Annual Gala Dinner

(Picture shows Mr and Mrs Pijk Kapp with Lori and Karin Van-rentle -our guests from the Netherlands) The Wolsingham Cheese Club has enjoyed its most successful Gala Dinner to date with a fine showing of cheeses and enormous generosity from the guests. Once again the gathering was held at a secret location in the Dale and the organisers report a significant increase in attendance, due in part to the event being open to associate overseas members for the first time. Visitors from the Netherlands, America and the former Soviet state of Tchyebelnda were delighted to see how their subscriptions were being used to support Dalesfolk. Proceeding began in the time-honoured fashion with the signing of the Wedgister and the sounding of three notes on the Truckle Horn. As guests sampled cheeses from around the world, they were treated to a sensational display by the Lower Teesdale Dangerous Sports Club. More used to performing outdoors, the LTDSC entertained with a scaled-down version of their infamous “Romaldkirk Roulette” nail-gun routine. The members of St. John Ambulance – invited for the first time this year – proved themselves as useful as ever. The centrepiece of the dinner was a fondue of the rare and extremely potent Roquefort Le Salaud LIX, especially shipped over from France for the occasion. Again, the organisers would like to thank the St John’s volunteers. Next year’s Chief Truckle was formally sworn in and the raffle raised an unprecedented £1,500 for the Retired Dairymen and Milkmaids’ Benevolent Association. Wolsingham Cheese Club would like to thank their hosts – who wish to remain anonymous – for the lovely venue and look forward to another fruitful year.