2008 Reunion Report
Photographs from the weekend
The church service was very well attended and T.S. Ardent were again immaculately turned out to provide an honour guard for all those in the congregation. The service went off excellently with Andrew Gordon-Lennox reading the roll of honour with Jon Major parading our Standard and dipping it as the names were read out. Rear Admiral Ibbottson did us the honour of reading the lesson and the vicar gave a good sermon encouraging us to love and help one another especially in the light of the tragic loss of John Goddard.
The evening organisation went like silk and we had an extra hour to dance the night away as the raffle was over by 2145 (never done it so quickly). During the welcome address AG-L said a few words on behalf of Lord West who could not attend this year. He spoke very well and ended with a joke which got him a round of applause. Several new members were there as well as the usual family members so it gave many a chance to see people that they had not seen for over 25 years. A vote of thanks was given to Richie for all his hard work over the years and especially his recent efforts in launching the new web site. Angie was also thanked for her contribution as treasurer and was presented with a live orchid as a token of our appreciation. Steve Jackson had commisssioned a decanter on behalf of the fallen especially Knocker White to whom he was particularly close. He presented this to T.S. Ardent to use as an award to a cadet of the year. It was a magnificent gesture and was greatfully received by David Thickett Commanding Officer of T.S. Ardent. The welcome address ended with a photo call for all Ardents attending and it was great to see so many gathered together. It is hoped to make that a standing part of the evening and we will get better at organising the photo shoot next year.
Photographs of the evening event
Up Spirits went down very well with almost £190 collected. The food was also excellent and as I didn't have any complaints assume everyone enjoyed it. Annette and the girls in the mess did us proud. The raffle was a great success and we got over £400. The prizes (most of which were donated) were excellent with Buster Brown giving loads of freebies from St Austell and Skinners breweries and Jon Major getting a limited edtion print from the landlord of the Clipper. Mark Crocker with his disco did his best to keep the dance floor full until 0100 and the bar staff were terrific in keeping queueing to minimum. Overall it was a great evening.
The usual Boat trip was organised by Jon Major and he was able to give the Association funds a boost of over £100 from the residue of the tickets. Well done Jon. Finally we met up in the St Levans again and over 80 had a very good buffet put on by Paul Bodinham for the usual nominal fee. Suddenly it was time for T.S. Ardent to go and they had a rousing send off for their journey home. The last of a weary bunch then melted away in to the late afternoon to do their final celebrations.
Overall an excellent weekend.