Introduction

We can now officially describe our annual function as a Reunion Weekend - maybe it's the Blackpool sea air that is attractive (or the smell of the tarmac) but a far greater number than previously made it a full weekend - from Friday lunchtime when Mick & John Gates supervised the opening of the Residents Bar to Sunday noon there was a packed lobby at the Park House.

For those brave enough, Saturday was spent walking Blackpool Promenade and shopping center, or on a tram trip to Fleetwood or on the local golf course or, of course, carrying out further supervision of the bar.

The Venue

Having outgrown all of our previous locations the results of a Questionnaire pointed us to the North West coast. Already familiar to most of us, Blackpool is a bustling resort and the North Promenade still presents a most beautiful Victorian spectre.

The Hotel overlooks the Irish Sea and is just about perfect for our purpose. From the front entrance through to the ballroom at the rear there are a host of niches to meet and chat: The Public Bar (B Squadron LAD HQ), The no-smoking lounge, the front lobby, the Residents Bar, the rear lobby, the function room bar - you name it we filled them all!

The Buffet

Another 'plus' for the Hotel is that we can eat in the large Dining Room where the tables had been very tactfully decorated in Regimental colours. A traditional Lancashire Hotpot supper was appreciated by most 'normal' visitors with apple pie & cream to follow if anyone needed to fill up.

The Disco

Another great advantage is that if you don't like the 'noise' you can get well away from it. However it was noticeable that those who chose to sit in the Ballroom (festooned with Regimental flags) stayed there throughout the whole evening, obviously enjoying the dancing to the modern and 'right for us' music.

Guests

We had two Official Guests this year. Lt Col Peter Harman is of course Chairman of the Regimental Association and, attending as President of Noah's Arc for the first time, we had Lt Col Brian (DRAC) Draper MBE accompanied of course by Denny.

Notable Attendees

Every year we find faces turning up that haven't been seen or heard of for ages. In particular this year we were delighted to see Mick (Sticky) Stowell and Andy Navin who spent the whole evening walking around saying "this is fantastic" while re-telling tales that we had heard many times before!

Peter Law (1952) came over from Canada and was delighted to meet up with Jim Rudge and Jim Hedges to talk about their era. Henry Gorry was another traveller who, for once, was almost stuck for words!

The Shop

Bob & Eileen Butler showed outstanding devotion to duty in providing our Sales Bureaux in the foyer. Their efforts resulted in every attendee (apart from those with funny coloured shirts) sporting the Noah's Arc tie.  Sweaters, caps and fleeces were in great demand too. Well done to Bob & Eileen and everyone who helped them out.

The Golf Match

Our thanks must go to Bill Butcher for arranging the Noah's Arc Golf challenge. Held at Bill's course (the De Vere) a fine day was had by all with the trophy (a crystal piece donated by Bill) going to Terry Carter. Well done Terry.

The Raffle

A change from previous years this year when the Committee provided funds to purchase prizes in order to give a variety of attractive prizes. John Marcelle very kindly donated a number of History of the Regimental Band books. Prize Winners:

Margaret Dukes

Pauline Tunnicliffe

Jenny

Mo Daubney

Pat Hinchcliffe

John Atkin

Gary Hurst

Claire Woodruff

Unclaimed Prizes : Salmon 901 and Yellow 291

Summary

When Don Davies is sitting next to you approaching 3:00am with a pint in his hand saying "I don't want tonight to end!" you know you've done something right.

Yet another wonderful get-together. The word most often used (apart from 'absolutely', Waggy) was 'family' - and that's what we are. The Regiment has moved on and will continue as the KRH with our full support but we are the remnants of an age when the 14th/20th King's Hussars was our life - we will continue to do everything in our power to maintain the special relationship that we have.

I thank everyone who helped make this year's reunion an outstanding occasion.
Bob Harrison 4/3/2002.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE - UNTIL NEXT YEAR
"Sign the book - buy a tie - see Mick"