Message from the new Chairman. 19.10.2010

I am sitting here wondering quite what I have taken on!! I have so many hard acts to follow and I am flattered that you all think I am up to it.

To start with on behalf of all of us I would like to say a great big thank you to Bill for his work over the last two years and of course the committee of the 60’s 16ers who have so ably supported him through his tenure. I am sure we all appreciate how difficult it is to keep a large number of people happy and not be personally offended when criticism is passed. Bill has been available to the membership, listened to us all and made decisions and judgements taking into account the views of us all and he is still in one piece – no mean achievement!!

Looking back over the years I am aware of the superb job done by all the past chairmen of our great club; Chris Bartlett, Ted Hebden, Reme Harper, Sid Wilson and finally Bill White. Well now it is time for the girls to show their commitment. I will do my very best and I hope that I that I can count on the support of you all (girls and boys).

I am conscious of the fact that my interests and that of most of us girls will differ considerably from the boys. I refer in particular to the Royal Signals Association and various reunions around the Signal Regiments and so I am delighted to have Pete Weedon as my deputy, happy to step in and represent us when I would be right out of my depth. Pete has already agreed to represent the 16ers at the RSA meeting in London in March 2011.

Bill White is happy to continue to report to us regarding the RSA so we will have Bill’s regular updates at each Reunion – thank you again Bill.

I couldn’t close without saying what a grand job Jo and Tony Teague did in organising the recent Reunion in West Bromich. I never heard a single complaint about the venue or the food – now that must be a first!! The only problem Dixie and I had was finding the flipping place. I believe we circuited The Park Inn at least five times and just couldn’t find the way in, but don’t tell Dixie I told you!! Organising such an event is an onerous task and I think that Jo and Tony deserve our congratulations and thanks for a job so well done.

I am looking forward to next year and descending on Oxford (my home town), I might write and warn them about you lot!! Well done Tom Watt for arranging the venue. I am hoping that members of the committee will recce the place with Tom next year and keep you all posted on how plans proceed. Sadly Dave and Lynn Aldous will not be able to come to Oxford as the dates clash with a previously planned cruise. However Dave has managed to convince Sid Wilson to stand in for him as entertainments co-ordinator – thanks Sid.

Once again I want to assure you that I will do my best to ensure that the club is run in the spirit in which Chris initiated it and I ask for your support and understanding to do that. I am happy for anyone to contact me, either by phone on 01935 474733 or by email at Noreen1948@live.co.uk (which is my private email rather than the joint one which is published elsewhere).

I will endeavour to stay in touch and keep the membership updated as often as possible.

Best wishes to you all.

Noreen

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