The weekend did not start well as the weather for traveling was atrocious, the roads were jam packed and as usual full of road works. But by 1800hrs Jupiter had taken over most of the Hotel Lounge, Dutchy had slops open selling the new Association Shirts,Ties,Hoodies, Mugs, Lapel Badges, Blazer Badges, and Jumpers. Loads of old faces from Australia and France, some much older!! it is not always easy to recognise your old shipmates with white or missing hair. The Hotel was close to all the local Pubs and eating houses, some ventured out whilst others stayed within the dry and warmth of the Bar area.
Saturday morning came around too quick, after a hurried breakfast it was time for the AGM at 0900hrs. Due to the lack of a quorum last year we had first to ratify the existence of the two Vice Presidents which was duly done and VP Commodore Barry Bryant took the hot seat as our President was unable to join us due to ill health. After a brief introduction the VP handed over to the Chairman to conduct the rest of the AGM. If anyone would like a copy of the minutes please contact the Secretary but the main points were that Accounts were accepted, a donation was continued to the NMA and a new one off donation was made to Parkinsons UK. The Committee Members were appointed with Mick O’Neil being promoted to Vice Chairman ready to take over the Chairmanship in 2020.
An amended Constitution was distributed and agreed on, again copies can be obtained by contacting the Secretary.
It was unanimously agreed to the proposal that our President be granted an Honorary Life Presidency and Lady Jane be granted an Honorary Life Membership.
The date and venue of the 2020 Reunion and AGM was discussed and a date of October 9-11 was agreed and the Venue being Plymouth, the Secretary to arrange.
The AGM closed at 0950hrs.
The Anniversary continued at the NMA starting at 1100hrs with many Members attending the Chapel for the Daily Service of Remembrance. The Jupiter Service took place at our Remembrance Tree soon after 1200hrs with the local Sea Cadets in attendance with their Standard, the local RNA and Jupiters own Standard also paraded. Our Padre took the Service with three wreaths being laid by our Chairman on behalf of the Association, Councillor Smith for Wychavon Council and our Vice Chairman for Middlesbrough Council. On completion there was Tea and Biscuits provided in the main restaurant, thereafter some stayed to look around the NMA others travelled back to the Hotel for other types of refreshment and lamp swinging.
The Anniversary Dinner started with Tot Time at 1900hrs announced by the Sea Cadets by Bosun’s Call quickly followed by Hands to Dinner, Grace and nose bag time. Later on Loyal Toasts, Port was passed, VP and Wychavon Councillors speeches were made and then Shep Wooley entertained us royally until late when the Raffle was made at about midnight.
Bleary eyed people attended breakfast with the usual farewells made looking forward to the next Reunion in Guzz.
