Seadog Reunions

Oriana Reunion, Perth with Charles Oxley, Garry Stewart, John Speed, Mark Sawyer and Steve Borrill.

2005

Canberra Reunion, Glasgow with Bert McAughtrie, Brian Griffin, Ian Jennings, James Stevens and Willie Henry.

Reunion on Pacific Princess, Fremantle with Bill McCandless, Steve Borrill and Willie Henry.

Princess Reunion, Birmingham with Anita Burton, Brian Griffin, Helen Davies and Joy Casaru.

Oriana Reunion on Pacific Princess, Sydney with Bill McCandless and Greg Sinclair.

2006

Oronsay Reunion, Fraser Valley B.C. with Alan Dalkin, Don Askew, George Clish, Ian Cooke and Peggy Askew.

Oriana Reunion on mv Oriana, Fremantle with Charles Oxley, Dave Jewkes, Garry Stewart, John Speed, Mark Sawyer, Steve Borrill and Willie Henry.

Oronsay Reunion, Sydney with Bob Jones, Chris Benham, John Sullivan, Keith Radford and Toby Tompkins.

Oriana Reunion, Northampton with Celia Cowan, Dave Jewkes, Katie Chester and Peter Chester.

Reunion on Dawn Princess, at sea with Celia Cowan, David Thomas, Katie Chester and Peter Chester.

Reunion on mv Arcadia, at sea with Dave Barraclough, Paul Clasby and Steve Burgoine.

Reunion on Pacific Princess, Fremantle with Bill McCandless, Charles Oxley, Gordon ?, Mike Fatchen, Simon ? and Steve Borrill.

Oriana Reunion, Daventry with Bill Wilson, Bob Chambers, Bunny Warren, Celia Cowan, Dai Griffin, Glyn Dodson, Katie Chester and Peter Chester.

2007

Oronsay Reunion, Fraser Valley B.C. with Alan Dalkin, Don Askew, George Clish, Ian Cooke, Keith Hunt and Peggy Gillies.

Oriana Reunion, Bunbury/Perth with Brian Richardson, Linda Richardson, Terri Minards and Tony Minards.

Reunion, Sydney Harbour with Dave Jewkes, Gareth Jones, Jim Taylor, Keith Radford, Ken Worsfold and Toby Tompkins.

Reunion, Sydney with Bill McCandless, Greg Sinclair, Iain McLeod, Steve Wedd and others.

Reunion with Celia Cowan, Denise Donnelly, Gordon Bettridge, Lisa Connolly, Martin Reed, Moira Wells, Peter Chester and Peter Mayner.

Falklands 25 year commemoration service with Alison Harris, Jayne Simpson, Spiney Norman, Tony Simpson, Tracey Coombs and Zak Coombes.

Oriana Reunion, Wolverhampton with Bill Wilson, Celia Cowan, Dave Jewkes and Peter Chester.

Sea Princess Reunion Orient Hotel Sydney with Bill Bixley, Clive Glover, Colin Macphail, Colin Shanks, Dave Coleman, John Elder, John Rennie, John Taylor, John Ward, Steve Hodge and Terry Russell.

Oriana Reunion, Perth with Charles Oxley, Cliff Merwood, Garry Stewart, Mark Sawyer, Mike Jack and Steve Borrill.

2008

P&O Reunion, Perth with Alan Conlin, Andy Jackson, Bob Eden, Charles Oxley, Cliff Merwood, Dave Coleman, Dave Jewkes, Dave Oakes, Fred & Pam Blackmore, Garry Stewart, John Atkinson, John Forde, Ken Worsfold, Kevin Timms, Mark Sawyer, Martin & Tish Thomas, Mike Jack, Paul Robinson, Steve Borrill, Steve Musson and Willie Henry.

Oronsay Reunion, Sydney with Ian McLeod, Keith Radford, Kevin Morgan, Linda Tattershall, Sheila Tattershall and Toby Tompkins.

Uganda Hospital Ship Reunion with Alex Jamieson, Alison Harris, Bryan Norman, Chris Freeman, David King, Derek Houghton, Graham Burton, Jayne Simpson, Jill Biddick, Jimmy Dean, John Barclay, John Barwell, Leigh Crumbie, Mark Killingback, Mary Clark, Michael Blaskewicz, Paul Dilks, Richard Bowler and Tony Simpson.

Oriana Reunion, Doncaster with Brian Richardson, Ian Jennings, Linda Richardson and Olli Jennings.

Uganda Reunion, the Barwell Residence with Alison Harris, Chris Lawton, Geoff Kimber, Jackie Kimber, John Barclay, Julian Barwell, Kathy Leneghan, Leigh Crumbie, Michael Blaskewicz, Sue Barwell and Tim Leneghan.

Reunion on the Pacific Princess at sea with Celia Cowan, Peter Chester and Peter Pratt.

Reunion at the Reed (Donnelly) residence with Celia Cowan, Denise Donnelly, Martin Reed and Peter Chester.

Oriana Reunion, Sydney with Dave Coleman, Marlene Harris, Martin Harris and Peter Bennett.

Reunion in honour of the Bear's 50th , Rushyford with Andrew Ball, Archie Anderson, Dougie Beveridge, Jim Barlow, Malcolm Turner, Pinky and Stu Drew.

2009

Oriana Crew Reunion, Southampton with Alan Bacon, Alan Perrett, Andy Meek, Andy Pilcher, Andy Stageman, Carol Perrett, Chalkie, Dave Traynor, Di Brabham, Jay, John Duplock, Max, Micky Munson, Neil Sutherland and Tony Lewis.

Canberra Reunion on mv Oriana, at sea with Alan Bacon, Alan Legg, Dave Traynor, Micky Munson and many more.

Iberia Mini-Reunion, Benfleet with Colin Thickbroom, Peter Thickbroom, Michael Cavanagh and John Duplock.

P&O Reunion, Pulborough with Alison Harris, Dave Jewkes, Helen (Dave's partner), Ian Walters, Jayne Simpson, Tony Simpson, Tracey Coombes, Vivian Walters and Zak Coombes.

P&O Reunion, Rossett, Clwyd with Celia Cowan (now Chester), Dave Whitehand and Peter Chester.

Oronsay Reunion, Fraser Valley B.C. with Alan Dalkin, Don Askew, George Clish, Ian Cooke, Keith Hunt and Peggy Gillies (now Askew).

Oriana Reunion, Queen Victoria pub in Woolston with Bob Chambers, Glyn Dodson and Jim Powell.

Canberra (accidental) Reunion, South African Safari with Bert McAughtrie, Debbie Buxton (now McAughtrie) and Mark Barnett.

2010

An Impromptu Reunion onboard mv Arcadia happening as we speak with Anna Hawkesworth, Anne King, Catherine Hooper, Dave Jewkes, Eileen Mann, James Cusick, John King, Mike Hawkesworth, Morag Venner, Renske Matthew, Richard Matthew, Robert Venner, Steve Burgoine and Steve Mann.

Oriana Reunion, Orient Hotel, Sydney with Alan Conlin, Dave Grant, Dave Jewkes and Ken Worsfold.

Oriana Reunion Fremantle 1986

Date:	March 1986
Venue:	Victoria Quay and North Mole, Fremantle
Attendees:	Mark Sawyer, Oriana and Steve Borrill

I have to say that the only reason these photos have come to light after all this time is we got some really bad news from a very close friend in the UK this morning that her son Ryan has been killed in a car accident on Sunday and Jen went looking through old albums to find a picture so we could refresh our memory of him.

That's Mark & Veronica and my wife Jen. And that's Mark & Veronica's little tacker Adam on Mark's shoulders although he's not such a little tacker anymore and has a Black Belt in the Martial Arts to boot.

Obviously Vron took this one and what I'm doing with a newspaper I've got no idea, never read one in my life!

Here she comes through the heads and we're waiting on the end of the North Mole. I wonder who the 4th Engineer was that day?

Great mates, great days and the best ship that ever sailed the seven seas. The 4th Engineer is still struggling to get those fans sorted.

Oriana Reunion Perth 2003

Date:	5th April 2003
Venue:	Sails Restaurant in Fremantle
Attendees:	Mark Sawyer, Garry Stewart, John Speed, Charlie Oxley, Steve Borrill plus partners and a special telecommunication appearance by John Atkinson.

Garry Stewart, John Speed, Steve Borrill, Charlie Oxley and Mark Sawyer. I'm reading the P&O Anthem which we intended to sing but fortunately we got too pissed and forgot about it

Mark on the phone to Geordie John Atkinson in Sydney. The phone was passed around the table and we all spoke to him so I guess we could say there was 6 of us there that night.

Charlie and me talking about WAPS I think :) That’s my wife Jen on the right looking very intense.

Speedy hasn't changed one micro organism but took great delight in seeing the rest of us having to dive for our reading specs to read the menu. That's the gorgeous Gaye by his side. Their romance started on board Oriana Homeward Bound April '76

The Perth Chapter of the Oriana Old Boys Club, great guys, great memories and a great night.

Nevasa Reunion, UK Canals 2003

Date:	2003
Venue:	UK
Attendees:	Sue Convery (now Spence), Tony Gray and others

Sue Convery was a WAP on Nevasa from April 1972 to December 1973 which was her first ship. She joined just as BI was finally absorbed into P&O, in fact was the first person in P&O uniform to join, to general hilarity from those onboard.

We have had several narrowboat holidays, one memorable one being in 2003 on a flotilla of three boats, all flying the BI flag and departing to sailing music put together by Tony, though not the original as you have because he couldn't find them. When I tell him and the others that you actually have a recording of the ship's whistle and emergency bells (what a story that was!) there'll be no stopping them. To hear it was just the most moving thing I've heard. The attached pic shows us lowering the flat at 'sunset' on the canal, Tony in his cap, I'm in the baseball cap.

Canberra Reunion Glasgow 2005

Date:	August 2005
Venue:	Brian Griffin’s place in Glasgow
Attendees:	Willie Henry, Ian Jennings (aka Geordie), James Stevens (aka Jady), Brian and Bert McAughtrie.

Willie Henry, Ian Jennings (aka Geordie), James Stevens (aka Jady), Brian Griffin (aka Griff) and Bert McAughtrie.

Bill McCandless, Willie Henry & Steve Borrill

Date:	26th October 2005
Venue:	Pacific Princess, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
Attendees:	Willie Henry & wife Kathleen, Steve Borrill & wife Jen, Bill McCandless

On the 26th October 2005 the PP came into Fremantle and Jen & I were very fortunate to receive an invitation from Bill to join him for lunch. We were joined by Willie Henry and his lovely wife Kathleen.

That’s Kathleen on the left, then Jen, Willie and Bill. Unfortunately I was using a new digital camera and the flash wasn’t set to work so I’ve had to doctor this shot so we could see the faces. The ship is magnificent, the ambience superb, the food exquisite and the company exemplarily. Thank you Bill for providing an unforgettable afternoon.

This was taken just as we were leaving. We just had to have the obligatory shot with the lifebuoy.

Above is Jen & I at the pointy end. The day started completely overcast and pouring with rain but when we left the ship the weather was our usual Perth standard … perfect.

That’s Jen & Kathleen looking for Engineers. A great and memorable day and our thanks go to Bill & P&O for their wonderful hospitality.

Princess Reunion Birmingham 2005

Date:	30th October 2005
Venue:	Birmingham Hyatt Hotel
Attendees:	Helen Davies, Brian Griffin, Joy Casaru, Anita Burton

I’m not sure just how many people attended this reunion but the following ex P&O people got together and sent in these photos.

Helen Davies (Entertainments), Brian Griffin (aka Griff), Joy Casaru (Social Hostess) in front and Anita Burton (Social Hostess) on the right.

Helen Davies (Entertainments), Joy Casaru (Social Hostess), John Heslop, Amanda Burton (Social Hostess).

Bill McCandless & Greg Sinclair

Date:	8th November 2005
Venue:	Pacific Princess moored in Sydney
Attendees:	Greg Sinclair & Bill McCandless

On the 8th November 2005 Greg Sinclair was lucky enough to get down to the Pacific Princess when it was in Sydney and meet up with Bill.

Bill McCandless & Greg Sinclair, 4 to 8 watch Junior Engineers – Oriana 1970 (The Fire Trip), 35 Years on.

Oronsay Reunion Fraser Valley B.C. 2006

Date:	2006
Venue:	Ian Cooke's farm in the Fraser Valley of B.C
Attendees:	George Clish, Don Askew, Peggy Askew, Alan Dalkin and Ian Cooke

This the most recent reunion which has become an annual get together at Ian Cooke's farm in the Fraser Valley B.C. This is what they look like thirty seven years since leaving the Oronsay.

George Clish (ex Canberra), Don Askew, Peggy Askew, Alan Dalkin and Ian Cooke (all ex Oronsay)

Oriana Reunion Perth 2006

Date:	9th March 2006
Venue:	MV Oriana moored in Fremantle
Attendees:	Dave Jewkes, Mark Sawyer, Garry Stewart, John Speed, Charlie Oxley, Steve Borrill, Willie Henry. Partners Veronica Sawyer, Di Stewart, Liz Oxley, Gaye Speed and Jen Borrill also joined us.

Pre Lunch Drinks

This is the start of what turned out to be an absolutely brilliant day. These photos was taken in Jewksie’s monstrous Cabin.

Steve Borrill, John Speed, Dave Jewkes, Mark Sawyer, Garry Stewart, Willie Henry and Charles Oxley.

I never ever dreamt of getting into a Chief’s fridge but as you can see miracles do happen.

Conference Room

These photos were taken in the Conference Room between the Captain’s and the Chief Engineer’s cabins.

The new face on the left is my wife, Jen. She’s always late. Has been for 30 years and an important occasion like this is never an exception. Onya Jen.

The significance of these photos is that the Oriana plaque on the wall is the actual one from the Original SS Oriana. After some discussion we believe it was in the Lookout Bar.

Restaurant

The food was delicious. I started with the Terrine followed by the Byrani Curry ending with Cheese & Biscuits. I have to thank the excellent waiter who took pity on the fact that I have such a huge stomach to fill and brought me a second curry. I also have to say that the meal was splendidly accompanied by copious pints of John Smith’s Bitter. Ah! Heaven.

Engine Room

You may be thinking by now that Garry Stewart has a back injury as every shot he’s adopted a stooped position but it’s really just the weight of his impending retirement that’s weighing him down. Poor bugger. I’m glad I’ve still got at least 15 or more years left to work thanks to two children who just had to go to a private school and the resulting second mortgage of course. God I’m lucky.

Atrium

Entertainment Theatre

Aft Swimming Pool

Blue & Jacko Reunion Southampton 2006

Date:	April 2006
Venue:	A Southampton Pub
Attendees:	Paul Robinson (Blue), Andy Jackson (Jacko) & Paul’s wife Gill.

Blue on the left of course with Andy, both looking very fit and well. I see the snooker on the Telly top right.

Paul says, “Our UK trip was mainly for our son who got married in Brighton to his long time English girlfriend, the wedding was the best and it was a party that went from 3 days prior to 2 days after the event which everyone enjoyed immensely. We also had a week in France which was fantastic, especially for Gill as she has never been over the Channel. The trip was 5 weeks in total so I had plenty of time to pile the weight on with English beer, which I must say has improved beyond belief since leaving 24 years ago.”

You made me look forward to my trip this year even more now Blue. Thanks for your great contribution once again.

Oronsay Reunion Sydney 2006

Date:	23rd April 2006
Venue:	Keith Radford’s place in Sydney
Attendees:	Keith Radford, John Sullivan, Bob Jones, Chris Benham, Toby Tompkins and families plus Steve Borrill via Internet Webcam and Phone hook-up from Perth.

Lynne Radford, Sue Benham, Chris Benham, Bob Jones, John Sullivan, Anthony Tompkins, Toby Tompkins, Helen Tompkins, Leonie Jones and Keith Radford on his knee in the centre.

John (Sully) Sullivan. Chris (Barbary, Blackman) Benham, Keith (The Rat) Radford, Helen Tompkins, Toby Tompkins and Bob (Jonesy) Jones.

Yes that is a "Stella Artois" glass that Toby's holding but the beer of the day was "Bluetongue Lager" from the Hunter Valley and at $50 a case "on special" its a top drop!

Chris Benham’s nicknames come from the fact that he was born and raised in Malawi in Africa and could speak Swahili before he could speak English, hence "Barbary" or "Blackman" Benham.

Keith explains ‘I’d stayed in regular contact with Toby, John, Bob and Chris ever since I arrived in Oz in 1974. I attended Bob’s wedding when he married Leonie. The contact between us all has been sporadic over the years and with Chris being in NZ he’d never been able to join in. In 2002 Lynne and I went to NZ and stayed with Chris and Sue at their farm near Whakatane (In NZ a "Wh" is said as an "F" … say no more) and that was the first time we’d seen each other in 25 years. Chris and family came to Oz to attend their son’s wedding last year but was so busy with preparations he was unable to catch up with anybody. In his regular Christmas correspondence he indicated he and Sue would be in Oz for an extended period this visit and would like to catch up with Lynne and I. The time was set and unbeknown to them I also invited Toby and his family, Bob & Leonie and John Sullivan and wife Sharon, but Sharon was unable to come. Yesterday’s little get together was the outcome. Chris, Sully, Tobes and Jonesy hadn’t clapped eyes on each other for over 30 years so you can imagine the surprise reaction as they all arrived, UNBELIEVABLE!!! Bob and Chris wanted to put postings on the website Guestbook.’

I’ll take over the story from here. I was working on the site when the 2 entries came in (I get an automatic email when anybody signs the book) and it wasn’t hard to deduce that a Pour Out was under way and in full swing and not wanting to miss out I remembered that The Rat’s phone numbers were on his emails so I made the call. Keith put the phone on speaker and as we both have webcams we decided to do a camera hook-up as well. It was great to be part of the party for a while. The only one in the group that I ever sailed with is Toby Tompkins and it was great to see him and talk to him for the first time in 30 years. The strange thing is that even though I never sailed with the other guys it felt like I’d known them all my life. Just brilliant. Thanks and well done Keith!

Celia & Jewksie Reunion Northampton 2006

Date:	14th May 2006
Venue:	The Chester Residence Northampton
Attendees:	Celia Chester (nee Cowan), Peter Chester, Katie Chester and Dave Jewkes

Dave Jewkes (left) was invited for Sunday lunch by the Chesters. Isn’t it great to see old friends of 30 years enjoying time together. It’s good to see Peter looking so well after a few problems recently. Celia looks as happy and bubbly as I always remember her.

On the right is the beautiful Katie Chester (AP) and I have to say what a beautiful home you have Peter & Celia.

Shirley Golby & Dave Jewkes on Oriana

Date:	September 2006
Venue:	mv Oriana
Attendees:	Shirley Golby and Dave Jewkes

In September 2006 Shirley Golby, ex entertainer extraordinaire, of the 'Big O' took a cruise on the 'New O' and here she is standing in the Engine Room Control Room.

Well, our old Mate Dave Jewkes CTO, just happened to bump into her at the Captain's Cocktail Party no less. Doesn't she look fantastic? Brilliant stuff.

Mixed Reunion on Dawn Princess, October 2006

Date:	October 2006
Venue:	The Dawn Princess
Attendees:	David Thomas, Celia Chester, Peter Chester, Katie Chester

I love this photo as it typifies the style and eloquence of the life we all lived. As Engineers it was a bit Jekyll & Hyde though as just a few hours earlier we could have been chasing blind Mullets through the bilges or doing a pretty good impersonation of Al Jolson :)

David Thomas (aka Dai Electric)(Staff Electro Technical Officer), Peter Johnson (Chief Technical Officer)(married to Sonia, Staff Purser), Sally Oliver (wife of Captain Bob Oliver), Katie Chester (Assistant Purser), Bob Oliver (Captain), Peter Chester (ex 2nd Engineer Passenger Division and Chief Engineer Ferries), Celia Chester (ex SAP), Sonia Johnson (Staff Purser)(married to Peter Johnson CTO).

Peter Chester, Wendy Gomez Llanos (JAP), Katie Chester (AP), Celia Chester, Sam Harding, Trent Donovan.

And here's Dai after giving Peter the Royal tour of the Engine Room. I would have loved to be on that tour.

Oriana Reunion Belbroughton, UK 2006

Date:	21st November 2006
Venue:	Bell Inn, Belbroughton, Stourbridge, West Midlands
Attendees:	Glyn Dodson, Dave Jewkes & Bill Wilson

Its been 29 years since I last saw either Bill and Dave and two weeks ago I had the chance to meet up with them again, I met Bill on the Tuesday on the way back from a meeting in Weston-super-Mare and Dave two nights later near Wolverhampton. The years have taken their toll on all of us noticeable with a thickening of the waistlines and in my case a fringe that starts at the back of the head!! But the personalities and humour remain untouched by time. What struck me was the conversation flowed as if we'd seen each other only a few weeks ago not a quarter of a century as it really was. Time was spent on bringing each other up to date and who'd done what and who was where, but the majority was spend having a laugh as we always did. On the 21st Nov we met up as a threesome, it did raise an eyebrow or two when I mentioned in the office I was having dinner with two old sailors, but it was brilliant. Within minutes the banter and humour broke out, we could've been having a beer on Oriana in mess kit. We could recall stories with the line "do you remember ....." and laughed at past experiences, if any of our past shipmates had their ears burning that night then we did mention you and it was all with found memories. Driving back after the night I realised that I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know and receive the friendship of such wonderful guys, not just Bill and Dave but all of the guys I sailed with, there are not many people who can not see friends for such a long time and pick up from where we left off. And just for Jewksie I'm wearing my glasses while I type this as my arms are no longer long enough to read or type without them - you needed to have been there that night to know what I'm talking about ... Dave took the proverbial out of me for not wearing them :)

Barras, Captain Steve B & Paul Clasby, Arcadia 2006

Date:	27th November 2006
Venue:	mv Arcadia, On Calypso Isles & Dixieland Cruise.
Attendees:	Dave Barraclough, Captain Steve Burgoine and Paul Clasby (Chief Engineer)

"Another one for the rogues gallery. Dave Barraclough turned up on this cruise out of retirement. He is just the same as he always was, hasn't changed a bit. The photo with Paul Clasby and myself was taken at Paul's party last night. (27th Nov)."

Bill McCandless, Charles Oxley & Steve Borrill

Date:	27th November 2006
Venue:	Pacific Princess, Victoria Quay, Fremantle
Attendees:	Bill McCandless, Charles Oxley, Mike Fatchen, Gordon ? (Engineering Officer, Control Room , Simon ? (Deck Officer, Bridge) and Steve Borrill

Unfortunately, as you can see, this photo turned out very blurred. It was taken by Gordon, the officer in charge of the Engineering Control Room. He must have been nervous having two such beautiful women so close.

This is Gordon, the culprit of the blurry phot above. I took this one and it's a bit blurry too so I can't talk.

We then went for a Bridge tour and met Simon who's only very recently joined Princess Cruises after some time spent on the Ferries between Liverpool and Ireland. Simon's Italian and a very friendly guy.

As we were taking in the sites from the Bridge we were joined by Captain Mike Fatchen who'd just arrived to take over after some leave.

Oriana Reunion Daventry, UK 2006

Date:	16th December 2006
Venue:	Premier Travel Inn, Daventry, Northamptonshire
Attendees:	Glyn Dodson, Bill Wilson, Bob Chambers & Wife Sheila, Celia Chester, Peter Chester, Katie Chester, Bunny Warren & Wife Jan, Dai Griffin

Katie Chester, Peter Chester, Bill Wilson, Bunny Warren, Jan Warren, Celia Chester, Bob Chambers, Sheila Chambers, Dai Griffin.

Katie Chester you are simply gorgeous!!! And it's great to see Peter looking so well after a difficult year health wise.

I was meant to be at this reunion but sadly fell foul of a debilitating virus the moment I arrived on British soil. It knocked me for the entire six week trip. I was staying with my 80 year old Mother whom, while nursing me, succumbed to the same affliction about a week later and was given antibiotics as a precautionary measure. I was told by the N.H.S. that I just had to grin, bear it and ride it out. It was quite a worrying time as I've been diagnosed with the very early stages of Mesothelioma and I'd suffered two attacks of severe Bronchial Pneumonia in 2006 so my only option was to lay low and try and prevent my lungs from becoming infected. This meant cancelling ALL my UK plans upsetting quite a lot of people but I had no choice. I'm very pleased this reunion went as well as the photos indicate. Hopefully there will be a next time.

"I was originally going to call this the Oriana reunion however as Dai kindly joined us for the evening it was more appropriate to drop the Oriana. The seed of the idea for a reunion was formed when Steve told us he was coming over to the UK to see his family Christmas 2006, the opportunity to have a few beers and catch up with old times was too good to be missed. Through the organisation of this and prior to the reunion Bill Wilson, Dave Jewkes and myself met up twice for a few beers - how is it that beer always figures to large degree in these meets? Anyway the date was set for the 17th December, Steve did his bit and got on the plane and we were all set. During that period Celia Chester got in touch with Richard (Bunny) Warren, Bill got in touch with Bob Chambers and Steve with Dai and we had the basis of a good evening. A venue mid country (Weedon - yep, if you don't know where it is buy a map) which had a hotel that could provide accommodation for those stopping over and a decent restaurant and all was set up. With all the I's dotted and the T's crossed we were set for a good weekend, fate intervened here with the help of a little bug, the cold bug!! Steve coming from the rather warmer and drier climate of Western Australia succumbed to a cold virus which soon spread to a chest infection (I would have offered to rub something on had he only been of the opposite gender!!) Steve phoned me a couple of days before the bash and sounded dreadful and reluctantly had to concede that the bug would keep him from attending, that was a big disappointment to us all as it was our opportunity to say thanks for providing us with the web site and the vehicle to get back in touch after all these years. The day of the 17th was brilliant, I picked up Bill and we made our way to Weedon and after a quick shower made our way to the bar, on our second beer we clocked a rather respectable looking gentleman sat alone and after a lot of "I wonder if he is" and a few "maybe's" and a couple of "you go and ask him first" we shouted across "oy mate, you called Dia??" bingo, it was, so we had a chat consisting of "do you know….." and "when I was on…..", the evening had started. It wasn't long before Celia and husband Peter appeared, together with daughter Katie (she is so good looking I stopped in mid sentence on seeing her!!) Bunny and wife Jan then arrived and almost at the same time Bob and wife Sheila. I cannot fully describe how it was seeing those people after some 28 years. I said after meeting Bill and Jewksie earlier in the year it was like picking up from where we had left off, and again it was the same. The faces may of aged and the figures a bit fuller - well all accept Bob, he is the same as all those years ago, but the sparkle in the eyes, the laughter and humour was there as fresh as the seventies. The wine and beer flowed though out the evening, cameras snapped and a great time was had by all. We did drink a toast to all seadogs we've met over the years and raised our glass to one in particular wishing him a speedy recovery and that was Steve - you really would have enjoyed it mate. We couldn't let it be a one off, so we decided to hold a return bout in Southampton. The date this time is the 17th March and the accommodation will be the old Merchant Navy Hotel in Lodge Road - who hasn't stopped there during Pre Sea training or joining a ship. The restaurant is to be sorted yet. Jewksie is joining us as he is on leave and some others I don't know, but are friends of Celia's. If anyone else fancies joining us, from any P&O ship and department let me know as time is marching on.