2006 Reunion Report
Photo Slide Show of the Reunion
TS Ardent Cadets: (Left to Right) Jordan Wilson : Alex Palfreyman : Zoe Heathcote : Dan Jones : Tom Thornicroft : Mark Slade form an honour guard outside St Nicolas church, Saturday 27 May 2006.
The overcast sky made HMS Drake feel cold and stark as shipmates, families and friends of the Association gathered outside St Nicolas church for our 24th service of remembrance. But this greyness fast diminished as cadets from TS Ardent took up station to form an honour guard at the entrance to the church. The six cadets were smartly turned out in their blue serge uniforms, adding a very welcome splash of colour to the day's events. Admiral and Lady West took time to talk to the five boys and one girl before they made their way into the church closely followed by the 140 people who also attended the church service. Before we started the sad news of the recent death of Tommy Armstrong was read out to the congregation. Tommy was a staunch supporter of the Ardent Association and his loss will be long felt by his many friends both in and outside of the Association. The Reverend Andrew Callon then conducted the service of remembrance for the Association.
Outside of the church, the service complete, there was a chance to catch up, time for Admiral West to see a painting of HMS Ardent donated by shipmate Alan Flay to TS Ardent at this years reunion. It will be displayed in the TS Ardent's Honour Corner. Also, for Rear Admiral Ibbottson to recount the story of how someone had stolen his dress uniform trousers on the train to Plymouth, preventing him from attending in uniform. But with grey skys overhead it was soon time to disperse to the nearest bolthole to continue conversations. The TS Ardent crew smartly marched off and headed to HMS Raleigh, their home for the weekend.
As the day became night we all gathered again in the new Warrant and Senior Rates mess in HMS Drake which now stood in the old drill shed. It was a challenge for ex-Chief Gunners, Richie Gough, and George Strachan, not to scream out "Stand-Still" at the brave souls that were on the dance floor. Our friends from TS Ardent joined us once again swelling the evening numbers to 160 plus.
As the evening progressed our Secretary Pete Brierley and Admiral West ook to the stage to bring us up to date with current news and the advanced planning news for the major 25th reunion next year, which is now less than twelve months away. Finally it was time for "Up Sprits" overseen by Brum Sewell and Jan Joyce, thanks guys.
As Sunday morning in Plymouth awoke to the rhythmic noise of hundreds of runners competing in the yearly half marathon some of our shipmates braved the boat trip around Plymouth dockyard. The group was joined by the officers and cadets of TS Ardent and the trip proved to be a highlight of the weekend as old salts and potential new recruits discussed the merits of the naval experience. However, with less and less warships alongside to view, the group had to rely on some salty old sea dits to fully create the atmosphere of a naval boat trip. Once again, thank you to John major for organising this now annual event.
And finally, those still having the stamina, gathered at the St Levan's Arms under the watchful eye of our host Paul Bodinham, who once again provided a superb buffet lunch. As the afternoon move towards early evening the group slowly reduced in size as people departed to make their journeys home. The one common theme agreed by all was how good it was to attend, to remember, to celebrate and catch up with old friends.