Lincoln Weekend
On 10th - 12th August 2001
Over 80 people attended the Lincoln Weekend that took place 10th-12th August 2001. Early arrivers took advantage of the best weather of the weekend and climbed aboard the Guide Friday bus for an open-top tour of the city. Many more had arrived by the time the real ale pub crawl departed. Thanks to Lincoln member Nicola Watson for organising that event. It was lovely to see some previously inactive Lincoln members at the icebreaker which went on until the early hours.
On Saturday there were tours of famous Lincoln Cathedral with views from both floor level and the roof top. How many visitors spotted the legendary Lincoln Imp embedded in the Cathedral walls? The treasure hunt clues defeated some people, but not surprisingly they still managed to find the end which was the Magna Carta pub where we took over the restaurant and watched the summer rain outside. A short stroll across the square brought us to Lincoln Castle where our tour guides awaited with stories of blood and gore over the centuries.
Highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the Saturday night Venetian Masquerade Ball. Pre-dinner drinks were accompanied by music on the hurdy gurdy played by our entertainer, Dante Ferrara. Following a few words on the history of Venetian Masquerade Balls, Dante led us into the function room where we dined by candlelight surrounded by golden balloons. Each remove was announced by a fanfare. I think the waiting staff enjoyed the evening as much as we did! During the meal we were serenaded by Dante playing a variety of unusual instruments such as the English bagpipes and colascione. He took requests so we heard "Stairway to heaven" played on the lute! Between courses there was a spot of energetic dancing - quite exhausting! Every single one of the 56 diners wore stunning masks; some bought prior to the weekend but many made during that afternoon. Glitter, sequins and feathers were in abundance with the occasional Batman mask thrown in for good measure! Congratulations to new member Clare Price for winning the well-deserved prize for best mask. The dinner ended with a rousing chorus of "Blackadder" before the disco commenced. The DJ announced we were the most co-ordinated Macarena dancers he had ever seen!
We awoke Sunday to drizzle so the picnic planned to take place on The Lawn was hurriedly transferred to one of the function rooms at the hotel. This was the most bizarre event of the weekend and the first time most people had eaten their sandwiches sitting on a picnic rug under a chandelier! Many thanks to Jacquie Harrison for preparing such a wonderful spread. Other strange behaviour that amused the hotel staff included Mensan teams, as part of the 'Great Egg Race' event, constructing devices to float a miniature bottle of whisky down two floors of the stairwell. When I have witnessed this challenge elsewhere in the past teams have constructed the same device. This time, being Mensans, each team devised a totally different method! The Sunday afternoon walking tour and visit to the Ellis Mill were both interesting and informative. The walkers learnt lesser known facts about the city, whilst those visiting the mill were amazed by the enthusiasm of the millers. The sails were set turning on this, the only remaining windmill on the Lincolnshire Edge, especially for our viewing pleasure. With such a hectic programme a couple of people fell asleep during the ensuing river cruise! The final event of 'Tea at The Ritz' (actually the name of a Wetherspoons restaurant) was chance to say goodbye to old friends and new. Some left to catch trains, others made the climb up Steep Hill back to the Forte hotel and some remained to sample the beer.
From an organiser's perspective it was a wonderfully exhausting weekend. Thank you to everyone who came and made it a success. After I've recovered I'll be joining the team organising next year's Annual Gathering taking place in Blackpool 12th-14th July 2002. See you there!
We have received lots of comments and thanks for organising the weekend.