It’s said that “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” but this being England we have to reveal all about the finest party in the English Home Counties party of the year.
In true English fashion, the first thing to happen was an apology. Yes, Robin Hunter, after a red-blooded moment of revealing all of Dani’s toolbox to German TV cameras earlier in the day at Serps, started his act with a typical Englishman’s introduction “I’m sorry” he said. Robin subsequently picked up the pace and sang superbly and clearly with diction even Eliza Doolittle would have been proud of.
Then there was the group singing ‘Old Man Jonesy had a pond’ in fine tribute to our Club President Norm Jones. This was followed up by Alison and Leslie du Cane with a filling and very tasty ‘Frey Bentos’ song.
And for talent, the consistent Cselko family gave a superb rendition of ‘Over the Rainbow’ for all. And followed swiftly with an over the shoulder look of fear by Dani Lobo who was mauled on stage by George Cselko dressed as not quite part of the seasonal nativity scene, but as a savage rubber shark playing on Dani’s fears.
Lorraine Jones had chaparalled a happy crew to sing ‘I’m Serpentine swimming on a winters day’ And Maestro of Ceremonies Ange Johnson introduced fellow Antipodean Dave who played ‘I did it my way’ on saxophone. Well Dave said he was going to give the song his version and personal interpretation. Good jazzy work with backing from Neil on keyboards.
The evening took a distinct chill with the next act. ‘Frozen’ was the name and Laure Latham, Cedric Guyot with their children Louise and Iris melted hearts with with their onstage act of singing, playing and keyboard work by snowman Laure. For 100% family involvement and for being on the swimming theme, this narrowly pipped the Cselko act as performance of the evening. As Louise and Iris summed up, “the cold never bothered us anyway.”
Our swimming musician, a professional in both categories was Neil Drinkwater with his Red Stripe band who had us grooving to the Red Stripe Boogie.
Seasonal themes returned with Topo giving a clear and confident delivery of his Christian poem ‘a divine star is born’. Which was swiftly followed with another poem about a man all too familiar with Catholics and that Ron Whittam’s rendition of ‘I’m ‘Enry the eighth I am’.
Let’s see who was next, ah yes, Dani Lobo was back on stage and begged not to be back on stage next year. Yes, let’s grant him his wish. Dani drowned us with well-received Dad jokes and will not be giving up the day job.
Jeremy Hunter doggedly told us twenty things we didn’t know about North Korea, a country that is 103 years old. Vernon and Geoffrey paid homage to an Austin Allegro, thus maintaining the fine reputation of Serpentine individuality.
Jaana, Eliza and Alice went native as four wise girls of the East did their thing. Dressed in black, Natasha and Flora did an impression of roadies as they neatly moved Neil’s keyboard ad microphones onto another level. Once that ‘act’ of making impromptu space was complete- with no damage done, they performed fantastically and had clearly rehearsed some sexy moves with the rest of their dancing tam. Brilliant.
As Brian Thomas emailed, congratulations to all who had the bravery to get up on stage. Thank you to Nick, Sakura and Mummy Adams who did a superb bell ringing rendition at the start of the evening. Many helpers were there too; Mark and Mike behind the bar, who served and consumed drinks in equal measure. Norm and Ange who steered the evening. Deirdre at the door and the many many helpers. And of course all who helped clear up afterwards.
And to end the evening, there was one final act…. and next year who knows we could be partying in Vegas.
[John Tierney]
IN THE DUCK POO:
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SWIM IN DUCK POO – THAT’S WHAT WE DO COME ON IN – THE WATER’S FINE YOU ARE IN – MY HEART FOREVER OH MY DARLING – SERPENTINEEEEEEEEEE |
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SERPENTINE SWIMMERS – SING A SONG OF OUR SWIMMERS NOW – AND FROM THE PAST IT’S YOUR PRESENT – AND OUR FUTURE WE TOAST THOSE – WHO DIDN’T LAST |
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START WITH GORDON – HE’S A LIVE ONE HE’S NOT NEAR – THE PEARLY GATES HAD HIS BIRTHDAY – JUST TURNED 80 HE STILL SINGS – FOR GOODNESS SAKES |
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ON HIS — THERMOMETER HE DID SLIP IT WENT IN – PUSHED BY MATRON NURSES HELPED – REPLACE HIS HIP |
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MORE TEA VICAR – AND SOME CAKE PLEASE? RESPECT THE LIVING – AND THE DEAD LET’S FIND A LIVE ONE – FOR SOME FRESH FUN IT’S BETTER SWIMMING – YES, WELL SAID |
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SHE DID IT DAILY – DURING THE SUMMER SIZE OF MEMBERS? – ROS KNEW HER LIST PAY THE MONEY – IT’S NOT FUNNY JUST DON’T LET HER – GET TOO PISSED.
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THINK OF ROSY – SHE’S A TEMPLE NOT A PILLAR – THAT’S HER NAME SHE CAN WORK HARD – AND CAN PLAY HARD ONE TO LAUGH WITH – WHEN SHE’S GAME |
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IF MARYLYN MONROE – SWAM WITH OUR CLUB MR PRESIDENT – SHE WOULD SING BUT FOR NORM’S WIFE – LOVELY LORRAINE THE BLONDE ONE – SHE WOULD FLING |
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THEN THERE’S PADDY – LIKES TO STAY WARM IN THE KITCHEN – PLAYS WITH KNIVES CUT HIS FINGERS – RATHER DEEPLY NOT QUITE TEN – HE HAS NINE LIVES |
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OLA THE SPANIARD – DARLING HANDICAPPER SETS THE TIME – ADDS MORE AND MORE WHERE’S THE LOGIC –SIGNOR LOBO HE FIRST SWAM - THE CHORIZO FOUR |
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BRIAN’S GREY NOW – EXCEEDED 60 BUT IN WATER – KNOWS HOW TO PASS LET’S SOME WIND OUT –LIKE HIS DOGGIES ONE WILL BITE YOU – ON THE ARSE |
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PETER PETER – PETER PETER THE FINEST – OF THE FINE PETER PETER – THANK YOU PETER PETER OF – THE SERPENTINE |
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OUR DEAR TONY – ON ONE FINE NIGHT INTO THE POND – HE DID TRIP WAS IT ALCOHOL? – OR POOR JUDGEMENT? NO – HE BLAMED HIS DODGY HIP |
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WOOLLY JUMPERS – AND A RIDING HAT CYCLING PAST – IS HE NUTTY? NO, HE'S RUSHING TO – THE POSH CAFÉ TO INDULGE – IN BACON BUTTIES |
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UP IN HEAVEN – ON XMAS DAY FATHER TITMUSS – AND BOB KELLY THINK OF BILL – SAT WITH CYRIL AND SERPY SWIMMERS – ON GOD’S TELLY |
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ALAN LACY – AND IAN STUTTARD STILL SWIM HERE – REMAINING KEEN WE LOOK FORWARD – TO NEXT YEAR TO SEE THEM SWIM – IN SWEET 16 |
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THOSE DEAR DEPARTED – WE ALWAYS SING OF THEIR LOVELY NAMES – ARE NONE TOO FEW UNDER THE BRIDGE – AND IN THE WATER THEIR MEMORIES LIVE – IN OUR DUCK POO |
| THE CHORUS ONE FINAL TIME |
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SWIM IN DUCK POO – THAT’S WHAT WE DO COME ON IN – THE WATER’S FINE YOU ARE IN – MY HEART FOREVER OH MY DARLING – SERPENTINEEEEEEEEEE |
