40th Annual Reunion Report

[Bob Bacon]

There were over 126 attendees this year and, even if I say so myself, it was yet another triumphant reunion!

Our honoured guests were Lt Col Nick & Sarah Lock, Maj Gen Brian and Mrs Jane Plummer CBE, BA, Brig David Ross CBE, Brig Anthony Vivian CBE, Lt Col Sir Geoffrey Inkin OBE and Maj Robert & Mrs Linda Lake.

The secret of our success is no doubt, the friendship between the serving members and those that have retired. It was so good to have so many serving members present this year.

The reception area of the Sgts’ Mess soon became a hubbub of excited chatter regardless of their age or era in the battalion. As the Bucks Fizz flowed, the years unravelled and members regrouped. In addition to re-establishing contacts with many old friends, new friendships were also cemented. Throughout the event, many found answers to questions which they have pondered over a number of years, like "Whatever happened to . . .?" or "I wonder where he/she is now?”

We reminisced about our military days, the many directions our career paths have taken, what has happened to whom, and of course our current disabilities, failing vision and joints. Do you still play golf seems to be the benchmark for the men.

Once again, to record the happy event, we called upon the professional expertise of a photographer. Gathering that many people outside in a large orderly group and then separating ladies and gentlemen was no easy task, even under the watchful eye of five commanding officers!

Laughter and lively conversation dominated the evening dinner. Tony Corbett took the risk of singling out the CO who was improperly dressed and promptly presented him with a 'regimental tie'! I could not begin to explain the pleasure felt by myself as I looked out at the sea of friendly, smiling faces. Each major reunion to date has been bigger than the one before; this time it exceeded our wildest expectations.

After dinner a return to the bar was called for allowing everyone to retire once the effects of a good dinner and a few drinks took hold. We were looked after extremely well by the staff of the Sgts’ Mess.

On Sunday, it was a time for farewells, for saying “Same time next year” and unabashed displays of affection between friends, both old and new.


An event of this magnitude would not have been possible without the support of numerous individuals. We are indeed indebted to you all and we offer a huge vote of thanks to:

• Mal and June Ball who worked tirelessly in the background both before and during the weekend to ensure this night was such a success
• John Lewis and Peter Butler who managed to take £272 for the raffle, which was quite an achievement seeing that they had such a small ‘window’ in the program in which to sell them.
• WO1 (RSM) Wayne Roberts for allowing us to use the Sgts’ Mess and hosting us.
• WO2 Mark Mathias and Vic Hughes for all their help in bringing the event together.
• All of the serving members, who made such an effort to befriend us “old-timers” and make us feel welcome, thank-you.

[peelow]

Seen the photos some very good ones, I am gald everybody had a great time.

[Bob Bacon]

The following messages have been received from some of our guests:

Brigadier Anthony Vivian

"Thank you very much indeed for having invited me to your very special anniversary on Saturday. I enjoyed it enormously, for it gave me the opportunity if meeting many old friends,some of whom I had not seen for ages,and people never change! (only grow old).

You and your committee organised the whole evening with enormous care, and we are all most grateful to you for your hard work. Here's to another 40 years, and the very best wishes.

Sincerely

Anthony Vivian
Brigadier"

Major Robert Lake

"Dear Bob,

I just wanted to say how much Linda and I enjoyed being guests at the 40th Anniversary dinner last Saturday. We both were made to feel so welcome and enjoyed being amongst and seeing so many old friends.

I am conscious, having retired from the responsibilities of organising events, just how much you personally put into making the evening the success it was. The RWF is very lucky to have such a dedicated supporter, thank you for all that you do for the Regiment.

Another special feature of the evening was being in the 1st Battalion's Warrent Officers and Sergeants mess. It was very kind of the RSM, Mr Roberts, of allowing us this privilege.

I should be grateful if you would pass my thanks to your members for a wonderful evening much enjoyed by us both

with thanks and warm regards"


Brigadier David Ross


"What a really excellent 40th Reunion you and your committee members organised last weekend. I was really please to be invited and to be able to attend this very special occasion. All the hard work you put in certainly paid off. It was so good to see so many familiar faces again. The clock was well and truly turned back!

I hope you will be able to pass on my thanks to Tony and all the committee members for your hard work, kindness and generosity in inviting me and your other guests to your Reunion.

I will have many fond memories of the occasion. All the best for the future.

Regards,

David"

[keith Jones 14]

To Bob and all who were involved with the 40th Annual Reuinion.

June and I would like to take this opportunity in thanking you for a fantastic weekend a bit of a sore head on Saturday morning, the all day shopping at Chester soon got it cleared.

Well done to all.