Bob ~ Yer Pic of the Yacht Club!

[Michael Alexander]

Here we go Bob, I downloaded the pic from the link and uploaded it back here....

[Robert Bruce]

I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was too shy and did not want to be photographed! Idiot. I was stood beside the photographer while he clicked this picture.

My dad, AE Bruce, is seated immediately below the cannon next to Bob Molloy and Vin Kilbride to his left. My mum is stood back row left holding my cousin Shareen Wright in her arms.

[Michael Alexander]

I only noticed that Canon now, and never knew about it!

What was if then?

What on earth happened to it?

[Robert Bruce]

Bro Mike,

What with the yacht club being about things nautical, I reckon the cannon was there as a decoration. Where it came from will be interesting to learn as would who provided it.

As far as I recall, flags raised and dropped from the bridge mast were used to begin/finish the races.

Anyone out there who can provide more accurate facts?

[Bob Molloy]

The cannon was indeed a replica, made by John Wright (one of Robert's relatives I think) when he was Commodore of the Yacht Club.

[Robert Bruce]

Aah! I was not aware that he built it.

However in retrospect, this activity remained dear to him through the remainder of his life here in UK. He had his workshop, (and I mean one of the most impressively kitted out workshops) at Ashford.

The grand-kids were treated to many, many toys from this workshop!

[Michael Alexander]

Still wondered who nicked the canon then!

Yep! Bro.Bruce, The flags were hoisted at the start of the races and meant something or other during the races also...... maybe something to do with letting the sailors know that the beer in the bar was getting warm!