PRESENT: There was an unusually high turnout with 20 members involved in the contest for the revered CHRISTMAS PLATE, including the welcome return of the Falcon and Winker.

Before the meeting began, the Chair toasted Christmas and had a special word of praise for the four members who made the effort to dress in seasonal attire. He then apropos nothing, launched a verbal assault on the unfortunate Sec. for his misreporting of the previous week’s minutes in respect of rules concerning the Geezers Cards. The Sec. was saved from total humiliation by the timely intervention of the Scuttler who observed that in his humble opinion, the much derided Sec., continues to provide reportage of the highest quality and deserves praise rather than outright condemnation. There followed an unprecedented show of support for the Sec., in the form of applause and cheering which left the Chair bemused and chastened.

RESULTS: Delivered by Brains due to the absence of Laird who had previously corrected the Secretaries faux pas in a sensitive and constructive missive before his departure down under. There was one 2 by the Scuttler who pouched today’s purse plus the rollover from last week. The DoD was the Falcon with 18 points. Winker with 19 points was the DDoD. Runners up with 33 points apiece were the Matador, Johnnie W and the Rabbi. The winner and champine with an incredible 38 points was the ever popular and resourceful Brains. He wins the Christmas Plate 2018.

The Christmas festivities continued in earnest after the results had been delivered. There was slight consternation as to the whereabouts of the Plate. Who was last year’s recipient?

There will no doubt be a full enquiry into the format of the party and deliberations regarding the successes and failures however the festivities continued into the late afternoon and a merry time was had by all.

Burt.