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The South-East Branch of the RAPTC Association continues to hold its annual reunion weekend at The Royal Maritime Hotel in Portsmouth on the second weekend in May each year.
The weekend consisted of Friday morning golf at Southwick Park Golf Club, Portsmouth (The former Royal Navy Golf Course). A beautiful sunny day on a picturesque course preceded by tea/ coffee, bacon rolls with the handicap lies and plenty of banter.
Friday evening is a social event with a Skittles competition that includes male and female Championships (all good fun with lots of harassment). Th evening included a buffet of Maritime Stew (Pot Mess) plus veggie/vegan options and a good catch up with colleagues old and new.
Saturday daytime is relaxed during the day with Maritime museums and exhibitions that include the first iron clad ship, HMS Warrior; Henry VIII’s ship - The Mary Rose and Nelson’s Flag Ship - HMS Victory. Shopping in Gunwharf Quays is enjoyed by many, and there is the seafronts of Old Portsmouth and Southsea to visit and walk. There is also the option of jumping on a Hovercraft or Jetfoil (10- or 20-minute journey) and popping to the Isle of Wight for the day.
The AGM is held one hour prior to dinner. On this occasion, Former WO1 (RSM) Dave Scott was voted in as the Treasurer after the very sad passing of our previous Treasurer, former WO1 (SMI) Steve Monk. The Regimental Secretary, Lt Col (Retd) Steve Collinson gave updates on allowances and funding allocated to each association. Dates were set for next year’s weekend reunion with any ideas and
M Gannon BEM – Secretary South-East Branch
SOUTH-EAST BRANCH REUNION 2023
Pre-Dinner Drinks.
requests from those attending to enhance future South-East Events.
Dinner is a relaxed event where The Senior Master at Arms, Lt Col (SMAA) Jason Hughes gave updates to the members on Corps matters, strength of The Corps with updates and any Corps policy changes.
We were blessed this year with our very own Member of The Magic Circle, former WO1 (SMI) Colin Dorning MBE. Before the meal started, he performed an inaugural trick for all the guests, followed by entertaining each table throughout the evening. Brilliant and very entertaining. The Denis Sears Golf Memorial Trophy was presented to former WO1 (SMI) Keith Howlett MBE (second year running) by The Senior Master at Arms.
The table set for the SE Branch Reunion Dinner
Former WO1 (SMI) Keith Howlett MBE with the Denis Sears Memorial Trophy
SE Branch Reunion Dinner