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May 1995 Black pool |
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On Friday afternoon, the 12th May, the bar of the Royal York hotel gradually filled with thirty four friends of varying ages, whose common bond was that they served in 211. Welcome drinks were provided by the kind generosity of Doug Fanning. The opening session continued until early evening with emergency rations organised by Geoff White through his connections with a local take-away. There was a break in proceedings and at around 20:00 hours the bar filled again with the main party and after an O Group, route cards were issued—destination the Alabama Showboat. As is usual, not all members made the correct destination and other local premises improved their cash flow.
After breakfast on Saturday, The majority moved off to the Tower to Play Ten Pin Bowling, while a small Rear Party decided to stay behind to defend the hotel bar. A well organised tournament was enjoyed by everyone and the comments, expressions and overall behaviour certainly showed this. Many people discovered talents they were unaware of and some new superstars were discovered. The Prize winners were :-
· Pairs Champions Candy Paige & Geoff White · Most Strikes Stuart Murdoch · The Dave Wood Nu Pwa Trophy (Wooden Spoon) John Haley & Derek Mitchell
The Morning Finished with buffet Lunch and after that group dispersed to spend the afternoon go-karting, visiting the fun fair or strolling along the prom !
Everybody congregated in the hotel bar at 19:30 in the evening and proceeded to dinner at 20:00. A very good meal with wine was enjoyed before the usual meeting and presentation of prizes commenced. A discussion followed as to the venue for next years reunion, with the majority in favour of repeating this years successful formula. However, a small band of “vociferous mutineers” prevented a decision being reached at the time.
The balance of the evening progressed, with many groups forming to drink and reminisce on great battles fought over the training areas in the UK and Germany. The bar eventually closed in the early hours of Sunday.
After breakfast on Sunday it was agreed to hold the next reunion at the Royal York Hotel and during a morning of fond farewells, departures were made to all parts of the UK, with promises to meet again next year.
Author Dave Barlow |