This was the 50th Adoption Reunion and one of our best ever, a collaboration between the Association, Middlesbrough Council and the Sea Cadets.
Friday night started as usual with everyone meeting up in the Bar but that was all to change, Buck Taylor had booked us into a local Working Men’s Club for a Bingo Night and a guest appearance of Elvis Presley on stage. Multiple taxis were organised to take us to the venue, with late starters having to organise their own, however everyone was in place for the first ‘eyes down’. The first session was good with a couple of Members winning, then it was the turn of Elvis to sweat about the stage, he was pretty good! Second Bingo session proved good for the Association Chairman who won a House! although we are still waiting for the shared spoils!! Elvis returned for a few more songs and then ‘Elvis left the Stage’! Taxis were randomly organised and everyone got back to the Hotel after a very enjoyable and cheap run ashore.
Saturday morning was very busy, after breakfast it was the Association AGM, an amended Committee was sworn in and next year’s Reunion Venue was confirmed as Plymouth, a new Vice Chairman took on the role of Reunion Secretary so look out for all the Info. coming soon.
Middlesbrough Council very kindly supplied the coach from the Hotel to the Local War Memorial for the combined Association and Sea Cadet Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony to remember all those lost from the Middlesbrough Area associated with the Royal Navy in particular. On completion the coach returned us to the Hotel and those that wished to spent the afternoon in the local Hostelries and other places of interest! Many thanks to the Sea Cadets for all the organisation, our Association Padre and also thanks to the local mayor for attending and laying a wreath on behalf of the Council.
The Reunion Dinner evening kicked off at 1830hrs. with TOT TIME which was completed in short time followed by the Sea Cadets providing Bosun Pipe instructions. Hands to Dinner was followed by the marching in of the Association and Sea Cadet Standards, PRAYERS by the Association Padre and then scran time.
Speeches by the Association President and the Leader of the Council were well received , followed by the Loyal Toast to our Patron and Boss HM King Charles.
We were then entertained by RoMa Mobile Disco, the Padre and President showing how dancing was done in the 70’S. Presentation of the Mick O’Neil Trophy was made by the President to the XO of the Sea Cadets to be presented onwards to the 2024 award winner at a later date. An auction of various naval items donated by Dave Baker produced some funds for the Association coffers and a Raffle produced a donation to the local Sea Cadets. Disco Mania continued until closing time and then everyone retired to their bunks (maybe!)
Sunday morning was breakfast and return to Home Port, a very enjoyable weekend and one to beat!