2016 Ranworth Meet
Events > 2016 Events
2016 Ranworth Meet
Our first late autumn event was held at Ranworth Island on 4th October. We had travelled down from Coltishall on Friday and moored at Repps Staithe for the afternoon.
Mooring at the staithe was an adventure, as even with 14m ropes fore and aft we still couldn't tie off on two mooring posts as it turned out there were a few missing! Some nifty footwork by the onboard crew resulted in two rond anchors being provided via the side window and a few mins later we were safely secured!
We decided to take a stroll up to Potter for coffee and cake in the new cafe and a trip to Latham's for a "nose around"......Exiting a couple of hours later, armed with an extending christmas reindeer tucked under each arm, a boot cleaning door mat (we were expecting mud and ducks!) and other assorted "goodies" that we hadn't known we needed, we settled down for the evening listening to the pitter patter of raindrops on the roof wondering if we had picked the "right" weekend...
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Setting off next morning to arrive at Ranworth for around 12:30, the weather looked very dark and ominous as clouds gathered over the wind pumps near Thurne Dyke. However, the skies brightened up again along the way and we arrived at Ranworth to find another 6 or 7 Safari's already moored up on the island.
10 boats and crews from the northern broads attended the event, with crews travelling from as far afield as Stalham, Sutton Staithe, Coltishall, Potter Heigham, Acle, and.....Ranworth! We were very pleased to meet the new owners of "Barney", Stephen and Dawn on their first (we hope of many) Safari club events.
Despite the time of year and the very foreboding skies (as can be seen in some of the photo's) we managed to get the chairs and tables out for tea, cakes, flapjacks, and the odd beer or two, to have a good natter/chat before having to dodge a few short sharp showers. A much heavier rain shower finally stopped play in the very late afternoon just in time for dinner/tea on board!
The following morning the smell of bacon wafting on the air stirred the primeval instincts and we awoke (perhaps a little later than others!) to brighter and much sunnier skies, albeit a few light showers soon had us sheltering under the trees again for short periods! The somewhat brighter, drier, morning gave us a chance to meet and have a longer chat with Stephen and Dawn. Our youngest member, Jacob, combined the odd game of footie, with a good run around, both on and off his bike. As midday approached we said our farewells until next time and went our various ways.....
The showery weather, combined with the reduction in daylight hours and evening temperatures curtailed the usual outdoor activites. However, the autumn meet was generally agreed to be a good idea but preferably at a venue with land access for a trip to a pub/restaurant should the weather prove inclement. Another meet in Spring would also be welcome, so we will think about some other slightly smaller scale,early/late event possibilities, for both the northern and southern broads for 2017.....
Thanks to everyone for coming and see you all again next year!