Each year as the apple blossom starts to fall and the summer evening skies begin to fade only too soon, the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness brings vibrant colours and dramatic weather systems to our shores.
It is as the early morning sunlight streams through the trees, adorned by a closing tapestry of crimson and golds, that members’ thoughts turn to Otterburn and the dilemma of what to choose as the title for one’s presentation !
At a meeting held in the splendour of the Presidential Suite of Schloss Tremsbüttel in the November of 2015, John (Clandestine) Beck had been elected Treasurer of the Otterburn Society.
This election had been warmly received by members, particularly as John was about to take up residence in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and members were looking forward to the continuation of the newly adopted Otterburn tradition that Otterburns are hosted in the home city of the incumbent Treasurer.
Members were looking forward in anticipation to a most enjoyable 2016 Otterburn Society conference away from the equatorial steam heat in the hills surrounding Kuala Lumpur.
Preparations for Otterburn XXXV began early and potential venues in and around Kuala Lumpur were soon identified. The most appropriate venue identified was the Cameron Highlands Resort that lies at the north western tip of Pahang.
There was much speculation on where the pre-Otterburn celebrations, traditionally held on the Thursday and Friday prior to Otterburn, might take place. At least one member was optimistic that the Treasurer might choose Thailand as a convenient location, the delights of the city of Bangkok being a mere 2 hours away by Air Aisa.
Certain venues in the Philippines were also considered to be appropriate for the needs of the members.
Despite persuasive lobbying to the contrary, John eventually conceded that Otterburn XXXV should not after all be held in the hills surrounding Kuala Lumpur but in the equally romantic and much loved Scottish lowlands of his birthplace, Dundee ! his is not the first time that member would have enjoyed Mr Beck’s hospitality in Dundee. In the summer of 1987, members had enjoyed a most agreeable week fly fishing in the rivers and lochs surrounding Kirriemuir.
Members met late morning on the Friday of Otterburn at the (Dundee) residence of the Treasurer to enjoy a traditional Scottish breakfast of sausage, bacon and black pudding. Members then took the opportunity to admire the innovative tractor produced by an honorary member of the Otterburn society who had done much to revolutionise farming around the world, Harry Ferguson. John’s wee grey Fergie was taken down off its blocks and encouraged to burst back to life.
Wee grey Fergies do sometimes take a little persuasion to start however John’s example readily and enthusiastically burst into life as soon as requested.
The throttle was opened and the intricacies of precision control practiced.
Members were then taken on a tour of Dundee. John enthusiastically described the history of Dundee including its reputation for the 3Js, Jute, Jam and Journalism, and “wee dirties.”
The tour concluded with a sunset climb to the summit of Dundee Law where a dramatic panorama of the city flanked by the Tay was enjoyed.
Accommodation for the Friday of Otterburn had been arranged at a charming fishing lodge on the banks of the River Tay. Members enjoyed a magnificent authentic Malaysian dinner that evening.
The thirty fifth annual conference of the Otterburn Society was held at the newly renovated 150 year old Taypark Hotel Dundee.
Members convened in the comfort of the old billiard room of this impressive once merchant’s villa.
The lectern was connected to the battery and the reservoir replenished.
Chairman Scarborough took he place behind the lectern and with gavel in hand had great pleasure in calling the meeting to order by welcoming members to Dundee for the 35th annual conference of the Otterburn Society. Presentations commenced.
The Heraldic Officer to the Otterburn Karl Beattie had somewhat controversially chosen to talk on the subject of milk quotas. Milk quotas have been traditionally the preserve of Andy “MQ” Jordan however Mr Jordan was pleased to note that the presentation did not apply exclusively to the produce of dairy herds and the milking apparatus described and indeed shown were of great interest to the audience of agricultural engineers.
Jeremy Featherstone talked about his journey from London to Brighton in his splendid 1930’s Bentley Speed 6 Tourer Le Mans as part of the London to Brighton Rally. He praised the virtues of modern run flat tyres ! Jeremy is now a member of the RAC.
Chairman Scarborough talked about the work of Nchima Trust in Thyolo, Malawi and his plans to introduce a source of sustainable energy for cooking at a school supported by the charity.
Mr Firth talked about the very generous contribution that many members of the British insurance industry have made to worthy causes over the past years.
The Hon former Laird of Fingesk, Gavin Stuart Murray-Thriepland talked about a high mobility forward operations workshop that he has developed and the variety of repairs that can be achieved using this vehicle in remote locations.
Mr Fwack talked about the problems faced by companies when production capacities do not match levels of sales and how a company he is associated with had been able to turn one such circumstance to their advantage in the acquisition of an overseas manufacturer.
Treasurer Beck made a most interesting presentation about the rich cultural and industrial heritage of Dundee , including “Fatties” and “wee dirties“.
The society aficionado for all matters dairy, gentleman farmer Andrew Jordan made an entertaining presentation amongst other things on imogies.
In line with the Treasurer’s conference theme of the cultural delights of the city of Dundee, Mr Beck had arranged for Dinner to be served on board HMS Unicorn that was berthed in Dundee that weekend.
Prior to boarding the frigate, the crew had raised the society standard on the mizzenmast.
Members were very warmly welcomed to the Captains Table.
- Chairman Scarborough thanked Mr Beck for organising such a splendid Otterburn.
- Mr Featherstone was elected Secretary of the Otterburn Society
- Mr Andrew Jordan was elected Treasurer of the Otterburn Society on the express condition that Otterburn XXXVI would be held in Berkeley Gloss.
- John C Beck was elected Chairman of the Otterburn Society
The meeting closed without the need for forfeits.
A dram was taken
The customary firework display was regrettably not possible (again) this year due to Civil Aviation Authority regulations, the Tay Park Hotel being adjacent to Dundee Airport
