To the strains of “The Wheels on the Bus” and some thumping “YMCA” and “Saturday Night Fever,” a group of 30 Serps embarked on a vintage Routemaster for Littlehampton on Sunday, Sept. 8, writes Alix Christie. This first of what will undoubtedly be many great Serps Beanos was a brilliant success, thanks to the hard work of Lorraine and Norman Jones, Paddy Boyce and Kirstie Neilson. (All foreigners were grateful for Lorraine’s prior explanation that “Beano” comes from “Beanfeast – a feast that took place in public schools after lights out,” a concept companies later adapted as a day out for the workers.)
The highlight, of course, was a swim in the warm, wild sea. Some dips were brief, some swims as long as an hour. Serper Stuart Bowman – accompanied by Nora Fowler and Volker Koch ––prepped for his upcoming channel relay just a wee bit to the west of Dover, whilst son Ben, 18 months, best behaved toddler in memory, looked on. Other notable participants were Alan Lacy, the club’s oldest member, who shared photos of his 90th birthday flight in the same airplane model (a Gypsy Moth) he flew in 1940. Paddy Boyce brought his trademark flair to the travel music and libations, whilst Emma Brown and Stuart crushed all opposition to win first prize in the diabolical quiz devised by Norman Jones.
Rain stops no Serps, particularly if they are watching it from inside. A fish and chips lunch was memorable not just for the company and fluffiness of the fish, but the venue, the remarkable East Beach Café designed by Heatherwick Studios, of Olympic torch fame. Kudos to the organizers for a wonderful day out.
