THE CHAIRMAN S RUN 9 NOVEMBER 2013 By Carl Mouton

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Madeline Kelley
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THE CHAIRMAN S RUN 9 NOVEMBER 2013 By Carl Mouton The Chairman s Run this year took place to Lords of the Manor in the Midlands.

The Manor was built in the mid 1800 s, mainly of sandstone and is typical of the mansions built for the gentry of that time.

Beautiful paintings adorn the walls in rooms and passages. Reg and Vivi left early on Friday the 8 th to prepare for the arrival of the participants that were expected to clock in from 2 pm.

1 THE CHAIRMAN S RUN 9 NOVEMBER 2013 By Carl Mouton The Chairman s Run this year took place to Lords of the Manor in the Midlands. The venue is just beyond Mooi River on the Hidcote road and is situated next to the well-known Saddle and Trout resort. The Manor was built in the mid 1800 s, mainly of sandstone and is typical of the mansions built for the gentry of that time. It is a really stately residence with massive rooms, all en suite that have been furnished immaculately with attention to detail and have been kept spotless. Beautiful paintings adorn the walls in rooms and passages. Reg and Vivi left early on Friday the 8 th to prepare for the arrival of the participants that were expected to clock in from 2 pm. One had the option to either go on the N3 and just beyond Mooi River turning left towards Hidcote or to take the old main road, now the R103 through the midlands along the Meander Marilyn and I left at about and met with Andrew and Maryann in their new Citroen 2 CV and we followed them all the way to the Manor. Andrew was still learning that one needs to use the revs on the Citroen at all times so we took a bit longer to get there. He now knows! On arrival all guests were met, our suitcases collected and we were accompanied to our rooms. We were very pleasantly surprised at how spotless and tidy everything was. For each couple there was a packet of very nice goodies. Later in the afternoon we all gathered in the garden in front of the Manor to chill and swop stories. Tea, Coffee and a nice selection of cakes were provided with the get together continuing on the lawn. Some of us took a gap and had a rest.

At 6 we all congregated in the bar for drinks and yet later a sumptuous braai was laid on for us by the staff. After that the party continued in the bar till late.

4 At 6 we all congregated in the bar for drinks and yet later a sumptuous braai was laid on for us by the staff. After that the party continued in the bar till late. We had a really nice sleep that night and were struck how quiet it was. Saturday morning we had a late breakfast at the gathered car park for the commencement of the run which started at Cars left in 2 minute intervals. The route led away from the N3 and led through Mooi River on the R103 all the way back towards Howick. There were some tricky questions to be answered but it was really fun. As fate would have it, as so often has been the case in the past, 3 of the signs that had to be identified had been removed in the two weeks since Reg and Ernie plotted the route and listed the questions. Having answered the last question we turned around about 8 kms from Howick and made our way back, the way we came, all congregating at Nottingham Road at Notties Hotel for lunch. After drinks in the Bar we settled down to a pleasant lunch and then we made our way back to the Manor to spend the afternoon at leisure. At 6 we met again in the Bar for drinks, some sitting in the lounge, after which we got together for the prize giving and then sat down to a sumptuous supper. After Supper there was the draw for the 3 big prizes each of a voucher for a stay at some really nice venues. What was the surprise when Reg was drawn for the first prize! At first he refused it but he was pressed to accept it. Later he donated it to Peggy and Jake who had to cancel due to Jake being ill. Typical of Reg!!!! After supper there was the Stewarts Bingo session after which there were more dinks for some in the Bar and finally off to bed after a long very pleasant day. Sunday was a late get up and a very nice Brunch was laid on for us after which we all departed, some taking the N3 home and others took the R103 back to enjoy the Meander. The Lords of the Manor was a very special venue. The manager of the Manor, Brian and his wife Louise were excellent always being present and taking an interest. The quality of the staff was also excellent. This was a very special run, well organised. Below are a few more photographs from the outing.

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