OTT Reunited Newsletter September 2009
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ever start a Newsletter with an apology they say, but who are they? Seriously, I apologise for the lateness of producing this edition but I really wanted to have some idea where the next reunion will be held. I begin by asking you to join me in giving a huge thank you to Ken Hannah and his team for laying on what was a magnificent weekend at The Royal Court Hotel in Coventry. I have received personal thanks from Maj. Gen. & Mrs Jack Coull, our guests of honour. They thoroughly enjoyed their weekend with us, and gave us such an amusing and sincere speech. Like so many of us the General was moved by the occasion of the wreath laying, in memory of Brothers who have passed on. This was held at the National Arboretum near Litchfield.
Our thanks to Colour Sgt (now promoted to WO2) Jimmy Harris, our most excellent Chelsea Pensioner and all round good egg. There were other notable sentimental moments over the weekend, like meeting the daughter of the late Lou Hollywood. She sadly never met her Dad as he was lost before she was born and now to have the opportunity to speak to his mates who knew him well and worked with him. Like meeting a lady who was a close friend of a close friend of mine and to exchange little personal memories. That’s what makes reunions special.
This year’s reunion was held over three days as requested by many. This gave a more relaxed feel to the weekend, especially for the ‘younger ones’ like me who are still in full time employment. Staying the Friday night allowed us to relax and visit Coventry and see the reminders of WW2 for ourselves. I was a little disappointed when I saw the statue of Lady Godiva. I was told she was modelled on Rita Dyer but looked more like Ma Pengel to me. Perhaps she shrunk. The more competitive of our members took part in a game of golf, kindly organised by Geordie Fairlamb with young Pete Hughes coming out as the champion. Vince would have won it if the bunkers hadn’t been so deep and as it was cold Barry Sutton was found soaking his balls in warm water to make em bounce better. Watch out “RAMC Reunited” when the OTT Golfing boys take you on. I hope Chimp Roberts and Les Thorn will come and play for us. The Friday evening challenge went down very well. attendees could choose to participate, or just nod off quietly in the corner. Bill Hawkesworth won the coveted ‘Golden Cuscoes’ competition, well he did work with Tony Harston for many years. Don’t go dibbling in potatoes with it Bill we want the trophy back for 2011. Other trophy winners were: Carol Olive and Barry Sutton, ‘Alternate Quiz’. Edie Johns and Gerry Farrell, ‘Horse Racing’
The more formal part of the weekend was over dinner on Saturday evening. The private room and tables looked magnificent, thanks to Ken’s organisation and all of his little helpers. Jake Marlee did a superb job yet again as MC and announced the Ladies, our Guest of Honour and marched in Jim wearing his Scarlets. There can be no doubt that Ken had created the right conditions and the atmosphere in the room was highly charged. So many members commented to me afterwards and we agreed that this was indeed a special reunion. To able to talk, eat, drink and not be overwhelmed by loud music or disturbed by out of place quizzes contributed to the overall success. Even the raffle was different and didn’t go on half the night and Blue Leader was not there to win all the prizes. Some folk expressed surprise that I was drinking mineral water from a bottle I brought with me then could not fathom out why I was adding neat tonic to the water. I would also like to thank Steve Tinker for saying grace, Pete Starling for profiling the General career, to Ron (Lord Litchfied) Safhill and Gerry (and his pacemaker) Farrell for their help.
One of the duties of Chairman is to try to meet and greet as many people as possible and to look after our Guest of Honour. That’s means I don’t have the time to sit and chinwag with old mates. Sorry Wang Dang, Colin & Bossy I would like to have reminisced about Colchester – maybe next time. At the Sunday evening games I was able to touch base with Alf & Anne Peyton. Alf had served in BMH Berlin in the 1950’s. They had flown all the way over from Calgary to attend. It was a fortuitous meeting as we had planned to visit Alaska and Canada in May of this year and met up with Alf & Anne where they took us to their home and then sight seeing in the beautiful areas around Calgary. Finally, I would like to thank all of our sponsors for their generosity, who prefer to remain anonymous, but without their help we would have been struggling.
Having organised two reunions I know first hand what’s involved. Ken has been the driving force behind the last two and it’s time some of our younger members took on the mantle of organiser. It’s a team effort so we need folk who are able to put together a team, motivate them and share the burden. The majority of our members have received training in leadership and motivation and who when they say they will do something, do it. As many of you know Ken has and still is going through a traumatic time and coping in the gritty way we expect of a soldier and of an OTT. Some research has been done by Ken and Barry Sutton for the venue for Feb 2011. It will be either in Coventry at the Royal Court Hotel again or possibly the Coventry Hill Hotel (venue for the PPG – see below) or at a venue in Chester which Barry Sutton is checking out. Once this is firmed up we will let you know and I will then contact Col Jim Anderson and Helen Hannah to invite them to be our Guests of Honour. Barry Sutton has volunteered to help but today the plea is out for others to come forward to take on the burden of responsibility. Names please to Barry, Ken or myself. Ken & I will still be available to give advice if needed and to help with publicity. Text or call me (telephone number from Ken).
Jake is missing us all and can’t wait until 2011 to meet up again. He is organising a P*******up to be held in November for the Brethren only, no partners. Three of our Brethren will celebrate their 70th birthdays this year. Bill Hawkesworth, Graham Webster and Gerry Farrell. Ken & I thought it would be a great idea to combine the two and their old mates can help them celebrate, knick a few bratwurst and kick over a few dustbins on the way back to the hotel. Jake even suggested to save money with could pretend the hotel room was a barrack room and get 20 kipping for the price of two. Ever resourceful these OTTs. This event is a MUST for Colin Campbell as rumour has it that there is a Mars Bar factory nearby and they have a stock of out of date dried out bars just for the asking. They haven’t got any Terry’s Orange Chocolate but do have Chrome Cobalt Tangerines instead.
Mini Reunion: (Pint and a Pie Gig [PPG]) Fri 13th Nov - Sun 15th Nov Coventry Hill Hotel. booking details:
For One room - single Occupancy :
3 Nights £75.00 Bed and Breakfast (to include Saturday Night Carvery dinner) 2 Nights £60.00 Bed and Breakfast (to include Saturday Night Carvery Dinner) 1 Night £40.00 Bed and Breakfast (to include Saturday Night Carvery Dinner)
For one room - Double Occupancy
3 Nights £115.00 Bed and Breakfast (to include Saturday Night Carvery dinner) (£57.50 each) 2 Nights £90.00 Bed and Breakfast (to include Saturday Night Carvery Dinner) (£45.00 each) 1 Night £60.00 Bed and Breakfast (to include Saturday Night Carvery Dinner) (£30.00 each)
For further information contact Jake or check out the website.
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The loss of Dixie (Geoff) Dean to Leukaemia was felt personally by Jake, Mick Henry, Tony Henderson, Harold (Wang Dang) Davies, Colin Campbell, Chris Bossingham, Jim Anderson, myself and all who knew him. Dixie was a brilliantly funny Guy, with a wicked sense of humour. Who else would think of putting sales made from orange sticks and paper on to a large floater? Dix was a sensitive, intelligent and quiet man, It was not until after his death that I found out he had won the MM whilst serving with 2 Para. Here is the citation relating to the action.
Extract from the London Gazette 21st September 1965
Military Medal to Cpl GF Dean 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment
On the 4th April 1965 Corporal Dean was a member of a platoon whose strength was only 15 men, when it was surprised and attacked by a party of Indonesians whose strength was estimated to be 150. The situation was tactically unfavourable and Corporal Dean’s prompt, cool and skilful handling of his L.M.G. helped to disorganise the enemy and enable his platoon to extricate itself from a very difficult position. He personally killed two Indonesians in this engagement and certainly inflicted other casualties, and the bodies and weapons from the dead Indonesians were recovered. Corporal Dean's courage and offensive spirit have been a fine example to the rest of his platoon.
I would like to thank all those who sponsored me to do the 40 mile Bikeaton( 1 hr 35 mins) in aid of Leukaemia Research last May which raised £250. The respect of Dixie’s fellow soldiers and in particular the OTTs has sustained Lorna and her children in their loss and I hope that she will feel able to join us at the 2011 reunion.
Reaching 50 years of age brings it’s rewards and it’s dangers one of which are Prostate conditions. We urge each and every one of you to see your GP and get checked out – Remember the (Prostate Specific Antigen) PSA is only an indicator and does not confirm diagnosis in it’s own right, you may have to subject your self to the indignity of a PR examination or a Trans Rectal Ultra Sound guided biopsy (not fun – but essential – which Ken & I have been through. I just got lucky this time) I think it Ken’s willingness to talk about his experiences is not only brave but inspiring so gents please, CHECK IT OUT I attach the latest patient information for you consideration.
I’m sure you will join me in wishing Ken successful treatment and that he will keep this Band of Brothers going for many years to come.
Joanna Lumley’s highly successful support for the Gurkha Soldier. Those of us fortunate enough to serve in BMH Dharan or other places with the Gurkhas will know what a honour and delight to be with these brave, kind and humorous people. They had nothing and gave us everything. I wonder where my mate MB is now and if he is keeping his eye on things. Congratulations to and thanks to Joanna from all of us at OTT reunited. Why not stand for parliament Joanna I would vote for you.
The Website
As you are all aware the site has been upgraded thanks to the sponsorship of the Operating Theatre Journal (OTJ). When you log on please have a look at their site (link on the home page).
Please support them as they do us. We are still looking for photos old or new any era. Please send to Ken at ottreunited@hotmail.com
Coming soon. We hope to have ‘The Band of Brothers’ theme tune playing when you open the home page and the theme from ‘Gladiator’ on the Memoriam page. (Please don’t tell the copyright owners!).
Members please use the message page not the ‘Guest’ page when you leave your messages. We are aware that there are more ‘readers’ than writers (from the stats recovered) which is usual for websites. If you are a reader – just say ‘Hi’ when you log on so we know you’re their. Thanks to the regulars for their support.
Membership
Currently we have 230 on the dbase of which 211 are contactable by email and the rest by post. There are four Associate members.
We are looking at expanding the associate membership to include RAF and Navy techs (sponsored by one of our own of course).
We would request that when you change your contact details that you let Ken Hannah know asap Remember we welcome input from members seeking employment or moving on . So if you have a vacancy to advertise or seeking employment the job page is for you.
OTT Reunited Logo
You will also have noticed that we now have our own logo. The design was based on an idea by Graham Webster (thanks Graham) I am sure Pat had a lot to do with it though! Thoughts on ‘exploiting’ the logo most welcome – we could get some T shirts made if there is sufficient interest. Over to you.
RAMC Reunited
The next RAMC Reunited reunion will be held at the Royal Court Hotel, Coventry over the weekend of 12th 13th 14th February 2010. Accommodation is reserved until the end of Decembers.
Golf Match
Following successful competition at our reunion in February we have challenged ‘The Rest’ to a match on the Saturday morning. If you are a golfer (Roberts, Bonner, Blakey et al). Please contact our golf captain Geordie Fairlamb to ensure we retain the trophy. All standards welcome.
Tables for ten can be reserved at the reunion so if a gang of you want to sit together contact Mick McCran at RAMC Reunited.
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