Southern Championships, Shanklin SC, IOW, 6-7 July 2002

MADGE AND KYLIES SOCIAL REPORT FOR WIVES AND PARTNERS

Well, ladies, a mixed bag of goodies here - lots of plus points, and a few minus points to consider when hubby is next planning a trip to the Shanklin D.15 event. First minus points must be the very early start on Saturday AM., unless you can persuade him indoors to take Friday afternoon off. Catch 22 here if you have to use the M25 - not a good place to be at 5pm on a Friday (marginally better than the crowded checkout at Tesco, full of screaming kids?) 4/10

So, what to do whilst our other halves jiggle their harnesses, tackle their blocks or wash their sheets or whatever they get up to while on the high seas. If the weather is clement, then "no contest" - get a good book, hire a deck chair and admire the view - the fit deck chair attendant adjacent to the club is rather appealing, with a blond ponytail, suntan, pecs, etc., etc., 6/10

The other option is to do The Grand Tour-lots-of-things-to-do-places-to-go-and-spend-your-money scenario, all according to taste. The only thing you can't do is serious shopping. Let us assure you, ladies, if you need to bend the plastic, stay landside in Southampton or Portsmouth. The I.O.W. is a no-no. Hence 1/10 [This point is given because we found one excellent art/craft gallery in Yarmouth].

On the foodie and drinkie side, start in Shanklin old village, very quaint, chocolate box pretty, full of tea shops and cafes. Excellent cream teas (at 11am!), well deserved after a steep climb up the Chine, and a mouthwateringly good pastie shop. Move on down to Shanklin High Street, and move on even faster to lunch - we recommend "Halfway House", a minimalist chic bistro serving Italian or Oriental food, served in the ubiquitous large bowl rather than flat plate. 8/10

The Shanklin D15 catering team deserve a mention, the hospitality was good, with a wonderful hog roast, salads and gooey tiramisu pudding served on Saturday evening. (As usual with these outdoor noshes, don't forget your thermals, ladies!) We suspect they were slightly taken aback at the Grafham representatives (total Alchos, who nearly drank them dry - the secret bunker store was somewhat depleted, we hear) hence our score for the night 9/10. At least they don't have far to go for the booze cruise.

The local B&B's are satisfactory - all looking slightly shabby (chic?) - ours was adequate, (if you forget the 5* Indian Ocean hideaway holiday you recently experienced). Well, it is only for one night, after all. 5/10

So that's all, our first report of many to come (possibly). Oh, just a quick fashion note, so you'll know what to pack in your Louis Vuitton next time. Fluffy cardigans, home knitted during the long dark winter months, to co- ordinate with a jumper for hubby are an essential accessory. Pack crimplene non-crease washables with elasticated waists for comfort, socks with open toed sandals are still going strong. Lovely. Next report "Beaver Sailing Club Event, Sunny Donny". (Doncaster, S.Yorks, that is)

Jane Howden.