October 2006   Newsletter of the Cheltenham Area Civil Service Sports Association

Inside:

News about   Sailing   Skittles   Rugby   10-pin   Golf   Ladies Hockey
Social Events     Christmas Lunch    Members’ Offers 

Sailing

During the week of 14-19^th May 2006, sixteen hardy souls represented GCHQ in the Civil Service Inter Departmental Offshore Regatta (IDOR), a sailing event based in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight.

After arriving at Port Solent on the Sunday evening, we, along with 13 other crews from various Government Departments, picked up the two boats – chartered from Sunsail, on which we would be based for the week. The two teams of eight, drawn from across the Department, were representing GCHQ in this event for the first time, aboard a matched fleet of Jeanneau Sunfast-37 yachts – Phil Boden’s crew on boat number 11 and Ivor Keates crew aboard boat number 39.

Our participation in the event had been possible due in part to the generous sponsorship of CACSSA and the newly formed GCHQ Sports and Leisure Association (GCSLA), who provided almost half of the cost – the remainder self funded by the team members. Working ‘kitties’ on each boat, meant that we wouldn’t starve for the week!

Wednesday 19^th April – Training Day

As a build up to the event, both teams had chartered the same yachts the previous month in order to master the intricacies of this boats design. Port Solent is a few miles from the Solent and local rules dictated that we used the engine to reach our proposed sailing area. The training took place in an area bounded by Gilkicker Point and Ryde, and it had proved extremely useful for those that had attended, especially for Ivor’s crew, who gelled together well, despite the non-availability of several key personnel.

Race Week: Monday 15^th May – Practice

The regatta itself started with a training day on the Monday, culminating in a practice race just outside the entrance to Cowes Harbour. With the addition of the couple of crew-members that hadn’t been able to make the practice day, it meant that our training went relatively smoothly and we both managed to avoid the Red Funnel ferries that frequent this part of the Solent. After the race, we retreated to our berth inside Cowes Yacht Haven for the night. The first crew get together and skippers briefing followed in the confines of the clubhouse of our hosts for the event – the Island Sailing Club.

Race Day 1: Tuesday 16^th May - Light winds and shortened races

The weeks racing began in earnest on Tuesday, with three short inshore races scheduled. However, with light winds forecast it would be difficult to fit them all in during the day.

Race One was a short couple of laps on an predominantly east-west course around ‘Gales HSB’ and ‘Harbour No.2’ buoys, both of which are close to the Isle of Wight shoreline. Unfortunately for Ivor’s boat, a problem with the engine on his yacht – his throttle cable had snapped – meant that for safety reasons he was unable to start the race and needed a tow back into the yacht haven for repairs and effectively ending his chances of a respectable finish in the regatta. Although scheduled for two laps, the race was shortened to a single lap and Phil’s boat finished a creditable 4^th, beaten agonizingly over the line in the dying seconds.

Race Two, which started a little over 5 minutes after the last boat had finished the first race, consisted of a triangular course taking in ‘Gales HSB’, ‘Harbour No.2’ and the ‘Air Canada’ buoy to the North. As repairs continued on Ivor’s boat, light winds again hampered our progress and after one lap (of the scheduled two), the race was declared over. Phil’s boat finished 3^rd.

The Third race saw the fleet rejoined by Ivor, the yacht fully repaired and ready to go. However, they say bad luck comes in threes and so it proved. A racing start, with the spinnaker raised was curtailed when the boat ran out of room and hit the start mark. It meant an immediate 360-degree penalty turn. Not as easy it sounds, and several valuable minutes were lost as the spinnaker was lowered and repacked before the turn could be made. With the turn complete, the sail was hoisted again and they were off.

This was to be the longest race of the day, again over a triangular course but with the ‘MarineTrack.com’ buoy now the furthest mark. With progress still being affected by light winds and time marching on, it was clear that neither boat would be able to finish and both reluctantly agreed to retire before reaching the turn. As it turned out, no boat actually managed to finish within the 2½-hour time limit and the race was declared void.

Race Day 2: Wednesday 17^th May - The Nab Tower and windbreaks

Our Fourth race, the first long-distance off-shore race, took us out of the Solent toward the famous Nab Tower – a structure constructed during the First World War originally to protect Dover, but moved and sunk 5 miles off the east coast of the Isle of Wight to mark the dangerous Nab Rock, where it remains today as a lighthouse.

It was during the first leg of this race towards ‘Browndown’ buoy, that Phil’s progress was hampered as we found ourselves on the leeward side of one of the worlds largest, at 89,000 Tonnes, container ships, the “OOCL Shenzhen”. Being over 320 metres long and 40 metres high when loaded with ISO containers, it proved an effective windbreak and meant that when it had passed, Phil’s boat was marooned at the back of the fleet.

The second leg, with Phil’s boat now under the helmsmanship of Rob, from ‘Browndown’ to the ‘Bembridge Ledge’ buoy was uneventful, - taking us between two of the offshore forts “Horse Sand” and “No Mans Land” that protect the Eastern approaches to the Solent - save for a fog bank which appeared as we neared it and the fact that the buoy wasn’t there, as it had been lifted by a Trinity House vessel for repairs! Still at the back of the fleet, we could only watch as ahead of us, all the other boats in the fleet, except a couple we had managed to catch rounded the Nab Tower and headed for home.

As we started the final leg, and with the tide and the wind behind us, the spinnaker was raised and it made quite a sight to see 15 boats all with bright blue ‘kites’ filled. This actually required split second timing in team coordination and communication, achieved equally well on both boats, in what effect were fairly novice (at this level) crews. Teamwork at its best!

It was just as frenetic during the gybes and lowering of the sail toward the end of the leg. The race had covered about 24 miles and thanks to the strategy employed by our navigator/tactician Mike, meant that after the disappointing start we eventually finished 10^th, three places ahead of Ivor. As it turned out, all boats finished within 20 minutes of each other after a six-hour race.

Drama ensued on another boat, as it had to take avoiding action near the end of the race. The violent change of course saw one man fall overboard – ironically picked up by the (non regatta) boat he had tried to avoid – and one crew-woman being hit by the swinging boom. After a quick trip to casualty, she returned with a couple of stitches and a ‘shiner’, which she later claimed was as a result of watching that night’s football!

One of the entries in this years event was from the Met Office and with a deteriorating weather forecast promised for the Thursday, a quick early evening call for a ‘personal forecast’ brought with it the prospect of force 8 winds on the south side of the Island on Thursday afternoon. A skippers briefing quickly came to the general consensus that for safety reasons, it would be appropriate to cancel the ‘Round the Island’ race – although apparently one skipper was ‘up-for-it’!

Race Day 3: Thursday 18^th May – Around the Island (or not) and team shirts

If we had gone on our circumnavigation of the Island, it would have meant a 0500 start in order to ensure that the tides would be with us on the first leg down to the Needles. As it turned out, a couple of inshore races had been organised and it allowed for a more sociable 0900 start to the first race.

Race Five then, took in ‘Gurnard’, ‘MarineTrack.com’, ‘Trinity’, ‘Prince Consort’ and ‘Gales HSB’ buoys, on a course that zigzagged across the Solent. The race turned out to be fairly uneventful, but the long second leg seemed to take forever, with the strong tide against us– it was slow progress and we even tried ‘goose-winging’ (the two sails on opposite sides to give maximum area of coverage) in an effort to close on the fleet. After being left behind at the start, it wasn’t until we rounded the second mark and took a different route to the majority of the fleet, that we appeared to catch them.

Close racing with a number of yachts that we had closed on towards the end saw them regain their advantage and we finished 13^th overall. Ivor’s boat, meanwhile, had followed the fleet and beat us at the line to finish 12^th. The value of teamwork was emphasised during the break between races when Barry was forced to lie face-down on a pitching foredeck trying to unjam the jib roller mechanism with Ian stopping him from flying off towards Lymington.

Race Six, saw Adam take over the helm of Phil’s boat and started shortly after. The race took us on a similar course, starting westerly toward ‘Gurnard’ and then easterly toward ‘Williams Shipping’, ‘RYA Yachtmaster’ and ‘Fastnet Insurance’ before turning for home. After mistiming the original start – we started brilliantly, but five minutes early - we were hampered on the restart when the boat ‘broached’ just before the start line. Fortunately for us, another boat missed the start line all together, meaning we weren’t last going toward the first mark, as they had been recalled to the start line.

With the state of the tide and wind, it made an interesting sight as several boats tacked back and forth to get round the first buoy. Several near misses ensued as shouts of “starboard” (implying right of way) and “water” (meaning get out of the way) could be heard. Ivor’s boat had reached the turn in fourth place, but being at the back of several boats all jostling for the same space, he also lost a couple of places rounding the buoy. Despite broaching again close to the finish line, with two boats immediately astern of us, Phil eventually finished in 8^th place, pipping Ivor’s boat by a few seconds.

The day finished with the regatta dinner at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes, a last chance for the crews to get together and socialise. The GCHQ teams were resplendent in their team rugby shirts – fittingly the same colour as the ‘kites’ flown earlier in the week.

Race Day 4: Friday 19^th May:   … occasionally force 9

The final race of the week was due to be a self-timed affair taking in the journey back from Cowes to Port Solent. However, with the occasionally force 8 already in place within the Solent - and immanent force 9’s in the adjacent Portland sea area, it was decided that a leisurely (sic) journey back was in order, with boats leaving in pairs during the morning. Our boats left together with Chris taking the opportunity to helm Phil’s boat. The weather dictated that we fly only the headsail for the journey, yet we still managed a boat speed of almost 10 knots over the ground on the choppy journey home.

Although we never formally requested sponsorship, a bucket collection in which Barry and Jo donned authentic lifeboat gear and other collections have generated over £1000, which will be split between the RNLI and SARA, the Severn Area Rescue Association. Thanks to all who contributed.

Overall, despite the range of weather we encountered with winds from nothing to a force 8, glorious sunshine, fog and rain, and from flat calm seas, to surfing down rolling seas, the event was fun – hard work – but worth the effort. As team building goes, eight disparate people stuck on a boat for a week would be hard to beat!

The Crews:

Boat Number 11: Skipper: Phil Boden. Crew: Rick Crosby, Chris Ellis, Rob Light, Mike Pearson, Adam Prewett, Ian Scott, Barry Taylor.

Boat Number 39: Skipper: Ivor Keates. Crew: Steve Ashford, Jo Cockwill, Paul Kelly, Tony Mainprize, John Nicholson, Simon, John Upton.

The Competitors:

In addition to the two yachts entered by GCHQ, the following Departments were represented: Health & Safety Executive, HM Revenue and Customs, HASSRA, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, DEFRA, the Met Office and Littleton Sailing Club.

The Final Results:

Next Year:

If any of this has whetted your appetite and you’d be interested in having a go at sailing or taking part in IDOR next year, then please contact  Ivor Keates (ilkeate) to express your interest.

Members’ Offers

The National Trust has many fine properties within easy reach of Cheltenham.  CACSSA has 4 membership cards which may be used by full CSSC members to gain admittance to all of the properties of the Trust.

To borrow cards enquire of the Manager at the Clubhouse on 01242 680424

FULL CSSC members may buy vouchers to exchange for tickets to be used at Cineworld cinemas.  These cost just £4.15 instead of the usual £6.30 price of an adult ticket.

Get your vouchers at the clubhouse or from Sarah Surgenor at GCHQ.  You will need to produce your white, CSSC membership card at the time of purchase.

Each voucher can be exchanged for one adult ticket at any Cineworld cinema in the UK or Republic of Ireland subject to certain conditions,  namely:  a. cannot be used to purchase via the telephone booking line or internet;   b. cannot be exchanged wholly or partly for cash

More offers can be found on the Southwest region’s website http://www.cssc.co.uk/southwest/ 

Skittles

SKITTLES CLUB CHAIRMAN STANDS DOWN

In presenting  the Chairman’s Cup to the 2006 winners of the Skittles Club’s only game played under front-pin rules Tony Clay  has finally stepped down as Chairman after 10 years in office.    At the Summer Finals Night on 14 September Tony passed over the cup to Muffinmen who had beaten A-Bombs 390-348.  Immediately following this, Brian Wood, the Fixtures Secretary  gave a short tribute in recognition of Tony’s contribution and presented him with a gift from the Club as a token of its members’ appreciation.

See www.cacssa.co.uk/skittles for pictures of the occasion.

NEW SKITTLES CLUB COMMITTEE TAKES OFFICE

The new Committee elected at the AGM last July carried out its first official function by sharing the presentation of awards following the Summer League Final on 14 September.  Each Committee member was introduced in turn by the new Chairman, with a short description of their duties, before they presented the awards.   The new Committee is now:

Gerry Chivers receives the Summer League Winners Cup from Brian Wood

SUMMER SKITTLES CLIMAX

An enjoyable Summer League season came to an end on 14 September with the now traditional final between the top two teams.   Competition throughout the season had been closely contested, particularly at the top of the table – one of the finalists not being decided until the last hand of the last  game.    As seems to happen quite often in other sports the top team in the League did not prevail and it was the second-placed team, A-Bombs, who carried off the trophy with a performance that their opponents, Newcomers, could not match on the day, scoring 501 to 452.

In parallel with this match, the contest for the Chairman’s Cup resulted in a win for last Winter’s double-winners (League & Shield), Muffinmen, who beat A-Bombs (second in League) by 390 pins to 348.  A highlight of the game was the 48 scored by Tim Masling,  but a veil will be drawn over the number of beavers “achieved”!

Summer League Awards:
 

Having compered the proceedings throughout the awards presentations Reg Rowley, the new Chairman, expressed his pleasure that the Winter League has gained one team, Strongbows, and urged all present to do what they could to encourage new Members.

Contact Brian Wood, skittles@cacssa.co.uk or on 01242 515941. If you would like to play but are not part of a team get in touch, there’s room for everyone. More details are available on our websites:  www.gchq/societies/cacssa/skittles/  and  www.cacssa.co.uk/skittles

Civil Service National Skittles Finals

Bravo the CACSSA team! The Cheltenham side, representing the South-West, having won the Regional competition, produced a dominating performance on Saturday 13 May 2006 when they won all their games (12 points) to become National Champions.

Runners-up were Wales (10 points), who also claimed the “Celtic Championship” by having beaten Northern Ireland and Scotland. Following them came the team from the South of England (8) and then a tie between Midlands and N.Ireland (5). Taking up the rear were Scotland and the North-West who also tied (1) having drawn their game.

The event, although competitive, was enjoyed by everybody and may mean the Geoff Hardy ceiling having to be renovated as it was probably lifted a few times due to the continuous level of acclamation!

In-house triumph in Cheltenham League Front-Pin competition

HANGOVERS reach another milestone – half-a-million pins!

The records of the Hangovers skittles team go back to September 1962 and have enabled the team to celebrate significant achievements in the team’s history.  Three years ago they played their 1,000^th game.  On 17 October 2006, in a game against Little John’s Big Pants, they knocked over their 500,000^th pin.

420 pins were needed to reach the target and it was likely to be reached in the last leg.  The three players for the last leg were chosen on the basis of games played and performance this season: Brian Wood, Tony Whitton and Lawrence Pearse.  The order of their playing was drawn by founder member Ernie Field.

The magic pin was floored by Brian Wood.  Jenny Adams won the prize for guessing (or perhaps we should say ‘superbly calculating’, as she was spot on) by which ball this would happen, the competition having closed two games previously.

Some thought has been given to the efforts of stickers over the years – at, say, 3 lb per skittle this amounts to over 669 TONS of weight to be lifted and replaced! – and pins probably weigh more! 

Rugby

Cheltenham Civil Service  33    Old Cryptians  28
9 September 2006

The service started the first Gloucestershire Division One game in unfamiliar fashion, a strong opening period with forward domination set the platform for fly-half Ogden to score under the posts and put them seven points ahead by adding the conversion. Service piled on the pressure and breached the Crypts defence for a second time but on this occasion with Dan Wilson touching down out wide; Ogden converted to put Service fourteen points up. Old Crypts took advantage of playing against fourteen men whilst Service number eight Dave Cordell was in the sin bin for foul play. The first half finished with a score line of 14-12.

Crypts started the second half strongly and scored an early converted try. A penalty shortly afterwards saw them extend their lead to 14-22. The service backline sprang into action and responded with a well worked try, Fletcher feeding Bailey who ran in untouched and Ogden adding the conversion. Two Crypts penalties for Service indiscipline put the teams a converted try apart and set the scene for a tense finale to this hard fought opener. Good loose work by the Service pack allowed scrum half Simon Bellamy to cross the line wide out which Ogden duly converted to level the scores. The final minutes saw Service turn the screw and new flanker Ross Jackson drove over the Crypts line on the last play of the game to seal the win for the Service.

Cheltenham Civil Service 2nds  43    Cheltenham Saracens 2nds  7

Good opening performances from Service new boys Barwell, Watkins, Hannis and Dicks gave service the edge in this local derby. Saracens were unlucky not to score more but Service defence was strong. Youth and fitness told in the second half when Service were rampant. Tries from Squires (3), Butler (2), Barwell and Hannis and conversions from Butler (4).

Cheltenham Civil Service 1st XV  19     Tewkesbury  18  (away)
16 September 2006

A perfect day for rugby didn't give the perfect game of rugby. It was a fairly close, scrappy affair all afternoon. Neither side were willing to show they had the determination to win. One perfect thing shone through, the Service 10, Ogden. He scored all 19 of Service's points with a try, conversion and 4 penalties.

10-Pin Bowling

CACCSA 10 Pin Club

For those who didn’t know we existed we have been running since 1998. Our summer league ran for 10 weeks.  We then started the Winter League around the middle of August.  The Winter League runs on a Tuesday and Thursday on alternate weeks.  Both nights currently boast 10 teams.  We have players of all abilities some that are brilliant and some that are not so brilliant!!  Not that it matters as we have a handicap system that basically ensures that everyone is playing on a level field.

At the end of the season we have a Trophy Award/ Fun Bowl night.  These tend to consist of games like lowest scores win (this is actually harder than it sounds!!). We charge £7 each time you play, which isn’t bad for 3 games!  Gender is not a problem with this sport, admittedly more men than women play, however, we do have an all ladies team which takes great delight in beating some of the men’s teams.

If you wish to know more or enquire about becoming a player either visit the CACCSA 10 pin website www.gchq/societies/caccsa/tenpin/index.htm or contact Neil Burch or Tracy Harvey.

Golf

Ladies Hockey

Cheltenham Civil Service Ladies Hockey Club

We are recruiting new players!

Please come and join us for the 2006/2007 season!

All ages and standards are welcome.

Training with a qualified coach once per week (Wednesday evening). 
Summer Training will take place at the Tewkesbury Road ground.

We currently run 2 teams, playing in the West Clubs Women’s League Divisions 1 and 3.

 
Matches usually take place on a Saturday.

To find out more, please contact:

Carol Febry on (h) 01242 242160 or (w) 01242 221491 x33773 or carol.febry@gchq.gsi.gov.uk or

Angie Atherton on 01242 862451

Social Events

Fireworks night - Sunday 5 November 2006  starting at 6:30

This year there will be more fireworks than ever before at the clubhouse grounds. 
Bring the entire family in complete safety. 
This event is not to be missed!

General Knowledge Quizzes

These are held monthly on Friday evenings starting at 7:30pm at the Tewkesbury Road Clubhouse.  There is a maximum of 4 people in a team and costs £2 a head.  These are very popular and you are advised to book your team to avoid disappointment.  Contact Brian Partridge (01242 704720 or quiz@cacssa.co.uk).  When put to the vote it was agreed there should be no smoking at these events.  The next are on Friday 10 November; and 8 December.  

A Night at the Races

Once again the Football Club are putting on a Night at the Races on Saturday 11 November. 
You can bet on the dogs or the horses or both!
It will cost just £3 to enter and a minimum of £1 for a bet.  Full details from Alan Wakefield.

Jazz on a Sunday evening with the JB Quintet

Playing to a high standard under their leader, John Beckingham, the JB Quintet covers jazz and blues from the 30s, 40s and 50s; visit www.jbjazzandblues.com to learn more about them.  The admission charge is £3 for members and £3.50 for non-members.  They will play on the second Sunday evening of each month starting at 8:00 pm:   On 12 November they will play with, from the Midlands, the talented, Andy Rackham Trio .

Jazz in the Lounge Bar at Tewkesbury Road featuring Peter Davies

The sound of acoustic guitars and clarinet is to be heard once a month in the bar playing quiet, tuneful music in an informal setting to accompany the eating, drinking and chatting.  The music includes popular melodies of the Swing era, with a touch of Django and a smattering of Latin.
Starting around 8:00 pm on Thursdays.  The next are  26 October,   30 November and 21 December.  Why not have dinner while you listen?

Restaurant Service

The Restaurant offers a high class of cuisine every Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 9:30pm.   Call the Manager on 01242 680424 to book your table.

The bar snack menu of basket meals and extras, which has become so popular in recent years will continue to be available until later in the evenings and at weekends.    If you like you may pay using debit and credit cards.

Have you decided where to take your office for its Christmas Lunch Party?

Looking for somewhere different for your Christmas Works Do!
Our venue Offers you Choice, a Quality Service, and Excellent Value.

• Christmas Parties, Lunches and Dinners

• Choice of Private Rooms with Bar (max 120).

• Festive Restaurant up to 26 covers

• Sample Menus on our website.

• Parking on site for 100+ cars

CACSSA   CHRISTMAS   LUNCHEON   Menu

Starters Winter Greens and Stilton Soup Camembert & Redcurrant Coulis Puddle Pate de Campagne with Toast

Main Course

 Traditional Roast Turkey, (with all the Trimmings)

Butternut Squash & Cashew Nut Roast with Redcurrant & Orange Sauce

Swordfish Supreme with a Creamed White Wine and Mushroom Sauce

(All served with Fresh Seasonal Vegetables, Roast & New Potatoes)

Desserts

 Christmas Pudding and Brandy Sauce

Winter Fruit Salad

Brandy Snap Basket filled with Fruit & Cream

To Follow

Tea or Coffee

£13.50

Please order in advance at Club or on  01242 680424)

Your contributions for future editions

Make sure all civil servants, working in all departments and retired, and associate members hear news from your club by writing to CACSSA News.

For What’s On and all the latest news as it happens visit

www.cacssa.co.uk

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