Poll - on behalf of Jungle1810

[Gwyn Nicholas]

I think you are right Mike, what the boys want is to get together have a good drink and talk about the good times. They have managed to do it for many years in our ancestral home of Wrexham without any concerns or worries about the future of their reunion. Recent events have changed things somewhat though, the fact that the Barracks is no longer available for use, losing some accomodation but more importantly the use of the other facilties namely the bar. Even the debacle of the Wynnstay last year caused mayhem and even now is a concern for this coming reunion in September.

I have heard a number of views on what will happen in the future for reunions namely one South the next North but it is still not clear to me if that is to happen or still a future plan. The only way that I can find out anything is if the information is passed down from those who are or at least should be in the loop ie the Branch members/Committees. Unless the information is clear and communicated, all people can do is turn up and hope for the best. In the past that has been enough because it never changed, it was always well orginised and more importantly it worked. With that in mind I believe most soldiers serving or Ex like to be as well informed as is possible. Afterall if you are not interested in what committees say or do, why have them and if you do have them, they cannot be beyond reproach and must answerable to those who elected them.

[mikedonnelly]

Gwyn I agree with every thing you say and as always you put your point over clearly and concisely however I can’t see it getting any better, perhaps we need to make it simpler we are never going to get back into the Barracks and there are very few locations that can accommodate and entertain the numbers we attract for the reunion weekend so why not somewhere like Butlins Minehead it has all the accommodation function rooms and facilities in one location and would be simple to organise. Most of our Mess functions are now outside in hotels because we can no longer pay the TA to come and set up cook and wait on so we go out where it is all done for us. As far as committees are concerned I understand that it can be a thankless job.

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Mike, I think that you are bang on money there mate. What a brilliant idea and although I know the some of the smaller groups are already doing that, I never considered that the main reunion could follow that lead due to the numbers involved. A single site that could accommodate the whole package would be ideal and I'm sure very attractive to many comrades especially some of our number who find it harder to get around. Food for thought, nice one!

[Rog Ball 01]

Mike/Gwyn.

I agree with what you are saying regarding going outside to somewhere, like a Butlins. What is needed is for someone from the Exec to look at this possibility and to report back to the RWFCA. It does not have to be Butlins, it could also be Haven or Pontins, or even in one of the TA Centres that are used by the RWF elements of 3RW.

[bennyball2]

Absolutely brill idea, they have entertainment in the evenings, sure they could accommodate a place for the meal as well, it is quite a cheap weekend as well, it has my vote

[Braz]

Outstanding idea if we can get most Members to agree. As is stated, there's no need to worry about food or entertainment and I'm sure they'd give us a Good Deal. Braz

[BennytheBall]

Mike/Gwyn
Very good idea, but I might be a bit nieve/blinked on this, but I thought Wrexham was the ancesteral home of the RWF, I think that Des Williams and his team are doing an excellent job in keeping the RWFCA Annual Reunion in Wrexham, now that we've lost the resources of Hightown Barracks, a little "glinch" last year with the Wynstay Hotel being closed, but reading on the forum it looks like it will be up and running again for this year's reunion (why try and re-invent the wheel) my opinion only, (don't want to throw the "hand Grenade into the ammo dump" on this one). I believe that this poll was original for the ladies attendance at our Annual Reunion Dinner or was for the sacking of Jungle1810 (its old age you get confused)LOL!

[Gwyn Nicholas]

Benny,
As you will will see from my previous post, I alluded to the point, that the reunion in Wrexham has always been well organised and dependable year on year and it is so very easy to plan for or indeed just arrive on spec and enjoy. That we all recognise and appreciate, is down to the dedication of individuals who perhaps do not get enough credit for their efforts. Unfortunately when something works as well, we do take it for granted. I'm sure nobody would want to see that change at any time.

I think Mike's idea is a very good plan "B" should difficulties arise in the future such as an accommodation shortage and facilities availability, which could come about if there were to be a large increase in numbers attending due to spouses/partners attending for the dinner (unlikely but possible if it was agreed). I totally agree that Wrexham is our ancestal home and so it should remain but the choice of venue perhaps could/should be secondary to the success and continuation of the RWFCA reunion itself - as a plan "B".

Incidentally, that is only my opinion and not a proposition or indeed my "hand grenade" going onto the pile.

[Glyn Hughes 17]

I have followed this thread with much interest and many wise word has been written, however I am a firm believer that the arrangements for the RWFCA annual reunion centred around the Memorial Hall at Wrexham can work and will work, with the support of all comrades, some fin tuning is needed and possibly reintroducing the “Beating Retreat ” would add a military flavour before attending the annual dinner. Wrexham has been the Home of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, since 1877 and please remember the Regiment has its War Memorial’s in Wrexham and its Regimental Chapel in St Giles Church. As RWFCA we need to come home annually to Wrexham.

[Rog Ball 01]

I like what you are saying Glyn. I lived in Wrexham when my Dad was at the RPO, and I used to visit the barracks when on leave. Why is it that we cant use the TA Centre in Hightown Barracks for our annual reunion? Hightown Barracks has always been the home of the Royal Welch, and although the Barracks have been taken over by 101 (TA) Engr Regt, surely something can be sorted that we can use the Barracks for no more than 3 days per year, and as you say Glyn, have a 'Beating of Retreat' before dinner on the Barrack Square. I find it strange that we can't use Hightown Barracks, even though we have part occupancy, but the Royal Welsh can use Derring Lines, even though it is a barracks that is owned by the Infantry Battle School.