May 2006 Blackpool

Gary Caswell and Mack were in the next lane setting a sterling example of how to fill your time with self-tuition. Tony Squirrell’s quick improvements made him decide he would like to take the game up when he gets home. Others who appeared to enjoy the game included Reg Day and Gary Stewart, who for once took the game seriously and wasn’t bad at the sport, perhaps you should take it up in your spare time or export the game to Thailand!

 

After all games were completed we had sandwiches and a cup of tea. The other group in the bowling hall had a number in their party with wheeled zimmer frames. A comment was made that it won’t be long before this happens to us, we should therefore not forget the possibility of zimmer frame racing as a future event.

 

Albert “no boots” Johnson organised a group photo in front of the Blackpool bowling score board. Whilst setting up the shoot, Mac move the Blackpool bear which was on the chair behind Brian. The bear’s hat fell off, which had a mini pottery Blackpool tower cellotaped to it and in turn dropped on to the chief clerks head, sharp end first, ouch I felt it myself, I thought the end was going to be implanted in his head.

 

Brian Larcombe thoughtfully spelt out 211 RCZ WKSP TA on the bowling score board, the backdrop to our photo.

 

It was also noted how quick Albert can actually move, he dived into the group picture after putting his camera on a two second auto shoot. After trying a number of times, I think we caught one without his backside. I’ll remember that next time I’m dragging you around the BFT!

 

After the bowling we all went our separate ways, some had to take some R & R back to the hotel to catch up with some much needed sleep, others went straight to get the best seats in the Duke of York, the chosen watering hole for those who wanted to watch the FA cup final and others had a route march around the town in some cases catching up with the football later on.

 

The Duke of York was quite full, about half in the red of Liverpool and although I didn’t see one of the opposing sides shirts or colours the rest appeared to be ardent West Ham fans from the way they got behind them. And then there was Tommy, now what side was he on Black or White.

 

In the 92^nd min half the pub went completely mad, Gerard levelled the score to 3 – 3, We experienced the extremes of emotions by Dave “Scouse” Woods and Brian Finland, one second it was the look of deepest despair the next that of great joy. Brian in particular was dancing around the pub gesturing at all those who had previously baited him over the result going West Hams way.

 

As normal Dixie organised a little flutter on the side in the form of a sweep for first and last goal scored. Bill Gilbert won the 1^st goal and Tommy Fromson the last goal. Tommy’s joy at winning this was soon soured as he also had a bet with Brian that West Ham would win, so he did end up out of pocket.

 

The penalty shoot out finished at 1745 hrs

 

With the Kick Off at 1500hrs and the meal at 1800hrs it was always going to need military precise timing for everything to go to plan. Extra time was played making these plans even tighter. True to form there were a number of late attendees to the meal, in particular at 1810hrs Finland & Wood who were still dressing themselves as they entered the dining room and at 1816hrs there were others Dixie, Tommy & Gary Stewart at 19.16 hrs, giving some excuses about Bobby Moore and Alan Ball and how things were different then!

 

After the meal we retired to a private bar for the annual meeting where John Haley welcomed us all to the 2006 reunion, toasts to the Queen, 211 Old Comrades were made and Tom Start made a toast to our Absent Friends.

 

The winners of the sports morning were given out

The wooden spoon was presented to Geoff White, Tony Blackburn and Dave Woods

Runners up Stu Murdoch, Gary Stewart and John Haley

The winners:- Dixie, Brian Finland and Captain, Peter Dibble.

 

John Hughes presented the Secretaries report.

 

Thanks was made to Peter Dibble for purchasing everyone a corp tie. It is expected that all will wear these ties at our annual reunion dinner.

 

A number of dear friends were missing in particular John Dunne and Dave Wood who had both suffered poor health during the year and we send them good wishes. Please feel free to give them a quick call and cheer them up.

 

After the mess meeting, as the previous night some of the party got a bit of fresh air and change of scenery for a while. The singers in the British Legion apparently were not up to the standards of the night before, never the less some stayed for a while chatting to the local veterans all safely arriving back at the hotel for a last pint before bed.

 

Sunday quickly arrived and we woke fairly early. My roomy Dave Woods didn’t disturb until I put the news on the Telly and he heard Steven Gerard’s voice. Suddenly Dave was back to life,