Reunion 2010 - Keeping the Name ‘ARDENT’ Alive!
Our 28th reunion weekend got off to a cracking start when 23 Ardents attended the opening of the new Ardent block in HMS Raleigh on Thursday 27th May. We also had a trio who were still serving in Raleigh and about 11 from T.S. Ardent which made up half of all those attending the opening of the 4 accommodation blocks (Antelope, Conqueror and Sir Galahad as well). We were made most welcome by all the staff we encountered and they had planned briefings and tours to give us a flavour of life in the modern R.N. On top of that a reception with a special cake to mark the event meant we all left happy that Ardent was again remembered in the Royal Navy. We presented the block with several gifts and loans which included a 4 foot model of the ship from Charlie Ford and a painting from Tony Ray, pictures from John Foster and Paul Bodinham, 2 books from Mark Higgitt and a copy of Life through the Lens and a silver photo frame with a copy of the ships photograph from the Association plus a Pennant from Martin Jolly probably one of the few artifacts left from the NAAFI. Cliff Goldfinch presented his lifejacket and his survivors I.D. card to the Heritage Centre which, hopefully, will be on permanent display. I would like to thank all those that made such a great effort to get there and represent our Association.
Opening of 'Ardent' Block Slideshow
Friday arrived and most members started to check in to their accommodation. Several met up at the Clipper as usual in Union Street where they were well looked after by Tom and his staff. Tom arranged for several items for our raffle and these included 2 signed copies of books by well known sportsmen, a limited edition print of the Clipper and a bottle of single malt whisky from HMS Campbeltowns special bottling. Our grateful thanks go to Tom and the Clipper Inn. In the evening we moved on to the St Levans Inn where we met Mike Townson who came to represent the Type 21 Club and participated in all our events right through to Sunday lunch. It was good to meet up with all our friends and catch up on their news. Paul once again looked after us superbly and rolled out the pasties and sandwiches to soak some of his alcohol!
Saturday was the start of a hectic schedule for me and the team who help me every year. We started at 10 a.m. and had a meeting to discuss the 30th anniversary so be assured we will try to make it a weekend to remember. After that we rigged the mess and even had time for a brunch at Captain Jaspers on the Barbican.
Our Service of Remembrance was particularly significant as we had our 22 plaques to be blessed and they will be taken to the Falklands next year to be planted next to the trees for the fallen in the Memorial Wood. To show the significance of these plaques, which represent one of our ship mates, they were brought to the altar as Lord West read the Roll of Honour and I know everyone who brought one up to the altar felt privileged to do so. The service was conducted by the Rev. “Ned” Kelly and he made a great effort to stress the point that no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends. We also had the great privilege to have six families presented with the Elizabeth Cross (for families of those killed on active service since 1948). It is intended that the Cross should be presented by a local Senior Officer from any service or the local Lord Lieutenant so we feel especially glad that we were able to present them in front of so many friends and family. Barbara McAulay has written to me to say how grateful she is to be part of a such a strong Association which treats all the families with care and friendliness and that the service meant a great deal to her and son Justin. T.S. Ardent yet again supported us with pride and they always seem to be so smart in their dress and bearing. The photos that Richie has published on the web site of all the events over the weekend are well worth a look and can be viewed on this page. Richie has produced slide shows set to music and some are very emotional.
Well done Richie for all your hard work on behalf of the Association.
HMS Drake Remembrance Service Slideshow
The evening reunion got off to a flier as many people arrived bang on time - amazing! I did the usual address and welcomed our families who had made a great effort to bring so many of their families along. I also introduced Mike Townson who gave a short introduction into the Type 21 club and advertised the inaugural reunion in October in Plymouth. Anyone interested in attending see the 21 club website. I then introduced Lord West and he amused us with a couple of tales of when he was a minister in the government not least of which was the one about David Camerons driver turning the wrong way after leaving Buckingham Palace, losing the security detail and stuck in a traffic jam. Lord West was urgently called to sort it out and he suggested they contact the Government as he no longer worked for them! Our usual photo call got us on the dance floor quickly followed by Tot Time. Dave Serrell and Jan Joyce once did a great job of selling 6 bottles of rum to reluctant customers - not! They took in nearly £230.00 which gave a healthy profit to the Association of about £90.00. Well done boys.
Our hot buffet came next and hopefully everyone enjoyed it. Unfortunately it may have been too tasty as the garlic bread and naan ran out because I suspect that some had more than was rationed! Please be aware that everyone needs to be fed and if there is any left over then seconds can be had.
We had 2 raffles this year because Steve Jackson had again kindly donated a very special decanter of Pussers Rum which was too good to go in the main raffle. This special raffle raised £170.00 and our thanks go to Carol Ray for selling the tickets. The decanter was won by Dick Curtis who was over the moon with his success. The main raffle raised exactly £400.00 so a very big thank you to everyone who contributed to the 30 prizes on offer. Theresa did a great job of organising the tickets and getting you all to be so generous. Jeff Tucker won the single malt! The proceeds from the raffles pay for the disco and a couple of other items which do not go on the ticket price which is why we are able to keep the ticket price at the same level for the last few years any residue then goes to the funds and will be spent to enhance the 30th reunion weekend.
This brought the end of my duties for the night and I was able to have a few pints of lager. Speaking of pints Lady West was persuaded to get behind the bar for some on job training and was pictured pulling a pint of Guinness for Lord West, at least she may be able to get a job if Lord West doesn’t!
Evening Reunion Slideshow
Sunday arrived and thankfully the weather was kind for those hardy souls going on the boat trip around the harbour. It was half an hour later this year to allow T.S. Ardent to get over from Raleigh. This is harder than you may think as they didn’t leave the reunion until almost midnight and then they have to pack up ready for home before coming back across the water. About 70 flocked into the St. Levans Inn and Paul Bodinham again had organised our lunch of cold meat buffet with freshly cooked chips. Many commented on the value of the spread and our thanks go to Paul and his team who continually make us welcome. A rousing cheer for T.S. Ardent as they departed for home meant we could slowly wind down and Theresa and I went home tired but very pleased that the weekend had gone off so well.
Thank you all for making it such a memorable weekend - Pete