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RAOC Gazette - page 11

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Corps RAOC
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Full title RAOC Gazette
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Publication date 1983
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Early date 1983
Late date 1983
Transcription I l l THE 1983
ASSOCIATION
REUNION
THE 1983 RAOC Reunion weekend took place at the Training
Centre Deepcut.
The Annual General Meeting was held in the Tela Theatre
after which some two hundred and fifty members attended the
Annual Dinner in the Blackdown Restaurant, which had been
transformed into an elegant banqueting hall for the occasion.
A most enjoyable meal was followed by speeches from the
President, Major General Speller, who reviewed Corps events
over the past memorable year and from our principal guest
Mr Henry Cooper OBE.
Henry Cooper and his twin brother George, were National
Servicemen at 4 Battalion, Blackdown in the mid-fifties. His
address was full of stories about his life on the way to the top
as a boxer—and as Lance Corporal Henry Cooper in the days
when RAOC boxing was managed by Captain Eastlake. Major
George Eastlake was present, sitting close by his former army
boxing champion—who was later to put the legendary Mohamed
AJi on the floor.
' Our Enery's' speech was highly enter-
taining and received with a standing ovation.
Major
General Whalley with the Cooper brothers Henry
George. Both are former members of the Corps.
and
The Corps band entertained throughout dinner and played
some rousing pieces which were much appreciated.
Sunday morning included a programme of films of the
Falklands Operation and of Her Majesty The Queen's visit to
Donnington, provided by the School of Ordnance. A visit
to the Corps Museum was also much enjoyed by many members
who took advantage of a special opening.
The traditional March Past was followed by the Church
Service in St Barbara's Garrison Church, after which lunch
was taken in the various Messes.
It was an enjoyable, indeed memorable, occasion and the
Association is most grateful to Brigadier Parker and the staff
of the Training Centre for their superb organisation and warm
hospitality.
Lance Corporal Henry Cooper—a
The President Major General Speller reads a message from our
Colonel-in-Chief. Her Majesty The Queen.
return to Blackdown.
Autographs were in demand during the evening.

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Book number R0406