The weekend started off in the RMC Bar with old and new members getting to know each other. Our new Slops Man JD was very enthusiastic in selling his gear even modelling some of the clothing on offer, not the prettiest sight but he achieved record sales, plus a couple of very dubious offers of further modelling! Some stayed in the Bar while others renewed memories in the local pubs, returning at the end of the night with a banjo singing/playing the usual matelot songs. Saturday morning was the AGM presided over by our President Commodore Barry Bryant; a report will be available at a later date. In the afternoon some went into the dockyard to see an uckers match being played, others chose to go to the heights of the Spinnaker Tower, whilst others relived memories of taking the Gosport Ferry and quaffing a few jars in the local Witherspoon’s.
Saturday night started early with the Portsmouth Sea Cadets using the Bosuns Calls to attend Tot Time, UP SPIRITS, and then later to send us to lunch. A parade led by our Standard and followed by our President and 4 other Ex Commanding Officers marched in, to the music of ‘Hearts of Oak’, This was immediately followed by our Padre saying Prayers for our F85 Shipmates and of course in memory of HM Queen Elizabeth II, a welcome for King Charles II was also given. A two-minute silence, the Standard lowered, began and ended with a RBL Bugler with all due ceremony, a very poignant period remembering our shipmates who were lost on F85 in the Java Sea in 1942, the 80th Anniversary.
The Gala Dinner was attended by 43 shipmates, partners and 1 special guest as allowed for the first time. After the very scrumptious meal, the Vice President called to toast the King with our Port and the Raffle was done by the Secretary, a huge amount raised for the Association and a donation from it made to the Sea Cadets. This year for the first time we had entertainment, 2 x 45min. sessions, which resulted on occasions with the Padre and wife taking over the dance floor with their particularly impressive moves. I think we may look at organising a similar session for next year, the venue yet to be found but somewhere in the Midlands would be good. All together a good weekend with new members attending and renewing old friendships from 30+ years ago.