Oil in Water 2009

Oil in Water 2009 - a different hotel but at the end of the day I really cannot see the difference between these hotels. For the rate we are paying we get good rooms, plenty of hot water and reasonably quiet, so no excuse for not getting a good night sleep. i think that there is a step above the level we are at, but for simple overnight stays then I don't think we need move to that level (as if that would be authorised for us anyway) So far, the worst I've had is the threat of a ghost in Snodland, but then that gives the Priory a bit of flavour that the typical travel lodge can't match.

We had out first solo flight, Alick and me. Ming-less: for only the second time since he started the clubs Ming has not been able to attend the workshop/club meeting and has had to leave it in Alick's hands. My job is to keep him away from the sea food.


People think these events are a jolly, but they are a lot of work. Yes, its out of the office (and all that means) and there is food and drink, but you are working from the minute a delegate sees you and that doesn't include any setup work you may have to do.
This time, we have the speaker's dinner on Wednesday night. Then as we don't have access to the room we have to setup first thing Thursday morning. The change of room layout for the Club meeting on Friday should be taken care of by the hotel, but then Alick and I will have to dismantle and pack all the gear to get back to EK as Hazel and Fiona are heading back Thursday evening.

The Speaker's Dinner was very good - out for Chinese at Zen Oriental on Bon Accord Crescent. It was a nice meal and gave me a chance to meet the speakers I hadn't met before. Had a few beers before heading back to the hotel where a few of us stayed up for a few more drinks.

Early start Thursday for breakfast and setting up the room. Best to leave Hazel to issue the orders and simply do what's asked/told. Doesn't take as long as expected but at least an hour before the scheduled start the first delegates being to arrive. In order to meet everyone, albeit quickly, I volunteer to man the badge desk. Minor panic as some of the speakers are late (locals) but not enough to delay proceedings. Things get off to a start while the Nigerian delgation decide whether to shower or attend the lecture.
Thursday went really well and the feedback looks positive. No major disasters that I noticed which is probably all that matters. I spend an hour in the pool/sauna and then meet Alick, Jon, Wolfgang, and Greg for dinner in the bar. Later on Stefan comes back from his walkabout in Aberdeen and joins us for another beer or so. A good but long day.
Friday is a little more relaxed. The club meetings are les formal and Alick and I got enough info over the last 2 nights to be informed of what the other club members feel for the future. Again we have tardy speakers but after making adjustments they arrive and nothing has to change. We have a full busy interactive meeting which overruns by almost an hour due to the conversation.

Afetr getting the room sorted and our gear packed Alick and I head back to EK getting there about 1930. I drop Alick off for about 2000 and finally get back to Troon for 2100 and fill the hire car for collection. I think Ming will be pleased.


**After this was written we found out that Ming had been sent ot St John New Brunswick instead of St Johns New Foundland. Sadly he found ut from the taxi driver when they couldn't find his hotel. It didn't stop him though - he got to the right St Jihns the next day and gave his 2 courses.