A NEW DATE FOR WANDERERFEST 2021

By Philip Meadowcroft

The Government announced on February 22 that all Covid restrictions are due to be lifted as from June 21 – let’s hope there is no postponement.

Your National Committee realised that the original dates (June 9 – 13) would have required no more than 30 Wanderer folk attending, social distancing, and masks.      WandererFest is not the sort of event where social distancing and masks can be comfortably coped with to comply with the regulations.      

Thanks to a lot of checking of this and that, involving Robin Gabbitas and Ray Tennant, including High Water times, the availability of the field at Cobnor, the use of the Bosham SC facilities at Cobnor, the marquee, and our own special loos, it is with great relief that we can announce that WANDERERFEST 2021 will now take place between THURSDAY and SUNDAY JULY 8 and 11. This is line with the guidance agreed at the 2021 AGM on February 27, but, of course, subject to the current schedule for restrictions being lifted.

Because of the overwhelming demand on all sorts of hire equipment because of the return, we hope, to normality, we have not been able at such short notice to secure the same luxury loos which we have had on the past. Instead we have hired four portable toilets which will be located in a corner along the western perimeter of the field to ensure they are for our exclusive use. Appropriately substantial hand sanitizing facilities will be available. There are also flush loos in the Bosham SC toilet and shower blocks on the way down to the launching slip.

The usual programme of assorted short and longer cruises will again be masterminded by Ray Tennant and John and Jenny Renouf will again be in the support launch. We also have our usual rigging and tips sessions which have helped so many owners to get more enjoyment from the Wanderers. The Coarse Boules event will run each day leading to the dramatic and tense final. And Robin’s careful selection of two barrels of perfect bitter at giveaway prices and located in the marquee – and no licensing hours.

The Saturday night gigantic Indian meal is on the schedule – and the barbeque is available every evening to cook your own food – even if you don’t fancy a curry. Because the new date coincides with the Bosham SC Regatta, we could even join the Saturday afternoon race.

Let’s hope for some sunny weather and gentle breezes and the crucial need for all restrictions to have been lifted (currently scheduled for June 21).

It would be very helpful if you plan to attend WandererFest 2021 – for all or part of the time – a quick email to me by March 31 would be greatly appreciated. Or simply register interest using the RSVP on the event page.

Cheers.

Philip Meadowcroft – Events Coordinator