The RFA Reunion 2014.
Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham.
What an excellent evening we had, well attended with 124 people sitting down to an excellent dinner. We had hoped for a few more but a small number had to drop out at the last minute through illness.
Serious and loads of Bravo Zulus must be awarded to Gil Forth (Joint Chairman, with Andy Armstrong, of the Scottish and Newcastle Branch) and all her team for their hard work, stalwart efforts and attention to detail which made the evening a stunning success. We must also not forget the hotel staff, management, cooks and stewards who worked so hard contributing to the evening.
Recently promoted Commodore Rob Dorey attended and made a most informative and amusing maiden speech. Sadly we were not off the mark on this totally missing the opportunity to tease him with score cards. He was, however awarded 10 marks for his superb effort but we did neglect to tell him how many marks that was out of, suffice it to say we look forward to his speech next year. What was interesting was the upbeat message for the future of the RFA given these tough times for the defence industry passed to Association members, I hesitate to use the term “Old Boys” as that would probably include me and whilst I can live with that the memsahib might have something to say about age and association with age, I rest my case.
I will publish, as a sitrep, the amount our major fundraiser raised but for now I can only give you the Grand Raffle, managed by Anne Armstrong, total of £750. A superb amount from the generosity of those attending. Numerous donations and raffle prizes were made by various people and organisations, the list of these very generous contributors can be found in the programme which can be downloaded here
Programme (230.73 kB)
There are loads of pictures of this glittering evening available on the various RFAA websites, have a look HERE for the RFA Association Gallery. and our Facebook page and if you have some we would love to have them.
Looking forwards to next year the Reunion will be hosted by the Plymouth Branch and held a the China Fleet Club, Saltash, Cornwall and held on Saturday 16th May 2015, more details in due course. Have a look HERE for their website and HERE for a map.