Xmas Party 2009

(Click on any image to enlarge)

The annual club Xmas party was held at the Willow Rooms in Romford on Saturday December 5.  With numbers swelled by the new Dragons club (and parents) the venue was very well attended this year with a great party atmosphere throughout the evening.  Sensei Lee Smith kicked off the night with some awards and announcements to celebrate the end of another highly successfull year for the club.

First off were awards for the Little Dragaons and Junior Dragons in attendance tonight.  All were presented with a medal - with some demonstrating what they have already learned in Japanese.  Kim Walton amd Jamie Spinks each received a plaque in recognition for all their help in running the club.

Next up were junior student of the year and senior student of the year.  These awareds are voted on by the senior instructors each year and recognise those students who have made that extra effort in attendance, improvement and in sheer hard work.  Junior Student of the year 2009 is Brittany Vant - seen below receiving her award from Gavin Foster.  Senior student of 2009 is Su Farrell - seen below receiving her award from European and Commonwealth champion Jonathan Mottram.




By coincidence today was also the day of the General Grading.  Two Woodlane students attended and two passed.  Lee congratulated Jamie Spinks on his promotion to 1st Green.  Lee then introduced Woodlane's newest blackbelt - Kay Cameron - who had been graded today by sensei Ticky Donovan and received a very well deserved Shodan award.  Jamie Spinks was also presented with a £437.50 cheque which was sponsorship for his recent climb of Mount Snowden.  This money to be used to buy additional equipment for the Dragons Dojo.



Just when we thought the presentations had completed Lee had one more announcement.  Sensei Ticky Donovan had today approved the award of second Dan to Chris Fennessy based on a recommendation from Lee and the other senior instructors.   Fair to say that Chris was a bit taken back by this surprise, and feels extremely honoured to be recognised not only by Sensei Ticky Donovan, but also by Lee, Chris, and Tony for their confidence and support.



Good to welcome our friends from other Ishinryu clubs who joined us this evening - a special mention for Gavin Foster and colleagues who drove all the way from Newcastle to join us.  
And of course to Jonathan Mottram who, along with Gavin, presented our student of the year awards.  








 

278 images were captured from the party.  A CD containing all the images is available to club members on request at £1 each to cover materials.  .