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Colin Fletcher Secretary |
Phew! That was my reaction on arriving home after the 2021 Reunion. But before going any further, I would like to thank my fellow colleagues on the Committee and the Members who decided to support the Reunion by attending the event. With your help and support the transition from one known venue to a new unknown venue went smoothly.
To paraphrase Donald Rumsfeld the new Reunion venue was full of ‘known unknowns’, the majority of which were dealt with in a straightforward manner. The ‘unknown unknowns’ are always a challenge and only appear when least expected or when one is feeling smug – that’s when they strike and catch one on the back foot. With amazing good fortune the ‘unknown unknowns’ were few and far between.
Not just a new venue (Pontlands Park is situated in a pleasant landscape with ample free parking), but the addition of new ways to reply to the invitations and to pay. And don’t forget the credits that were accrued due to the cancellation of the 2020 Reunion. Quite a lot with which to contend. (Never end a sentence with a preposition; it’s not something to rely on). However the MVA is now heading towards Political Correctness now that payments can be made by Cash, Cheque and Bank Transfer. Payment by Debit and Credit card with ‘Pin and Chip’ and ‘Contactless’ is needed to catch up to the 21st Century and achieve full Diversity and Inclusivity.
During the pandemic and the lockdowns the Management Committee was able to continue with meetings via Zoom. Thus the Management Committee was able to continue with business as usual, which includes design of the coaster and selection of the menu.
The new style of coaster design for 2021 celebrated the last remaining complete CH tower in England achieving protected status. For those that have not seen the design it is shown below.
This was significant not only because of the new protected status but also the 2021 Reunion was held at Pontlands Park, which is also in Great Baddow.
The 2021 Reunion was successful to the extent that the stock of the 2021 coaster sold out. However if there is sufficient demand more can be ordered. In addition table mats are also available in packs of four or six. Please contact
for further details.
2022 is the centenary year of the start of the BBC – British Broadcasting Company – in October 1922. Hopefully this will make up for the disappointment experienced in 2020 of not being able to celebrate the centenary of the first radio broadcast.
On a final note I wish you all a happy and healthy 2022 and may we meet up once again at the annual Reunion on 2nd July 2022 at Pontlands Park.
Coaster Swap Shop…
If you have any coasters from previous years and would like to swap them for coasters also from previous years then, provided they are in good condition, bring them along to the Annual Reunion. This is subject to availability and excludes coasters from the 2022, 2021 and 2020 Reunions.