RAOC Gazette - page 16
Image details
| Corps | RAOC |
|---|---|
| Material type | Journals |
| Book page | |
| Chapter head | |
| Chapter key | |
| Chapter number | |
| Full title | RAOC Gazette |
| Page number | |
| Publication date | 1980 |
| Real page | |
| Colour | Yes |
| Grey | No |
| Early date | 1980 |
| Late date | 1980 |
| Transcription |
THE RAOC ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REUNION THE 19S0 RAOC Association Annual Reunion was held on the 19th and 20th April at Central Ordnance Depot Chilwell. The week-end started with the Annual General Meeting and, after pre-dinner drinks, some two hundred and eighty members sat down to enjoy the Annual Dinner. The excellent meal was followed by both interesting and entertaining speeches from the President. Major General Minogue, and by the principal guest. Mr John Barnwell the well known football personality and present manager of Wolverhampton Wanderers. John Barnwell the guest of honour holding his audience with his after dinner stories. The President reads a message from Her Majesty The Queen our CoIoncl-in-Chicf. It is surprising how many well known sporting personalities have connections with the Corps. John Barnwell did his basic training in RAOC at 3 Battalion, Hilsea in 1958; somehow they let an Arsenal player slip through their fingers and John went on to serve as the Orderly Room Corporal at 4 Battalion, Blackdown. His after dinner speech was hilarious and contained quite a few amusing and nostalgic references to his time spent at the home of the Corps. His timing in telling stories was well up to that he used to show on the field and there is no doubt at all that he could have carved himself out quite a career as an entertainer. He certainly entertained us! He also brought along the Football League Cup which Wolves took from Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest, this season. During dinner members enjoyed an excellent programme of music played by the Staff Band. The following day, after breakfast, a tour of the Depot was arranged after which the Association marched past the President and then on to church behind the Corps Band and the Associa- tion Standard Bearers. The Church Service was held in the No. I Civilian Canteen which had been beautifully prepared for the occasion. The service was conducted by the Reverend Frank Beech assisted by Father Walker and the sermon was preached by the Reverend Percy C. Cox, the last serving Padre at Chilwell who had travelled from the Isle of Man to be present. This was, sadly, the last Association week-end to be held at Chilwell before the Depot closes in 1982, though the occasion was certainly a happy one. The Association would like to thank Brigadier Bromham and his staff for what was a truly memorable re-union made by their superb organisation and by their warm hospitality. Members of the Association march past Major General Minogue the President. In Pensioner Williams at table with Conductor Coodswen. — 1! — |
| Book number | R0404 |