The club’s comedy duo – John Pepper and Hugh Lawrence – started our New Year with the customary auction of unwanted Christmas gifts. Members had brought nearly 100 unwanted items, ranging from a splendid coffee-making machine, through the usual books, booze and perfumes, to the downright weird, such as a Star Wars Crochet Set and a self-stiring mug. In little more than an hour of non-stop hilarity the auctioneer and his assistant relieved members of almost £400.