The York Reunion 2013 - A Great Success
We are delighted to hear that the Reunion in York of the October 1973 Bermuda Police intake, organized by Ian Graham, Bob Kinnon and Paul Deans, was a great success as we hear in this report from Ian Graham.
“Our York reunion has been and gone and I think I speak for all in attendance when I say we had a fabulous time. There were a couple of call offs through illness and injury but we still ended up with 441, 444, 447,449,451,453 & 454 plus spouses.
It was great meeting so many former colleagues some of whom had not seen each other for over 35 years. A few of us met up on the Friday night for a dress rehearsal and then the reunion proper was held at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in York on Saturday 5th October.
We had drinks and long reminiscences of good times in Bermuda. 449 (Ian Graham!) made an electrifying speech at dinner when all those who could not attend were remembered and their good wishes passed on.
We also took a moment to remember our former colleague Damian Willcocks 452 who died under tragic circumstances some years ago.
To help Bermudianise the atmosphere we had Bermuda tourist posters on the wall and goody bags containing Bermuda pens, maps, lip salve and miniatures of Black Seal Rum were given out.
I have no doubt that everyone who attended thought the reunion was a success and well worth repeating. When the next one will be has yet to be decided; ten years is probably too long as we will need enough of us still around to form a quorum, perhaps in 3 or 5 years time???
Special thanks to Roger Sherratt, President of the Ex Bermuda Police Officers Association who provided great assistance helping to trace the members of our intake and providing photographic proof that none of us have changed a bit! The red, black and blonde hair has gone, replaced by thinning grey, and that was just the women, but we all recognised each other instantly and long lasting friendships and camaraderie have been renewed and confirmed.
I attach some photos of the evening. I am hoping other attendees will send me the best of theirs which can be circulated. Roger Sherratt has undertaken to publish a selection in the expobermuda.com website which I commend to you.
Quo Fata Ferunt
Ian Graham 449
Editors note - We will add the photos of as many of these 1973 "recruits" as we have in the next couple of days.