Apart from the traditional events that are organised each year there was a cruise around Grand Harbour which was attended by 14 members who said “it was most enjoyable” – we didn’t even mind a short delay as the secretary had forgotten we were on Maltese time; it was a pleasant interlude spent in the sunshine getting reacquainted with those we hadn’t seen in a while, whilst we waited for the coach. The re-enactment of the award of the G.C. to Malta took just over the hour which was most pleasing for the members as it has tended to drag on a bit in the past; the organisers are including little additions and more variety each year, this year the AFM had a silent drill exercise, which, those of you who have had to do such drills know it is quite complicated and requires a tremendous amount of practice. All in all it was a good reunion and everyone enjoyed themselves. The event organisers and all those who attended would like to say many thanks to Diane Dyer, Janet Barkway and their band of helpers who did a great job in assisting our elderly members onto the coaches and ensured that none were left behind, also to all those that sent thank you cards and good wishes for arranging the reunion (note by the organisers, Julia and Michael Gaw). Editor note - I am including here contributions by Janet Barkway who has kindly given her time to writing up a couple of other informal events. Janet is a member of both SE and West Branch and wife of SE Vice Chairman, Edward Barkway. Over to Janet.... We also had a couple of impromptu events, including an open invitation to all of the G.C. I. A. Members who were invited to the Scott-Thompson apartment for pre dinner drinks during the reunion. Edward proposed a vote of thanks to Pat and her parents for the super hospitality. Thank heavens for the lift as we merrily departed. (Note from Pat, Joan, Frank, Alex and Barry – thank you to everyone that came along that evening. It was lovely to see everyone relaxed and enjoying themselves and to hear the buzz of chatter. So pleased you all enjoyed it) At the last minute Vince was able to add some extra treats. Firstly we went to the shortly to be reopened Fort St Elmo, waiting for us was Vince and his father and the curator. Everything was in its trial stage but the sound was on and with our personal guide we were taken through the ages of Malta's history, despite a fair bit of walking and a shower of rain this did not dampen our spirits. Fort St Elmo is a truly amazing site and a "must" to visit next year but with much more time given to the visit. We all then headed off to Bighi with more passionate guides and restorers. We had Frank informing the specialists what "wards" they were working in when it was an RN hospital much to their amusement. Jack identifying medals on uniforms - they would have liked him to stay the day I think. In between this Vince's father was desperate to talk to Frank, Jack and Margaret about their times and experiences in Malta. Lindsay noticed a painting we saw last year now completed and Anthony talked us through the restoration which had taken him five years. The textile department had to be the girls favourite, clothes all donated by the public are being restored hopefully for a clothes museum, we were shown christening bonnets, tapestry, shoes, "haute couture" hats and garments all in special catalogued preservation boxes made by the restorers themselves. Janet last year had been working on a piece of lace complete with pins on its "sausage", Lindsay was delighted to show her a picture she had taken a few hours earlier of it on display in Fort St Elmo, that's technology for you! Thank you Janet for these reports – very interesting but full of little light hearted reconnoitres Lindsay Thacker (West Branch Treasurer) has also kindly made a contribution to this report. George's Day Dinner. Thank you Peter and Mary, we look forward to the next one. Walters Chadwick’s birthday Thanks to Diane Dyer and the restaurant staff, we had a lovely evening, with balloons and a cake, plenty of wine, and lots of fun and laughter. We look forward to celebrating your 96th next year Walter.
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