John Bence has been the Club Treasurer at The Caravan Club for twenty six years and always has given generously of his time. On behalf of the members, John is largely responsible for the Club being in excellent financial shape and having a balance sheet many organisations would envy.

On Saturday night he was rightly afforded a valedictory dinner by the Club as he has decided to retire from his role although he will continue to work with the Club on a number of other fronts. He has also been awarded the great honour of Life Membership.

During his brilliant speech – more a theatrical production than a speech! – he awarded “prizes” to many of his colleagues. Without exception they had a nice little twist in the presentation. I was lucky(?!) enough to be a recipient and, as my picture shows, it was a cake in the fashion of a club toilet block!! This I consider a great honour and I shall keep it for as long as it survives. In presenting it to me John explained to the audience that whilst the Club’s financial approval systems are robust and demand in depth scrutiny backed by quality information, when I was Chairman of the Sites Sub-Committee I seemed to be continually bringing forward toilet block schemes and, firmly wearing his Treasurer hat, he really wondered whether they were all necessary!!

An outrageous suggestion if ever there was one!!

However, I shall treasure the moment and the memory of a very special evening for an exceptional man and wonderful servant to the Club.

Christopher Macgowan
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