The 2022 Reunion Chester

 

Alan Myers relaxing beside the river at Chester.
Our first reunion since the Covid pandemic started, was held in the historic city of Chester which is where it should have happened back in the year of 2020. Considering all that's gone on in the intervening period, a turnout of thirty was testament to the strength of the friendships amongst our members. Over the weekend those friendships were renewed and enjoyed again. Members and spouses enjoyed a Friday night chatting and laughing. Saturday they were left to their own devices.
The weather on Saturday was gloriously sunny, a blessing as weather at this time can be the exact opposite. Members and spouses headed off to spend the day in and around Chester. Alan Myers (pictured above) headed off down to the riverside and found himself a bench where he could while the day away. With refreshments within easy reach, he sent his minder on regular errands to purchase copious amounts of coffee to quench his thirst. Lots of tourist's and some locals, paraded up and down the riverside to keep him amused at their antics.
The river Dee at Chesterand some of it's inhabitants.
The guests enjoy dinner with the Bryan Shields-Probett crafted pen as the rollover
The first official event of the weekend was the Saturday night OCA dinner, The dinner was a very pleasant and tasty occasion with a good standard of cuisine. Alan Myers as the senior member gave a short before dinner speech, to acknowledge and remember those who've sadly left us since our last reunion. After dinner Neville Wareham announced he would be giving everyone the gift of a pen. Byan Shields-Probett who's long time hobby is wood turning, had made them as a keepsake for all who'd attended.
Sitting at the tables in the rollover below are first image L/R rear, Wendy Lloyd, John Lloyd, Alan Myers, Terry Evans and Mary Evans. Front left is John Knowles and right is Babs Knowles. Rollover image L/R rear, John Hamnett, Chris Potts, Monica Potts, Jim Varden, Margaret Varden, Jess Baldwin, Olga Baldwin. At the front are George Smart and Grandaughter Jasmin.
George Smart and John Knowles sit at the head of the remaining tables.
L/R Bryan Shields-Probett, Joyce Hough, Ray Hough, Mark Wareham, Marta Moore, Barbara Ashworth and finally Neville Wareham of image one of this rollover. Coincidentally, sitting at the table on the second image is George Dane, who also enjoys the hobby of wood turning, produced a pen of his own making. Rollover L/R George Dane, Bill Sayer Margaret Sayer, Linda Bold, Tony Bold, Mike Heal, Louvain Heal and back round to Sheila Dane. Bryan had even gone to the trouble of making two styles of pen. A Rosewood version for the ladies and a Thai Teakwood for the gentlemen. Thanks for that Bryan and Neville.
Neville and George Dane preside over their respective tables.
A fully loaded drinks table consumed after dinner.
Dinner over and the bar was kept busy until well after midnight, as our members showed a stamina that others of our age group would do well to match. Unfortunately, the only picture I have of ancient warriors partaking of liquid refreshment, has had to be heavily cropped. Not the best result but it is what it is. A better version will appear in the slideshow below. Two of our youngest participants are shown in the rollover. They came along to keep a watchful eye on elderly old soldier relatives and they far too good looking to leave out of this report.
AGM started punctually at 10:00 am Sunday 15th as some members had quite a distance to travel home. Alan Myers led us through all the formalities. As the meeting progressed, it was obvious that those present were enthusiastic to continue with our reunions in the UK and Thailand. After some discussion it was decided that Lincoln would be the next location for the UK 2023 reunion, possibly in mid May. A reunion in Thailand will be explored by the committee and an itinerary produced for those interested. The picture right, shows the close bond we have with the people of Khok Samran
The reunion over and everyone left to return home. The farthest travellers had some four hundred miles of journey to Fife. It had been a very pleasant and relaxing time and had asserted the old enthusiasm we'd felt before. Thanks everyone for your participation and we look forward to the next reunions both here and in Thailand.

Slideshow

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