A small group of old and not so bold from Lord Alma’s own (Black VIII), who served with 95 Commando Regiment RA in the mid 1960 and 1970’s attended what was a commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the 212 Fijians who joined the British Army, on the last weekend of 27th October, 2007
The very exclusive group were Nick Naico, Philippe (Ravu) Ravouco, Terry (Chopper) Wright, Lawrence (Dick) Dixon and yours truly James (Jimmy, Jim or 'hay you s**t') Walton.
Nick is retired now from the civil service in Germany and travelled to the get together in Worcester with his wife Anna. Ravu the Welsh Fijian arrived with his daughter and a sort of stepdaughter from South Wales. Terry and his wife Viv travelled down from St Helens. Dick came up from Devon and my lady and I arrived late on the Saturday after shooting all day in Cheshire.
The small group got together on Friday afternoon and the bar was stretched to keep up with this group of old guy’s who carried on putting them away to about 03.00 on the Saturday. Dick and I arrived in the afternoon on the Saturday in time for the evening party, that had everyone dancing and singing Fijian songs till 02.00 on Sunday.
On the Sunday we got together quite late for breakfast and a cultural walk around Worcester Cathedral and the river. Everyone was a bit under the weather so a quite and contemplative evening was held in (you guessed it) a Singaporean restaurant (not quite black Sam’s in Nee Soon) with a good few Tigers downed.
We went our own way on Monday with Nick and Anna sampling my cooking in Cheshire (could always do wonders with compo) and then onto Terry and Viv’s.
Latest News from the Spanish CGA
Greetings From España.
Yes two meetings have taken place over here in the sun.
On the first Friday in March, Jerry Josee and John Bathe rendezvoused at 'The Royal Oak' bar, Pueblo Principe near to Villamartin on the Orihuela Costa. (Costa Blanca) for the inaugural meeting. Apologies were received from Dennis Smith who although he lives here, was in Plymouth. (Smudger always gets it wrong).
There were only the two of us so we spoke loudly and got noticed. We even managed to get a freebie Guinness from the landlord.
However our second meeting on the first Friday in April was a resounding success as we doubled the turnout to four.
Numerous pints of beer were quaffed until we ran out of war stories and disappeared to another bar where we won the quiz.
See not all Gunners are thick. (Mind you Ian was a WO I in the intelligence Corp.).
Attached is a photo of our friendly and sober, ( The photo was taken in Dennis's place by his wife Ann prior to leaving for the meeting) crew.
Left to right . Johnny Bathe, Ian Haigh, Dennis Smith and Jerry Josee. Check out the Spanish regroup polo shirts guys.
Ian made it 'cos his wife Fran went back to the UK. He was left behind to look after the house and keep the path clear of snow. (He lives in the mountains behind Alicante) but he went AWOL.
Congratulations To Jimmy Walton and his guests, Nick, chopper, Ravu, and Lawrence on your meeting. (We also have a Singapore restaurant opening nearby soon).
Think of us at your next meeting at 'The Fisherman's' in May. We will raise a glass at 9pm. (8pm there).
Remember me to Tracy. My favourite landlady.
See you all in there on Friday the 18th July. Prior to MoTN.
John Bathe
