself wouldn't shut up. Fortunately Elvin (being the well prepared Ford enthusiast) had the jump leads out at the ready and we were soon ready to get on our way.
We got to Barnstaple and dropped the cars off at our B&B (Brian & Tracey's home) before shipping off to The Williams Arms (The name is evading my sober consciousness).
After being offered a choice of food I think we all ended up opting for the carvery which had the largest selection of vegetables I have ever seen and I must say I did overload my plate, eyes most definitely bigger than my belly!
We all tucked in eagerly, lining our stomachs ready for later. We all had crackers to pull and donned the customary paper hats.
After the meal we headed to the club Toko where we had a private room waiting for us... unfortunately that didn't go quite according to plan due to half the electrics not working (caused by a man-made flood... don't ask). We did stick it out in the (very) dark room for a while, playing with light up balloons and swigging at our bottles. Brian tried to get the Karaoke working but with trouble with the microphones and half the lighting out for the count that idea got swiftly knocked on the head... although the karaoke machine did rate Brian's singing efforts as fair despite him only saying hello into the mic.... some machines are easily pleased.
We picked up our drinks and headed into the main part of the club, bagging our own seating area where we stayed for the rest of the night.... unless we were at the bar (or in certain member's cases raving on the dance floor).
The antics did get a little more out there as more and more alcohol was consumed and it wasn't long until the light up balloons became even more entertaining.
Now I didn't think I was going to mention this but it was so surreal that I think it really does need to be shared..... while out in the club we saw two guys out for the night in fancy dress. Nothing wrong with that I hear you say, but what if I told you they were dressed as sanitary towels???
I'm sure that anyone reading this would find it hard to believe but ask any of the guys and they'll confirm this story. the only thing we couldn't work out is why... answers on a postcard please.
Anyway.... Thank you to all the members who made it and I hope you enjoyed yourselves, it was great to see you all there.
I would like to wish all the XROC members and their families a happy Christmas & I hope to see you soon in the new year.
Write up by Laura Summerwill
Photos by Laura Summerwill
Recognition 2009
Raver of the year - Elvin
Wow that man can move!! He certainly showed all the other clubbers how to do it and made me feel tired just watching him.
Host & Hostess of the year - Brian & Tracey
For letting a drunken rabble stay in their home an terrorize their dogs. Also for leading us to the nearest Sainsburys for an excellent fry up the morning after. Thank you so much!!!
Couple of the year - Marc & Abi
Congratulations to them both for their marriage earlier this year. It's great to see a couple sharing their passion for XR's and both are always willing to get involved.
Hidden Genius award - Steve
For coming up with a simple yet effective way of clearing condensation on the inside of his windscreen (caused by lack of heating).
He took the rear wiper blade off it's arm and used it on the inside windscreen as he drove..... fantastic!!!!
Patience of a saint award - Jaffa
Just simply for putting up with me
Stealth drinker of the year - Martin
It is not known exactly how much he consumed but he was never without a line of bottles & Brian claimed he was responsible for multiple shots etc. arriving at our table.
Ice cream fiend - Shelbie
She knows what she wants and how she wants it. I strongly recommend you remember to serve her ice cream with choccie fingers hee hee.
Devon And Cornwall
XR Owners Club
Christmas Party 2009 - Barnstaple
