Spanish to English Other Idioms / Maxims / Sayings It\'s a log/diary of a visit by a group of philanthropists

This is from a log/diary I’m translating.

Teniendo entre nosotros a Juan Cubas su antiguo Presidente, ni que decir tiene quien hizo de anfitrión. (algo que vino bien a quienes escapamos tras la primera visita, dirá el).

Amongst our number was their former president Juan Cubas who, needless to say took on the role of host ..

I’m befuddled here worrying that it’s wrong and it really means that the writer assumed the role of host. As you will tell I’m having trouble with this colloquial, meant to be somewhat jocular language .

Also:

(algo que vino bien a quienes escapamos tras la primera visita, dirá el)

I have a tentative:

“something that went down well with those who got away from us after the first visit, he’ll say/ he’s likely to say”.

All help gratefully received. Perhaps I’m over-tired. Thanks again