The Fish Supper at the MLSC was started in 1980 in substitution for the Christmas dance.  This event continues to provide valuable income for the Branch.

Branch income remained at the £4000 - £6000 level until 1984.  Vic Tidbury had retired as Chairman in 1981, with Keith Munnion taking over for one year and then John Swinton until December 1984. 

During those years extra income had been received from a raft race, which was successful for a few years, and a number of disco/barbecues were held at John Swinton's boatyard at Maylandsea.

Malcolm Robinson's election in 1985 coincided with the establishment of a self governing sub branch at South Woodham Ferrers.  This was started following a meeting at South Woodham Yacht Club attended by our chairman, Tony Purnell and a group of keen locals.

The Chairman decided that the Sherry Morning would be better used if local sailing club Commodores and Flag Officers were invited in order to encourage them to get their clubs to hold events.  No funds would be collected at this event, but encouragement to go back to their clubs to raise funds would be highlighted.  It was also agreed that the event should be held away from the MLSC and the Blue Boar Hotel kindly offered a function room for our use, at no cost.  They continued with this offer until and including 1999. This event is now held at Langford Village Hall.

The number of collecting boxes on issue (over 160 in July 1984) had increased dramatically and the work involved was such as to require a specific officer to be appointed.  Steve Savage offered (misunderstood the question) to be Honorary Box Secretary, a post that he still holds.

During Malcolm Robinson's time as Chairman the Branch income rose dramatically from a figure of £4,872 to £21,904 in 1990, (remember no fund raising at the Sherry morning) and the last year of existence of our South Woodham 'sub branch'.

Despite their loss, income held up well and only dropped to £19,337 in 1991, Malcolm's last year as Chairman.  This performance does great credit to him and formed a good base for the 1992 incoming Chairman Ken Harrison.

Minute books for 1989 onwards are not yet to hand and details of the past years will be produced in due course.  However it is worth noting that, under Ken's guidance and in no small part due to his hard work, (also acting Honorary Souvenir Secretary), income has continued to grow from 1992 through to 2002.

©1999 - 2002 Peter Woods Esq. Branch Historian