Friday

For those that have adopted the habit of arriving on Friday the rewards are numerous. Surprise 'callers-in' were Martin Davis and Peter 'Oggy' Hoare who never had a moment to themselves as everyone made them most welcome. Unfortunately they couldn't stay over for Saturday and missed a bumper turn-out.

Another first-timer was Fred Street accompanied by Geoff Edkins and Phil Healey, both of whom served in the Regiment as National Servicemen around 1959. The look on Fred's face as he first met Vic Spencer followed by Dave Tunnicliffe & Ken Kendall was a sight to behold. There followed hours of talk about the Regiment's soccer teams.

Whilst all this was going on several of the ladies had disappeared into Blackpool to watch the show, Funny Girls - without exception they all declared the trip a great success.

Saturday

Many members took the opportunity of a dry, but windy, day to stroll in both directions along the prom on Saturday morning. Some sped off to the Reebok and Deepdale stadiums to watch their favourite teams whilst another large crowd assembled in the Duke of York to watch the mid-day match or the International rugby games.

Having sold only 208 tickets a week before the 'do', and following last years fall in attendance to about 240, we were absolutely amazed to find that over 325 joined us this year. With ballroom dancing in the ballroom and a lively disco downstairs, as well as the numerous bars and variety of sitting areas, there was something to keep everybody happy. For the first time we didn't provide a buffet but the hotel kept the snack bar open until midnight to make sure that no-one went hungry - others took the opportunity to visit local restaurants.

Our usual 'Shop', energetically managed by Drac, did a roaring trade in goods, some of them 1st-time items. The happiest guy around though had to be Roy Hayes - Roy won our top raffle prize of £250 See full list below.

May we once again thank you for your support. We look forward to seeing you in Southport

The Committee