We are pleased to present our Chairman's Report for Reunion 2024
REUNION 2024 REPORT
REPORT
I Hope everybody got home safely from what was yet another fantastic Noah’s arc reunion. This year was the first year in a
new hotel and in my opinion the management and staff of the Sheraton Hotel Blackpool pulled out all the stops to make our
weekend special. As usual a number of people had booked from the Thursday and didn’t waste much time taking advantage of
the 10% bar discount that was to stay in place until the last of us left on Sunday, I certainly made the most of it and
saw my first 4am the following morning in 30 years. Following dinner, the hotel had laid on entertainment in the Sheraton
suite and the hotel slowly began to fill up.
More continued to arrive throughout Friday and it was good to see new faces like Gordon and Angela Souther who will hopefully
be able stay with us for the duration next year and Max Wall who had travelled over from Australia, amongst many others old
and new Derrick Hindle set up his 6GR stall as a registered collector and with his raffle he made a total of £860 to be sent
to the Gurkha welfare fund.
It was then ready to open your wardrobes and pull out your flares with music from the Abbarettes, there were some fantastic
70s costumes, well done to Natalie Price and Carl Smith who won the prizes for best dressed. Natalie looked stunning but I
don’t really want to say who Carl came as ha-ha. The Hotel did us proud with the buffet and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The night continued with the DJ till the early hours, and I only managed 3am this time.
Saturday morning saw the sun shining ready for what was to be a fantastic day although I still never made breakfast, I would
like the thank Eileen (who keeps me in check), for the bacon and egg sandwich ready for when I opened my eyes. Lots went of
into town or enjoyed the hotel leisure facilities, or just chilled out until the tombola was ready, again Thanks to Eileen
and many of you who donated, the tombola prizes were fantastic and along with “name the teddy” again made by Eileen we made
plenty for the funds, the teddy was called JC won by Jack Woodruff who renamed him Bob Winch and is sure to have pride of place
in Jacks man cave. Also, thanks to Philipa and Trish who helped out for the afternoon.
Time moved on and it was nearly time to enjoy our Gala dinner. Meeting for photographs and the drinks reception people gathered
and waited for the drum call, however due to the fact Ryan Cartwright has been posted to Estonia and unable to make it we had
Darryl and Dave Higson (who made a special trip but didn’t stay) to blow for dinner and we were all called to our tables. Due
to the low ceilings in the hotel, we were unable to march in the flag, but things are in place to try next year. We went straight
into the toast to Absent friends and some of you noticed the Absent friends table setting but we have done this for the last few
years but with the size of the room in the imperial I don’t think it was noticed.
This year we had Lt Col Andrew Harman Regimental Association Chairman as guest of honour to give a talk on HHQ Welfare. Andrew,
forgive the introduction I just couldn’t help myself ha-ha. Brig Smales gave a few words and then onto the meal. Its no
exaggeration to say the food served was the best we have had in many years. For the second time in my chairmanship, we have
been entertained by the Lancashire Royal Artillery Volunteer Band and I am sure everyone would agree are amazing. They enjoy
performing for us especially the Sqn marches and Sussex by the sea as we are all in fine voice for that, and they can’t wait to
come back so that’s what we are going to try to do for next year too, so fingers crossed!
Again, there were many prizes on the raffle thanks to all those that donated, the chair was won by Natalie Price although Waggy
had his eye on it. We then carried on again into the early hours with the DJ. And all those that never attended the dinner but
came to join friends in the bar thank you too, as whatever the committee does its all of you that make Noah’s Arc as successful
as it is.
COMMITTEE
I have had a great time since I had the honour of being voted in as Chairman of Noah’s Arc over 4 years ago and apart from the
Covid days we have had some fantastic reunions as well as other get togethers, I hope you have all had a fantastic time and
are satisfied with the state of the Arc now and the work we have done in bringing us back together following some darker days.
Some of you may be aware that I had intended to step down this year and hand over to a new Chairman at the next reunion, however
speaking to many of you over the weekend, pondering it all night and chatting with the other members of the committee, I have
decided just to hang onto the reins a little longer. If it’s what the majority want. It gives me pleasure in seeing everyone
have a great time together and just want to see if I/we can improve on the next reunion.
REUNION 2025
Following feedback I have now confirmed with the hotel that we are willing to return for reunion 2025 and have given dates for
the weekend of 2nd /3rd May It is the Bank holiday and my thinking is that those wishing more alcohol recovery time can stay on
the Sunday too and as I believe a number of you wish to attend Medicina in April I didn’t want to clash with That weekend. I have
also pre booked the sunshine so hopefully tans can be topped up.
ACCOUNTS
Please see below for a statement of account running from reunion 23/24 and thank you all for your donations throughout the year
and the one we got towards the drink’s reception. It is getting harder to raise money, but we will always try our best as without
it we don’t get the added extras we all enjoy. As you can see, we have a good pot for a few years yet but if you want to donate
here are the details.
Santander
Noah’s Arc
09-01-27
92544464
Prunts, 29 April 2024