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On a lovely late summer/early autumn evening, some 40 odd (odd being the operative word) members and guests set sail for a
non landing cruise aboard the P & O flagship the Pride of Kent ferry.
The cruise started by being off loaded in the Outward Bound Coach Examination Hall by French PAF who wanted to just wish us a
lovely cruise and pay homeage to the better team (Scotland having just beaten France 1-0 at Parc des Princes , Paris, on Wednesday night !!!) .
We were then taken to the ferry and positioned in the first class lounge where Stewards served us Champagne.
The evening was organised by our President Neil Farquhar assisted by Billy Lang who gave a very informative speech about Scotch
Whisky and organised a free malt whisky tasting competition. Some people may have thought that I thought the competition was
about consuming as much Malt as I could but the actual competition was to taste five malts and state which whisky it was and which
area it came from. Seriously, I did take part sensibly, (not to consume mass quantities) but my taste buds were seriously impeded
if not completely sabotaged, when Mr Lang met me and my father (who knows a thing or two about Scotch) and allowed us a
"Try afore ye buy" scheme on a few select Malts. This threw my competition results into disarray, consequently I had to resample all
that I had already tasted and submit a new competition entry. Unfortunately, Oor Wullie did not win ! We must praise Billy for his great
speech (he is very passionate about Scotch Whisky, just don't ever offer him a Laphroaig!) his competition and organisation of the tasting.
We must also thank P & O Ferries for providing a bottle of Talisker and two glasses for the winning entry. This was won by Laurie
Quigley who had spent a fair amount of time telling me that he could not stand "Malt" and preferred blended Whiskies ! I think
this was just to throw me off the scent as my dad later informed me that Laurie had enjoyed several "Malts" whilst visiting their
Gateway Flat to discuss Immortal Memories etc. Anyway, well done to Laurie, hope the Talisker does not choke ye !
The service and the food was first class and a thoroughly good time was had by all ( and a few shopping bargains were picked up
on the way - I believe a best seller was Chivas Regal (2 for £30) and there was also a 3 for 2 on £19.99 Single Malts which was
a compelling offer.
After Coffee, also taken in Langans Restaurant, we were treated to renditions by the two tenners, Sandy and Andy (obviously the
third tenor could not be here - no offence to any Pavarotti fans who sadly passed away this last week) who led some community
singing which I am sure had the seagulls tapping their feet on the top of the White Cliffs on our return to Dover.
England Captain, Neil and Captain P&O. Billy and his Scotch Whisky talk "Much Malt" Guess which is which ?
Pictures from the Lounge.
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