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I have just recently done the MILL HILL (Postal and Courier Services) VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION reunion in Goole after being out of the Army and a civilian for four years. To be brutally honest I had reservations about going having left the forces with a real feeling of abandonment and a sense of being cast adrift. I also didn’t quite know what to expect from a reunion, reunions are for old fuddy duddys, aren’t they? Besides I have changed now and I am not the lean mean fighting machine I one thought I was, as if I ever was in the first place? It was with some trepidation that I found my self talking to my old friend and best man, Tony Pemberton about doing a reunion, we both had similar niggles that it would be a naff event but soon we had booked our accommodation in a near by pub that was cheap and cheerful.

*Tony had contacted Lou Lister for details and we both felt satisfied that the event and functions had been planned in the diligent military manner befitting the occasion.*

I was to meet Tony at the accommodation and I found my self bombing up the sat nav and heading towards Goole. Arriving mid afternoon on the Saturday I slowed to orientate my self in Goole only to see RSM Lou Lister bounding along the footpath heading towards the town center with the bearing of an ex Regimental Sergeant Major, I was in the right place. Winding the window down and calling Lou’s name I was given the last directions for the secure pub car park.

*After securing my room and finding Tony nursing the remnants of a hangover from the previous night it was off towards the nearest pub for a quick scoop or three before the main event.*

I walked into the local Witherspoons pub and I was transported back in time to the Railway Engineer in Mill Hill, Frankie Conlan was sat with Jim Bradshaw and we shook hands and sat down as if only seeing them yesterday! We soon learned that there where a fair few still on one in a local workingmen’s club in Old Goole so a quick taxi ride was the order of the day.

Walking into a small club in Old Goole and seeing most of the senior ranks of the former 1 PC Regiment Royal Engineers was an experience not to be missed, it was a emotional rush seeing Bob Barr, John Bleasdale, Tony Curtis, Windy miller, Paddy Dawson, Johnny Fee, Geoff Irons, Dick Mackenzie, Tommy Parker, Collin Stables, Chris Bennet, and Mac McCall. Sorry if I have missed any ones names but it was such a rush!

A few beverages later and it was soon time for a quick cats lick and then down to the Capricorn restaurant. The tables had been laid and a seating plan was up. There was an air of relaxed formality, if that makes sense? Every one was made to feel very welcome and there was no social climbing present, it was as if the very best of both the officers and sergeant’s mess had been distilled leaving an atmosphere that was ceremonial without being pompous, I liked it!

Sitting down next to Mac and his wonderful family I whole heartedly enjoyed the occasion and I felt proud to have been there. Lou had the unenviable task of being MC, we had a Mr Vise complete with grace. The guest speaker for the evening was Col Rod Small, it was an honor to have a serving Officer give up his time in this extremely busy operational and challenging time for the Army. Rod went on to give a speech on the history of our trade and ended up looking into the future as best he could.

As soon as the meal had finished it was time to catch up and mingle, great to see Arthur Grundy, I finally got to meet your brother. Nice to meet Willy and it was a pleasure to speak to RSM Horsbough. I wish the night could have lasted longer to talk of many things of shoes and ships and sealing-wax of cabbages and kings but soon it was time to head towards our bashas and sleep the drunkards sleep.

I drove home the next day and took time to reflect on the weekend, I had a wonderful time and I will be back next year. Some times a leap of faith is needed, our regimental family spirit is very much alive and if I took any thing away from the weekend it was a feeling of belonging.

*Thank you to every one involved in the weekend. Honi soit qui mal y pense yours Simon Cuerden afsc50@hotmail.com*







2008