Otterburn XXII

Otterburn XXII, 2003,  at the Percy,  will be remembered as the year of the monumental cock up !.  

For many years the Gentlemen of the Otterburn Society have enjoyed the facilities of the Otterburn Tower Hotel as their preferred venue for the annual conference.  

The Treasurer to the Society is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate arrangements are made.

As Treasurer of the society Karl amazed and disappointed the members by failing to secure the Tower for the weekend's celebrations.

The twenty second gathering of the Otterburn Society was held at the Percy Arms Hotel,  Otterburn. Members agreed to accept just one sleeve of the Treasurer's jacket in forfeit.

The Percy is an excellent venue for a gathering such as that held by the Otterburn Society,  but the Treasurer had failed to appreciate the importance of the perpetuation of the traditions of the society in this respect.

Karl eventually appreciated the gravity of his failings and did acknowledge that he was prepared to make a forfeit.  In anticipation of this,  a new pair of tailoring shears were specially procured for the purpose of receiving the forfeit. 

Despite 2003 being the year of the "monumental cock up",  members still managed to meet in Jesmond on the Friday night of Otterburn before going on to enjoy the delights of the Newcastle quayside.  

The difficulties of the uneven floors of the ancient hostelries of the city have continued to challenge the members of the society over the years.  In recent memory,  at least one member of the society has found themselves a little unsure on their feet at one time or another during that evening and 2003 was no exception.

Members did enjoy kebabs,  even though they were unable to enjoy the opportunity to receive any money at the tables.

Presentations were of a high standard again this year.  A number of interesting topics were discussed.  

It was deeply regretted that the very honorable former laird of Fingesk,  Gavin Murray Thriepland was not able to attend Otterburn XXII.  He did send a video explaining the technique for the dispatch of toggies,  but failed to offer the loan of a suitable implement.  

To his credit,  Karl did offer an alternative,  a Walther PPK,  which proved highly effective.

An excellent bottle of champagne had been procured on behalf of the society by Mr Scarborough.  This was enjoyed before the AGM.

 

It was decided that the annual general meeting should be held after dinner as a number of complex motions had been tabled which, it was considered,  would require detailed consideration and discussion.

The agenda and minutes for the twenty third annual general meeting of the Otterburn Society can be viewed here.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairman,  Big Dick Tarn.  

Members used society song book less this year,  but worse,  failed to even get close to the lake !

The Wolfgang Award for Literary Excellence

The Wolfgang Award has been traditionally presented to the member of the Otterburn Society who is judged to have made the most entertaining contribution to the Otterburn Society Journal.

At this year's AGM,   John's contribution,  "The battle o'Otterburn Hall",  was unanimously voted to be the best.

The converted award was presented to Clandestine by the Chairman of the Otterburn Society,  "Big dick" Tarn.

Having won the Wolfgang award,  John immediately received immunity from forfeit for the entire year. 

Clendestine was relieved to return home to Scotland with tie, shirt and jacket intact.

 John Beck receives the converted Wolfgang award,  Otterburn XXII

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