Wash-Up

Shipmates,

What a blast that was!  Up until last night, some 24 hours after the event, my head was still spinning.  I must really begin by saying thank you to everyone who made it to Newcastle and sorry for those few who missed it owing to one thing or another.  I have little doubt that there will be another northern venue opportunity in the not too distant future.

The reunion took place at the Britannia Hotel Newcastle Airport, which turned out to be a superb venue, in a most accessible place.

The first of the crew arrived on Thursday (Well done Paddy and Margaret Gogerty) and by Friday evening there were 49 to enjoy a carvery meal followed by entertainment, in the form of a disco/karaoke.  Much lamp-swinging ensued, even a bit of club-swinging, performed by Pony Moore (First Commission PTI) and me (Last commission PTI) the oldest swingers in town.  Bill and Fiona Moffatt being the karaoke king and queen.  Charlie Williams and Kate Simons took the ‘Strictly come Dancing’ partnership vote and Denise Ferdinand was the pick of the chair dancers.

Saturday was chill out time and following breakfast everybody did their own thing.  Most of the crew took the metro into Newcastle to take in the sights and shop around.  By 1800 all, bar one, were present and correct. ‘Anybody seen Middy Leaman’ was being whispered.  The ‘bubby boson’s’ (Derek Ferdinand and Paddy Gogerty) were mustered and by the time ‘Up Spirits’ was piped, like magic, all were present.  Tots downed and we all moved into the dinning room for a bit scran.  58 seated.  We scoffed the lot and it were lush me lads!  After eating we turned to speaking and Admiral Richard Leaman took the floor.  He talked from the heart about how his time on board the LLandaff changed his life.  His speech held all enthralled.

The raffle took place next.  Step forward the Entertainment Officer (Tommo Thompson) ably assisted by his partner Trish and my missus Anne .  Prizes of all shapes and sizes had been donated by many generous shipmates, almost £200 being raised for deserving causes.  Dancing, drinking and general merriment ensued, aided by an anonymous donation of a wad of cash behind the bar… Free drinks all round!  Of course no one took full advantage of this offer… (I lie like a hairy egg).  Clear memory of events evade me as the evening wore on, although I am reliably informed that several shipmates kept the young duty manager up till 4am.  I could name names but that would be unfair, however, the ring leaders I’m informed were Slinger Wood, Stan Holloway and Chris Welland, possibly Don Pattern was led astray.

A few red eyed people were evident at breakfast Sunday morning, not least the duty manager, who had put in a 16 hour shift.  Whatever he is paid, it’s not enough!  I think we should adopt him and invite him to our next reunion?  Time moves fast when in recovery mode and it seemed no sooner had breakfast ended than it was time for the next event; a SODS Opera at the Jesmond British Legion.  So in a ‘follow the tour guide’ fashion we all made our way through the airport terminal to the metro.  Upon arrival at the club we found the doors locked.  Cue for a song rehearsal ‘Llan daff Hope and Glory’ (words by John Bolton) and hey-presto!  We are let in.  The next three hours were priceless.  Led by Tommo, our Entertainment Officer, we entertained ourselves with some traditional naval humour.  The reverent Brian Hall missed his true vocation.  I will only say that I will never be able to look at a vicar again without smiling.  Those who were there will know what I mean.

I have now handed the reunion banner and bankbook back to Slinger and his bride in readiness for the next reunion in Eastbourne, hope to see you all there.

Ken (Clubz)

3 November 2011

To all Members of the Llandaff Association

On behalf of the Commanding Officer, Staff and Cadets of Training Ship KELLY, I would like to thank you all for the generous gift of £50 which was collected at your recent reunion in Newcastle and presented to me by Ken Rutherford this morning. After talking to Ken I know you all had an excellent time and being an ex-matelot myself, I know exactly what 'an excellent time' means….

I hope one day you may all return to the North East and perhaps I will have the opportunity to thank you all in person.

Once again many thanks.

George Bone

Chairman of Hebburn CCS Committee