The Aftermath!

The dust has had time to settle and by the positivity of the comments left both here, on the Facebook Event and to the ArkRoyalBall Gmail it seems as we all had a good time. For me, personally it was great to catch up with old friends, especially the ‘Lads & Gals’ who used to work for me on the boats and in the Ops Room (Work used in the loose sense!). We might all be a lot older but not necessarily any wiser eh? [Great turn out from the RPs]

It also seems that some of you didn’t manage to hang on to your photos or perhaps the place-cards. One pic has already shown up in Havant with the wrong owner (Zara Stephens). The true owner is either Paddy Dineley, Dickie, Spills or Johno!..... Let me know via this site or on Arsebook and I will see if I can join you all up again.  If you would like a copy of the place-card then I can send that electronically too.  You should be able to sort something out with the photographer if all else fails. His web is on the placecards.

Photographs – The best place to share our snaps is on the Facebook site as this is only shared with those who need to see it, whereas this blog is in the public domain. However, if you don’t use FB and wish to share your ‘Dirty Dancing’ snaps on this blog then you will have to send them to the Gmail and I will upload them (you cannot do it yourselves I’m afraid).

Any other lost property? Hopefully, Pony Moore will check with the Mess for anything left behind and we can sort that too.

A special mention to Tony Fuller….. Thanks for suggesting the Ball and for not showing up!!! Apparently he broke down and returned to Brum :’-(

My favourite quote of the night:

Me: “So Spills, you’re a Geography Teacher then. What do you know about geography?

Martin Spillet: “Nothing - I just blag it; the kids don’t know any better!”

-Safe in his hands then!-

My favourite highlight:

Steve Higgins throwing some shapes on the dancefloor...... A lot like his beloved Pompey players.... all over the place and not a lot of coordination!! ;-)

Best wishes for Christmas and the NewYear…

Jerry Tremain and the Team.

The found photo..... Which one left it behind? Dineley, Spillet, Dickenson or Johnson...bloody RPs

Whichever one of you eedjits left your photo behind get hold of Zara Stephens.... maybe you have her pic??? (See Comment to 'Parking' post)
I know Glenn kept putting his pic down because i found it loafing once outside with the fags... JT

Parking

Just to say that parking for the mess will be on the Parade Ground opposite

Nearly there..... a few reminders......

Well there is just a little over 2 days to go before the big event!  Here are a few reminders for you………..

Timings.

Doors open at 1900 - This would be a good time to get your photograph taken and peruse the fine naval artwork that Julia Pankhurst is bringing along. Don’t forget to bring some extra cash to make these purchases!

We hope to sit down for the meal around 8pm and return to the lounge by 10pm at the latest for the first set from the band Red Alert.

Medals.

As this is a naval function within a Naval Establishment, albeit unofficial, and serving members are attending, it is only right and proper that we show off our gongs, many having been earned whilst serving on the Ark. Miniature medals may be worn if you wish, unless like me and Russ you can’t find them!

Cabins

Due to Mess rules a cabin has to be allocated per person at a cost of £13.86 for civilians and £8.77 for serving. This should be paid for on the night or when returning keys in the morning.  This isn’t B&B so it's McDonald’s or Asda over the road for brekky!

Refunds

Unfortunately, the costing is all set in stone now, so if anyone cannot make it on the night we will be unable to offer any refunds as a matter of course. In the unlikely event of having a few quid left over we will look at each individual case. However, we have agreed that any spare dosh should go to H4H or perhaps the Mess Charity.

Photos

Thank you all for your donated photos which are being collated by Nick. In the interest of ‘Free Speech’ we reserve the right to show them ALL and apologise in advance if the odd one causes embarrassment…. ‘we will plead the Fifth Amendment or 'Life in a Blue Suit Jack' if challenged.  ;-p

Place Cards

At great expense and effort I have made place cards for everyone with their chosen meal on the back. I apologise for any spelling mistakes with your names as I'm ‘illetarite’…. Should you want a corrected version I might be able to help after the event.

So…… let’s enjoy!

Jerry and the Team

Map of Collingwood....just in case!

Taxis

Taxis will drop off and pickup from outside the Mess. Please use "24/7" of Fareham as they have guaranteed entry into the the camp and have been warned off for pickups after the event. There is a free phone in the mess. If using them we suggest booking the return trip at the same time.

We are not on commission,,,,,well, i'm not! (JT)

Details for the Ball

The Farewell Ball will take place for all shipmates and friends at the WO, SRs and SNCOs Mess HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Hants PO14 1AS on Saturday 3rd December.

Dress code: Mess Undress/Dinner Jacket/Lounge Suits for gents

Ball or cocktail dresses (at the knee) for the ladies, or Mess Undress if appropriate.

Miniature medals may be worn.

Start Time: 1930 (doors open 1900 with cash bar)

Food will be served at 2000

On completion of the meal there will be entertainment in the shape of Disco and Live Band provided by Red Alert.

The bar will close at 0100.

There will be a photographer in attendance throughout who will be providing photos on the night, priced at £10.

Julia Pankhurst, a local maritime artist will be displaying her Ark Royal and other warship artwork. She will be taking cash payments and orders on the night.

For those booking a cabin the costs will be:

Civilians £13.86 per night

Serving  £8.77 per night

Payable directly to the Mess

Cabins available from 1230 and vacated by 0830 (ish)

Taxis will drop off and pickup from outside the Mess. Please use "24/7" of Fareham as they have guaranteed entry into the the camp and have been warned off for pickups after the event. There is a free phone in the mess.

ENJOY!