Early members of Strathmore will recognise the Clubhouse in its early days - this picture was taken by Graeme Hunter in 1995 just after the framework had been erected and wow, we were all so excited to see the Centre starting to take shape after using a Portcabin for several months. Those members not around at that time might like to know the Countess of Strathmore was invited to dig out the first spade of soil in front of the members. A certain Japanese member, on hearing that Royalty had been invited to perform this ceremonial act, appeared in a fantastic, black silk outfit, matching black ostrich feather hat, fantastic stiletto shoes, beautiful black gloves and an exquisite silk, embroidered bag. The Countess drove up in a a Landrover which had obviously been through some muddy, country lanes. She was dressed as a countrywoman should be -- in sensible shoes, sensible jacket, sensible cords, no hat. As she got stuck in with the spade, the Japanese member looked quizzical. "Where is the Countess?" she asked. On being told that this was, in fact, the Countess, she said something in Japanese.
Nobody had the nerve to ask her for a translation!
