Veryan Bay Association Reunion 2002

Held at the Grand Hotel, Exmouth, Devon, 3rd - 6th May

Shipmates began arriving from midday on the Friday the weather being somewhat showery, this didn't do anything to dampen the spirits, there were a few new faces among the shipmates and it didn't take long before they were made very welcome and began swapping yarns about the old days. Some of the new shipmates had brought their photo albums and an interesting evening was had by all.

Saturday we had the AGM where it was decided by a majority vote that the 2003 Reunion would be at Llandudno in North Wales, and the 2004 reunion would be back at Devonport with a visit to Veryan village as part of the itinary. No dates were proposed except that they should be on Bank Holiday weekends in May where possible. See further information on the specific reunion on the Home Page.

John Clerc was elected President, the remainder of the committee were re-elected en bloc.

After the AGM some shipmates boarded a coach and were whisked off to the White Ensign Club in Exeter where they received their Tot and had a buffet lunch. Meanwhile those shipmates who remained in Exmouth, there was "Up Spirits" and a buffet lunch was served.

At 6:30 The Presidents reception was followed by a 5 course dinner, an attempt was made to capture shipmate pictures from all the tables. If I missed anyone then I can only apologize, we will try better next year. After dinner there was a raffle half the proceeds of which will be donated to a Naval Charity to be decided by the committee. We were then entertained by two sisters who sang and played our sort of music until late.

Sunday saw 80 shipmates, their wives and partners take two Wallace Arnold coaches to Totnes, where to our delight and without any organization by shipmate Eddie Johnson, the Camborne Pipe Band entertained us while we waited for the Cruiser Dittisham Princess which was to take us down the River Dart to Dartmouth.

An excellent buffet lunch was served on board the Dittisham Princess whilst we sailed slowly down the river. The weather was chilly and soon the less stalwart escaped the cold breeze and were soon ensconced in the covered saloon.

The coaches were waiting for us in Dartmouth, they then took us on a tour of the grounds of the Britannia Naval College (after first having security checks of the coaches). Then escorted by three excellent guides we were taken on a tour of the college, finishing in the Gun Room where we had a much needed rest and an excellent cup of tea. Photography was not allowed inside the college so we were unable to illustrate that part of our tour.

While in Dartmouth a few shipmates spotted a small boat named Veryan Bay going up river.

Click on the Thumbnails below to see a larger picture